There are always bucket list locations for photographers. Working out of Washington D.C., I assure you the list is never ending. I’d had the opportunity to work at the National Cathedral gardens for a maternity session and I was so excited to return for Breann and Newel’s bridal images before their wedding day. While my wedding packages include a portrait session, not everyone falls back on an engagement session. Knocking out portraits before the wedding day opens up the timeline so much and there’s no pressure, no rush to move the most important images along to meet a schedule. For us, the only time constraint was the sun and guys… this light!
Jeff and Larlee's New York City Engagements
This Spring I had the absolute, most unbelievably good fortune to be able to travel to New York City to photograph Larlee and Jeff's engagements. Both living and working in New York City, it was important to them both to capture "as our love story is unfolding in our favorite city". After working out all the details, I was able to check off some major bucket list items and travel to the heart of Manhattan.
These two were absolute naturals in front of the camera. They're both tall, stylish, ridiculously good looking and most of all, you'd never meet nicer people in your life. I am so happy for the future Mr. and Mrs. Bjorkman and I cannot wait to capture them again for their Washington D.C. wedding one week from today!
These two were absolute naturals in front of the camera. They're both tall, stylish, ridiculously good looking and most of all, you'd never meet nicer people in your life. I am so happy for the future Mr. and Mrs. Bjorkman and I cannot wait to capture them again for their Washington D.C. wedding one week from today!
Want to see more from my travels up to NYC? Check out the hashtag #KBPinNYC on Instagram!
Trevor & Stacey - Washington DC Temple Wedding
Trevor and Stacey were an absolute joy to work with, from start to finish. They were one of those couples that after the wedding was over, I was so sad our time together was over. Their Temple wedding just outside of Washington D.C. was absolutely beautiful. Today I am sharing some of my most favorite images from their wedding gallery!
Additional Photography: Chance Hammock
Videography: Ashton Sterling Films
Ceremony Venue: Washington D.C. LDS Temple
Reception Venue: Belle Haven Country Club
Bride's Dress: Avail & Company
Groom's Suit: Jos A. Banks
Flowers: Petals and Hedges
Cake: Georgetown Cupcake
Do we really need pictures of napkins? Yes. Yes, we do.
A couple months ago my husband's friend asked me to take a look at her wedding photographs, which she was reportedly unhappy with. Before I had a chance to look at the photos, I asked my husband to give me a run down and give me his opinion. He didn't think they were terrible (they weren't) but a lot of the photos weren't edited (things like random wires hanging down, blemishes) and there were tons of random pictures of "stuff", also known as, the details.
Aside from the photographer delivering way too many images (in over 1500 images, there are bound to be plenty of "duds" that take away from the wow factor of the great images - which is why I really cull through my coverage photos), the coverage wasn't all that bad. What I couldn't let go of was my husband's disregard for the "stuff".
As a photographer - and a woman, and former bride - I know how important the "stuff" is. All wedding photographers take pictures of the "stuff". The details - the napkins, the centerpieces, the favors, the plates of food, you name it.
Yes, everyone wants pictures of the couple, their family and their guests. But, think back to your own wedding - do you remember what food was served? What flowers were in your centerpieces? How about what color napkins you had? Did they have writing on them?
I recently just celebrated my 8th wedding anniversary. Forget the fact my husband wished me a happy anniversary a day early and I thought it was 9 years.... I did not have a professional photographer at my wedding. Our Dads provided us with great images from our wedding day - but I do regret not having images like I give my clients. But - 9, er, 8 years ago, the photography game was totally different. So, for example, I don't have pictures of my food. I know we had "little sandwiches" because that was a must. I love me some little sandwiches... I think there was a kind of spinach dip... Probably a fruit tray... Probably vegetables... I know we had punch, but I don't remember what color it was. What flavor...??
If I had images to remember those details, I'd never forget them. So, while in the moment and just weeks, months after your wedding you may look at those images and think "geez, how many pictures can a photographer take of ________", I guarantee when you're old and gray rocking back and forth on your porch, you'll be grateful for those images. It'll help take you back to your special day.
Now, excuse me while I go take pictures of the guestbook, serving platters, name cards, etc.
Aside from the photographer delivering way too many images (in over 1500 images, there are bound to be plenty of "duds" that take away from the wow factor of the great images - which is why I really cull through my coverage photos), the coverage wasn't all that bad. What I couldn't let go of was my husband's disregard for the "stuff".
As a photographer - and a woman, and former bride - I know how important the "stuff" is. All wedding photographers take pictures of the "stuff". The details - the napkins, the centerpieces, the favors, the plates of food, you name it.
Yes, everyone wants pictures of the couple, their family and their guests. But, think back to your own wedding - do you remember what food was served? What flowers were in your centerpieces? How about what color napkins you had? Did they have writing on them?
I recently just celebrated my 8th wedding anniversary. Forget the fact my husband wished me a happy anniversary a day early and I thought it was 9 years.... I did not have a professional photographer at my wedding. Our Dads provided us with great images from our wedding day - but I do regret not having images like I give my clients. But - 9, er, 8 years ago, the photography game was totally different. So, for example, I don't have pictures of my food. I know we had "little sandwiches" because that was a must. I love me some little sandwiches... I think there was a kind of spinach dip... Probably a fruit tray... Probably vegetables... I know we had punch, but I don't remember what color it was. What flavor...??
