Budgets Are My Bag

So many lovely brides contacting us for late summer and early fall weddings!  Tanya and I are working hard to answer emails and keep planning the shoot for the fall line while I wait for the impending baby to decide they are ready to join us "on the outside".  Add in that the poor husband and I are still looking for a larger place closer to where he is working, and I feel like I have plenty of reasons to "pop" any day now.

Prices have been updated and I need to plug them in this week so you can see the new price lists for all our services.  We're keeping in mind budgets and trying to offer the best over all results based on what has been popular for the last year or two.  My biggest aim is to offer digital galleries and options to allow more clients to share their images with friends and family even if they do not feel an album is part of their needs.

Once again I am sticking to my guns on affordable packages and quality images being the goals, meaning I have taken on the challenge to find ways to keep everything in-house for editing and sourced local printing to keep cost down.  I am proud that for the third year in a row we are set to do everything under $2000 for even our most elaborate package and longest day.

The "Friendor" Problem

Every wedding has something that goes wrong.  Unfortunately, it seems a good deal of this is from well meaning friends offering to help out with the planning and having it go very, very wrong.  This month has been all about crisis handling for brides here at the office; with girls calling because they paid a deposit and suddenly a florist is not responding, or a friend who was supposed to bake their cake has had a falling out with their bridesmaid and now there wont be a desert at the wedding because of personal drama.  I've seen some of the "friendor" drama before, and been a vendor to many a friend's wedding myself, so this kind of thing really does strike a cord with how I feel and work.  Below I'll discuss some ways to curb the drama and avoid stepping on toes by just refusing some budget friendly offers that could make your day complete.

Weddings bring out the best and the worst in our relationships.  From family members that want you to wear Great Aunt Hilda's wedding gown from 1940 to the sunshine friend that offers you wedding photography via their iPhone... we all have those times when it is a clear "No, thank you."  But what about the times when a genuine offer comes in from somebody we know who does this as a side-business or really has a genuine skill they would like to offer?

1. Consider ALL your options.  Weddings are only ever getting more expensive, and even the most freely budgeting bride might be tempted to go with a friend for a service if she knows it will please in-laws or friends.  Never assume just because an offer is made by a friend that it is the best offer or the worst, just take the time to weigh the pros and cons.  What should be considered here is how much you need the item they are supplying to be perfect, or if you could sacrifice if something was to go wrong. 
   
2. Understand their interest level.  Is the friend a professional or part-timer offering you discounted services or priority in booking because they genuinely know it is something they do well or a person with a hobby who really wants to be involved and means well?  Not all friends are professionals in what they are offering, and this can bring some problems when you are counting on somebody not used to working under pressure or in a time limit.
    
3. Research is your best friend.  No bride would just jump into signing a contract with the first vendor that they saw if that person's work stunk and the price was too high.  Treat your friend's offer like any bid by a professional.  Compare their work, perhaps ask if they have or could give you a portfolio so you can share it with the people involved in planning and compare it to the vendors you find are favorites for both quality and price.
   
4. Always offer to pay.  Gifting a service or a product for your wedding might sound like a great gesture, but there are problems with that which might not be so obvious.  Free can be costly when it means the well meaning friend suddenly is facing their own financial hardship or sees exactly how much time will be involved in everything promised.  Save yourself some heartache by offering to foot the cost of supplies for baking the wedding cake, or to purchase the flowers so they can make the center pieces.
   
5. Ask for a contract.  Protect your interests and your friend's name from drama with a contract spelling out the costs, expectations, and time-line for the services they offer.  Even a friend who is just in it as a hobby can find a sample contract in a quick Google search or write up a basic outline to protect you both.  While nobody wants to end up with the drama of broken promises or failure to produce what was promised, if money exchanges hands that contract is the best way to ensure that what you get will not be a surprise.
   
6. You have the right to say no.  Just because something was offered does not mean you are obligated to say yes.  Often we feel there is an unfair expectation on the bride that she must accept every offer from her new family or from "his friends" just to make everybody happy.  Not once is it written that by getting married you are obliged to take the advice of Great Aunt Claire if her advice is to have the kind of event you never wanted.

These are things I have done for my own events or for friends who I have been a vendor for in some way.  From offering discounted photography to doing the fittings on wedding gowns, this is advice not just from my heart, but from my head as well. 

Pinterest Ate My Soul

Oh the horror!

I have avoided joining Pinterest in a non-business aspect for as long as I could.  I'm obsessed with looking up wedding gowns if I'm not in the studio or at a wedding, so I've taken care to avoid the easy way to feed that need for flowing girly gowns.

Unfortunately, I am once again on bedrest after giving my doctors a heart attack by almost having a heart attack while in for what should have been a routine exam.  A friend sent me a note suggesting I check out "that site with the pictures" because I was fretting over how to plan a combined nursery for the toddler and newborn... and so I have fallen into the void of Pinterest.

I promise to come up for air and share things now and again, including the super cool news that we have a new camera on the way!  (this is almost as exciting to me as the new baby)  I have had to admit my poor darling has outlived her use as a primary shooter for weddings, and so she is being retired to the hands of my second shooter to live out her days as a studio and occasional wedding clicker if something goes wrong.

