Jewelry Photography - Tips For Sparkling Gems

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but the job for the photographer is to make them irresistible to every woman. Let's look at two different ideas for the commercial representation of the diamond.

Some people think that additional backgrounds are good for this gem because it can depict beautiful people who are happy to have the ring, bracelet, or whatever jewelry item it is that is presented. This kind of photo might be good on the cover of a magazine, but on a page with several other products, it doesn't work that well.

Even with plenty of printable space to display a large picture, most retailers will agree that you keep the attention on the subject of what you are selling. The item that is the focal point of the shoot is usually rather small in relation to the size of a person, and panoramic views tend to detract from the very thing you want everyone to see.

Obviously, the other train of thought is for the diamond to be represented in its natural beauty. It is what the potential buyer wants to see, and the greater it can be made to look in size, the better it will hold the attention of the viewer.

By taking something small and making it appear large, you have not tried to misrepresent the product. You have only clarified the image to make it easier to see the detail and beauty of the diamond, but the subconscious mind of the person who is interested in the jewelry might well envision it larger than it is.

Light reflection is a very vital part of diamond photography. Because these precious stones don't have color like rubies or opals, it is necessary to show what this gem actually does do, which is pick up color like a prism. Any picture of this treasure that does not contain sparkle will be marked as a poor photograph.

Not all photographers are in agreement concerning the type of light to use for diamond photography. Some want to enhance the reflections by adding hints of reflective color. Although this is not exactly false advertising, it is essentially unnecessary because a true gem with lighting angled properly will present itself very well.

The goal of the photograph should be to present a high contrast shot that has the perfect light exposure. Low contrast for this kind of jewelry will leave a very washed out portrait, not approaching the luster of the subject. Lighting is one of the usual places that these photos break down.

Positioning of lighting makes distinct differences in the way a photo turns out for any shot, but in this case, movement of just a few inches can present notable differences in what the final shot looks like. It is good to try repositioning your light sources and making several pictures just to get the reflection you like best.

Some things in life can be photographed with adequate light and made to appear wonderful. Diamonds have to be pampered somewhat to get the results that will attract and capture the eye of the shopper.

Wedding Card Messages and Advice on Wedding Invitation Wording

One of the big stumbling blocks that many people seem to have when they are planning their wedding is the wording that they should put in the wedding invitations.

Make your wedding card messages special as they make the first impression to your guests. They set the tone and should reflect the style of your wedding.

There is a wide variety in types of paper, traditional thick white or ivory, a less formal parchment with colored printing or a moir矇 or pearlized paper.

Tradition has established guidelines for wording invitations. Although many variations are being used today. Once wording is determined, then the size and style of lettering is selected. Over-sized or heavy invitations require more postage.

Addressing and mailing invitations:

Invitations should always be neatly hand written. If you don't have legible handwriting or enough time, you may want to choose someone else such as your mother or friend to address the wedding invitation wording. You also might want to consider a calligrapher but this is a more costly option. Never type your invitations.

• On the outside of the envelope you will need to put:

Name
Address (don't forget the zip code)
Return address (an address printed on the envelope looks the nicest and saves time)
For a professional woman or a woman in the military, list her name on a separate line above her husband's (on an inner envelope she is listed on the same line as her husband: Doctor Mike and Mr. Mike):
Mr. Mike Shephard

• On the inside of the envelope:

Repeat the names and if you have invited the children in the household, include their names as well if they are under sixteen years of age:
Mr. and Mrs. Shephard
Susan and Mike
(if they are over sixteen, they should get their own invitation). If there are two children over sixteen, send only one wedding invitation, then list their names alphabetically).

• For a single person:

The single person's name and guest (if the name of the guest is known, they should receive a separate wedding invitation)

• For two people who live together:

send one wedding card message.

• For a woman who has kept their maiden name:

List her as Miss or Ms. - Both names are listed on the same line and either one may be listed first.

• Formal titles:

Formal titles should be written out (Reverend, Doctor or Captain). Ms., Mrs., and Mr. can be abbreviated. Street, city, and state names are always spelled out completely. Never abbreviate these.

• Placing the wedding invitation in the envelope:

Wedding invitations should be placed with the engraved or printed side facing up. Extra enclosures such as reception, pew, or at-home cards should be placed next to the engraved side. Do not seal the inner envelope and its placed in the outer envelope so guests' names are seen first when the envelope is opened.

• Postage:

Weigh the wedding invitations first to ensure you have the proper postage on them. You may want to get a special stamp of romance or love to add a special touch.

Proofreading your wedding invitations:

Proof your invitations and stationery carefully when you place your order and when you receive or pick-up your stationery. Some things to look for when you are proofing:

• Is the style and color what your ordered?
• Is the type style correct and is the right size?
• Are the names correctly spelled with the proper titles?
• Does it have the proper date and time of the wedding?
• Are the day, date, time and year written out correctly?
• Is the address correct?
• Is the phone number correct (if included)?
• Are the words "honour" and "o'clock" written out correctly?
• Is the spacing correct; do the lines end where they should?
• Are there commas between the city and state?
• Are the proper words capitalized?
• Are the directions correct on any enclosures that list the directions?

Guest List:

Ordering invitations about 3 months before the wedding will allow the time needed for delivery, addressing, and mailing. Your invitations should be sent out 4 to 6 weeks before the ceremony. You should start compiling your guest lists along with addressed and phone numbers early. Once the final budget and number of guests is determined, make a master of those receiving invitations and one for announcements. List in alphabetical order to save time and save for later use such as your Christmas list.

Remember the general rule again, 20% to 25% of invited guest will be unable to attend. If you were unable to invite the guests you would have liked due to the space or your budget, you can send out more invitations when you begin receiving regrets. Send the first invitations early enough to allow the receipt of the first responses and then get the new invitations out 3 weeks before the wedding.

Wedding Ceilidh Bands - The Benefits of Booking a Scottish Ceilidh Band to Play at Your Wedding

When all the champagnes been drunk and the flowers have wilted into oblivion...what do you think will be the most remembered aspect of your wedding day? Will it be the meal? Perhaps. Will it be the ceremony? Yes, good chance it will be. However, without doubt the most talked about and memorable aspect of any wedding is the choice of music chosen by the bride and groom. Indeed, music is probably the most important aspect of any wedding celebration and the choice you make will have more impact on the atmosphere than any other decisions you make on your big day....so it's important that you choose the right balance of music for you and your guests. Choose the wrong music and your guests will vote with their feet by walking off the dance floor in droves. However, cater for everyone's needs as well as your own and your wedding night entertainment will provoke memories for many years to come and could even cause your guests to always associate a particular song/tune with your wedding day - just the sort of response you're looking for!

When it comes to choosing the music for your wedding, you'll be amazed at the choices - absolutely loads! But where do you start to look? Well, here's a few places to start researching the ideal music for your Scottish Wedding:

1. Google - the daddy of the search engines;


2. Yahoo - another great shout;


3. Bing - new, but a sure winner;


4. Don't forget the old fashioned "word of mouth". Ask people you know if they can recommend some great entertainment. You'll be surprised at what some people know when it comes to planning a party;


5. Wedding Publications - tons of these to trawl through;


6. Wedding Shows - many of these on the run up and during the wedding season;


7. Wedding Band Showcase Events - again, numerous events showcasing bands;...the list is endless.

So, what kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Chill out Jazz sounds, a Big Band performance, perhaps an all round Function Band? All great choices, but have you ever considered a Scottish Wedding Ceilidh Band and Disco Package? Ceilidh music is amazingly social and when you and your guests are flat out exhausted from dancing to the Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant and the joint shattering Strip The Willow, what can be better than taking it easy with a Disco covering all of the best music from the past 50 years? NOTHING!

There are many Ceilidh Bands in Scotland, but not all are of the same standard, so it's a good idea to take the time to view a few bands before making that all important decision.

Some 'Ceilidh Bands in Scotland' are better than others...but we're not just talking about individual musicianship here. You can have a band consisting of Scottish and British champion players, music graduates, or both, but if their equipment is sub-standard and they themselves have an inability to connect with their audience (a common fault with many Scottish Ceilidh Bands), then they'll easily be upstaged by a band of less 'notable' musicians that play superior instruments through a superior public address system...AND with a stage presence second to none. Therefore, forget all the hype and self proclaimed greatness you read on websites and other online/offline publications generated by certain bands and their agents/representatives and take the time to view a few bands in a live situation before making your final decision.

3 Beach Wedding Photography Tips

People from around the world choose to have a beach wedding - and for good cause. A portrait of a bride and groom making their vows with the sun setting over the water in the background, with sand on their feet and the wind blowing their hair can be a stunning hallmark of any wedding album.

A wedding at the beach however can have some unpredictability that can create challenges for any wedding photographer. This article looks at three ways in which a wedding photographer can increase his chances of capturing that perfect shot.

First, keep your eye on the tides. Photographers frequently make the mistake of finding the perfect place for the bride and groom. Then, to their dismay on the day of the wedding that spot is three feet under water. This scenario can be avoided by simply checking where the tides will be o the day and time of the wedding.

Second, be prepared with the right equipment. A cover for your lenses is a must. Sand can damage the best of lenses and water can ruin the internal workings of any camera. Also your subjects might want to get some sand off of their hands and feet. Talcum powder works well for this. Make sure you have some with you in your bag. There is a good possibility that someone may get wet. Bring a towel. You will be the hero of the wedding if someone does get too close to a wave.

