Capturing Your Fairytale…

Wedding show!

Several weeks ago I ran into someone who designed business cards for me at least 13 years ago. “Are you still into printing?” I ask. No, I do photography. “Me too.” I say. I photograph weddings. “So do I!” I reply. I’m organizing a wedding show in 4 weeks. Want to have a booth? “Sure!!” I declare. “oh no” I think. What have I gotten myself into?

I have never been one to do something important without giving it my all. I set to work with the expertise of my friend Wendy guiding the way. Having never even been to a wedding show didn’t help! How to stand out in a crowd? And a crowd it was. There were at least 6 photographers in attendance. And I truly believe I held my own. Long straight tables with white skirting were provided. I gave mine away, opting instead to pack 3 circular tables along with my own cloths, mini-lights, lamps, back boards, frames, large sign, cords, albums, box of handouts and decorations along with Wendy and me into my JEEP. My space was welcoming. One where excited brides and their grooms-to-be, or bridal party, or mother-of-the-bride could come into instead of walk by. They could look at sample albums or enlarged prints, get pricing info, a voucher for a before Christmas booking discount, and even a sample 2 piece fudge favor made entirely in the microwave in 10 minutes or less! (email me if you want the recipes provided at the show).

Have a look at my space! Welcome to my wedding blog if you are visiting after stopping by my booth. Hope your day was as enjoyable as mine!

But they are worthy of the space. Sometimes taking pictures is a chore, especially when the subject is not entirely pleased to be said subject! Most of the time it is enjoyable. Rarely it is thrilling. Kind of like book reading (if you are an avid reader like me you understand). A great book leaves one emotionally hooked, enough so to plough through a series of not so good reads searching for that warm, cozy feeling, great book, read. Today was  a great book day, figuratively speaking!

Senior photos is a lucrative market I have not pursued. Photographers charge large sums of money for what is often a job well done, but producing what I refer to as cookie-cutter results. Recently I have wondered if there is a demand for those “outside of the box”, cutting edge, grad portraits. Pictures that really capture who a teenager is NOW, and not what they are expected to become.  I think perhaps there is… for those young people who are truly unique, who are still experiencing life before adult responsibilites, and who will look back on their senior album and say “I was not afraid to express myself!”

Why post these portraits on my wedding blog and not include them with the others posted on my portrait blog? Because I believe your wedding photographs can be this unique, this personal, and this representative of who you are… if you dare to express yourself.