SERIOUSLY? : A PHOTOGRAPHERS JOURNEY : GETTING STARTED

I'm sitting down to my 2nd Post in this Series after getting lots of feedback from a handful of Photo-Friends & have realized - this is all going to be taken a little differently by everyone.

(missed the opening Blog Post? : SERIOUSLY? : A PHOTOGRAPHERS JOURNEY)

Please know, I'm only sharing MY thoughts, opinions & experiences. We're all on a very different Journey. We shouldn't want to do things exactly alike - we're Artists.

We don't all have the same creative ideas for poses, what editing techniques to use, or opinion on what equipment will do the trick. All of which play a huge factor in our own personal 'artistry.'

It's so, so sad for me to see Clients struggling with who to hire. There's HUNDREDS of us out there - - in every facet of the Wedding Industry...DJs, Coordinators, Cake Designers, Florists...how do they find the RIGHT one!?

Do Clients go with what they might want to afford (Cousin Joe) - or with the person that can produce the quality of images they so deeply want? The ones that will stand the test of time.

Do they settle ~ or reach for the stars?

When we started? There weren't these wonderful Weekend Seminars where we could all converge & sponge from fellow Photographers as they spoke on stage to the masses, you couldn't pay several hundred bucks & have gorgeous models pose for you while the lead Photographer walked you through exactly which settings to use, we didn't have Blog support, Branding suggestions or step by step explanation on how to run a Business broadcast daily online for Free! (it's like a dream come true?!)

I literally spent hours upon hours trying to figure out putting together an HTML Website - weeks! There were no simple Templates to buy for $100 & manipulate easily as you saw fit.

I would take my favorite 5 Photos & print them at countless Labs to figure out the best quality + color correctness. I ordered at least a 1/2 dozen different Business cards ~ since places didn't just hand out samples to earn your Business - - it was ALL done through trial & error. We struggled. It was hard...but, that's what gets you to where you want to be someday!! Hard work, dedication & TIME.

You don't just buy a camera, start pushing the button & 'Viola!' it's perfect!

When we were even considering doing this, I had reached out to several local Photographers via Phone + Email asking if I could just SPEAK to them...maybe come watch what they did...and not a single one got back to me. It broke my heart & I took it very personally. 

It made no sense to me that no one wanted to show off what they could do & be part of a new Dream!

So, we jumped in...ourselves. 

We started shooting for Free (THANK YOU, HALE FAMILY) to make sure it was something we could even remotely handle. I had my Business License, Insurance & back-up Cameras before we ever took a penny! When I mentor - that's big to me. Be legit! Treat Clients how YOU would want to be treated. Do what feels 'right'...it shouldn't all be about the dollar. This is your passion, remember?

Practice Practice Practice. And, be honest about it! Tell your Clients you've only shot 3 Weddings...show them a full Gallery...in the end, it's that Honesty that will get you happy clients!

If they go into it expecting perfection (since, of course, that's all you've showcased on that great new Blog & Website), and you can't deliver that from start to finish? You're risking your name being tarnished long-term. Which not only breaks your heart...but, doesn't make good business sense. And, charging appropriately matters, too! But, wait! Let's discus PRICING next time! xo

SERIOUSLY? : A PHOTOGRAPHERS JOURNEY : PRICING

Thank you for joining me & following this Photography Series! If you're wondering where to start, try SERIOUSLY? : A PHOTOGRAPHERS JOURNEY! But, this Post? It's about PRICING!!

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So here you are!

You don't even want to admit how many hours you've spent surfing the Web for amazing Blogs, or Facebook for posts from all the different photographers out there in your Market...and beyond.

You're comparing their work to yours & searching for the correct pricing for you, right?

~ What do I charge my Clients?! ~

It's the magical question that I honestly still struggle with to this day!!

My simple answer? What allows you to sleep at night?!

What makes you feel like you're being fair to your Client - AND fair to yourself? 

If you're handing over your time, energy & talent - leaving yourself feeling somewhat 'taken advantage' of? You're not charging enough. 

If you stress out having to hand over your work to the Client because the quality has left you nervous? You're charging too much.

Going back to our own Journey...every Wedding was a learning opportunity for us - heck, it still is!

Of course, we started out charging around $200 after shooting for Free...and worked our way up over the years.

I see so many Photographers out there in a 'higher range' & as an artist in the field - my jaw just hits the floor. HOW do they even get that?! How do they sleep at night? And, WHY is the Groom wearing a Blue Tux...or why is there a Pink cast to their hair?! Is their skin really grainy & orange? 