If I had images to remember those details, I'd never forget them. So, while in the moment and just weeks, months after your wedding you may look at those images and think "geez, how many pictures can a photographer take of ________", I guarantee when you're old and gray rocking back and forth on your porch, you'll be grateful for those images. It'll help take you back to your special day.
Now, excuse me while I go take pictures of the guestbook, serving platters, name cards, etc.
*A variety of these images were taken by my friend and talented photographer, Chance Hammock
A Photographer's Hibernation
As a photographer that shoots almost exclusively outdoors - and primarily families - the winter is a very quiet season for business. Anytime I run into friends who are checking in to see how I'm doing professionally (and let's face it, this is my life!) they ask:
"So, what exactly do you do in the winter?"
Well, I blog about random stuff. (See this blog post...)
I do my taxes for the previous year.
It's just as fun as it sounds.
I do some maintenance on my blog. Little things that I put off during my busier seasons. Instead of "spring cleaning", it's winter cleaning.
I relax. I enjoy the forced vacation! I catch up on my DVR, catch up on personal projects I've put off, and let me kids see I do in fact have a face - not just the back of Mommy's head looking at the computer screen. After the rush of fall pictures, which is my busiest season as a family photographer, it's really nice to have some time off to regroup. Who knew Private Practice was so addicting??
I drink a lot of hot chocolate. It's never too late or too early for some cocoa. I recently tried adding Nutella to my glass - it's fantastic.
I spend time looking at my business model. What should I change? How can I improve my business? What will draw in clients? What will keep current clients happy and coming back? Does everyone hate me or am I not booking because it's cold? I mean, it is cold...
I think about the areas in my photography that I need to improve at. I'm humble enough to admit I have weaknesses and I'm constantly trying to improve. I don't want to blow highlights in the faces. I want to master white balance, once and for all! I want to stop cropping off limbs at weird places. I want to be less "conventional" with my candids... Having goals only makes me better.
I do a lot of newborn and child photography, that takes place indoors usually all year around. The sessions I do have on the books, are those. So excited to meet some new babies, especially since my "baby", is now 6 months old! Holy cow!
That being said, I catch up on taking more pictures of my own kids. Everyone thinks as a photographer I probably have thousands of pictures of my kiddos, and I don't. I try to do some sessions of them in the winter, and my Photo a Day project is definitely inspiring me to pick up the camera more at home.
When spring finally rolls around the and session inquiries start coming back in, I get the jitters! It's like riding a bike. Once I start peddling, it all comes back. The confidence returns and it's no longer like I'm seconds from tipping over. Going a few months without shooting every week is tough. That's why I love the first few sessions in a new year - I love the rush. The excitement. I hope I never grow out of that.
So, when it's cold I'm relaxing and regrouping - but my head is constantly turning. I'm thinking about you - the client, past and present. I'm anxious to see you all in a few months, or your babies in the next few weeks. According to Punxsutawney Phil, I'll be seeing you guys sooner rather than later!
"So, what exactly do you do in the winter?"
Well, I blog about random stuff. (See this blog post...)
I do my taxes for the previous year.
It's just as fun as it sounds.
I do some maintenance on my blog. Little things that I put off during my busier seasons. Instead of "spring cleaning", it's winter cleaning.
I relax. I enjoy the forced vacation! I catch up on my DVR, catch up on personal projects I've put off, and let me kids see I do in fact have a face - not just the back of Mommy's head looking at the computer screen. After the rush of fall pictures, which is my busiest season as a family photographer, it's really nice to have some time off to regroup. Who knew Private Practice was so addicting??
I drink a lot of hot chocolate. It's never too late or too early for some cocoa. I recently tried adding Nutella to my glass - it's fantastic.
I spend time looking at my business model. What should I change? How can I improve my business? What will draw in clients? What will keep current clients happy and coming back? Does everyone hate me or am I not booking because it's cold? I mean, it is cold...I think about the areas in my photography that I need to improve at. I'm humble enough to admit I have weaknesses and I'm constantly trying to improve. I don't want to blow highlights in the faces. I want to master white balance, once and for all! I want to stop cropping off limbs at weird places. I want to be less "conventional" with my candids... Having goals only makes me better.
I do a lot of newborn and child photography, that takes place indoors usually all year around. The sessions I do have on the books, are those. So excited to meet some new babies, especially since my "baby", is now 6 months old! Holy cow!
That being said, I catch up on taking more pictures of my own kids. Everyone thinks as a photographer I probably have thousands of pictures of my kiddos, and I don't. I try to do some sessions of them in the winter, and my Photo a Day project is definitely inspiring me to pick up the camera more at home.
When spring finally rolls around the and session inquiries start coming back in, I get the jitters! It's like riding a bike. Once I start peddling, it all comes back. The confidence returns and it's no longer like I'm seconds from tipping over. Going a few months without shooting every week is tough. That's why I love the first few sessions in a new year - I love the rush. The excitement. I hope I never grow out of that.
So, when it's cold I'm relaxing and regrouping - but my head is constantly turning. I'm thinking about you - the client, past and present. I'm anxious to see you all in a few months, or your babies in the next few weeks. According to Punxsutawney Phil, I'll be seeing you guys sooner rather than later!