Some weddings have small bridal party’s and some have big party’s…this wedding had a BIG Bridal Party! Just thinking about it makes me smile. I love a challenge! Brandi and Jon’s wedding was at Northwestern College, St. Paul MN and it’s gorgeous there! (If you’re surfing my site and still haven’t found a location; I suggest this one!) It poured rain all day…but we still got beautiful pictures!
www.noemiphotography.com
Seriously, I’ve just shot 3 weddings in a row with rain and one was in a different state! I’m starting to think it’s me! On top of dealing with rain for weddings…I haven’t even seen the sun for 5 days!
I think overcast effects everyone the same way…little to none motivation to do anything. Which, by the way, isn’t really an option with a toddler! I took her out for a bike ride in the rain today! Desperate times call for desperate measures. It was either biking or shopping…I’m leaving shopping for tomorrow!
Anyways, at least the grass is green.
www.noemiphotography.com
I’ve been advertising with theKnot.com for almost a year and it’s been great! This week they did a webnar (website/seminar) about improving your business and I thought you might benefit from the notes. I’m big about continuing my education in photography, business, website, marketing etc! All of these are apart of being a photographer in today’s culture!
Five ways to improve your website by Alan Berg from theKnot.com:
1. If your website looks like you made it yourself…change it! Don’t put anything on your site you don’t like on other sites!
2. Put your name and phone number on every page…on the top! Make it easy for the client to find you.
3. Websites are self-directed experiences - giving them better choices. Think of the buttons on your website as questions answered. Make sure the button answers their questions are doesn’t confuse them.
4. Just enough text to whet their appetite. Remember, too much or too little text and use a font that’s easy to read. Only enough to get her to call! Use”You” and “Your” instead of “I” and “we” to say who you are and what you can do for your client! Use your service and your name in the text so that searches will find you! Also, spell out your city, state, exactly what you do…it better for search engines.
5. What’s your unique proposition? What makes you different from all the rest?
For those who are interested, I also advertise with Pictage.com, theweddingchannel.com, business cards and through my own website! Even with all that, the most powerful form of advertising in wedding photography is still referrals (past clients and other photographers.)
Feel free to pass this on but, make sure you give credit to Alan Berg!
www.noemiphotography.com
Some of my favorite moments at weddings is with the wedding party and family. (Of course I love interacting with the Bride and Groom, that’s a given!) But, laughing with the family is so fun and precious. It’s amazing how little time you can spend with some people and feel totally bonded to them…what better way then joining of the most important days of their lives! Now, having said that, know that every family is different and I make it my personal challenge to figure them out to get the best pictures.
I love glowing brides, sheepish grins, teary eyed grooms, best friend hugs and mixing of different worlds!
What else do I love? The constant pressure! It doesn’t matter what weather, church, season, or the people…I gots to gets good pix!
I’m already doing consultations for 2008 and even that part I love! Meeting new couples, hearing their stories, wanting to do everything I can to make their day amazing and give them pictures that will last a lifetime! Who gets to do that as a career!??? I’m so lucky!
The number one thing people say to me is “It’s obvious you love what you do!” And that’s the truth. Keep ‘em coming!
www.noemiphotography.com
I received this email after I posted some personal pointers on photography and instead of answering just the person who asked them I thought I’d post them for everyone to benefit!
BUT, before I start, I want everyone to know I am not professing to be an expert on any of these subject. I learn new things all the time and change my mind about things often! So, I promise to answer honestly…just take what I say as suggestions not absolutes, kay?
Here’s her email (I’ll write my answer in bold):
Hi Noemi! Thanks for the blog - I am definitely going to check some of those out when I hit the bookstore next.
An equipment question or two? Or three or four? If you wouldn’t mind?
What type of lens are you most using for portrait photos & weddings? I use all canon equipment and my favorite lenses for weddings are the 50mm (1.2) and the 17-50mm (2.8). By using these two I get everything from wide angle to detail just by switching back and forth between two cameras! Anyone who has done a wedding knows there is no time to switch lens. You just have to be ready!
I have been researching but am still not sure which one would be best to start with. The Nikkor 28-70 mm f/2.8 is first on the list so far but is also a little” at $1500+! So I want to make sure I get the best I can to at least get a start. Everyone who shoots will have a different opinion on lens! It’s like asking a person what their favorite color is…there’s no right or wrong answer when you’re buying quality. I think your choice is a great start! Getting a second camera with a fixed lens would probably be a good next step!
When doing weddings, are you attaching any kind of portable flash with you? I try to use natural light all the time but, I have a Canon 580 EX for low light, ceremonies and receptions…only when absolutely necessary. My advice is to practice without a flash free hand or on a tripod until you’ve got it down and then use the flash as a last resort.
Are you using a flash bracket or anything additional to add light indoors? Nope. It’s too much to try and move equipment and get the lighting perfect! I use what’s available and have fun doing it!
My indoors photos for weddings are rough because the light is always different and the group shots are usually so big it doesn’t pay to bring in my lights - they don’t provide enough coverage so I guess I’d have to invest in a really huge softbox if I wanted to do that. Yes, you could totally go that route but, I didn’t! I don’t really like studio/perfect lighting. I like things to look real and capture the moment as it happens so, I shoot everything I can outside or with natural light through windows or doors!
I’m just not sure about what equipment is going to be the best to start! I have a couple big weddings coming up and could stand to invest in a few pieces that would help make my photos better. Any advice? Thanks in advance! It’s hard to answer this cause I don’t know what equipment you have already. But, here’s what I think you should have (minimum) if you’re shooting alone:
You have to add a ton more equipment when you add an additional shooter. I hope this helps! If you have more questions…JUST ASK!
www.noemiphotography.com