No. This blog post is not intended to raise awareness about my artwork. I am not trying to brag, tell brides to ONLY hire me, or claim that I am the best choice in booking a wedding photographer. In fact, if a bride comes to me asking for someone better, or if they tell me they want to drop BIG BUCKS on the perfect photographer, I would completely point them in a better direction (and more expensive direction) than myself. I would tell them who I love and who I would choose to re-photograph my wedding, because there are so many wonderful choices and styles to choose from, locally and all across the world. I do not think that my photography is perfect – In fact, I continually scrutinize my work and push myself to grow. I always want to be better every time. I aspire to be like my heros. I strive to be an expert, and maybe in 10 more years I will completely reach that goal.

Now, I am not trying to berate myself either. I can honestly say that I am proud of my work and how it has grown throughout the years. I adore the images that I display on my blog and website. Each one is special to me. From the light I manipulated to the moment created. I have finally educated myself, and have enough experience, to the point where I can call myself a professional photographer without cringing or feeling like a liar. All I want to accomplish out of this blog post is for brides to be educated. Something I was NOT when I was a new bride and busy planning my wedding.

I have to admit (gasp), I was a budget bride.

Come on, who isn’t? Everyone is usually on a budget, whether it is a large amount or small, the lining in the pocket book does eventually end somewhere. I understand ‘pinching pennies’ and wanting to stretch a dollar. I really do. But, I am genuinely passionate about QUALITY in the wedding industry. Specifically photography, and I wish someone would have educated me on the whole process and what to look for.

First and foremost, a bride should be looking for:

1. TALENT. This, and this alone, is what you should be looking for. The images should be absolutely lovely. Stunning. The best you have ever seen (in your opinion). Their work should take your breath away and leave you excited. You should feel a connection with the pictures and envision your wedding moments looking – just like that! Look for beautiful light. Look for a style (modern, edgy, artistic, romantic). Does their photography reflect who you are and the theme of your wedding. Don’t book a photographer because the price is right, but because you adore their work. You wouldn’t just purchase an average wedding dress for your day, rather the perfect dress.
2. PERSONALITY. A photographer should be someone that meshes with who you are. You should like them instantly. You should have a smile on your face and feel like you are in capable hands. Safe hands. A photographer should be professional and fun. If you are a quiet person look for a mellow photographer. If you are crazy and loud, you might want someone outgoing. Go shopping for your photographer, meet your photographer in person, and make sure that you get along with them well, and they fit your needs, because they are an important asset to your day and who you will be interacting with the most.
3. EXPERIENCE. Your experience should be amazing. From the moment you meet your potential photographer, you should be treated like a queen (and king). Your day is special and you should be treated as such, from the products you receive to the way you are talked to as a human being. Your wedding is about you and your love… this is your moment, it is not the “bossy photographer show”. I am such a big advocate for clients being treated great, and if you have ever been photographed by me you know that I strive to treat you as such from the moment you walk into my office. I am always attached to my clients and their love stories.
4. ABILITY. Make sure that the wedding photographer has been in the industry for at least two years (with the exception of the extreme rare talented prodigy, maybe one year). The artist should be able to handle wedding stress, make your burden lighter and your day better, and be able to juggle anything new at a moments notice. You will want to place your trust in what an experienced photographer has to say about making your day better… because we know (as professionals) what will make the prettiest picture. We know when and where to photograph, and should be able to educate you on light and location. Are you willing to work your schedule around the light so we can create?
5. COST. Lastly, a bride should finally put into consideration the cost of the photographer. Even though in my opinion a talented photographer is priceless — a bride should pay no less than $3000 for average talent. I personally paid that much for my wedding images, and they are not even close to what I wanted. I didn’t even get a picture with my mother. At this point in my life, I would pay an extremely large fee for images (and an album) that would last me a lifetime. And (because I am one) I would revolve my wedding around the photographer.

Please understand that this is just my opinion and these are just a few things that I personally would look for now that I am educated in the wedding industry. If I was creating my wedding all over again, I would choose and pay for the perfect talent. I can tell you that every photographer is different in person, growing as an artist, and probably pushing at making their business better. You have the choice. You can completely choose to hire someone “new” in this industry, take a chance, and save money – but there is a risk level involved with this decision. Hopefully even the “new” photographer will be honest and tell you that. (I personally warned my brides when I was starting out, that they were getting what they were paying for, a newbie with hardly any experience). I simply want you to make a choice that embodies who you are, and skip the mistakes I did by hiring the-price-that-is-right photographer and wanting to check off that box on your wedding to-do list. Yikes. If you do, beware, you might be paying the “price” later on! Please, be willing to stretch that dollar for awesome photography, amazing treatment and customer service… and be flexible working with your photographer to create the beautiful images that you want. It is a collaboration and beautiful dance to light. Choose wisely. Choose well.

*Images all captured at the Shoot This Not That workshop

The Collection Event Studio // Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings // Shoot This Not That // Audrey & Stella Beauty- hair + make up duo // Scribe Winery – shoot site / winery // One True Love Vintage Rentals – vintage furniture // La Tavola Linen – Napkins // Barbara Llewellyn Catering – Catered Dinner // La Fleuriste - Style Shoot Florals // Inticing Creations – Wedding Cake // Dress is by Ivy and Aster and was provided by Lovely Bride

Jose Villa workshops - http://www.josevillaworkshops.com Jill La Fleur - http://www.lafleurweddings.com Kate of Flower Wild - http://www.flowerwild.com Joel Serrato Films - http://joelserratofilms.com TEAM Hair and Makeup - http://www.teamhairandmakeupservice.com Claire Pettibone - http://www.clairepettibone.com Lo Boheme (hair accessaries) - http://www.loboheme.com Paper and Thread (paper goods) - http://paperandthreadblog.com Wedding Chicks - http://www.weddingchicks.com Erica O’brian Cake Design - http://www.ericaobrien.com Avec Moi Decor/www.avecmoidecor.blogspot.com

Secondary Photography for Katie Zaboy Photography // Accommodations: Silverado Resort // Wedding Venue: Napa Valley Country Club //

If you would like to view their SLIDESHOW (along with that awesome song) Their personal website is featured HERE.