When you come across photos where you see flaws in the work - you automatically wonder "How can they possibly be charging so much more than I am? That must mean I can raise my prices, right?! RIGHT!?"

Unfortunately, I do feel that the general public puts a whole lot of weight towards your legitimacy & quality based on your price - which makes no sense to me!

Compare PHOTOS - - not prices!

I see a photographer that recently started in our area that charges just a few hundred dollars less than us for a full Wedding. I also see one that's done just a handful compared to us - that charges significantly more! 

Once again, the key for me is charging a Price that I feel is fair. 

We're certainly not the cheapest ~ but there's plenty out there that are far more expensive!

I'm sure there's people who see our work now & wish they'd gotten the same quality from us early on in our Journey. (I will now cringe & cower). Of course, let's remember we all start somewhere & how important it is to charge accordingly.

It's also important to know that Free (or 'affordable') photography will always be a favorite!

When Auntie Pam (who's taken her camera to a few Weddings now) says she can do it for you, a lot of people will jump on that!! And, that's okay. Everybody loves their own photos! It's them...it's their memories!

It's hard not to take that to heart when you see people gushing over these photos that you feel could be better...now you're doubting yourself again... 

But, the important thing is to believe in yourself & keep doing what you do...!

Stay true to you - and your Clients will hire you for that...!

One of the things that I've struggled with is : I'll be sitting at my computer working + haphazardly listening to the 'photographers showcase of the day' teaching the masses how to be a good Business person - or how to take correct photos. When they start talking about Pricing, they toss out these huge numbers. I, again, have to just sit back & be realistic re: what Market I'm in personally - and know what is going to work for me.

Niels & I have always shot together - we've never done limited-time Bookings & we've always handed over every file that we kept to our clients as quickly as possible.

It was my Philosophy from the very beginning to treat Clients exactly how I would want to be treated ~ and it continues to be how I run my Business today! I hope this Post somehow helps you...and, now, I'm off to get some sleep tonight! xo

SERIOUSLY? : A PHOTOGRAPHERS JOURNEY

Have you ever wanted to be a Photographer!? ...or wondered if Photography was really 'your thing'? Are you doubting if you have taken the right path & wonder how everyone else manages to pull it off?

Well, you're not alone - we've ALL been there - - we're all THERE....!

Recently, a long-time local Photographer emailed me & asked for my support. 

They were feeling a bit 'ruffled' with just how many Photographers have popped up in our area lately - many of which do not have Insurance, Licensing & are not paying Taxes...along with criticizing the quality of their work.

This Photographer took to FaceBook & let it all out. I didn't get a chance to chat with them at all prior to sharing their feelings & once I saw what was written, I was slightly...well, shocked!

Unfortunately, while the points may be valid, it also made some shooters out there feel somewhat 'squashed' in their own Dreams of getting into this business...following their passion.

I would never want that - for anyone!

Every single Photographer that has reached out to us for guidance starts by saying, "This is my PASSION!" Of course it is! Hold onto that - - don't forget it - - it can flicker out if you let it!

Some of the leading start-up Industries right now are in the Wedding Business - Photography + Event Planning. I've seen it literally EXPLODING over the past few years & as someone who has struggled immensely to get to the point they are today? I'd like to be a voice amongst the craziness & let everyone out there know 'you're not alone!'

For some reason, most of us have this silly 'I can't share MY knowledge' + 'Wait! How come THEY got that booking & I didn't?!' playing around in their head - - I've realized that it just doesn't make any sense in today's quick-changing + easy-to-enter Market.

Maybe I'm wrong here, but I feel that we should all be working together...and making sure our paying Clients are getting the best possible quality! Every Client should be working with the best fit for them. If you're Booked for a date, know exactly who they should call next. I don't want to be a Secret - do you?

With that being said ~ I'm going to go ahead & make this a little 'series' of Posts regarding our Journey through the Wedding & Photography Industry. My thoughts & observations ~ and, you're Welcome to join us!

I'd love to see you get you to the best that you can be - follow that Dream - and let's ALL have a goal as simple as...Happy Clients!! xo

(If you're interested in following this Series, our next Blog Post can be found here : SERIOUSLY? : GETTING STARTED)

....I know ~ I know...this is almost a yr old...but, we hardly have ANY photos of us together! Might just need to make THAT a goal for us over here!! "-)

SONOMA COUNTY ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER : LAKE SONOMA

Christine & Clay are just...well...let's go with 'Cupcakes'!! I love them & could never get enough!! Watching them interact positively brought endless smiles to my face - they are just sooo sweet & 'real'!!

