The Worst Things You Can Say To a Bride and Groom

Most of the time it's okay to speak up -- but in some cases, it's better to hold your peace. Be a model wedding guest by avoiding these conversational land mines.

"This must have cost you a fortune!"

The way celebrities' wedding costs are blasted all over the news can make it seem like it's appropriate to put a price tag on the dress, the cake, and everything in between. But money is often a sticky subject for brides and grooms who don't have a millionaire's budget, so it's better to keep mum. And just ignore that old "pay for your plate" rule -- it's more appropriate to choose a wedding gift that reflects the closeness of your relationship to the couple than the cost of your reception meal.

"So baby comes next, right?"

We know, we know -- first comes love, then comes marriage. But you know what? Next comes whatever the bride and groom want, which may be buying a home, working toward a big promotion, or something else entirely. Everyone's got their own schedule and life goals, which may or may not include the pitter-patter of little feet. Most brides and grooms are already pretty overwhelmed by the wedding planning, so the last thing they want to talk about is making another big life change.

"I can't believe you're settling down! I remember when..."

Just because you remember the bride when she was a total wild child or can provide the story behind the groom's fraternity nickname doesn't mean you should. This goes double for any conversation you have with other wedding guests who know the bride or groom from a different time in their lives (for example, a coworker or an older relative). Yes, they might still be the crazy kids you remember -- but given the formality of the day (not to mention the many relatives likely on the guest list), it's not the best time to air out their dirty laundry.

"Can you help me with...?"

When you're at a wedding, it's pretty easy to look to the bride and groom as the ones who are in charge and running the show -- after all, it's their big day. For the same reason though, they're going to be pretty busy (and by "pretty busy," we mean "really busy"). If you've got some minor issue -- the caterers brought you the wrong entree, or you think some of the seating should be switched -- don't take it to the bride and groom. Instead, talk to the wedding planner or coordinator, one of the caterers, or, if you really feel it's something the bride or groom needs to deal with personally, one of the bridesmaids or groomsmen who can pass along the message. The bride and groom already have a lot on their plates, so it's important to respect the difference between an actual emergency and what just seems like one at the time.

"Why wasn't so-and-so invited?"

Word to the wise: If you notice that someone you thought would be at the wedding isn't there, there's usually a reason. Option A is that their RSVP said they couldn't make it, but Option B is that there's a distinct reason they were left off the guest list. Either way, the most tactful approach is to keep mum about it. If the bride and groom have chosen not to include a family member or friend, chances are there was at least one long conversation that went into making that decision -- and the wedding day is definitely not the time to bring it up.

"Wow, when you think about how many couples divorce..."

Today of all days, the D-word is off limits. No matter what you might think about statistics, or the bride's or groom's past or family life, or your own experiences, just don't go there. Instead of focusing on the negative, think about the positive -- yes, in spite of the odds, these two people are genuinely committed to each other and are making a public vow saying so! Don't they deserve only your best wishes?

"Tonight's going to be a big night for you, huh?"

Please, no speculation about the bride and groom's after-hours activities. If you want to talk about what a big night it is, focus on what's already happening -- the fabulous food, the killer band, the great time all the guests are having. Lose the innuendo and congratulate the bride and groom on pulling off an amazing wedding.

 

 

Photo: Cheyenne and Geoff Schultz, The Schultzes, Charlotte

Article: Kate Wood retrieved 07/25/2014 from The Knot at http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/attending-wedding/articles/worst-things-to-say-to-a-bride-and-groom.aspx

How to Look Great in Your Wedding Photos

Your wedding day will probably be the most-photographed day of your lives -- it's a lot of pressure, even for couples who consider themselves photogenic. After having your hair and makeup done and he's in his tux, you'll both look and feel fabulous. Here's how you can make sure that sentiment shows up in your pictures.

Strike a Pose (or Not)

Study your favorite photos. The key to being a glamorous bride in your photographs is to look composed without appearing overly posed. What do we mean? Think about some of your favorite pictures of yourself -- your ultra-rigid graduation picture probably isn't among them. The shots where you look happy and poised but your attention isn't directly on the camera (maybe you didn't even know that someone was taking your picture) are often keepers. Look at these, and take note of how you're standing and smiling. Then comes the challenge: Try to mimic that look on your wedding day.