I am also happy to be the one back at the keys doing the emailing.  When you request info or contact us for a consultation, it is now "Akelis" herself answering the emails.  Normally it is Tanya doing this while I am out in the studio or running off to photograph a bride, but when all I have to do all day is edit images and play on Pinterest, it makes sense I be the one you hear from.

Models and local brides looking to perhaps do something a little different should check back at the end of this month for an open casting call.  I will be updating and creating new gallery displays for images in the near future.  Boudoir subjects can expect to hear from me soon if we want to share your lovely shots and had not previously obtained approval.  Couples booking for the up coming season of weddings can expect to be splashed all over the web as I find new ways to get your lovely mug out there.  And as always, recommendations from friends about using a photographer are always welcome as brides have so much to plan and do!

-Jeannine-

Cupcake Catastrophy

While discussing the baby shower plans for tomorrow a memory popped up that made me wish I had my back-up drive handy today.  I'm working from the laptop while on some doctor ordered bedrest at the moment, so I'll have to pry the pictures out a little later.

Some of the most hilariously perfect photos happen when you are "there for set-up".  I often pop in to the venue on the day of an event and take a look around to get a fast mental image of the where-and-what to expect when we arrive at a reception.  On this particular day I arrived at the same time as the baker and the desert delivery and the ever so cute flower-girl in her sparkly pink and white dress.

Yep... anyone with babysitting or parenting experience can see where this is going...

Part of the delivery of deserts was a tower of beautiful cupcakes and lady-finger treats, all delicately frosted with an array of soft pinks, spring greens, and cheerful blues.  I saw the colors and made a mental note to get some good images of the colors before the reception turned them to crumbs, then headed upstairs to see the bride. 

The bride was lovely and already most of the way through dressing and hair so we had a chance to play with images of the bridesmaids.  We did some lovely images in front of the dressing room mirror and the window to catch the pristine white of her gown.  Just as we were ready to head down to the ceremony site outside, the bride asked where her flower girl was and a frantic search ensued as nobody had kept track.  Like any concerned mom I had a momentary "if that was my kid what would I do" then remembered the last time I had spotted the flower girl and where.

Yes, as you can guess she was mostly safe, though I'm not sure how long it took for her to work off the sugar rush.  Only about ten total cupcakes and cookies were mangled, but the results were slightly hilarious to behold.  Thankfully, the flowergirl, bride, and nervous mom (a bridesmaid so the girl was supposed to be under grandma's watch) were all fine though nothing could be done to save the pretty toddler dress from some very large stains.  What I did get for images were actually quite cute.  Covered in crumbs and frosting, the big grin on that messy little face made an appearance in the wedding album and I remember the bride asking for prints to share with her friend later.  

So what does all this mean to me?  Well, when life gives you cupcakes... MAKE A MESS!

Hotel Shenanigans

As Valentine's Day creeps ever closer I keep wanting to do one big day of shooting to get in as many bookings as possible in a single push to help limit how often I am over extending as the due date for this baby crawls ever closer.  Thankfully, the ever beautiful Tanya has thrown her hat in the ring to pull an event out for all our sultry brides to be and sexy ladies in lingerie!

While I am gearing up with new lens orders for the 2014 wedding season, we are going to do a big day of shooting at a local hotel as well.  The goal will be to book a fancy room that has all those picture perfect elements you know and love about great boudoir.  So girls, are you ready?  Bring your favorite something sexy, have your make-up and hair done by our team, and get your very own session of seductive images to share with your Valentine or yourself.

Dates and location to follow soon.  And a big bonus for one lovely bride to be may just be in the works too!

Winter is Coming

Actually, winter is always coming in this area.  Just about the time the last snow melts, we start doing our job to prepare for next year's storms.  This somehow never manages to dampen my love for snow.  It can be a love/hate relationship at times, but nothing quite compares to watching children and pets play in the pretty white flakes.

Duke is getting older now, he is less about frolicking in the snowbanks and more about finding a soft pile to flop down for a nap, and yet manages to look adorable the whole time.  He reminds me how lovely it can be to enjoy the little things, and with a fair sized storm slated for Wednesday, I am trying to focus on how lovely it will look and not how little I enjoy driving through it for our trip to visit family.

Next comes the fun of winter weddings.  So many brides skip over this season because they cannot see how beautiful it can look or forget that often they will save money because of the off-peak booking which can go into a larger reception or upgrade in honeymoon. 

If you are a winter wonderland bride, congratulations on picking an uncommon season and making the most of the snowy white world!  Jewel tones against fresh snow can look amazing in photos, and I am a sucker for the look of a classic wool pea-coat over a wedding gown.  And don't forget that you can keep that dress off the ground by going with a knee length design and adding some super cute fashionable boots to warm your toes outside and slip on your dancing shoes at the reception.