Third, make sure you know what time the sun sets! If you are striving to get that perfect shot you need to know what the light is going to be light. Plan with the bride and groom the time when they will be taking portraits.

Beach photography is a unique and rewarding niche within the photography industry. Follow these three tips and you are more likely to get that stunning wedding portrait!

Indian Wedding Photography

Indian wedding photography is not like any other ordinary wedding photography. Few events in your life will ever measure up to the day you say I do. All over the world people celebrate marriage in diverse customs, but as a photographer I have to admit there is something rather unique and special about an Indian wedding. Indians take extreme pride in their weddings, it's apparent from day 1 the amount of detail, decoration and planning that goes into them is almost unmatched by any other culture. For this reason, when planning an traditional wedding it's important to have the right photographer that can appreciate the amount of work that was put it in.

Here are 3 things you should look for in an Indian photographer. First of all, they should have experience shooting a Sangeet ceremony. I recently shot a sangeet ceremony and the pictures came out marvelous because I was able to relate to the customs of sangeet. Songs were sung, relatives laughed, and children played throughout the night. At the ceremony I remained almost invisible capturing the delicate moments you can never pose for. The smiles and the closeness of family, and my camera created art that night. When the bride and family saw the pictures, they were thoroughly impressed with the outcome of the raw emotion in the shots.

Secondly, they should have experience shooting a Mehendi party. Mehendi parties are an important part of any traditional Indian wedding. The amount of time it takes to apply the intricate designs and waiting for the henna to dry makes getting the right photographer even more important. The 2-4 week tattoo's will eventually fade away, but when you've got the right pictures the moment will last forever. The right photographer should be accustomed to capturing the various angles, and beauty of henna as well as, the closeness of the brides friends and family throughout the process.

Lastly, they should have experience shooting the wedding itself. The day of, no more planning is being done, everyone should know their position and roles. As the ceremony moves effortlessly so should your photographer. You shouldn't have to worry about if the right shots are being taken, if you should be doing anything special, or how you can help them. A good photographer needs no direction, they always know where to be and how to do it. Indian wedding photographers are in a league of their own. I can attest to the horror stories of people who hired general wedding photographers to shoot their Indian wedding. It's vital to catch those moments right the first time, there's always room for fun, but never for any mistakes. I'd love to lend you my expertise as Indian wedding photographer, and help you make one of the best moments of your life last forever.

Starting a Wedding Photography Business - The Marketing Plan

Marketing Yourself

You've got your portfolio online via either SmugMug, Zenfolio, PhotBlog or a combination of those and your waiting for your first call or email and nothing. Where do you go from here? Have no fear, Google is here. Without a well defined marketing plan you will not see many returns from your online portfolio. There are many pitfalls along the way to a good marketing plan including wasted time, money, and increased frustration. It's taken me a while to figure it out but I've learned a lot about how to get the most from Google. As an example if you type into a Google, "Pensacola wedding photography" my website will pop up in two different areas, within organic search results and paid for results. I'm on the first page in my local area in several searches.

When it comes to marketing, as the new photographer stay away from print. What I mean to say is stay away from marketing off of the internet. It has very low returns in the beginning unless you are in a rural area where internet usage is at a minimum. The two primary areas of online marketing are paid for advertising and bum marketing. They work well separately and together. I use both for my wedding photography business. Both also require good SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

Big Bad SEO

So here is the lowdown on SEO, it means making your website easier to find for search engines. It also means making sure that it is pulled up under searches that are relevant. You wouldn't want someone searching for horse tranquilizers to come across your wedding photography site. There is lots to SEO, but here are some basics.

Use of keyword phrases is the primary way you'll want to use to be SEO compliant. Basically, you'll want to include keyword phrases in your html code and throughout the text in your site to get the full benefit of the keywords. There are thousands of sites out there that teach you the ins and outs of keywords and how to place them. I joined a site for a couple of months for $40 a month and studied hard until I gleaned everything I could from it. Then I cancelled my membership. I suggest checking out affiliate marketing sites. They are geared toward making money online, but to be honest they have lots of good info on how to get your site up to snuff with regards to SEO.

Here are some of the basics. First, think like a customer. What do they search for? Then think about the buying process. A customer searching for "wedding photographer" is not ready to get a photographer yet; they are just looking at examples. So don't waste your time using these keywords. A customer searching for "Pensacola wedding photographer" is ready to look at local examples so that they can find the one they like. They might also search for "Pensacola wedding photography" so you'll need to consider that when you think of keywords, variations. You'll want to include your keywords in your title, header, and throughout your site. Take a look at my wedding photography site as an example. Once on the site in your browser, got to view, then view source code. You'll notice I've included lots of keywords. I use these keywords in my paid for advertising and in my bum marketing.

Paid For Advertising

Paid for advertising gets your website out to the searching populace without delay, but it does cost money. When it comes to paid for advertising for the wedding photography business, the primary players in the game are Google, Yahoo, and Bing. To be completely honest, Google is the only one you should worry about right now. Google's market share of the online searches comprises over 75% of the entire market. Yahoo, Bing and several others make up the remaining difference. I've tried advertising with Yahoo and Bing and to be honest can't say I was impressed with the results or the advertising methods.

Your keywords are going to be important here as well. You'll use them for your advertising and in creating a campaign. You'll set a daily budget that you don't want to go over. Just be careful, 5 dollars a day doesn't sound like much, but it quickly adds up. Never spend more than you can afford and remember this is no guarantee that you'll get clients, it just puts your link in front of their face. There are plenty of sites detailing how to setup your advertising. The affiliate marketing sites are good places to go to learn the ins and outs of advertising with Google.

Bum Marketing

Bum marketing is the poor man's advertising. It doesn't cost any money but takes time to get your site in front of people searching. Basically you will use a strategy of writing articles, blogs, and on forums to get more links going back to your site. If you do this correctly it will increase your ranking within Google's organic search results.

A note of caution, if you live in a major metropolitan area such as New York, or San Francisco you may not benefit from doing this due to the high level of competition. Then again, if you have nothing but time to write articles all day long it may work well for you no matter where you are. It depends on how specific your keywords are and how well you've defined your niche market. You can find out information about it by doing searches or once again by using the affiliate sites found on the internet.

Most importantly before you start there are a couple of key things to know. First, you can't just post in any forum. It has to be highly relevant to your subject matter. Wedding forums are good, photography forums work as well. Second, don't just post gibberish. Post meaningful content that helps people out. Just make sure to include your keywords within the content. You can usually include a link back to your site within your signature or within your text. If you are allowed to post a link within your text back to your site don't just use a link like "here" use your keywords like "Pensacola wedding photography". It matters to the search engines doing the indexing. Lastly, don't quite. I've been doing bum marketing along with paid for marketing for years and I never stop. If you want to stay on top you have to be vigilant.

Read On

Don't miss my other articles in the series. They cover other equally important aspects of starting your own wedding photography business and shouldn't be missed. Remember they shouldn't be your sole reference, but should help to get you thinking about a plan.

Stupid Is As Stupid Does - Wedding Planning Mistakes You Need To Avoid

Even the the most educated, organized, well-intentioned couples can make some of the biggest mistakes when it comes to planning their own weddings. Here are some whoppers that, with a little forethought and planning, you can avoid.

1. Spending Without a Budget

Absolutely the first thing you should do when it comes to the actual event planning is to decide together what style of wedding you want, which vendors are the most important to the both of you, how much money you can afford to spend on your event, and how to allocate those funds. Spend a little time researching general vendor costs so that you will know what to expect and then outline a budget and put it on paper. As you begin spending your money, stick to your budget. If you find you need more money than budgeted for a particular vendor, reallocate those funds from another vendor rather than over-spending altogether. Be realistic... sure, this is your wedding and you want it to be perfect, but keep these two things in mind. First, the real purpose of your wedding is to join the two of you together as husband and wife. As long as is happens, your real goal is achieved. Second, your wedding day really is just one day out of a lifetime of days with your partner. Do you really want to be in debt for years to come because of one party? It's nice to dream, but a lavish wedding on a shoestring budget can easily turn into financial nightmare - and a source of recurring arguments - once the party is over.

2. Not Researching Legal and/or Religious Requirements Early

Find out where and when you must obtain your marriage license. In Illinois, you must obtain your marriage licence at the County Clerk's Office in the county in which you will be married, regardless of your home address. No blood tests are required for Illinois marriages; however, even if you are a resident of Illinois, blood tests may be required if you plan to marry in another state or country. Equally important are the requirements imposed by your religious affiliation and/or the church in which you will marry. You wouldn't want to pay for flower petals to be dropped by the flower girl and then find out that your church doesn't allow it. Or show up for the ceremony in your $10,000 strapless gown and find out your church doesn't allow bare shoulders. Many churches also require pre-marital classes, as well as approval for your music selections, readings, vows, and more.

3. Choosing Bridesmaids' Attire Not Flattering for All Bridesmaids

Before you even go out on your first gown shopping trip, you should have a discussion with each and every bridesmaid as to each bridesmaid's likes and dislikes. Likely, your bridal party will be composed of bridesmaids of varying body types. Several of your bridesmaids may also feel self-conscious about a particular part of their body. Yes... you are the bride and it is your day; however, you've asked the closest of your family and friends to stand up with you and in support of your union. At the very least, you should want each and every one of them to feel your love and support for them as well. If you're not able to shop for dresses as a group, make sure to bring the one or two women who will best keep in mind the desires and needs of other members of the party and not simply their own.

