As the sun was rising over the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, Kelly didn’t have to worry about getting any oil at all on her wedding dress. She was ready to trash her dress, but more along the lines of frolicking in the water with her sweet loving husband Brian. We started out utilizing the beautiful sunrise on the jetties. The water was calm and a gentle sea breeze allowed her dress to flow adding drama to her images. Soon the anticipation got to all of us, it was getting warm and it was time to create some wet wedding attire art! I have always seen folks shooting their trash the dress sessions either above or under the water. I wanted to be the first to shoot both views at the same time. And you know…I loved it! I hope you do as well! Enjoy!
Happy Birthday Denise!! You see today is a very special client’s birthday, and for her birthday week she chose to have her family portraits made by little old me! Of course she has been a regular for about a half-decade and it has been so much fun watching her children grow up and turn into great people! This year we added a new person to the family portrait…hmmm…do I smell a wedding in the next five years or so?? LOL I’m just kidding, no pressure from me. Anyway, the beaches were nice, the sunset beautiful and of course…we are still oil free. Enjoy Denise’s family and if you see her today, wish her a very happy birthday!
Love the touch of orange. Isn't it a great color on Denise?
Oh man, Heather and Lee’s wedding was awesome! It took place in a little white gazebo at the end of a peninsula in the Choctawhatchee Bay. The sun was wonderful but not to hot and the water sparkled all around with a smattering of palm trees to just give that isle of paradise look! Inside the yacht club it was a festive pink with black accents. Very pretty!
Heather was simply a dream in her dress with fun sassy pink heels! Lee and the boys were very handsome in their tuxedos and everyone had a blast at the reception dancing with B Boy Productions!
When Stevie and Keith came to see me about photographing their wedding they had some very definite ideas about their engagement session. Both of them are vintage car enthusiasts and both of them had seen a vintage filling station somewhere on Hwy. 331. That is where they wanted their engagement session. Well, that didn’t exactly make it easy. I had to research where the filling station was and then I called a local photographer to see if he knew the owner. Thank goodness he did! I called the owner who was so excited they had chosen his either father or grandfather’s station for their shoot, that he had it all cleaned up and ready to go for us when we got there! It was even more amazing than I had expected! We shot some totally awesome images there and then went on to explore the rest of downtown Florala. Of course it was hard not to notice the police car that passed by our locations I would say about every five minutes. But then again, the entire town was closed because it was Sunday, so I guess we looked pretty menacing with our photo lights and Florida tags taking over their downtown area. You can’t really blame them for being protective. Anyway, the shoot went great! Stevie and Keith did awesome…now it’s time to enjoy their images!
This is just so sweet!
Another one of my faves!
Really, tell me with a straight face you could resist photographing this image!
This was their first look at each other. It was awesome!
What a cute couple!! Mary Catherine and Waylon decided to see each other before their wedding. With three photographers on the job, we got a full view of their love and emotion from the meeting. It was simply awesome! Their wedding was at one of the prettiest churches in the area. The St. Simon flower guild really could have competed with any florist in the area on their alter displays and the wedding party bouquets were done in perfect matching harmony by Nancy Krenkel and Ann Wallace. I’m not knocking any local florists by any means. I’m just saying that the guild did a great job on the alter! The wedding was picture perfect. The flower girls and ring bearers did their jobs flawlessly and the service was intimate and beautiful. We were able to utilize three different views of the ceremony and also use a remote camera in the alter area to capture the moments as they came. Then came the fun! Their reception was at the Emerald Coast Conference Center on Okaloosa Island and it looked like a royal ball! There was wonderful uplighting as well as some of the most ornate table centerpieces I have seen in a while. While Mark and I worked the reception, Monika rocked the photo booth outside. Everyone did a tremendous job and now it’s time for all of you to enjoy the images from Mary Catherine and Waylon’s wedding!
It's not fun til the whole wedding party kisses!
"Five little monkeys jumping on the bed, one fell off and bumped it's head!"
Priceless!!
Putting down her flower petals!
Precious!
Our remote "alter cam"
Putting down her flower petals.
Husband and wife at last!
Mary Catherine putting on the moves!! You go girl!
By the time you read this Mary Catherine will be a Mrs.! How exciting is this? I have been waiting and waiting to blog her full bridal session. I mean how could you not be excited as a photographer? She is gorgeous and the flowers are amazing! I am so excited as well to be photographing her and Waylon’s wedding at the Emerald Coast Conference Center as you are reading this. I know you can’t wait to see those images
In the meantime enjoy these of a beautiful bride on the inside and out!
Thanks to her mom and sister-in-law for pulling the azaleas for me
Crystal and her hubby Shelby came to the Red Dog Studio recently to do her maternity shoot. They are so cute together, it was wonderful to watch Shelby with her as they go through the last couple of months before little baby Julia arrives. He was so attentive and excited about the birth of their first child. It just gave me happy goose bumps! Okay, now that Shelby has almost been guaranteed to lose rights to his man card by his friends after that comment, I’ll have to add in something really burley and masculine to redeem his status. How about he was an awesome sport and moved a huge heavy picnic table for me so we could do some shots in the park? I hope that helps Shelby!! LOL
Anyway the two of them were so much fun and really enjoyed being together and were both excited for their new arrival. I can’t wait to photograph Miss Julia when she makes her appearance this summer!
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 sun was rising over the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, Kelly didn’t have to worry about getting any oil at all on her wedding dress. She was ready to trash her dress, but more along the lines of frolicking in the water with her sweet loving husband Brian. We started out utilizing the beautiful sunrise on the jetties. The water was calm and a gentle sea breeze allowed her dress to flow adding drama to her images. Soon the anticipation got to all of us, it was getting warm and it was time to create some wet wedding attire art! I have always seen folks shooting their trash the dress sessions either above or under the water. I wanted to be the first to shoot both views at the same time. And you know…I loved it! I hope you do as well! Enjoy!
