I love to have fun!! Whether it’s hanging out with an old college gymnastics teammate or shooting a wedding, high energy and laughter are a part of my life. Usually it’s because I’m able to laugh at myself. Recently two of these occasions have been captured on film. I thought I would share them so you can laugh too!
A couple of weeks ago, KK, a teammate of mine from Kent State University came to Destin with her family. We had a blast and made some great images of her family. But in the process we had to stop and have a good old fashioned handstand contest on the beach!! Oh….I think the winner held it for all of like 10 seconds….LOL That darned gravity! It probably would have been easier if we had not been laughing our heads off while doing it! I think her husband had 911 on speed dial just in case we decided to try any more risky tumbling!
Okay...so maybe not a 10 for form!!! LOL
Then there are those fun wedding moments. Michelle’s way (see below post for her awesome wedding) of calming her pre-wedding nerves was to chew gum. Now I let my brides do whatever they need to calm down, but there comes a time when it’s time to do some formal images and gum…it just doesn’t look so good. I thought her mother was going to laugh herself half to death when I told Michelle to give me her gum so I could throw it away. I guess the mom in me just comes out sometimes!!! LOL Thanks to Michelle’s mom by the way for sending me this photo. It is pretty funny!
Michelle and Matt are quite a match. Michelle has been a client of mine for a couple of years and has always been as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. So when she asked me to be her wedding photographer I was thrilled!
She and her equally wonderful fiance’ now husband Matt are so compatible together. She watches him with bright and happy eyes and gushes with glee as she talks about him, and he would walk barefoot across hot lava for her I am pretty sure. The both love and respect one another and it shows.
Michelle chose the beach behind the Inn at Crystal Beach as her wedding location. 790 on the Gulf inside the inn was the reception site. The weather was perfect and the sunset amazing for the wedding. You could have not asked for a more beautiful setting or day. Enjoy their images, they are a cute couple!! Monika and I had a blast capturing their awesome wedding moments!
Aren't they just precious together!!
The dolphins were "surfing" prior to the ceremony
Since her father had passed, Michelle had her parent's wedding rings on her bouquet.
Marlene and Mike had a wonderful wedding last month on Navarre Beach. It was a mix of Ecuadorian and American cultures and all broadcast via Skype to the members of Marlene’s family who could not attend the wedding and were still in Ecuador. One of the main differences that I noticed in the cultures of the weddings was that Marlene’s family told me that the cake is not cut and shared in their country. Isn’t it cool to go places and learn new things? It makes the world a much smaller and more interesting place I think!! In order for nobody to be left out, the ceremony and vows were both in English and Spanish and to me that was just plain romantic! Mike even toasted his new family in Spanish and Marlene in English. It was very cool indeed!
Hey what do you know, we are entering the peak of wedding season once again. I swear the year just seems to fly sometimes. Maybe because I love what I do for a living! I have noticed many people asking some of the same questions and have decided to do an FAQ for wedding photography!!! So here you go!
What are the advantages of hiring a professional?
A professional photographer will be timely – arriving at your wedding promptly, and make sure you have quality products. A professional has just the right equipment and film for photographing your wedding. Having attended many weddings, an experienced wedding photographer will be at ease at your wedding. A professional uses a color laboratory that is in the business of meeting high professional standards of print quality. And, a professional is used to working with individuals, couples, and groups to make the formal photography go smoothly. When you think about the cost of photography, remember that the photographer’s fee is only part of your investment: You, your parents, your extended family and your friends will be investing time with the photographer during your wedding. Don’t waste time on your wedding day with a photographer who won’t produce results you love!
What is the first question I should ask a photographer?
First establish that the photographer is available for your date and location. Then you will want to ask, “If we select your studio, will you be the photographer covering our wedding?” Some studios have several photographers and you may be speaking to a salesperson. The sample albums may have been done by photographers who do not even work for the studio anymore. If this is the case, you should make arrangements to meet with and see the work of the particular photographer who will be doing your wedding. You should also ask for a commitment from the studio to that effect, in writing.
Shouldn’t I be asking “What do I get and how much does it cost?”
Even shopping for shoes or furniture you wouldn’t ask that question until you find the style and quality you like. After you have looked through a photographer’s portfolio – seeing candids, formals and illustrative pictures, you will know if this photographer has the technique, style and spirit to be the eyes through which you and your children will see your wedding day. Of course, you should determine if the photographer is within your budget, give or take a little, but what you really want from photography is memories and feeling. Look for an established and reliable photographer whose work moves you, whose technical quality is tops. If you find a photographer who makes you happy, you never will regret your investment, whatever the dollar cost. When we have invested in items that will be with us for the rest of our lives, our satisfaction has been highest when we have paid that extra bit for the best quality.
So, how much does wedding photography cost?