Ignore the Camera

When you're taking your portraits, focus on each other rather than the camera. Whisper an inside joke to one another, remind each other how far you've come since your first date, or recall how you felt the first time he told you he loved you. These will leave you with much more natural expressions than simply saying "cheese."

Avoid Squinting

If the sun is making you squint when you're taking your photos, close your eyes while your photographer counts to three, and then open them just as the picture is taken.

Take Two

Another way to look great in your wedding shots: Book the same photographer to take your engagement photos. A photo session before the wedding can relieve day-of jitters because you'll be warmed up to the photographer's style. Since your family and attendants won't have that same benefit, recruit a lively member of your group to tell a funny joke as everyone takes pictures on your wedding day. Or just instruct them to blow out a deep breath to loosen cheek muscles.

-- The Knot http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-photography-videography/articles/how-to-look-great-in-wedding-photos.aspx



Wedding Photography: 9 Hot Wedding Photo Trends

A wedding photo is meant to preserve your fabulous day for the rest of your life -- it's not just your new profile pic on Facebook after all! But nuptial shots can look stiff and boring if you're not careful -- or worse, just like everyone else's. How can you make them unique? Here are new wedding photography ideas that'll take you from pre- to post- "I do."

Before the Reception...

1. Become the Center of Attention
Instead of flowers, fill photo cubes with different shots from your dating history or world travels and then use them as table centerpieces. It's a great conversation-starter and a nice way for guests to learn more about the early stages of your relationship. And unlike fresh blooms, you can decorate your home with these afterward.

2. Be the Favors
Have your photo imprinted on cookies and leave one at each place setting. Opt for a black-and-white, vintage-looking image so it doesn't come out cheesy. Wrap the cookie in wax paper and tie with a ribbon. Then let wedding guests eat their hearts out -- and your faces off!

3. Head to the City
Engagement cityscape shoots are popular because of the iconic quality of posing by recognizable landmarks. No skyline? Shooting against an urban brick wall can convey the same message. Use your favorite image in your save-the-dates or, for instant reception décor, blow up one of the pictures, mat it, and set it on an easel near the escort cards. Display other shots in your table cards.

 
During the Reception...

4. Ditch the Formality
Try some casual shots, like the bride sitting on a staircase right after the wedding ceremony,  breathing a sigh of relief, with champagne at her feet. Or consider finding an "unofficial" setting. If your reception is at a country club, take pics on the golf course. Ask your photographer to get candids of your group making their way there. It's those between-the-moments photos that always turn out best.


5. Go Behind the Curtain
Rent a photo booth and a technician to troubleshoot. Have guests tape wacky shots next to their messages in the guest book. Or create a DIY photo studio in a section of the reception room. Hang a nine-foot-wide seamless paper for a backdrop and bring a printer so guests can take photos home.

6. Let it Slide
Run a slideshow of images from the ceremony and cocktail hour from your photographer's laptop and project them on a screen during dinner. Guests will love looking at what they just experienced, and they'll have plenty to talk about at the tables.

After the Reception...

7. Go Digital
Instead of mounting a few photos on a wall in traditional frames, display a bunch in a single digital frame. Upload multiple images from a memory card or your computer and watch a slideshow of your day. You can even add music. It makes a great gift too.

8. Book 'Em
Skip the traditional album (the one with thick-as-cardboard, single-photo pages) in favor of high-quality coffee table books, like AsukaBooks. The images are printed on paper, and the layout is more like what you'd see in a magazine. Opt for a leather-bound or Lucite-covered book for a classic look that's less stuffy than a traditional album.

9. Learn to Preserve
Enlarging some final prints on museum-quality, fiber-based, silver paper will definitely be worth the purchase down the road when your precious memories are still intact. "A photograph on this paper could last for several hundred years," says Jen Kroll, a photographer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When archiving your photos and negatives, choose acid-free boxes, negative-sleeves, and binders. They're pricey, but the absence of acid prevents your photos from yellowing or deteriorating.