As always, winter is slow season for many wedding businesses, so you can save with "End of Season Sales" and booking for the year ahead well in advance.  Small business Saturday is on the way too, so keep an eye out for all those discounts and deals where you can.  Because there are fewer events, this is a good time to research and contact vendors if you are the kind to ask a ton of questions, take notes and make use of the time wisely, doing everything in a rush can lead to impulse choices that cost you in the end.

As always, enjoy the snow and the holidays!

Working Poor Wedding Planning

With unemployment higher than ever and weddings becoming more extravagant with every celebrity under the sun looking to show off for the paparazzi, planning a wedding has become a dream many couples simply cannot afford.  Fresh out of college and struggling just to feed themselves on minimum wage, often a bride and groom can no longer fall back on parents either.  Wedding loans and DIY can go a long way in stretching a budget, but not everyone can handle the idea of an intimate gathering or elopement.

I decided recently that I am uncomfortable with how so many photographers turn down elopements or low budget events and flat ignore or insult the needs of a couple strapped for cash.  It is true that albums are expensive to order and my time is indeed valuable.  But weddings are often the one time where getting to be photographed is not faced with dread.  There is so much value already placed on the bride being beautiful, and this means those photos framed and displayed for guests will mean so much more to the couple.

Being on a budget does not mean a couple expects lower quality images.  The comments about "getting what you pay for" with photographers should not have to mean blurry or poorly white-balanced snapshots from a camera phone or point-and-shoot pocket camera.  Rather, a groom should look just as dapper in $600 photography as they would at $6000; and digital copy should be the norm, not the exception.

To fix the problem of prices, I have made a new rule for my business plan.  I will never quote any couple a package price exceeding $2000.  I begin all wedding packages at $500, hourly shooting at $75, and boudoir or engagement sessions at $125.  Digital copy is included with every booking and extra copies of CDs are $5 per copy.

As always, interested couples should contact me with their needs and I will work with them to see what best suits their budget.

Why Boudoir?

Boudoir can be intimidating for many reasons; personal image issues with your weight or confidence, the fear that somebody would find the photos or that they will be plastered all over the internet to ruin your reputation, or the misconception that boudoir requires you to be pornographic in some way. Perhaps there is even the feeling that when you hand the finished product to your special somebody that they will be unhappy about the results, or angry that you allowed another person to see you in such an intimate way.

After hearing stories from many of my clients on how this was a huge step outside their comfort zone or how getting their photos back gave them a chance to really see how beautiful they are inside and out, I wanted to share their stories to let you all in on the not-so-secret.

Pamela

A few weeks ago I shared the story of my best friend and her boudoir shoot. She and I were college roommates and have similarly aged toddlers. She is a wonderful person and has a glowing smile, but really never has the chance to shine anymore between her work as a nurse and her work as a mom. I am so pleased she took the time to share her thoughts as her shoot has some of my favorite classic poses.

"Being a mom has given me a very different image of myself an sometimes it overtakes who I feel I am as an individual. For me boudoir was a reminder of that person I am and have always been. It's a way of showing myself I'm not just a mom I'm still woman and that is something to celebrate. It's fun and it's probably outside of a lot of woman's comfort zones (mine included) but the images afterward are incredible it gives you a glimpse of what others see in you not just the physical features."

Tanya

A stay-at-home mother of two that once had some serious self esteem and body image issues, she has had a long road to get to the confident and outspoken woman we see today. I feel blessed to help show off her big, beautiful smile in this surprise sitting done while her husband was out at work. This survivor of a truly unpleasant past is an inspiration for being so confident no matter what her detractors try to say.

"I feel it isn't so much about the modeling as it is about how the woman feels in their own skin. the fact that I have posed for pictures of this fashion says a lot of how I portray myself in my own eyes. Do I have some problem areas that need to be worked on? sure I do! do I have areas that I wish would never see the light of the sun and curse the eyes of others? maybe... but I am who I am, not one single person is going to change that and the ability to be photographed and show that personality, MY personality and my soul and inner being shines through. when I look at any and all pictures taken of me not only do I see body and soul and personality, I also see growth, as a person, and I also see the growth of the photographer. "

Charity

Charity has been featured here on our blog a few times and writes her own thoughts on working as a model in boudoir, fashion and fetish. She is always a pleasure to work with and talk to about many things. I often call Charity when it is time to do a study on poses or for a chance to practice with an experienced and flexible model before working with a client. She is happy to give feedback and honest opinions without overly praising or dragging out a negative when having a bad day. For this reason I respect her thoughts on boudoir as an art form and as a model.

"Boudoir shots for me are all about the setting and the mood. These shots are based on the concept of a lady’s “sitting room” where she would entertain visitors and lovers. They can include nudity and implied nudity but in essence nudity and being scantily clad is not a requirement. Boudoir for me typically uses lingerie and lighting. They can involve props and gloves as well as full body or just an arm."

Writing this and speaking to these ladies has given me the final push to put aside my own insecurities about my health troubles and lingering baby weight. In the coming weeks I will be planning and posing for a new boudoir shoot of my very own. I plan to share some inside images of the process and the results in an up coming blog later in June.

Thank you to every one of my brave and beautiful ladies for sharing this experience with the world. I hope they can inspire you to be brave and believe in your own beauty!  If you are located in the New Hampshire or southern Maine area and would like to book your own boudoir session, please contact our studio for more details.