Prices range from $950 to $10,000, and even more! Photographs (and maybe video) will be your only permanent record of the day. You want good photographs, so be prepared to spend a minimum of $1,500. Reprints will begin at $15 to $45 each. Expect better photographers to charge the higher rates. In other words, it is reasonable for an unexperienced photographer to charge you as little as $10 for a print. And, it is reasonable for an excellent photographer to charge you $40 for a print of the same size. That is because you are getting better service and a better product from the experienced professional. If you are looking for a bargain and shop via phone for pricing, you are following a recipe for poor to mediocre photography. My research indicates that photography runs between nine and fifteen percent of the total wedding budget. When couples value photography highly and are on a limited budget, they will spend up to 30% of their wedding budget on photography.
We want to spend no more than $1,500, but all the good photographers start at $2,000 and up. Why is it so expensive?
Because photography is not a commodity, it is a well honed art. Because some people can see the difference between poor photography and good photography, and they are willing to pay for it. Because to make a living at photography, the artist must gross an average of $3,000 to $6,000 per wedding. Because if the not-good-enough-yet photographers charged more than $1,500 he/she would never get a chance to practice at a real wedding. Because a professional photographer knows that his/her expenses and overhead, even with digital photography, even with the smallest package, are $1,500 to $2,000 per wedding.
We’re having a small wedding, with thirty people, and only wanted to spend $1,500 on pictures. What can we do?
The first thing to do if you want a professional photographer under these circumstances is to be flexible. A true wedding professional only can only work so many weekends a year, and reasonably expects one or two large weddings per weekend from May through October, or year round in tropical climates. If he/she reserves a prime Saturday or Sunday in October for you, then larger weddings will have to be turned away. If your budget is small, you will be choosing from the second and third tiers of wedding photographers. If you plan your wedding in the evening or especially early in the day, you might find a photographer who can fit you in after or before another event, and thus be able to work with your budget. Unfortunately, when you are limiting yourself to a smaller photo budget you can expect lower quality photographs.
What does Mari’s Paradise Images charge for a Saturday or Sunday Wedding?
Costs, which include an album and proofs, perhaps even the high-resolution files, start at $2,500.
What technical details in sample photographs should I watch out for?
Lighting quality is an important ingredient in superior photographs. The light in photographs should be natural and flattering, so that the pictures look three-dimensional. Overuse of on-camera flash can ruin wedding pictures. Watch out for flattened faces, harsh reflections off of cheeks and foreheads, and dark shadows directly behind or next to the subjects. With finesse, a fine photographer can work with almost any outdoor lighting situation without using flash.Look for a variety in subject size – a mix of distant, medium and close-up pictures. Even with groups, lighting and posing should be interesting. The well posed bridal portrait should minimize the subjects’ flaws (weight problem, blemishes, etc.) and express who the subject is and how he/she/they feel. The dramatic and scenic wedding image, like the red convertable on the show-room floor, attracts everyone’s attention, but most brides and their families, like most car buyers, want what suits them personally. You want pictures that tell the story simply, with immediate impact, and as if the photographer was not even there.
Some photographers ask that no one else take pictures during the formal photography. Is that reasonable?
Yes. If the photographer is trying to work quickly through a series of formal pictures, a snap-shooter might slow the process. A problem arises when there are several cameras aimed at a formal group – the subjects will be looking at different lenses. The diverted attention will ruin the professional’s picture. Or, if the professional is using a light-sensing trigger device (“slave”) on a second flash, other flashes will trigger this flash, ruining the pictures [that you are paying for] and wasting battery power. There are many other reasons why a professional might ask others to refrain from picture taking during formals. On the other hand, many guests find snapping a few pictures a pleasant part of attending weddings, so it should not be a big deal for your professional to be relaxed and let people snap away when formals are over. Ideally, guests should show respect for the bridal party and photographer and put down their cameras during the formal photos.
I want to make copies of my photos. Does my photographer really own the copyright of his/her pictures? Do I still have to pay the photographer if I make the copies myself at a copy shop?
Yes and yes. According to federal law, images produced by a professional photographer are copyrighted the moment they are created. Federal law prohibits copying or reproducing copyrighted material without permission from the owner of the copyright, i.e., the photographer. If you copy or scan your photos, the photographer should be paid just as if you were buying reprints. If you or your videographer transfer the proofs to videotape, the photographer should be paid just as if you were buying reprints. If you don’t feel comfortable paying for these copies, find a photographer whose work is so good that you are glad to pay. When I really appreciate something I purchase, like a purse, my child’s education, a good pair of shoes, or even medical care, I do not mind paying a premium for getting the highest quality. Look for the photographer who will provide you the satisfaction of paying for job well done.
Well, I hope this has answered a few questions for some folks. And please contact me at mari@destinweddingphotographer.com if you have any more questions you want answered!