4. Poor Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Planning

How many times have we seen blooper videos of grooms passing out during the wedding ceremony, or falling face first into the wedding cake? Getting completely trashed the night before your wedding makes for a miserable wedding day, complete with hundreds to thousands of dollars of you looking sick, faint, or simply hungover in wedding photos and videos. Momentos that were meant to remind you for a lifetime of the love you shared for one another on that special day can quickly turn into constant reminders of your insensitivity, thoughtlessness, and lack of consideration for both your spouse and guests. Make it clear - very clear - to your family and friends long before your wedding date arrives that, under no circumstance, will you attend any bachelor or bachelorette party on the night before your nuptials. Equally important is to make wise choices for your rehearsal dinner; it is just that, a rehearsal dinner, not an excuse to throw down pitchers of beer with your bridal party the night before your wedding! If you can't take seriously the ceremony - the one day - that binds you together as husband and wife for the rest of your lives, how seriously can you possibly be taking your marriage vows?

5. Asking Friends/Family to Act as Wedding Professionals

While it may be true that Uncle George takes some beautiful pictures, it is still NOT okay to ask him to act as your wedding photographer! Why, you ask? First of all, real wedding vendors are trained specifically for providing services for weddings. Wedding photographers, as opposed to Uncle George, know exactly which pictures to take and when to take them, as well as the etiquette involved in providing those services. Secondly, you contract with wedding professionals to provide particular services; with Uncle George, you have to hope for the best and end up doing much of the detail work (ie: photo editing, cropping, printing, etc...) yourself. With wedding professionals, you have recourse if you don't receive what you've paid for; with Uncle George, you have only hurt feelings and regret. And lastly, Uncle George is a relative and a "guest" of your special day. Shouldn't he be able to enjoy your event without the pressure of providing you with perfect wedding photos? Now, do we really need to get into why Aunt Betty shouldn't bake your wedding cake?

6. Choosing Wedding Professionals Based Solely on Price

Ever heard the phrase, "you get what you pay for?" There's probably a reason why Videographer X is only half the price of Videographer Z. Just ask to see samples of their work and you'll probably see why. When it comes to the "big" vendors (ie: reception venues, photographers, florists, bakeries, etc...), interview several in varying price ranges and compare not only samples of their work, but years of experience, references, and training/education. Also, when talking to each vendor, try to assess whether you would be comfortable working with this vendor and how well their "style" melds with your vision of your special day; this is especially important for vendors who will provide services throughout the day (ie: photographers, videographers, djs, etc...). Your make up artist may be top of the line, but if she makes you feel ugly and self-conscious about your nose size right before your wedding pictures, who needs her!

7. Giving in to "Last Minute Beauty Panic"

No matter how "pasty" you feel the day before your wedding, do not hit the beach or tanning salon! There's nothing worse than a sun burnt bride with bad tan lines in the wedding photos. No matter how fat you feel 10 days before your wedding, do NOT go on an all-cabbage crash diet! You're dress won't fit right and you'll be weak, tired and cranky on your wedding day...and no matter how much thinner you look, who really finds beauty in a bitchy bride? No matter how large your pores look or how many fine lines you find, do NOT get an emergency microdermabrasion, chemical peel, or laser facial treatment in the week before your wedding, especially if you've never before experienced any major facial resurfacing. Scarring and pigmentary changes (light and dark patches) are common side effects of many skin rejuvenation techniques, such as laser resurfacing, dermal abrasion and chemical peels. In fact, don't even try any new facial soaps, scrubs, lotions or acne treatments in the days before your wedding. Who wants to deal with red, inflamed, irritated skin on their wedding day! Stick to what your skin knows and loves, despite the fines lines and pores, and you'll be a much happier bride. And lastly, no matter how flat your hair feels, do NOT surprise your hair dresser on the morning of your wedding with a new home perm or hair streaks. If you truly feel the need for a new look for your wedding day, discuss this with your hair dresser during your pre-wedding hair appointment and have her make any major changes needed at that time.

No matter how thoroughly you plan, some mistakes are likely to occur. Remember the real purpose of your wedding day, to marry your soul mate. As long as that happens, does anything else truly matter? If you focus on the mistakes, that's all you will remember and talk about in the coming years. Resolve to enjoy the day with the one that you love, surrounded by family and friends, no matter what small things may go wrong, and you'll look back on a wonderful day filled with love and happiness for years to come.

Memorable Pre-Wedding Photography

The time before your wedding is a great time to have some portraits done of the two of you. Your engagement is such a special and fun part of your life that you will definitely want to capture the excitement in pictures. Here are some ideas on how to get really memorable pre-wedding pictures that will always remind you of your engagement.

In the rush to get everything ready for your wedding, it can be easy to forget to slow down and take the time to simply enjoy your engagement. Many couples do not even think about having professional pictures taken until they are already married and hear about someone else's engagement pictures. That's when you say, "Darn! I wish I had thought of that sooner!". The last thing that you want to feel later is regret over a missed opportunity, so be sure to find time in your busy schedule for some pre-wedding photographs.

It used to be that engagement photos were very formal. The traditional pictures were generally composed as a close-up shot of the engaged couples from about the waist up. The bride would usually wear a pretty dress, and maybe a piece of her wedding jewelry if she already had it. The groom typically wore either a suit or a nice sweater or golf shirt. As people have gotten away from formal or stiff wedding photography, this style of engagement portrait has fallen from favor. One exception would be the couple who is planning to have an engagement announcement in the newspaper, in which case, this may be exactly the type of picture that is needed.

Just because posed wedding portraiture has gone out of style does not mean that you should skip the engagement photos altogether. The new trend in pre-wedding pictures is to have images taken that are fresh, playful, and creative. These photos are intended to capture the spirit and personalities of the bride and groom-to-be. To make this happen, engagement photos are now being taken in interesting locations, with festive attire, and with whimsical props.

One of the most visually intriguing accessories to think about using in your engagement photos is balloons. They are bright and cheerful pops of color, and balloons are also always fun and lighthearted. Surprisingly, balloons in engagement photos has actually become a rather strong trend. You can pick one signature color (perhaps one that will foreshadow your wedding color palette), or go for a big bunch of colorful balloons. These pictures are best taken outdoors, and should definitely be candid action shots, rather than anything too contrived or posed looking.

Some engaged couples choose to have their photos taken in one of their favorite locations. The neat thing about this is that it creates a visual record highlighting a shared interest or passion of the bride and groom. These pictures will be especially cherished momentos in the years to come. The setting can be almost anywhere, and it can be as casual or elegant a place as appeals to you.

Golf courses, carnivals and fairs, museums, and parks are all wonderful sites for your engagement photo shoot. As it is a special event, you will want to choose a lovely outfit, even if the locale is low-key. Imagine a picture of the two of you drifting around the carousel at the fair; the bride can wear a pretty sundress accented with her wedding jewelry, and the groom can wear a nice button down shirt. The final result will be pictures that are playful, memorable, and that capture some of the spark of young love.

The No Stress System to Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Congratulations on your recent engagement. I'm sure if you're looking at photographers, you've started to realize planning the perfect wedding feels like a full-time job and the options can be a bit overwhelming. This little system on choosing the perfect wedding photographer for your wedding is foolproof. If you follow it exactly, you'll know exactly what you're going to get from your wedding photos. It's applicable to all budget levels, so take a minute to read it and you'll be a step ahead in at least one aspect of your planning.

This may seem obvious, but competency should be your number one criteria in choosing a wedding photographer. Everything else is secondary. They can be the nicest person in the world, but if the photos aren't very good, who cares? You're not looking for a friend, you're looking for great photos of your wedding. But gauging competency is sometimes difficult. The work we all put on our websites and in our sample albums is our best work. And, unfortunately, that can sometimes be deceiving.

Imagine if you could go to someone else's wedding, in your pajamas, and walk around and look at the work of your prospective vendors. You could see what the flowers look like after 5 hours, taste the food and cake and watch the dj or band as they engage the crowd - all without being seen. You have that option with your photographer. You just need to know how to ask.

Start your search by gathering names from friends, family and vendors and by searching websites of local wedding photographers. Spend some time on websites, read reviews and imagine yourself in the photos you see. Narrow your search to your 3-5 favorites.

Contact the photographers by email and make one simple request: If you have my date available, please show me 2-3 full weddings from the past year, preferably from the time of day of your wedding. A full wedding is the gallery they give to the clients, not just a selection of images in an album or on a website. There should be hundreds of photos in a full gallery. Why email, why not simply call them? By nature, photographers have great people skills and as a result, many photographers are great salespeople. They will want to meet you before they show you the galleries. They'll say things like, "I'm happy to show you that, no problem, but let's meet and make sure we're compatible before we get to that part." That translates into, "Come let me sell you on my services and we may never even have to get to the pesky full wedding thing." Stick to your guns. Don't skip the initial research. 2-3 full weddings will give you a great overall picture of their style, coverage and skills.

If the photographer doesn't want to show you full galleries, move on. They could very well be hiding something and who wants to take that risk? Don't fall for the privacy response ("I'm very considerate of my client's privacy, so I can't show you that.") I've seen that response given to newbies in forums to use when they don't want to have to show their full weddings. You're not asking for specific weddings, just 2-3 of the photographer's choice. If they show weddings on their website, then they should be willing to show you full weddings.