Spring Portfolio Cleaning

OneWed.com : Spring Green Wedding Shoes

It's spring, time to make my new list of photos I want to get for my portfolio while covering weddings this season.  I always consider the gaps and try to find ways to fill them without missing a moment of a bride's big day and making sure to work with her ideas.  I encourage every bride to build a profile on Pinterest and send a link while we are planning her details so that I can see the thoughts in her planning process and important moments she wants captured. 

This year I am all about the colorful brides.  The weddings I have booked are nontraditional in their color choices and I love that about these brides.  I look forward to picking up an image or two like this with color and class mixed into a different way to salute the wedding rings.  I'm a fan of shoes anyway, so it also feeding into my obsession with those things that cover a girl's toes.  

My other recent obsession is looking up wedding gowns through wholesale brokers online.  I spend a huge amount of time looking at dress designs on wholesale ordering sites to keep an eye on trends in bridal fashion.  I get to figure out if I am looking at a year full of lace or one with beading and bling.  I adore the fun of looking at lace and long flowing lines but short and flirty can be a welcome change as I book with modern brides.

I love the color and spark in this dress from MLtailor.com.  The flower detail on the waist is not my personal style, but is one of the better executions on a fabric flower that I have seen in the last few weeks.  Normally, I am also not a huge fan of peachy-pinks, but the blush tone on this is really pretty over the tulle layers in that mermaid gown, a works so well with the backdrop they selected for this shoot.  It all reminds me of spring!

Finally, I really want to play with perspective again this year.  I have a few ideas of what will work for poses, and now I just need to book enough weddings to keep up with them.  As of now, July is almost all open for bookings and one June weekend is un-filled.  I am looking to take elopements as well as large events to keep giving my all to couples on a budget for their day.  Remember to check out the new portfolio at www.AkelisStudios.com as well!

Beautiful Bride

Five years ago I was a bridesmaid at my best friend's wedding.  I remember helping her into her dress and braiding everybody's hair when the stylist canceled at the last minute and only called about two hours before the ceremony was supposed to start.  It no longer fits, but the dress I wore is still in my closet and reminds me of that day.

After five years of marriage, my college roommate finally made the choice to do some lovely boudoir as a gift for her hubby.  Taking advantage of the fact that five years and two children later she still fits her gown, she brought it along and we told a wonderful story.

Thank you so much for being an amazing friend!

Step-By-Step: Design to Dress

 

Going from sketch to gown is a long process.  Having a one of a kind dress is a dream fewer brides can enjoy with tight budgets and the massive numbers of off the rack gowns.  Fewer shops offer the chance to sit with a designer and really discuss ideas on what would be perfect for that one special day.

This is one of four new sketches starting the 2013 Spring/Summer season for Weddings By Armando.  Updates on how this beauty will go from thoughts, to sketch, to being ready for a walk to the alter will be available in future updates.  Until that point our new quest for models to participate in our 2013 search continues.  Plus size, same sex couples, and anyone wanting to have a chance at being a model for a day should keep track of our updates on facebook and apply as soon as we open the information. 

Until then, we are working on big website updates, new dress designs, and a wonderful winter trash the dress idea for snowy brides to get some ideas for fun photos in the frosty outdoors!

Make Overs Make Me Sick

About as girlie as I get,
and this is mixed media paint/photo.

I am not now, nor have I ever been particularly girlie.  I have never hand a professional manicure or pedicure in my life.  The last time my hair was touched by a trained professional was in the summer of 2009 when I cut and donated a large portion of it.

It is not that I dislike the idea of a make-over or being pretty.  I am a fan of well finished hair and make-up and have taken years working to achieve a signature look that I can complete with little to no extra effort.  I even have a "mundane" job for extra income that involves selling skin-care and make-up products.  I take my hair color choices seriously, and I now use strictly henna dye for health and beauty reasons.

That said... I am not a fan of excessive tanning, heavily made-up faces, or a highly altered look plastered with the label "beauty".  I see this kind of thing from the point of view of a person who then has to spend time correcting skin tones, the odd look of running make-up, or generally working to fit a false standard when looking at their photography.  Most often, I see this is terms of working with brides, because white does not help skin tone to look it's best and requires some careful metering to make sure it is not blown out with poor lighting already.

What I say here is just a suggestion for brides and anyone else looking to have important events documented in the near (or not so near) future:

1. LESS IS MORE:
   
   I know I sound like a broken record here, but it will continue to be a valid point for the rest of eternity!  Keep your make-up fairly simple.  Stay true to the kind of look you achieve every day or perhaps on date-nights.  You want to look like the lovely woman he fell for when you look into his eyes and hear him say I do.
   
   
2. THE EYES HAVE IT:
   
   Perhaps take your time to focus on having eyebrows shaped and finished and do a smokey eye using those neutrals to keep the attention on your sparkling baby blues (or browns, or greens in my case). If you are a neutrals girl, stay in that realm and work it up a notch or two buy using a black mascara and liner in place of brown.  Drawing the attention to your gaze can make for some beautiful photography in either a cathedral veil or a petite bird-cage.
   