Now on the the big news! We have added new a best of new wedding video! It is a compilation of some of our most fun weddings. Come and check them out!
Wow, can it already be here? The Red Dog Studio has been open for a whole year! What began as a dream about five years ago came to fruition last winter as I built one of the areas only full-service photographic studios from the ground up. I wanted a studio that was large enough to utilized both as traditional light studio as well as a natural light studio. Voila, a plan was formed! It was a ton of hard work. The structure was built to the specifications I needed including six foot windows, a sky light and loft storage area. We put in the insulation and painted it ourselves. By the way, that’s how it became named the Red Dog Studio. Jack Rascal Terrorists love chasing anything that sprays. By the time I was done painting the outside, I had one large red dog! Poor Mr. Noodles! We added hardwood flooring and some outside scenes and the Red Dog was set to go! Our sessions combine the use of our awesome studio and outside scenes along with areas at a beachside park across the street. We do offer the best of all worlds! Since the Red Dog has opened it has been the place to go for high school senior photos, pregnancy portraits and children and newborns! We just love our clients! Enjoy some images of the studio! And if you need any portraits, please feel free to call us at 850-699-3403. We are open by appointment only!
Here it is….the moment all of you have been waiting for. We may even add some more images that I may have forgotten!! It’s the Mari’s Paradise Images best of ’09 Wedding Photography!! Oh okay….so you have me. I do love all of my couples and it took SOOOO long to cull through images for the best of. I wanted to put them all online, but well…I don’t think anyone has time to look at ALL of those images! So without further ado…here they are!!!!
I just loved Amanda's southern elegance at Eden State Gardens!
Ashley had some great details!!
Asha, Abby and Kelly three great girls!
Studman Elvis Jr. danced at Kara and Jason's wedding as Regina was sexy in Seaside!
Anne's Apalachicola bouquet and Tara's moonlight poses!!
Megan and Sean....awww so cute! Loren...one of the most beautiful bridals of the year!
I love guys who are man enough to show emotion!!
Sabrina and Mavi, Asha and Mike's great departure and Bethany's "breast stroke"
The Emerald Grande is a great wedding destination!
The bouquet toss is also a sporting event. Love the beautiful Ashley and flower girl!
This is how he proposed to her on the side of the road
Love the tin can phone
Linda and Chad's wedding aisle kiss...so romantic. Regina looks awesome in the Seaside Pavillion.
Vivid colors are a must!
A kiss is just a kiss....unless it's on your wedding day then it's the best in the world.
This is from a great wedding I second shot with Candice K!
I love this image.... I call it "Jump Start"
Megan and Sean wanted to do this after the first kiss at the alter. It was cute.
I love the graphics in all of these. New Orleans makes some pretty images.
I would love to see you here in the '10 Best of Weddings!~
As the new year is beginning, I was looking through some of our ’09 weddings. Oh we captured so many fun and happy memories and were fortunate enough to get to spend the most wonderful day of their lives with dozens of couples this year! We are truly blessed! One of our most fun memories was Ashley and Brad’s wedding in Apalachicola. Monika and I spent two wonderful days in the quaint town scouting photo locations and photographing the wedding of a very sweet and dear couple! It was a ton of fun and Ashley and Brad along with their friends and family were just super too!! Since I was fondly reminiscing about them, I thought I would share their wedding album with you.
So you’re getting married soon. My friend Joanna Banks-Morgan (who by the way is an awesome wedding videographer check out Diva Productions) wrote an article for Gulf Coast Brides on what brides should do for weddings to make their day go better. She called the top photographers in the area for advice and we gave it to her. Enjoy the article and remember this issue of Gulf Coast Magazine hits the stands soon!!! Look for it out there
Ashley and Justin make such a cute couple! Although rain was predicted all day for the wedding, the day was beautiful with a cobalt blue sky and beautiful fluffy clouds. The wedding was at one of the most beautiful churches in Fort Walton Beach and the reception was at Hurlburt Soundside. Monika and I had a great time sharing their special day with their friends and family!
Ashley's Bridals were taken at Eden State Gardens...she's so pretty!
What a cutie!
Justin's first look at Ashley. His face just glowed with joy!
Erin singing "Proud Mary" with a local group. They were awesome!!What a great old door!!
Lonely Cafe DuMonde man
My peeps...JD, Shaun and Karen!!!
What happens when you get 500 photographers in one city at the same time? Madness!!! And if that city never sleeps and is full of great architecture and subjects? It is complete photo-insanity!! The fact I got to shoot with a super great photographer David Beckstead on my birthday was just a little extra lagnippe!! That’s NOLA speak for something a little extra. And that is the subject for another blog! So as we learned and grew we were able to take advantage of our great surroundings and make some fun images!! Enjoy