After looking through several full wedding galleries of images (don't worry, you can move quickly, what you're looking for will be apparent as you go), narrow down your list to 2 or 3 photographers. Phone or email your narrowed down prospects and set up appointments. Pay attention to how quickly they respond. Ask an additional question in a separate email and continue to monitor response time. This is not to waste their time (don't send a long list of questions), but to gauge whether they'll get back to you on a timely basis. One of the biggest complaints couples have of the vendors after their wedding is un-returned calls or emails. Don't expect minutes - good photographers are busy people - but you should hear back within the day, unless you are emailing on the weekend, when they might be shooting or taking a precious off day. If it's a weekend, a Monday morning response is more than acceptable.

At the actual meeting, you can start to differentiate by personality and compatibility. Because at this point, you should only be meeting with people who are very talented, shoot the style of photos you like and respond to you in a timely manner. Now, simply pick the person you like the best, who offers albums and packages you like and who fits within your budget.

Many photographers are better sale's people than they are shooters. Do your homework and image research, as described above, so you won't become a victim of a weak photographer's personal charms. Digital photography brought a lot of photographers into the business who were lured by the relatively large sums wedding photographers appear to make compared to other types of photography (although it costs a lot more to shoot a wedding). But the skills and equipment needed to manage a wedding photography business are very different from a standard portrait or landscape photographer. Another reason to see full weddings is to make sure you are looking at actual weddings they've shot and not just pretty pictures of models.

There are keywords to look out for when doing your research. If a photographer calls themselves a "natural light photographer" make sure you see weddings where they've shot in dark places, particularly if your wedding is at night. Weddings require photographers to be able to handle all kinds of lighting situations and really good natural light photographers have lighting equipment on hand (and the skill to use it) when the need arises. If you want group family photographs and portraits make sure a photographer who refers to themselves as a "photojournalist" knows how to shoot them and is willing to do so. A true "PJ" photographer shoots everything as it happens and doesn't set up any shots. If they're really good (and you'll know because you'll have seen 2-3 full wedding galleries), that's great, if they're not, you'll just get a bunch of snap shots.

Once you are at the meeting (after following the process above to determine who to meet), ask questions about what's important to you. Photographers have very different ways of working and don't assume because your friend's photographer allowed them to post their images on Facebook that all photographers will. Read the contracts they give you carefully. If you have questions, call and get the answers before you sign. It's not fair to a photographer to disagree later when all of the information was in front of you in black and white.

As I said above, this system of searching for a wedding photographer will work at every budget level. Everyone starts somewhere and if your budget won't accommodate someone with a lot of experience, you'll have all the tools to judge the people in your price range if you follow the above steps. There are bargains to be had, but you really need to pay close attention to the work they produce to make sure your bargain doesn't turn into bad wedding photos. Follow this system to the letter and you can rest assured you'll know exactly what you're getting from your wedding photographer.

Asian Wedding Themes: Soothing, Sophisticated and Exotic

Asian themed weddings have become quite popular these days. The understated elegance of Asian d矇cor can create a wedding celebration that is visually stunning. Simple, soothing and sophisticated, Asian d矇cor also offers a touch of the exotic, a combination that has proven irresistible to many couples who wish to create a wedding look and atmosphere that is beyond the ordinary. Read on for a few tips on giving your event a bit of traditional Asian flair.

Whether your wedding will be a daytime event or an evening one, no Asian themed wedding would be complete without paper lanterns. Whether you choose mini lanterns as elements of your centerpieces or as specialty wedding favors, or large paper lanterns to serve as your primary reception lighting, lanterns are an indispensable detail of Asian wedding d矇cor. And, no matter your wedding color scheme, you'll want to have at least a few red lanterns scattered about, since red is the color of luck in the Chinese tradition.

Fans are another must-have item for an Asian wedding theme. Decorative silk or sandalwood fans certainly lend an Asian feel when they are incorporated into the wedding d矇cor. They can be used as table decorations, in centerpieces, placed around your guest book or given to your guests as wedding favors. Wedding programs can be printed on paper fans, and napkins can be folded into fan shape to add flair to your reception place settings. Traditional Asian fans can be purchased in a variety of sizes and can be found in an array of colors and patterns to suit any wedding color scheme.

Parasols make wonderful accent pieces in an Asian themed wedding. They can be used as decorations along the wedding aisle or carried by bridesmaids to add a colorful, exotic touch to the ceremony. As part of your reception d矇cor, large paper parasols can be hung from the ceiling, or miniature ones used as table decorations. They can be purchased in bright, bold colors or more subtle shades, as well as in a variety of patterns.

Bamboo is traditionally included in wedding d矇cor in some Asian cultures. Live bamboo plants scattered about as accents is a great way to use bamboo at your wedding, or use bamboo place card holders on your reception tables. Another great way to incorporate bamboo into your celebration is to give bamboo picture frames, coasters or bookmarks to your guests. Any of these items make lovely Asian wedding favors to compliment your wedding theme.

Other details that can help create just the right atmosphere at an Asian themed wedding are water features, such as small, battery operated fountains or decorative bowls with floating candles, lotus flowers, orchids or cherry blossoms. Elephants, in some Asian cultures, symbolize happiness, luck and longevity, and are traditional additions to the wedding celebration as d矇cor elements or Asian wedding favors.

With a little imagination and research, you can put together all the elements you need for a beautiful Asian themed wedding. Whether you lean towards Chinese, Japanese or Indian elements, or a combination of them all, the simple elegance of Asian style d矇cor is sure to set a lovely, romantic scene for your wedding celebration.

Wedding Photography Techniques - Bride, Groom and Groups

Always Keep the Bride and Groom to the Front

Remember, the Bride and Groom should be most prominently portrayed in every shot. When posing groups you should try to avoid placing anyone directly in front of or behind the Bride and Groom. The only exception to this is when using steps to compose very large groups.

Height Difference

Another potential problem with groups is height difference. Use the potential problem of height difference to your advantage. If there are steps available you can use them to elevate the smaller people, if not then you must arrange the group in a composition which pleases the eye.

You can however often use height difference to your advantage, use it by carefully positioning subjects so that their faces, when viewed together run in a smooth flowing composition. Do not be afraid to use the ground as a starting point for posing Bridal party group shots.

Bridesmaids are often asked to pose on the ground in front of the rest of the group. You can then build up the composition by placing any smaller children next to the Bridesmaids and eventually working upwards using smooth flowing lines toward adults in a standing position.

Some photographers will always position taller people near the center and taper off to smaller people at the ends. I prefer to work on a flexible basis and treat each situation independently sometimes using smaller people near the Bride and Groom and working towards the edges with taller people. This approach can give more emphasis and prominence to the Bride and Groom.

Positioning the smaller of the two nearest the camera can compensate for height difference between the Bride and Groom. This technique, in the Brides case, will not be required too often; society readily accepts that on average females are smaller than males. However you may encounter, as I once did, a couple where the Bride was taller and had specifically asked to be made to look smaller, even if it meant posing her husband on a step!

The Bride

Pay particular attention throughout the day to the Brides appearance. She is the most important person in your photographs. Before firing the shutter always check that she is looking her best.

Pay specific attention to the stance of the Bride. She should be posed by asking her to stand at a slight angle to the camera. The foot nearest to the camera should be extended forward three or four inches towards the camera with the knee slightly bent. Now ask her to transfer her weight to the foot farthest away from the camera.

Her head should be turned towards the camera and tilted slightly. Avoid straight limbs, for example arms and wrists should always suggest a gentle curving, almost flowing movement.

Easy Country Western Wedding Theme Ideas

A country western wedding is a charming and fun way to add some rustic elegance to your day and reflect your own backgrounds or personality at the same time. The way you decorate your wedding will ultimately determine the amount of elegance in the wedding itself. Though you should incorporate the country western flare, you need to be careful just how much you do; otherwise you may look like you are hosting a line dancing class, versus a wedding.

The Attire

The way your bridesmaids and groomsmen dress can set the entire tone of the day. Have the bridesmaids where summer-style gowns and horseshoe necklaces. Dress up the groomsmen in casual tuxedos, but pair a flashy belt buckle with the outfit.

The Event Center

The venue for a western wedding needs to be chosen carefully to represent the style of this theme. Naturally, a ballroom or night club would not pair well with a country theme. See if there are old barns that rent out space for weddings. If not, find a garden or farm and use tents for your dance and eating areas.

The D矇cor

Just like the event center and attire, the decorations will finish off the entire western feel. Use rusted wheels, old lanterns, and even watering cans for centerpieces. Try to incorporate western flowers such as sunflowers, daisies or hydrangeas. Use hay, grass blades, and dahlias as filler flowers. Avoid using checkerboard or striped tablecloths if you are going for a more elegant look. Stick to solid colors such as brown, red or white. Accent your tablecloths with striped or dotted cloth napkins.

The Food

To some people, food is the most important part of a wedding. People that come to your big day are there see the beautiful bride, listen or participate in the ceremony, eat and celebrate. A country western wedding has the advantage of not needing to have a five-star cuisine menu. Often, country-themed food is cheaper in the long run because it is quite simple to do. Have buffets of BBQ, pasta salads, fresh fruit, vegetable trays, and even a variety of rolls. Try serving finger sandwiches that are made from smoked meats or pulled pork. Double check with your event center or venue to ensure that you can bring in your own caterer. Some centers make you use their caterer and their pre-made menus - whether it fits your theme or not.