Photos from top: Almasy Photo; Modern Wedding Photography; Kristin Spencer Photography

-- Stephanie Emma Pfeffer retrieved from http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-photography-videography/articles/9-wedding-photography-trends.aspx

 

Making Your Wedding Photography Stand Out

So you want to become a wedding photographer? Or perhaps you’re new to the game? Either way you’re probably aware of how competitive the industry is. All it takes is a local Google search to see what you’re up against in your area – there is no shortage of styles, quality, packages and prices for prospective customers to choose from. This is why it’s become so important to stand out from the crowd.
Below are 5 principles I always abide by when it comes to wedding photography. I hope that by reading them you’ll be able to learn a trick or two and will encourage you to differentiate yourself from other wedding photographers.

Establish your style

If you haven’t decided on your personal style yet, your first step should be to have a look at the different styles of wedding photography out there. Are you going to go down the traditional or contemporary route? Or perhaps you’re more of an artistic photographer? How about reportage? Most couples know what they want beforehand, so it’s important that you’re clear about what they’ll be getting from you. You should also check out the competition in your local area to see if there’s an under-represented niche you could take advantage of. Don’t forget that the wedding photos featured on your website should be a reflection your personal style.

Plan meticulously

A great wedding photographer plans well ahead. If you’re about to shoot at a venue you’ve visited before, don’t assume things will be the same the second time round, particularly for outdoor shots. I always like to assess the venue in the run up to the big day especially if it’s in a different season – for instance, the sun may be higher or lower, or the trees and flowers will be different. These details will really affect outdoor group shots, so adjusting your equipment accordingly will be the difference between producing good photos and truly great photos. Of course, all good plans must include good contingency plans. Ensure you have suitable indoor or sheltered locations as backup should the weather take a turn for the worse.

Capture the emotions

To be a really clever wedding photographer, you have to be tuned in to what is really going through the minds of those you’re photographing. One half of your job is to capture powerful, emotive moments that are created by those taking part in the wedding. The other half is to create your own wow moments (more on that later). One of my favorite memories as a wedding photographer was witnessing a father shed a tear at seeing his baby girl in her dress, when she had never seen him cry before – it’s a moment she’ll never want to forget.
For spur of the moment shots like this I prefer not to get bogged down with technicalities. Focus too much on the composition and technical details and you’ll miss the priceless ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ shots that we all strive to capture. Also, a narrow depth of field is often your best bet for these shots, as it further emphasizes the chemistry between the families and friends in the photos.

Use the right lighting for the right job

A popular request from brides and grooms is for their photos to have a dreamy, almost fairytale-esque look, characterized by soft lighting. This can be tricky in the summer as direct sunlight may create harsh shadows, no matter how much diffusion is used. A better idea would be to shoot these types of photos in the evening, using props such as fairy lights and lanterns to enhance the effect.
For the night time portion of the wedding, choosing the right lighting is crucial to capturing the party atmosphere. As light fades outside, the inside of the venue gets brighter. In this scenario, use flash sparingly – bouncing light is your best friend here and will get you some very interesting photos.

Create some magic

Earlier I talked about how you shouldn’t be too technical when capturing quick-fire emotional moments at a wedding. However, the other aspect of your job as a wedding photographer is to create unique photographs stamped with your personal style. These are the photos where even the most observant and patient photographer with a good eye for framing and composition will struggle. It’s time to get creative and show off your technical skills so that you can wow the guests and justify the bride and groom’s decision to choose you.
The key attributes you need are confidence, a willingness to learn and enthusiasm for the job – don’t be afraid of off-camera flash, and experiment with the balance between natural and ambient light. Remember, these are the shots that will get you noticed and make you stand out from the crowd – you’re there to capture the magic unfolding around you but we can always create a bit of magic of our own.

Posted by Lisa Gill for TBA The Photo Argus at http://www.thephotoargus.com/how-tos/making-your-wedding-photography-stand-out/

Photography Tips – Shooting County Fairs

Anyone who has ever attended a true country fair will know that they are often places that are crowded with excited people, delicious foods, and tons of things to see and to do. This means that anyone who wants to get good photographs of a fair is going to spend a lot of time on their feet.
It also means that they are going to have to identify places where the most likely photographs will occur. This is most often done by an analysis of the major events and activities occurring during the days that the fair takes place, and then selecting those to be photographed.