What makes me love them even more? It's who they are as people - what they give back to this Community. It's priceless.

Being a Nurse + a 6th Grade Teacher? Neither job is easy - both take up an endless amount of hours on the job & away - they influence Lives in a way that can last a lifetime - and I am just so grateful for people like them doing what they do! Can you feel my hugs from here? Really - THANK YOU...!

So...here we are at their very 1st photo Session together from last night! At the location of their very 1st Date, nonetheless! How fun is that? Your 1st time meeting this amazing girl & it includes a little hiking, good company & of course - Christine's beloved companion, Dotty! I assume Dotty must have approved - because here we were this day - preparing for their gorgeous Oct. Wedding!!

...although, as soon as I laid eyes on her...I could tell right away poor Christine was scared silly to do this Photo Shoot! So, I wanted to start somewhere 'easy'...let's lay down, enjoy the cool grass for a moment & see where this takes us...I don't know why, but I just assume everyone has a camera shoved in their face 24/7 like we do! hee hee.

Next stop? A wonderful overlook...where an older gentleman had beat us to his naptime spot, so we'll snap a couple & just move along...

 Down to the Marina for some shade while we wait for the sun to settle just a bit...nervous giggles...it's okay - you look AMAZING!!! ...and 'personality' photos are my fav, anyways!

 I love how no matter what I said, laughter erupted!

Such a beautiful, kind & loving person...these two couldn't be better matched!

 I told them on my way home, I could tell the 'Bridge' photos would be my favorite - the Lighting was just delectable!!

 Here we are...the place where it all began...a steep overlook with brush billowing all around us...with the sun all but gone, we had been moving locations & shooting for over 2 hrs now...and I'm just SO thankful they were willing to stick with me & let me play!

It took a few tries, but Dotty was willing to join us just as we were preparing to head out...YAY!! The photo that mattered most!! THANK YOU, Dotty girl!! (LOVE how even their dog is Orange + Black - go Giants! Which also happens to be how Christine just knew she'd found 'the one' - shower time for her after the Hike? Giants game for him - a man after her own heart!!)

...as the evening wore on...and the light faded...so did the nerves & now? I can tell Christine is totally ready to NAIL that Wedding Day shoot!! She's going to be STUNNING & I can't wait!!! Clay, you be ready ~ I have a feeling this girl's gonna take your breath away!! xo

GUERNEVILLE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY : CAITLIN + JOSEPH

When I first heard from Caitlin about a month ago regarding her 4th of July Wedding for 2014, I was amazed at how 'on top' of it all she was! The Contract went out the next day! She was also very ready to get to an Engagement Session, but being full-swing into Wedding Season can make it a bit more challenging to nail us down. As fate so had it, this Sat. had opened up + it was our Anniversary Weekend! We were able to turn it into a little Family 'get-away'!

Joseph selected the perfect location for us! His Grandparents live in Guerneville & get to call this amazing spot their front yard!!

It didn't take long for me to realize these two like to have fun, tease each other just a bit & are such a perfect match!

I'm telling you ~ perfect for each other! Shooting was a constant crack up! 

It so reminded me of Niels & myself when we were younger...the private jokes, the constant banter...the giggles, the way she just lit up in his arms...! Perfection.

While Joey ran up to the car to get their wardrobe changes, I took the opportunity to take some photos of Caitlin. OMG! I can not wait to get her into her Wedding dress! This young lady knows how to take a photo...and was so easy to work with...!

I explained how, somehow, a Wedding dress just magically makes it all THAT much better!! "-)

 Get OUT!!! 

Oh! He's back! After looking over outfit choices, we were ready for some more shooting!

Joey really didn't want to get wet...so, THANK YOU for going in!

As we shoot, I'm always talking to our Clients with little tips as to how to move or where to put their hands. I'm sure that can also feel a little 'silly' - but, I can only imagine what he might have whispered in her ear!

Oh, wait! We better move locations!  I was just so loving the River!

Oops - - got Caitlin alone again...I could shoot this girl ALL day!!