The Cake

The wedding cake is often the centerpiece of the reception and will be one of your most memorable photo opportunities. This edible tower should be elegant, tasty, and themed. Have your wedding cake decorator use chocolate fondant and ivory accents. For a more country western-inspired cake you can use ivory or white fondant paired with an edible rope border. Accent the cake with silver and gold stars or horseshoes. Top off your cake with a horseshoe cake topper and decorate the surrounding area of the cake table with hay or flowers.

The Music

People like to dance at weddings, therefore you need to have suitable music. Have a few good songs that will get everyone on the dance floor, and have some line dancing music with someone to instruct those guests who want to learn. Find a DJ that specializes in blue grass, country or contra music or even find a live band that can play all three.

Pre-Wedding Yoga

Every bride hopes to make it through the wedding planning process with a smile on her face and peace in her heart. For many women though, the reality ends up being more like new wrinkles on her forehead and a raging migraine! To help you glide into your wedding with a more Zen attitude, try practicing some pre-wedding yoga.

Even if you have never tried it before, you might be surprised at how much adding a little yoga to your life can do for you. Many women think that it is only for earthy crunchy types, but if you drop into any yoga studio, you will quickly see that this is not the case. A lot of people are also afraid to try yoga because they think that it requires the ability to bend yourself into crazy pretzel-like formations. This is also not true; practicing yoga will help you become flexible - you don't have to start out that way.

There are many different styles of yoga offered in studios around the country, which means that there is one that will be right for every bride. All forms of yoga will help you to relieve stress and tone up your muscles, two things that every bride wants. Beyond that, there are choices that you can make to find a class that will suit your fitness level.

For the bride who is looking for a very vigorous workout, check out a Bikram or Ashtanga class. Both of these styles are very challenging, which makes them a great choice for a bride who is either already very athletic, or conversely, the one who really wants to lose weight and get into shape before the wedding. Because you work so hard at either of these types of classes, you will get the most immediate results to your physique.

If you are looking for a class that is a little less challenging (or more correctly, a class in which you can control that level of difficulty more), try out flow, Hatha, or Vinyasa yoga classes. These classes are among the most widespread, and will have varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from beginner to intermediate to advanced. If you are unsure about where to begin, most yoga studios have websites that can direct you to an appropriate class.

For brides looking to focus on the spiritual or mental benefits of yoga, look for classes in the Kundalini or Anusara traditions. The Anusara form of yoga is about embracing the joy of an open heart through the movement of the asanas (postures). That said, Anusara still uses many of the same postures as Vinyasa or Hatha yoga, so don't be afraid to try it, even if you are not sure about the heart opening part of it. Kundalini yoga focuses more on chanting done in conjunction with movement, so it would be best for those looking for a more spiritual yoga experience. You might find that an hour of chanting is just the thing to take your mind off of wedding planning!

One of the nicest yoga classes that I ever attended was a private session held right before my best friend's wedding. One of her close friends was a yoga instructor, and she taught a class for the bride and her friends on the morning of the wedding. It was a perfect opportunity for the bride to relax before heading off to get dressed in her bridal gown and wedding jewelry. Relaxed and serene from the pre-wedding yoga, the bride floated off to slip into her wedding gown and jewelry with a peaceful smile on her face. Talk about a glowing bride!

The best thing about adding yoga to your pre-wedding life is that it gives you the chance to slow down and let go of tension. In the process, you will also end up more flexible and toned, which is certainly a great side benefit. Even women who have never tried yoga before may find that it is just the thing to get them through the hectic time of planning their wedding.

Chicago Small Business Marketing - Part 1 - Basics

Distributing Marketing Material

The Chicago-land area has several great areas to distribute marketing material. The La Salle and Union Train Stations are great places to hand out postcards, brochures, and flyers. The great thing about distributing marketing material in these areas is that you are guaranteed to get a broader audience. People that take the train downtown to work in Chicago come from all over the state of Illinois. If you want to reach a large broad audience, handing out information at these train stations is detrimental. Millennium Park and North Beach are also very popular relaxing spots where several people gather in one place. When the weather is warm, these are also great places to hand out marketing material. Remember, handing out free material at any of these locations is legal as long as you are not selling or soliciting any product or service.

DO NOT flyer parking lots or place advertisements on vehicles. First of all, businesses may call the police and you can be fined. Second, if too many of your advertisements are thrown on the ground, you or your business may be cited for littering. Finally, it is hard to win someone over to visit your business or website if you upset them by invading their personal space.

Lawn Signs

Lawn signs are a cost-effective way to advertise your business. They are very cheap and can gain lots of exposure if marketed the right way. For example, 18 inch by 24 inch lawn signs only cost around $3.00 each and come with a 10" x 30" stand. Placing ten different lawn signs with your business info at major intersections (with the permission of the city of Chicago, Cook County, or state of Illinois) is sure to bring traffic to your business. If you do not have the time or effort to contact these authorities, there are other ways to use lawn signs. One possibility is contacting businesses off major streets or intersections and asking them if you can place your sign on their property for a small price. Or, you can talk to neighbors that live on busy streets or near intersections and offer them money or even better, discounts on goods or services that your business offers.

DO NOT place lawn signs on un-authorized property without permission. Best case scenario you will lose a $3.00 yard sign from someone who is paid to remove them. Worst case scenario, you may be fined up to $250.00 in Chicago, IL.

Trade-Shows

There are several different trade-shows occurring each month in the Chicago-land area. Some of the most popular trade-shows are Home and Garden Expos, Home Improvement Expos, Bridal Expos, Golf Expos, and Pet Expos. It is relatively cost- effective to become a vendor at many of these shows. Prices range from $800 - $1,000 for a 10 foot x 10 foot booth to $1,500 - $1,800 for a 10 foot x 20 foot booth. Most shows are two days (Friday and Saturday), although some shows are three-day events (Friday - Sunday). The prices for these booths are for the entire show, whether it be two days or three days. You should not expect to pay more than $1,000 for a 10 foot x 10 foot booth, unless you are at the McCormick Place. Trade-shows are by far the best place to find new clients. You are able to see your customers face to face and have the opportunity to catch their undivided attention, at least for a few minutes. If you cannot sell them you product or service on the spot, you still have a chance to gather their contact information. When all other resources are exhausted, be sure to speak to ever vendor at the trade-show. It's best to speak to every vendor the first day of the show a couple hours before the show starts. Go around to each booth when they are setting up, introduce yourself and ask them for a business card or marketing material from their company. Go around to each vendor until you collected everyone's information.
Even though they are business owners, remember we are all consumers as well.

Vehicle Wraps

Chances are if you own a business, you own a vehicle. Wrapping a vehicle with your company logo or information can be one of the biggest bangs for your buck when it comes to cost per impression. Cost per impression is the price that you pay for each person to view your ad. A vehicle driven on a Chicago highway will be seen by well over thousands of vehicles or more depending upon the length of time and distance the vehicle is driven. If the cost of a vehicle wrap for a standard car is two thousand dollars, which means the cost per impression over the cost of a year are pennies or even fractions of a penny per impression. The best thing about a vehicle wrap is the one-time cost. Unlike other advertising methods, in most cases, the vehicle wrap will pay for itself in less than a year. After a year, it is free advertising except for the cost of insurance and gas.

a Great Idea on How to Advertise and Help People at the Same Time

Some businesses have to pinch every penny to get started and that is completely understandable. Sometimes making sacrifices now can help your business later. There are many of people in the Chicago land area that could use extra clothing. It is very cheap to print your company logo with information on a t-shirt and donate them to Goodwill, a homeless shelter, or other local charitable fund. On a more extreme note, can you image if you donated heavy jackets with your company logo to people homeless and freezing? The news stations would probably be following you up and down the Chicago streets! Of course, you realize what that could do for your business! If it is truly from the heart and money permitting, this would be a great idea to implement.

Look out for Chicago Small Business Marketing - Part II Intermediate

Wedding Photography Techniques - Selling Your Work

No matter how good your wedding photography techniques, if you are in business your work has to be sold.

The idea that good wedding photography work will sell itself is nonsense. You will starve in the meantime! So whether you do the selling yourself, leave it entirely to another, or in fact handle some of it, you need to be aware of the characteristics that go to make up the expert sales person.

You've heard the clichés "Salesmen are born, not made"; "Selling is a skill that can be learnt like any other". You need both acquired skills and personal qualities. The skills come from training and experience, but they only result in fruition if the individual has a number of personal qualities.

The basic ones are belief in the job, empathy, enthusiasm, integrity, loyalty and friendliness. Many people have these qualities but they do not have the training needed to succeed, or they may be restrained by inhibitions.

Let us look at some personal characteristics required by the wedding photography salesperson: -

Belief in the job: You must believe that what you are doing is a worthwhile job and that your product - your wedding photographs - is a benefit to the client. If you are interested only in taking the photographs and sell under sufferance, you will fail.

Empathy: This is the understanding of the customer's feelings and opinions. You may not share your client's views, indeed you may differ on many counts, but you need to understand and respect his or her viewpoint.