For example, a fair has many daytime events that are full of photographic potential including food eating contests, animal competitions, and the many attendees doing all kinds of things. There are also an equal number of nighttime activities to be recorded on a camera as well.
Although there are many themes to fairs – special food themes such as strawberry or date festivals, firemen’s carnivals, and annual celebrations – there is also many commonalities to them all. For example, there is usually an area full of rides, flashing lights, and games. There is also usually some sort of animal display, entertainment area, and even crafts or specialty displays. With this in mind, it makes it a bit easier for the photographer to determine the tone of their photographs.
What does this mean? Well, if they wanted to capture images of modern teens they would position themselves in various locations around the rides and games, but if photographs of families with smaller children were desired they would more likely find success near animal and food areas.

Something to note about country fair photography is that it is most often hand-held work. The number of people makes it virtually impossible to setup a tripod safely, which in turn means that the photographer is going to have to select settings and scenes that will allow them to use their camera optimally.
Now, this doesn’t mean that low-light or trickier images are impossible. In fact, there are many images of country fairs that benefit from some blur. Consider those rides and game areas after sunset. The images recorded by a hand-held camera would be able to convey all of the motion and action in these regions through the blurred lights and figures.

Another thing done by those who make a habit of photographing fairs is to find isolated vignettes of interest. For example, the varied backgrounds of the attendees at a fair can be remarkably obvious and somewhat photogenic. Consider a group of teens in modern clothing juxtaposed to an elderly couple, and all plunked into the busy and colorful setting of a country fair. This demonstrates why so many people bring their cameras along for the day!
Posted by Bill Jones at http://www.thephotoargus.com/tips/photography-tips-shooting-county-fairs/



Tips on How to Get the Best Getting Ready Photos for Your Groom and His Groomsmen

If you plan on not seeing your groom before the wedding ceremony, the getting ready photos of your guy and his groomsmen will be especially important to you. These photos will show the emotions and moments your groom is going through before he sees you walk down the aisle to say “I do!”

To learn some great tips on getting the best getting ready photos of your groom and his groomsmen, I spoke with Nashville photographer Maggie Puccini, who along with her daughter Kristin Puccini Young, make up the terrific mother-daughter duo of Puccini Photography.

1. Understand that there will be two types of “guys getting ready” photos going on.

Maggie tells us that, “The biggest secret about getting ready photos of the groom (and most guys already know this deep down) – there are two types of “guys getting ready” photos: the ones we take for the bride to enjoy, and the ones we take for the groom.” While the bride is sure to love all the shots taken of her groom getting ready, there will be certain photos she’ll appreciate more – especially if they aren’t seeing each other  the day of the wedding until they say, “I do!”

Maggie goes on to explain, “Gentlemen, let me assure you, your bride wants to be included on every aspect of your wedding day, and if you aren’t seeing each other before the wedding, this is one part of the day you will be handling sans bride. Luckily, your job is easy – these will be photos of you straightening your tie, getting your boutonniere pinned on, and fastening your cufflinks. They’ll be photos she’ll love to see after the wedding, and will probably go in your wedding album. These are the photos that will make your lady love you even more!” After these must-have shots are taken, then the photographer can go ahead and capture more of the laid-back moments with the guys laughing and having a great time.

 

 

2. Have your groom be almost ready to go before the photographer comes in.

While I’ve known plenty of guys who like to take their time when getting ready to go out for a big event, it seems that in general, we ladies tend to take quite a bit longer to get all dolled-up. However, this is wonderful news for the photographer taking the groom’s getting ready photos, since it allows for more time for some of the more fun action shots.

Maggie tells us, “Our suggestion for the groom is to be mostly ready, and then we’ll come and shoot those final details before go-time. After that, it’s all fun and games.” Get your groom to get it together (or mostly together) by the time the photographer arrives to allow for plenty of time for photos of him and his guys having some pre-wedding fun!