I am so SO looking forward to their Wedding next year!! ...not just because I thought Joey + Caitlin were HILARIOUS to work with & sooo much fun, not only because they are positively adorable together, and not only because it's taking place at an AMAZING Napa Valley Venue...but, simply, I felt like I was (once again) working with some awesome new Friends! I love this job! xo

SANTA ROSA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER : LUTHER BURBANK GARDENS : DETURK ROUND BARN

As you know, I'm usually blogging our Weddings within days of it taking place...this time, we promised a little Disney-escape for the Family before these Season Passes expire next week & that's actually allowed me to step away from the Blog for a bit - coming back to the amazing Tamburin Wedding with a fresh eye - - and wow! All I can say as I'm putting this together is...WOW!!

Breanna is just, well, phenomenally stunning...and, that Sandro isn't too rough on these 'ol eyes, himself...!

But, enough about that...let's get to their day!!! ...Sandro & Breanna met 3 yrs ago & immediately opened up their hearts to their biggest hopes + dreams out of Life - discussing intimately where they hoped their Journey might take them...amazingly - they both wanted the exact same things & it's what lead them to this day...

Meeting the girls at Hotel La Rose in Historic Railroad Square was a real treat! Their elegant rooms gave me a wonderful backdrop to work with while the girls were finishing up hair & make-up...

Breanna's baby Sister currently attends Fashion Design school & created both the Brides' Veil & Garters herself. Such a special addition to her day! 

(we all agreed she needs to get her stuff on Etsy ASAP!)

Now, Brides! ~ an ER Kit + sensible shoes to switch into?! CHECK CHECK!

I loved how once we started actually getting her dressed, Breanna seemed to come alive...her smile, those eyes...I could tell she KNEW she looked positively amazing...and felt so, too! GORGEOUSNESS!!

 Okay, girls - Limo's here!!

 Wait! STOP! I need this shot...!

Over at the Flamingo Resort, the boys are attending to their own business...

 ...and figuring out the best way to handle a nasty pin-prick...Tequila or Tissues?

 ...ahhh - forget it...you take the Tissue, I get the Tequila! "-)

 Once settled in at the Luther Burbank Gardens, the guests were arriving & it was time to snap a few last photos. You can always count on Mom (all the way from Italy to share this day with her baby) to take care of you...

Here we gooooo!

 ...I just love when the Groom simply can NOT take his eyes off of his Bride...

 Time for an intimate Toast with the Family before whisking them off to Formals...

Shooting through your windshield doesn't always work...but, it was ADORABLE how they were treated like Royalty among the streets of Santa Rosa...waves & kisses...hoots & hollars...

Since Niels gets to spend his time hanging out 'with the boys' prior to the Wedding, it gives him the time to bond a little with the Groom while I'm gushing over all the girl stuff! Aside from drinking a little Tequila & getting attacked by boutonniere pins, Sandro also explained to Niels the exact moment he just KNEW Brianna was the one he would be spending the rest of his Life with...it was simple. When she brought home that puppy. The way she 'mothered' it, her patience & love she shared. He knew this was the woman he just had to share his Life with. So, take note girls - - those men of yours are actually paying very close attention...! "-)

After our Photo Session in the 95' heat (my goodness - THANK YOU, guys, for being so amazing to work with!! I truly think the time we shared - just the 4 of us - was my favorite moments of the day. You two make me smile!), we were off to DeTurk Round Barn to begin the Celebration!

What do you get when you bring two amazing Italian Families together?! 

Why - amazing Wine, of course!

The Bride's Grandparents were Married with this Cake-topper years ago & it's a Family tradition to share it. So sweet...

 Dad had soooo much to say! "-)

 "Oooh, Wanda!! It's SOOOO good!!!" xo

Mr. & Mrs. Tamburin? What can I say...? You two are just...'right' together. Even if one of you had to disappear to Argentina while all the Wedding planning was being completed (hey! I had one of those "You plan it - I'll be there" Grooms, too!)...I can tell so much of each of you went into putting this day together. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to share in it with you! Complementi!!! xo

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Ladies Dressed | Hotel La Rose
Gentlemen Dressed | Flamingo Resort
Ceremony Venue | Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

Reception Venue | DeTurk Round Barn

Bridal Store | Wine Country Bride
Ceremony Shoes | RSVP

Hair | Cari Crachiola
Veil & Garters Design | Brides' Sister
Flowers : ArtistPoint Floral Design

Catering | Lili's Catering Co.

Cake | the amazing Wanda!

Coordination | Bethany Fautley