   
3. TEST EVERYTHING: 
   
   When you hire a make-up artist, or if you re going the road alone, you should be certain to plan a date to test out your concept.  This is standard practice for most professionals to book, but there is another step I suggest. 
   
   Get a digital or disposable camera and once you find a look you think will work, take a bunch of photos in different light.  What looks lovely under staged lighting at the salon might not hold up out in the full glare of a sunny day.  You need to know if you will have to re-apply or fix smudges for an outdoor event. 
   
   
4. EVERYBODY CRIES AT WEDDINGS:
   
   Bring a bottle of fake tears (eye drops) to test how much it might run when you do what we all do and start weeping at the alter while you say your vows. If you are doing your own make-up, check out Sephora or other make-up counters and see what they suggest if you know you're a teary eyed bride.  It took me forever to find a truly waterproof mascara in a brown shade, so let your artist know if that is a concern for you too!

This is a short list of a few of the things I suggest when preparing for your big day.  It is a ton to think about when you are looking at layers of white gowns, billions of floral arrangements and color choices, and thinking about your hair and make-up.  Remember that you are getting married and will have these photos forever.  Think about the fact that in twenty years you will be showing them to your kids and want to look at them and see the genuine joy in your face.

Married Go Round Photography

Please remember that if you like the work on any of these photos, you should look up the studios responsible - each is one I have seen work from and found something I enjoy; all are listed so that you can find them for your event.  

 
Now that I have had a few days to goof off ... it is time to get back to that list I gave you the other day.  Today I am going to cover the ones that will have a special place in my own wedding album. And I'll start with something that can become a disaster so quickly it almost hurts.

Photo Credit:  Ampersand Photography

My wedding gown is hanging in what was once my bedroom at my mother's house across town. At some point fairly soon I will take a few photos of it so details and those lovely “lonely gown” shots can begin the album I will someday build for my wedding photos. I think the biggest part is making sure that the whole scene is carefully planned and executed. My own plan involves a tribute to my grandfather since he had such an impact on my life.

There are a number of fantastic things I have taken but still get that fluttering thrill every time I line up the shot and click the shutter.  The thought put into what I will do before this shot happens is one of those drawn out moments that makes my stomach clench.  There is a little fear that it will not manage to live up to what is in my head, but I cannot wait to see it.

The sequence I have in mind for my wedding actually includes some other great elements that I adore, an idea of childhood memories. One version of this I love is done through use of the rope swing. It is that kind of childhood or celebration salute that blends right into the next style that I adore; though my choice of childish prop is a bit more massive. For that reason I plan on letting it have a starring role in the images of myself and my bridal party.

Photo Credit:  Akelis Studios

I adore my bridesmaid. She is one of the most amazing souls I have ever had the privilege to encounter in my life. We share so much, so many laughs and tears, and I cannot imagine how I could ever go without her at my wedding. The thrill of getting my beautiful best friend to model her ruby red gown for her own portraits in that album is something I am looking forward to greatly. For her I have this image in my head of sitting on one of the lavish painted horses that decorate the classic carousel I most covet.

Yes, I am going to have my bridal portraits on a carousel!

Photo Credit:  Akelis Studios

The goal is for both of us to take a ride along with our children – all boys – and take some perfect mommy moment photos we can share with our kids as they get older. I want to have that moment with the breeze brushing back my veil and those sweet moments with the boy. Eventually we will add in my husband, our best man and his two children, and our other groomsmen. The idea of a wonderful riot of color around my husband and I as we kiss on the spinning ride is something I have held in my head for years.

I adore the colors and lights, the carnival feeling, that matches the lively party I want for our wedding day. Something between a mad-hatter tea party and the country festival from Mary Poppins is what I have in mind for our reception. We'll have tea-pot center pieces, lemony finger cakes, and my steampunk details for the slightly science fictional side that happens in everything my loving nerd man encounters.

And speaking of the men... how about those manly details that should really get some photographic love? I'm a sucker for those awesome socks. I love those bright color statement things, most of all the ones that match the bride's bright shoes. Who says the girls get all the fun photos anyway.. just because they might all be secret shoe addicts does not mean you have to let them have all the fun either.

Knot.com Image  (photographer not listed) 
(If you are the photographer, please comment below so I can add your credit)

Pick something fun and go with it guys. I secretly dread the photos that will appear when my husband and his friends get their turn with the camera. I foresee a Dungeons & Dragons game theme since we are all gamers that ran table top back in the days before my pregnancy. I was thinking about ordering dice for the groomsmen as a thank you, so they could well appear at some point.

Photo Credit:  Simply Southern Photography

Don't just let your bride hog the spot light with her girls. Take some time and really think about what you share with your buddies. Would you be the guys walking down the train tracks for that “almost an album cover” look to your photos? Perhaps you are military men looking to salute your days in the service. Or are you Star Wars nerds that want to have a light saber duel on the steps of your venue? If you do have that battle, make sure you remember your Padawan training and give the camera a great show!