Listening will tell you what the client needs and wants in way of photographic coverage. You will then have the opportunity to fill some of those needs. Steer the conversation round to the wedding and find out all you can about the day, the family and the bride's expectations.The essence of salesmanship is listening, allowing the customer to talk.

Most people have a tendency to talk on, but the salesman needs to check himself and encourage the client to do the talking. As the client does so, you must listen intently, and not be thinking about your own sales pitch.

Alertness: Willingness to listen needs to be reinforced by alertness. Observe carefully as they speak; body language may be telling you something else, not expressed in words.

Enthusiasm is good; it stimulates attention and generates conviction. But do not become the bore that you have met so often! The most difficult thing here is to strike a balance between being enthusiastic so that you excite and stimulate the client on the one hand, and being over enthusiastic on the other. The latter can turn the customer right off you and your photography.

Be positive: A conversation can easily drift into a series of moans! Control the situation and keep it positive at all times. Be the optimist for whom the glass is half-full, not the pessimist who sees it as half-empty. A positive attitude produces sales; allowing the conversation to become negative loses them fast!

Be open minded: Although you have a particular style and package to sell, be open minded to alternative ideas that may be suggested from casual remarks or specific requests. Many good sales are made by being receptive to the desires of the client.

Creative One of A Kind Weddings - Every Detail Makes a Difference

A wedding is a cherished event for all involved, particularly the bride. It is every bride's desire to have a wedding that not only pleases her guests, but one that her guests remember and comment on (in a good way) for years to come.

In previous experience as a wedding planner, photographer, and boutique designer, the details are what make each wedding special.

Everyone can have a DJ, a white aisle runner, pew bows and all the other generic essentials of a wedding. But are these the things that people remember?

Why not go the extra mile to make your event not only spectacular, but memorable?

I always tell my brides the first step to a memorable wedding is to chose a theme. Themes help weddings come together and give the guests that detail oriented feeling. When every piece and every item was deliberately picked to follow the theme. From the invitations to the napkins to the favors.

Your invitation sets the stage of what to expect before your guests arrive. It should provide a feeling of the theme that you choose. I get a lot of people who stay away from themes because they feel they can be "cheesy" sort-to-speak. And some themes to some people are. But, a theme doesn't have to be so specific, like western or beach themes. It could very well be broader... like floral, country side, romance, etc. Just having in mind what you going for the feeling you want to establish will help you tie all your details together.

After you establish the theme the next step I move onto with my brides is designing the guest and head tables. The guests tables should fully integrate the theme. Instead of having traditional number table cards integrate your theme instead and use this opportunity to incorporate a centerpiece and table number. Why stop there... you don't have to label your tables with numbers either. For example if you are choosing an international theme or a theme after a specific place label your tables with cities or attractions from that location. This small detail always captures guests attention.

Having specific fabric table cloths is another small detail that can add to your theme. Using textured cloths instead of plain white linens. Or choose something to overlay your tables with. You could always use traditional petals, but if you are going for a unique perspective try thinking of something else that fits your theme.

Your favors, often overlooked are ideally important. This is what your guests take with them it is the item that when they look at it will remember your event.

Make your favors something that will cause a nostalgic feeling and remind your guests of your entire event. Put thought into them. If your theme is vintage, romance, fairytale or love... consider giving your guests and antique key fashioned with a colored ribbon and card tied on with a poem and date of your event. Steer away from the usual. If your theme is floral think about giving guests a dish garden. I love these because they can double function as a name plate as well if you place a smooth stone in them and have the person's name painted or engraved on the rock. Not only is it a place holder, but also a personable keepsake. If your theme is country side incorporate a mason jar. Mason jars with fresh cut florals are always a favorite or ones with smooth river rock placed in the bottom with a fabricated top.

Put some thought into your wedding and stay attuned to the details and it's bound to be a day to remember.

8 Problems a Wedding Photographer Can't Fix

After years of experience, wedding photographers learn to handle many different situations that come up. There are some issues, though, that are completely out of the hands of the photographer.

Bridezilla
It's an unfortunate reality that some brides choose to have a bad attitude all day. They kill the joy of the wedding for themselves as well as everyone else attending. A wedding photographer cannot cure the condition of "bridezilla". A psychotherapist may be a better choice for curing this ailment.

The Weather
As great of a skill as it would be, nobody can change the weather. A good photographer can work around the weather, but warding off rain is not a reasonable expectation from a bride.

Grumpy Relatives
If grandpa has a bad attitude, don't expect some your wedding day to be magic enough to transform him into all smiles. After a photographer has made reasonable effort to turn a frown into a smile for pictures, there comes a point where frowns have to stay as they are.

Unprofessional Wedding Vendors
Whether it's your cousin who's acting as DJ for free or a wedding planner who's out of control, there's a good chance that if you haven't carefully selected your vendors, one of them will cause some havoc at your wedding. There's only so much that can be done when a wedding vendor doesn't have a clue. You can't add years of experience by talking to them, and you can't change their personality in a pep talk.

Disappearing Family Members
If relatives escape right after the wedding, it's tough to get them in the pictures at the church. This is something that happens all too often, especially considering the clear instructions that most brides give regarding pictures after the ceremony.

Late Arrivals
If a best man doesn't show up until 5 minutes before the ceremony, it's not reasonable to expect the pictures to turn out as complete as if he was there an hour before like he was supposed to be. It's best to laugh it off and move on with what you have instead of having unreasonable expectations or letting it ruin the day.

Poor Planning
Many wedding photographers will go over a timeline of the day to make sure it seems reasonable. But there are often hidden times that aren't accounted for on the schedule, which could throw everything else off.

Public Location Availability
If there's a beautiful location in a local park that you'd love to have pictures at, there's a good chance that other brides will want to use the same spot too. Be prepared to stand in line for popular picture locations.

Why Your Wedding Photography Initial Consultation is So Important

You are recently engaged and embarking on the hard yards of planning a wedding. The Service and Reception have been booked, and you come to the Photography. This is where the nightmare starts!

Wedding Photography is a mine field - so many products to chose from, so many photographers to chose from. Where do you start?

The internet is the place of choice these days. The thing to remember with your Google search is that the businesses on the first page are not necessarily there due to being the best - sometimes they are there as they pay big bucks to Google to be there. Getting a good page on Google is big business - and more competitive than the actual photography market!!! Moreover, it might pay to have a look further down the list rather than focusing on the first couple of pages - you might find better value for money this way.

Next step - getting a ball park figure. As a consumer, we understand the need to have some idea of pricing, so as to not waste the time of either party. Therefore, we like to know and work with a ball park figure. As business owners, many photographers are happy to give a ball park figure, however, are reluctant to send a price list via email. The reason for this is due to the fact that generally, price lists do not cover the detail of the products that are available. Also, when you buy a car, would you even consider without first having a look at the physical product? Photography is the same. To see and feel a physical product is vastly different to seeing it online. Hence, get a ball park figure, and if this is within your budget, make an appointment.

The next question is "How many photographers do I see?" Well, you have the choice on being overwhelmed on one or two occasions, or on lots of occasions. See, the thing with Wedding Photography is the number of choices. Knowing what you want is a good place to start when going to see a photographer.

You tell them what you want, and let them give you a quote. Doing the research online is a good way to find out what products are available. When you go to see your photographer, have a list of questions ready.

It is human nature to want to compare. However, if when you go to see the first photographer, the following is true, then consider if you REALLY need to confuse the issue by seeing another one-You LOVE the style and quality of photography, You LOVE the album design concept, You have a good rapport with the photographer (make sure it is the photographer you will have on the day!!!) and The package is within your budget -Makes sense hey!

During the initial consultation, the wedding photographer will provide you with loads of information. There are so many products available, and so many variations on each product, it becomes very overwhelming.

The photographer will be trying to get an idea of your needs by asking a series of questions. At the same time, you will begin to build rapport with the photographer. It is very important that you feel comfortable with the photographer, as they will be with you the whole day of the most important day of your life.

You are also going to spend a lot of time with them after the wedding. If the energy between the two of you does not work, then move on! Allow at LEAST 1-1.5 hours for the Initial Consultation, and remember to take a list of questions.

Don't skip the initial wedding photography consultation.

A Big Fat Family Wedding

Someone wisely said that an image can speak a thousand words!

Be it an Asian or American wedding we all look forward to the big family reunion. The bride and groom eagerly wait for the day when their uncles and aunts, cousins and friends, grandparents and parents alike, will be excited and nervous at the same time. A day when the room will be filled with congratulation and jubilation. A day when there will be song and dance. Also, a day marked by 'togetherness'.

The fun and frolic at any wedding comes out of the coming together of two families. On the wedding day, the bride and groom meet so many of each other's relatives and dear ones but for such short time. Now remembering them all becomes impossible!

Imagine your husband asking you what you thought of his younger brother's best friend who you met at your wedding. Forget about remembering her name or her beautiful dress, you may not even remember her face. That's when a family portrait photographer comes in as your 'savior'. These photographers capture timeless moments that we cherish for years to come.

A professional photographer would click the most interesting family portraits. In order to do that, he would come and meet you in advance, much before your wedding day. He would always focus on what you want and like than his preferences. He would know how to bring the family together on and off stage for the required portraits. He may even click few family photos without asking everyone to look into his camera lens as that would bring out wonderful personal moments.

The technical skills required by a photographer in this specialization are different from that of glamour photography professional. This is because one handles a group of people within a frame and the other concentrates on one or two people at the most. Balancing a photograph with many people of varying heights and sizes requires a different set of skills from the one where the most important thing is that one must look gorgeous.