 

 

3. Have the groomsmen brainstorm ideas for photo activities.
When talking about the best parts about photographing the groom in his pre-wedding moments, Maggie tells us, “We really have two favorite parts when the groom is getting ready. The first is when the groom’s mom pins on his boutonniere. It’s just a sweet moment between the groom and his mom, and it kind of feels like her “send-off” for her son. (We girls love that part.) Our second favorite part is just seeing what crazy ideas the guys come up with and getting a chance to photograph it!” Your groom and his groomsmen will have plenty of time to get pretty creative with some fun action shots.
 
As Maggie goes on to explain, “We have seen everything from poker games and cigars, to breaking out the fine Kentucky bourbon, to guys jumping in the air and doing “sweet ninja kicks” (their words). Groomsmen are always eager to be involved in the decision making of what ‘fun’ or ‘edgy’ photos can be taken with the groom, so if you have a creative group of groomsmen, put them on notice!”

Posted February 23, 2013 by Pink Lady Kathleen at http://www.thepinkbride.com/tips-on-how-to-get-the-best-getting-ready-photos-for-the-groom-and-his-groomsmen/

Murphy’s Laws of Photography



Murphy’s Law: The inexplicable phenomenon of a fickle, spiteful universe which ensures that whatever can go wrong will go wrong. Let’s also not forget its well-known corollary: The higher the stakes, the greater the fall. Nobody seems to have a truly definitive handle on the history of the term, although its sentiment was expressed in print long before Murphy’s name was attached to it some time around 1952. What I think we can all agree on, though, is that when Murphy comes for you you’re screwed. Plain and simple.
Yeah…I’m in that kind of mood.

The universe seems to be taking more than its fair share of bites out of my backside these days, to the extent that I can’t help but wonder if Mr. Murphy is giving the rest of the world a short break for the summer. Either way, you’ll often find him lurking around the outer fringe of your photo shoots, quietly laying the groundwork for his mayhem. You can’t stop him from showing up, but knowing he’s there may be enough to help make sure you’re prepared for when he decides it’s time to firmly plant himself right smack in the middle of your best laid plans.

Murphy’s Laws of Photography– My Non-Exhaustive List.

1. If the test shots go perfectly, the real shoot will be a disaster.
2. The greater your excitement about a shoot, the greater the chance that something will go exceptionally wrong.
3. Success happens quietly when nobody is looking. Failure blasts the door off its hinges when the client is watching.
4. You really only need a tripod when you don’t have one with you.
5. The smoother the shoot goes, the greater likelihood that the card will be lost, corrupted, or stolen by werewolves.
6. The best photo ops of animals and children only happen when two very specific cosmic conditions are met– they’re ready and you’re not.
7. Perfect weather lasts only as long as it takes for you to set up the shot.
8. Perfect weather will return as soon as you finish packing up your gear and drive away.
9. The one thing you absolutely, positively MUST have on your shoot will be the one thing you either forgot to bring or is in short supply (e.g., batteries, memory cards, the aforementioned tripod, etc.).
10. The lens you drop will always be the one you could only afford because you stopped eating for six or eight months.
11. You will never drop this lens on a soft, pillowy surface.
12. Long-life batteries actually laugh at you when they run out. Seriously.
13. The one time you leave the camera at home will definitely be the time you miss the shot of a lifetime. Bringing the camera with you will ensure that nothing happens.
14. The lens currently attached to your camera will never be the lens you need for the first shot.
15. If you are the passenger in a plane, train, bus, truck, automobile, or any other mode of transport, the most stunning scene you’ve ever witnessed in your life will be on the other side.
16. You spent weeks, months, years– maybe even decades– searching the world and your soul for the perfect expression of your photographic vision. You practiced. You studied. You tried, failed, and tried again. You found a mentor. You honed your craft. You allowed your camera to become a true extension of both your body and your mind. The guy who just beat you in a photo contest did it in three seconds with his iPhone.
Am I exaggerating? Perhaps, but just a little. Regardless of whether it’s just you and your camera exploring the great outdoors, or a massive commercial shoot with a huge crew, Mr. Murphy is out there somewhere, biding his time, waiting for just the right moment to throw his gasoline on your open flame. Knowing he’s stalking you is more than half the battle. When he sees you’re ready for him he might just do you a favor and swing by my house instead. Again.

posted July 8, 2014 by Jeff Guyer at http://www.diyphotography.net/murphys-laws-photography/