Speaking of stairs, I love brides or the stairs. Oh, and photographers, make sure that you consider those stairs for the couple as well. They make such a wonderful setting for those scattered groups or large parties that need to fit neatly in a shot without being a panoramic image.

Photo Credit: Fairy Godmother Weddings

Even if all you have is a more modern and slightly dim stairwell, you may be surprised to see what a fantastic shot can be achieved. The fun angles, sharp lines, and extreme shadows that occur there make for a very striking backdrop when the subject is such an elegantly outfitted subject. More romantic styles can be achieve by adding rose petals or soft editing to enhance the glow of marble or mahogany.

They can give such a fun element to the moments before walking down the aisle or getting dressed. This particular shot brings to mind the White Rabbit and his “I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date!” as the bride runs for the alter. Perhaps it is the clock tower on the right side, but I actually adore the fairy tale element it calls to mind.

The grandeur and scale here leads me to the last of my favorite styles that will appear tonight, and the style I love shooting. I am talking about the distortion and scale of an amazingly framed image. The uncompromising shot that has you looking up a Gothic church or down a long row of trees in a woodland path. The kind of image that makes the backdrop outweigh the couple and still manages to tell a story.

I have chosen a venue which lends to this style of image. The beauty and grandeur of the backdrop captures the eye without quite over powering the figures so long as they are dynamically posed. Remember that the key there is having a dynamic pose! Go for the drama of a dipped kiss or wait for a strong breeze to catch the bride's veil in a long gust. Remember that man made structures are not the only setting for something of this sweeping strength. Perhaps a combination of thunderstorms and romance is more they style of your wedding, but there needs to be some “movement” in the image to capture the attention, but it will bring about a wonderful result that will certainly not disappoint.

Photo Credit:  Club Corp.

Dancing In The Rain

Please remember that if you like the work on any of these photos, you should look up the studios responsible - each is one I have seen work from and found something I enjoy; all are listed so that you can find them for your event.  

I intended to make a post about building a home gallery, but I have not had time to do sufficient work on the visual aids, so that will be delayed until a later time.  Tonight I will tell you about the images I would love to capture, and perhaps have taken of myself if ever I feel satisfied with my weight loss and to ever allow anyone to take my photo again.  This will involve items from other photographers who's work I adore, and a discussion about changes I would make or things it makes me think about while reading.

While preparing for my marriage I thought about what I wanted to look like even at our tiny legal ceremony.  I knew that there was forecast for rain and that I would still look like I had at about five months pregnant.  My mother and I went dress shopping and I settled on a knee length dress in white cotton eyelet and bright pair of rain boots with matching umbrella.  this plays right into one of my favorite kinds of wedding photography... rainy day photos!

Photo Credit: www.elizabethannedesigns.com

I adore the kind of people that don't let those moments ruin their day... the ones that go out of their way to make the most of it are even better.  They make shooting so much fun because they don't let the uncontrolled moments get them down.  They go with it and get some amazing photos even though the weather might just be out of control. 

Photo Credit: Scott Zuehlke Photography

The same goes for snow days and winter brides.  The women who risk a blizzard on their big day are my heroes!  I also adore the girls who go for wintery wedding coats over their gowns. If a coat isn't your thing, mittens can be such a classy addition that can really make the winter feeling read even in snow-less moments.  I am also a fan of seeing poinsettias in wedding bouquets, perhaps because I feel they just don't get the love they should for being such bold flowers.

Dressing for inclement conditions was a part of my considerations for my wedding gown this year because we risked a serious chill by planning an outdoor event on the coast in hurricane season.  I even had to trade open toe shoes for boots my freshman year of high school when we had a dusting of snow on prom night in early May... but that kind of hazard is par for the course in what my nerdy friends and I refer to as living "Beyond The Wall".

Padmé Amidala as played by Natalie Portman in
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Hooded Wedding Gowns may be the most beautiful thing in the world.  I believe I am biased here because my own mother made her own wedding gown with a simple, flattering hood.  I could not find a copy of any of her wedding photos so I will go with a well known hooded wedding gown from one of my favorite movie series.

I am not a massive fan of the heavy embroidery and beading that make this hood appear cumbersome, but the flow of the lace is lovely and highly complements the flowing twists of hair.  I suppose using a Star Wars reference while writing about weddings solidifies my nerd status in a new way.  That aside, this does prove my feeling that hoods make for a lovely detail and perfect opportunity to take the face framing shot that the bride will want to keep forever as a token of her special day.

I am a lover of the image that comes from one of the rare moments that standing square to the lens can complement the bride.  Hoods allow for an ideal cover over shoulder which otherwise might appear bulky so brides can give the full force of direct eye contact without the downside of looking like a linebacker.  The elegant gesture of your ring hand holding the edge carefully away as though lowering the hood for a kiss can be a fantastic way to show the new jewelry.

Photo Credit: Jeff Stone

The next image is really something for the groom.  If anything speaks to the masculine element in a wedding it is the fantastic photography of that sexy car that carries the couple away to start their new life together.  For emphasis on the sexy car moment I had to refer to male friends on mine and gauge their level of drooling over several beautiful autos but it came down to what they felt best told a man's story.  I think it was all the more awesome that this car happened to match the wedding colors perfectly.