The types of lenses used for family portraits and glamour photography are different too as the latter usually requires close or mid shots. Lighting a family portrait in a studio set up may be a bigger challenge as each member may have a slightly different skin tone or complexion. On the other hand, clicking images of individuals is a bit easier from the point of view of lighting.

Fun Wedding Photo Ideas For Guests

Pictures are an integral area of any wedding day. Newlyweds are normally thrilled to get their pictures back from the photographer so they are in a position to relive their special occasion. But there are many special activities you can build into a wedding that involve photos.

One fun idea that lots of brides employ is to take photos of everyone as they arrive at the marriage ceremony, almost like you do at a college prom or company Christmas party. You can render a background and couples can pose either for a paid photographer or for whoever happens to pick up the camera. These pictures can be taken with a Polaroid camera for instant fun or with a disposable camera. If you want slightly higher quality photos, go for a digital camera.

This can be an excellent way to hold guests occupied and happy until the "official" reception begins with the arrival of the bride and bridegroom.

As an extension of that idea, you may take instant photos and create scrapbook pages or memory book pages with the photos. There can be supplies available so guests can create pages on site, or pages can be manufactured and photos simply placed into the prepared spaces. If guests don't wish to create pages on site, or the bride does not want this particular activity happening, the photos can be saved for later. As a gift for the bride and bridegroom, someone can create memory books with these photos.

If Polaroid cameras are utilized, another alternative is to have the people in the photo sign the Polaroid photo and place that in a basket somewhere. The the couple will enjoy considering the photos later.

While it's not an especially unique idea, many brides love to provide disposable cameras on each table at the reception so guests can capture candid shots of the reception and the table guests. These photos can be added to the newlyweds' wedding day album or they can be placed into a separate album showing the wedding from the guests' perspective.

A fun activity sure to be entertaining is to create a "silent photo guess" location. Here's how this works: prior to the wedding, someone more or less the the happy couple collects pictures of the bride and groom at various stages in life. The photos should depict the the couple doing things, not at Christmas or with their first birthday cake. In the correct way, the photos should include some action, but it should not be obvious in the picture what has happened or where the individual is.

Much like a silent auction, people will come along and observe the photos, then take a silent guess as to what the photos show. They invest write their guess on an item of paper and put it in a numbered basket that relates to with the number on the photo. Reading these guesses during the reception is entertaining and sure to be amusing. The bride or groom can provide the real answers. This is a specially fun activity at a comparatively small, family wedding day where the participants know the the happy couple very well.

If you wish to render field for guests to have their photos taken but aren't thrilled with the "prom night" idea, how about having a picture corner established somewhere in the reception hall or facility. Here, the wedding ceremony photographer will take candid shots of wedding day guests. They could be couples, but could easily be entire families, friends really enjoying your life, or the groom being carried on the shoulders of the best man. Whatever the pictures finish up being, they provide a fun, "let it all hang out" region for the wedding guests and a surprise for the bride and groom. Since they'll likely be occupied with all the reception details and having the time of THEIR lives, they could appreciate knowing their guests had a pretty good time too, as evidenced in the photos.

Does It Make A Difference To Choose A Female Photographer?

Whatever kind of photoshoot you are having (from wedding photography to boudoir photography), it is crucial that you get on with your photographer. You will not only be spending an hour or more in their company, you are also trusting them to work hard to show your best side and to capture the mood that you are hoping for. So does it make a difference whether your photographer is male or female?

The answer to that question is an incredibly vague 'it depends'! It depends what type of photoshoot you have booked. It depends whether you yourself are male or female. And it depends on the photographer's personality.

There are many different types of photoshoot you can choose from:

• wedding photography - it may not seem like a photoshoot as it can last all day, but it is simply a unique type of shoot.


• maternity photography - time for you to show off that bump and be proud of your growing family, whether it is your first or baby number 4!


• portrait photography - this can be split into sub-categories as it covers family photoshoots, lifestyle photoshoots (on location rather than in a studio), newborn photoshoots and even pet photography.


• Boudoir photography - a special photoshoot for yourself or that special person in your life. Not something you will be showing everyone.

It is probably immediately obvious that as a female, there are a couple of types of shoot that would naturally mean you would prefer a female photographer. Both boudoir photography and maternity photography can involve very personal photoshoots with you revealing parts of your body that are only generally revealed in the public on the beach! There is also an argument that another woman will be better placed to understand what you are hoping for, and how best to pose you to produce some beautiful images. However, as with any purchasing decision, you should shop around, and keep your mind open to the possibility that you will find a male photographer who you feel comfortable with. Of course, some women would never feel comfortable with a man taking photos of them in their underwear... and that is entirely understandable!

I have known wedding photographers and portrait photographers both male and female who excel in their field, so ultimately it does come down to choosing someone you feel most comfortable with. There is an argument to say that another woman who has been through the trials and tribulations of her own 'Big Day' will really know how to make you look and feel like a princess, but you will probably be able to judge that from the portfolios you look at!

Equestrian Photography

Equestrian photography is one of the lesser known, though nonetheless still popular forms of photography. For those of you who do not know what it is, Equestrian Photography is the Photography of Horses, both in their natural surroundings and in competitive situations.

Equestrian Photography can be divided into the following sections:

1. Competitive Equestrian Photography

While this gives one visions of photographers jostling each other out of the way to get the best shot, I am merely referring to the practice of photographing horse sports!

Horse Sports include the following disciplines:

• Racing


• Showjumping (known in America as stadium jumping)


• Dressage


• Showing


• Eventing


• Equitation


• Driving


• Vaulting


• Western Pleasure


• Western Trail


• Barrel Racing


• Rodeo


• Gymkhana


• Polo


• Polo-cross

There could be others, but these are all the ones that I can think of right now, in mainstream equestrian competition.

What is the Key to Being a Successful Equestrian Photographer?

The key to being a successful Equestrian Photographer, is that you must know your subject, the way portrait and wedding photographers, know theirs. The way that fashion photographers understand models. That, in a nutshell, means that you should be a horse person. You should understand horses. You need to understand the way a horse moves.

Your success as an equestrian photographer is absolutely dependent on being able to capture a horse in their most classically correct positions, and make all the riders look like top athletes.

Let us take Dressage as an example. Dressage is a highly specialized form of horse sport. Each movement requires the utmost precision by the rider, and years of training for the horse and rider to get it right.

I was once in a line-up of three photographers at a Dressage show. Two of us, knew each other from the local equestrian circuit, and were enjoying the spectacle, animatedly chatting away about the new faces, new horses, and how the competitors and our regular clients were doing. The third one in our group was new. We did everything we could to help her, and explain what was going on etc, and while she valiantly snapped away, and tried to follow our advice about how to best capture the horses, at one point she exclaimed, "But this is like watching PAINT DRY!"

She had absolutely NO idea about how best to capture the horses, because she did not understand the sport.

Time and experience will teach you how to take good photographs, but only passion and interest in your subject will make your photographs truly great. Since making money by capturing equestrian competition, is largely dependent on selling your photographs to the competitors (sadly newspapers often have bigger sports in mind), you need to understand the sport, to be able to make your competitors look good.

This means knowing what angle to capture each movement at. It often, in the case of dressage, means memorizing the test being performed, so that you know exactly which move is coming and when, so that you can be prepared for the 'extended trot' for example, and be sure to get at least a few great shots of that.

The better you can make your competitors look (in other words the closer they look to that image of perfection seen in the very top riders) the more likely they are to buy your photographs.

A fellow equestrian photographer and I always joke and talk about our best shots in terms of the size they sold for, in other words, the better the horse and rider combination looks, the larger the print they ordered of it.

I have seen many 'wannabe' equestrian photographers. They come and they go. Those without real passion and conviction for their subject, DO NOT LAST. The photographer I mentioned who talked about it being like 'paint drying' lasted just--one--day.

However, do not be despondent, if there is one thing that horsey people like nearly as much as horses, it's talking about horses. If you don't know what you're looking for when you start out, ASK.

Meet people, pat their horses, ask about their breeding, their training, and learn as much as you can. People will be very happy to share information with you, and how they want their horses to look, so there is always hope, if this is the avenue of photography that you wish to pursue.

2. Natural Equestrian Photography

This area of equestrian photography usually arises out of the competitive side. That is, clients who purchase your photographs of their competitions, will sooner or later ask you to come and take photographs of their equines in their natural state at home. While this draws many parallels with competitive photography, in that you need to understand (or at the very least not be afraid of) horses, it is a different ball game.

It is usually best to charge, as you would for a 'human' portrait session. Chances are your subject is going to include the rider anyway, whether in their riding gear or not. Usually the natural side of it will include numerous head shots of the horse with or without the owner/rider, and also shots of the horse running free. There are many techniques one could employ to get your subject moving, and getting the best out of them, but this is not the place to go into those lengthy explanations.

Lastly, to be be a good equestrian photographer, you need to have the following personality attributes.

• You need to love horses.


• You need to love standing, a lot. Like for 8 hours a day. You will be the first to arrive at the show, and the last to leave.


• You need to be prepared for all types of weather. You will get rained on more than once, I can assure you.


• You need to love fairground food (hot dogs/hamburgers) or be disciplined enough at packing sandwiches.