Personally, I am waiting for next summer when a close friend of mine is having her own wedding.  There has been discussion of her having a fire truck as the wedding vehicle as a salute to her husband's years on the fire department and work as an EMT.  Their ceremony is taking place in the hay field of his family's dairy farm and gives me hundreds of ideas for fun photos with a tractor.  I feel a tractor would be a perfect prop since she and actually met at an agricultural college where we were both in a program centered on equine science.  I want to see the bride enjoying her day and make use of perspective to get something much like this shot from a senior photography session back in May.

Akelis Studios Photography

For the moment I am going to stop the list here.  There are many more things I cannot wait to try, but this was only meant to be a little taste of what I have in my head as an artist.  Brides looking to book and willing to try any of these are welcomed to contact me so that we can discuss their vision.  My job is to please the client first, meaning that your needs come before my artistic dreams.

Photoshop For My Face

Skincare is an essential first step in preparing for a photography session or wedding, and something that can actually reduce your photography costs. Tonight, that will be our topic and you will get a peek into my world in actual images of my skin and face and items thanks to Google and a few other places.  So we will begin with a photo from about six years ago, when I was somewhat more comfortable with my looks and willing to be on the model's side of the camera. This is an untouched photo from the summer of 206 while I was spending time climbing trees with one of my god-kids and my then boyfriend.

Why am I letting you see this?

This is rare, I actually hate being on "that side" of the camera because I feel like my job is behind the lens. I had my days as a model and those days are well and truly over. I am happy with how I have aged and that I could still pass for much younger. I still get acne since hormones are great, but all in all my skin is soft and in such lovely condition and is quite pale and pink. I have ginger kid skin, it doesn't tan and has pretty little freckles when I spend enough time in the sun.

To keep it clear of the worst acne, I use a multistage process that all models and rides should use to prepare for their day in front of the camera. Make-up is actually not that essential if you make sure to use a good care regiment and should be viewed as an aid not a requirement. Think of it as a prop, there if you want something a little extra, but never meant to be dominating the scene.

iStockPhoto image via Goggle

Stage One: DRINK WATER! 

Seriously people, water will flush out your system, help manage your weight, and improve your skin by actually helping keep a healthy glow. It actually also improves hair as well, though we are covering skin today, hair is another topic completely and not something I am particularly great with in all truth.

The typical requirement is six full 8oz glasses of water per day, and make it plain water or water with a spritz of lemon. Your water should not have calories. I drink about two 2ltr bottles a day when I am shooting at a location and about four glasses of water per day. I also drink juice, milk, and some soda or a glass of wine every now and then, but I am a water with lemon kind of girl and it is awesome.

Stage Two: Proper Skin Cleansers Are Essential.

At minimum, you should be washing you face with a gentle cleanser twice per day and using an exfoliating scrub one to two times per week at maximum. Cleansers are not simply any old soap, but should be something mild enough to maintain a balanced level of skin's natural oils, invigorating to encourage healthy cell growth, and something that will wash clean so it will not clog pores.

I personally use products from my retail job for make-up removal and loving care of my sensitive skin. I still have "teenager skin" which is sensitive, oily in the T-zone, and prone to stress induced acne that got worse postpartum. I have a combination of products, one is a very mild make-up removing cleanser that clings to the mascara and foundation just enough to pull it away without making my skin feel stripped, and the other has an awesome coarse sugar and charcoal combination to exfoliate away the damaged layers and sunblock that can build up quickly if they are not treated daily.

Step Three: Toners And Moisturizers Should Be A Daily Product. 

iStockPhoto image via Goggle

Toners and moisturizers are not the same thing and both need to be used in sequence for proper skincare. Toners prepare the skin by allowing the pores to empty themselves of harmful agents, reduce the excess oil, and allow a hydrating barrier before tinted products. Toners for daily use should NOT be harsh acidic items or require immediate removal. An ideal toner is something to clear out pores and can even be used through-out the day in a spray form to maintain a matte finish to the skin by reducing the build-up of oils and other skin assailants. Toners should be applied after cleansing and prior to moisturizers, make-ups or sunblocks.

Next should be a moisturizer with an SPF or equivalent for protecting against sun damage. Remember that not all are made equal and you will need to find the right one for your individual needs.Those with oily skin might want to look for a product with some citrus agents as they are a natural oil reduction method while anyone finding they get dry or patchy skin should aim for a product with lavender or rose to enhance quality and balance while encouraging a healthy glow.

You may want to consider a lighter moisturizer for day use, perhaps tinted for coverage of mild skin imperfections if you are self conscious or prone to wearing make-up but have oily or sensitive skin. At night your cream should be a little thicker and leave a dewy tone to the skin so it can prevent that water loss that happens at night as we sleep.

Step Four: Tear Yourself Every Now And Then.

Trying to relax while pregnant by using a
mint mask from LUSH.

Exfoliating and weekly skin treats are a great idea even if all you do is lay on the Couch with slices of cucumber on your eyes and a glass of wine to sip. Find or make a sugar scrub that will encourage healthy new growth of your skin. I enjoy making my own skincare at home, and you would e shocked to find out how many of the expensive products we buy are absolutely a waste of money because all of their ingredients are available at your greengrocer for less than ten dollars.

If you are looking for something pre-mixed but don't want to spend a fortune, there are other options out there too. I am a huge fan of the face masks from LUSH: Handmade Cosmetics because they each do something wonderful and are not a “one for all” answer. Each one is made with something different to sooth, tighten, reduce oil, add moisture, or just help you relax and detoxify from all the daily damage. They smell amazing and contain real natural ingredients like chocolate, honey, aloe, garlic, and avocado. They do need to be kept cold and have a short shelf life... but the effectiveness will make you understand why the attention to detail in each formula makes them so much more than just one more thing for your skin.

Step Five: All Over Awesome Is Important.

Original Soaps Enterprises -
Star Wars fan bundle for $10.

Photography doesn't just involve the face. Sure, we want to see those pretty eyes and lovely smile, but remember to take time for the rest of you. Shower gels, soaps and body products abound, and it is up to your personal tastes to find the ideal for you. I am a fan of citrus soaps, most of all the big bar of lemony goodness that lives in my shower and makes my whole house smell of grapefruit and lemon.

Just as with your face, exfoliating is important for legs, arms, and hands where skin becomes rough and dry very quickly. Exfoliating prior to shaving reduces razor burn and moisturizing after each shower or bath is essential.  Pumice products, sugar scrubs, and other options abound so find one you love.

Be sure to select the right level of hydrating moisturizer for your body too. This should be heavier than your face cream and applied with a minute or two to sink in before putting on your clothes for best results. You may also want to consider something with a soft glowing finish if you are looking for great photographic skin... but stay away from self tanners. Actually, tanning of any kind in the week right before photos or a big event is not always a good idea because you risk the dreaded orange haze that photographers then have to correct. If you want a glow without the tan, a slight bronze dusting powder might be just what you are looking for; giving a sexy hint of summer color while not having a lasting tawny. Be aware of how well your choice of duster stays on the skin if you are wearing white or light shades, you don't want a nasty line on your outfit either.

Legs and feet are important and should be given some love, most of all if you are getting ready for wedding photography. Wedding shoes make for fantastic photos and you will need to prepare your hands for those ring pictures. This means a manicure or pedicure is in order. Simple at home ones work just fine if you are on a small budget, and since I have never hand a professional manicure or pedicure you can bet that has been my solution. Just have a more practiced friend paint your nails if you are worried about the finish needing to look just right, I cannot tell you the number of times in college I painted my roommate's nails or had her do mine before a night out. Pick fun colors and go for broke, color is your friend!

My Rennie Side.

Step Six: SUN BLOCK IS YOUR FRIEND!

SPF moisturizers are fantastic. I use one under my thin base make-up which also contains an SPF rated agent. I am outside at least two hours per day with my toddler, who also wears infant safe sunblock. If you cannot find something you love, I suggest looking at a baby safe product as they are very mild, have a high SPF rating for ginger kids and light skinned lovelies that burn in the bright light just like me.

In 2008 I went on vacation to Las Vegas with the man who was my boyfriend at the time. He and I are still friend and both agree that the trip out there might have been one of the coolest things we ever did as a couple. That trip was a huge adventure and I went prepared for the sun and sexiness with a full bag of tricks for the face and plenty for free space on my digital camera's memory cards.

But even if you don't live or vacation in crazy climates that can dry you out... sunblock is essential.  I use it while working weddings, chasing the baby around a playground, and covering my family shop selling costumes for Steampunk, Renaissance, and Civil War reenactments in the Northeast.

Step Seven: Minimal Make-up Is A Great Idea.

Not that you can really tell, but I am not a fan of make-up in general. I go for a brown and pink pallet over my pale-pinkish skin. I let my freckles show through as much as possible, dotting concealer under my eyes and on trouble spots when needed. It makes everything light and simple and lets who I am show through. On rare occasion I wear a darker eye style or a stronger lip, but that only happens when I am dressed for an event and never when I am working. Actually, I try to wear little or no make-up while shooting because it just creates a mess on the camera.

This is in a folder marked 2008 and other photos seems to support that date
so it is a tad dated but still fairly accurate.

I will never tell a client not to wear any make-up, but I encourage a reduced amount so that their natural highlights and shapes can show. The face has it's own contours and make-up can even be used to change those, tricking the eye and the lens for good or for ill and making work complicated at times. Editing can fix a truly poor make-up job to a degree, but even that does have limits and the costs for editing time can build quickly. In the end, expecting to look like a Hollywood star when not hiring a high quality make-up artist to make that look may not bring the expected results.

Anyway... since you saw that untouched photo of my in the beginning, I'll end with the version of me that I wish could appear every day. Retouched, made-up, and posed to maximize the points about my face that I don't mind so very much.  I'm not sure what the backdrop was, but I'm not going to complain since it allows you to see the the subject better.