• Horse poop is basically just grass, so when you stand in it do not scream like a girl. It is okay. You should be wearing boots anyway.


• You need the bladder control of an elephant! If you want to get all the shots, then you *can't* go when you want to. Hope for a lull in proceedings and then run like hell.

Smile and make friends with other equestrian photographers, and HELP each other. Chances are you're the same kind of person, and will actually become life long friends.

So You Want to Have a Perfect Wedding? Here's How!

Your wedding will be a day that you will remember forever. That is why it is important that everything is perfect. To achieve the goal of having a wonderful wedding, you must be willing to plan, organize and work hard.

While planning a wedding, many brides waste time on insignificant details and overlook more crucial ones. The following list shows the four most important aspects of a wedding. Focus on these things and watch the wedding of your dreams fall into place.

1) The Dress - It is imperative that every bride feels her most beautiful on her wedding day. Unfortunately, many brides end up with a dress that their mother or bridesmaids chose. You, as the bride, should choose a wedding dress that you feel best in. Other people's opinions have value, but the final choice is up to you.

2) The Ceremony - Everyone has been to a wedding that seemed like it would never end. The guests stop paying attention and start sneaking peeks at their watches. Do not let that happen at your wedding! Plan your ceremony well and you will not have to worry about boring the invitees. Keep the focus on the important parts of the ceremony, such as the vows, ring exchange and cultural traditions. Beware of including too many soloists or unimportant rituals. Your guests will thank you.

3) The Food - Think back to weddings you have been to. What are the main things you remember about each one? If you are honest with yourself, you will realize that the type of food and cake served has stuck in your mind. That is why you should make sure that you do not skimp on the food at your wedding.

The key to choosing appropriate reception food is the time of day. You cannot invite people to an evening wedding and serve them tiny sandwiches and finger foods. These same foods, however, would be excellent served at a small, mid-afternoon reception.

4) The Photographer - Many brides fail to realize the importance of a wedding photographer. They get by on the services of a family member or friend, never dreaming of what they are missing. A professional wedding photographer can elevate your photos to works of art that will be cherished for years to come. As photographs will be the most lasting mementos of your perfect day, it is important that they are well done.

When selecting a wedding photographer, ask to look at proofs from other weddings he has done. If the pictures do not grab your attention, look for another photographer. You will never regret paying a little more for spectacular photos.

Plan your special day well to have the perfect wedding!

Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet

Keeping your wedding bouquet is possible if you are ready to invest a little time and money in it. A professional florist can give you the most realistic results through a process known as freeze drying.

Find someone to do this before you get married, so that you can get them the bouquet in time. This usually requires that you do something within a timeframe of one to four days after the wedding to achieve the best results.

You may also preserve your wedding flowers yourself. Here are the pros and cons of using a professional and a tutorial on DIY bouquet preservation.

Pros and Cons of Using a Professional Florist to Dry Your Bouquet

Pros:

· Floral preservation professionals will know the best agents for preserving the particular types of flowers in your bouquet.
· Freeze drying and pressing the flowers will maintain the most realistic look. These practices are best left to a professional.

Cons:

· Be prepared to spend at least $100 for your wedding bouquet preservation.
· You will have to ship the flowers right away.
· Some flowers cannot be freeze-dried.

DIY Wedding Flower Preservation

Sand Method

· Use river sand for best results.
· Remove the base of the stems (about one inch).
· Fill the box you will use to dry the flowers one-quarter of the way full with the river sand.
· Place the flowers on top of the sand with the blooms facing up.
· Sift sand over the blooms until the petals are covered.
· Keep in a well-ventilated area for five days.
· Check the blooms for drying. If they are not quite dry, sift more sand on the petals, and let them sit another day or two.

Glycerin Method

· Purchase a liquid glycerin product made specifically for preserving foliage and flowers. You can usually find this at a craft store.
· Remove any imperfect petals or leaves. Wipe away any dust or debris. Be gentle!
· Crush the stems about two inches above the cut ends of the stems. You can use a hammer or a pair of pliers for this.
· Place the cut end of the stems into the glycerin solution. Keep them in this solution for up to three weeks.
· Remove from the solution when the flowers do not feel brittle and dry.

Pressing Method

· Gather your materials: background paper, blotting papers, glue, tweezers, newspaper, and a phone book or two heavy books.
· Flatten the flowers with your finger and thumb. Separate leaves and mosses.
· Arrange the flowers on the colored background paper. Construction paper is great for this. Use the tweezers to arrange tiny blooms.
· Place the flowers and background paper between the blotting papers.
· Place the entire packet in between two sheets of newspaper.
· Lie on a flat surface. Lay the phone book or other heavy books on top of your flower package.
· Leave them there for two weeks.
· Remove the papers and see your finished results. These are great for framing or placing in a scrapbook.

Various Types OF Wedding Ring Sets For Women

Wedding ring sets are gaining popularity with time and are available in a number of unique designs, styles and metals. These rings can be found in both traditional and contemporary designs. Both of these styles are popular with young couples, the traditional ones are classic and never go out of style, while the modern ones can be found in bold and beautiful designs.

The traditional metal used for wedding ring sets for women include yellow gold. But in recent times, white gold ones too have risen in popularity for the exceptional look they offer. For the couples who are high on budget, the immaculate and opulent Platinum wedding ring sets remains the top pick.

Wedding ring sets for women can be either plain metal bands or they may also be studded with a number of sparkling stones. Diamonds remain the most sought after for the purpose, though coloured Diamonds like red, blue, pink and green too have become a rage with modern women along with the popular white Diamonds.

Coloured stones like Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Tanzanite, and Garnet are also gaining immense popularity. Stone rings paired with sparkling Diamonds make a mesmerizing and stunning piece of beauty.

Bridal rings can also enhance the beauty of the engagement ring. The popular stone size for such rings includes round, emerald, oval or princess cut. Jewellers today also offer custom made rings which give you the freedom of selecting the design, stone and style of your own choice.

You can go for a solitaire ring, three stone ring, five stone or a cluster ring as your wedding band. Eternity bands also make a highly sought after design both for bride and groom.

Wedding ring sets for women are available in wide price range from very expensive to the affordable ones. With so many options available in a market today, you are sure to find a beautiful piece to match your pocket.

You can find a good range available in market with local jewellers, however, if you are looking for an even wider range, surfing online is the best way. Online jewellery store offer you great deals and discounts on wedding jewellery.

Wedding ring perfectly complements the romantic relationship a couple shares and the matching designs and settings of the set is a symbol of the closeness and the depth of their togetherness. These rings are expected to last a lifetime and due thought and consideration should be given before you go out to buy one.

Digital Wedding Secrets by Nick Smith - Review

Digital Wedding Secrets is an online course on digital wedding photography developed by Nick Smith. It is a comprehensive easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide on the important tips and techniques that every wedding photographer should be equipped with.

The Digital Wedding Secrets puts together all the basic fundamentals on wedding photography. Wedding photography is no doubt one of the most profitable and challenging photography niches that many photographers love to go into. For an amateur wedding photographer starting out, he or she would usually be overwhelmed with the extensive amount of knowledge to learn. Although you could easily find some information online, there is only so much you could find, and it's very unlikely that you would be able to find all the information required from one website. What an amateur wedding photographer needs most, is to obtain all the essential information he or she wants to know about digital wedding photography from one central resource. With this guide in hand, there is no need for one to sign up for a professional wedding photography course, which may sometimes cost thousands of dollars.

Having scouted around for an in-depth and informative course on wedding photography, the Digital Wedding Secrets comes across as a good resource for any amateur wedding photographer starting out. It covers the A to Z of all aspects that an amateur wedding photographer should know about wedding photography. In fact, it is not just for amateur wedding photographers. It is developed for all photographers alike, whether you are an amateur, professional, freelance or full-time photographer. With the extensive and useful information available in the Digital Wedding Secrets, even the most professional photographers would find something valuable to learn in the course.

In my opinion, the Digital Wedding Secrets is a must-have guidebook for all wedding photographers for the following reasons:

- It gives you all the professional knowledge needed for a wedding shoot, and gives you a confidence boost in handling your clients better

- It helps to improve your digital wedding photography skills and create many happy customers

- With your new found skills, it would increase the profits of your wedding photography business, which in turn allows you to increase the charges of your wedding packages and finding more clients

Most amateur wedding photographers starting out often have the following questions:

- How to shoot candid shots

- What strategies to adopt for communicating a theme in any setting

- How to make inanimate objects work photographic wonders

- How to shoot beautiful wedding portraits

- What kind of timeless poses that the bride and groom-to-be would demand for

- How to most effectively balance color and contrast

- What kind of photography equipment to bring for a wedding shoot

- What strategies to follow for running a successful wedding photography business

- Where and how to advertising for their photography business

- What techniques to adopt for creating the right kind of indoor and outdoor lighting effect

- What kind of common mistakes to avoid on an actual wedding shoot

- How to make and present their portfolios to potential customers

- How to eliminate competition in the wedding photography business

The pointers listed above are just some of the concerns faced by most amateur wedding photographers, which would be sufficiently addressed in the Digital Wedding Secrets. They are also important knowledge that every photographer should know to do a good wedding shoot. We all are aware that weddings are very time-sensitive and that events evolve constantly. Hence, with a good grasp of these basic fundamentals, we would be better prepared to deal with any unforeseen circumstances during a wedding shoot.