Become Extraordinary!

Hey All! It's been a busy few days, weeks, months, and I have so much on my mind... so many things that I would like our Studio to offer this community. I have many plans in the works, and a few more on paper but not started yet. I have things I would love to change - things I would like to add - things I would like to create... I think I might need to duplicate myself! :) So... consider this blog a dumping ground for all thoughts tonight... this late Monday evening.

What I do know is that my priorities... my priorities.... oh they must change! I'm such a work-a-holic... it's BAD!!! Because I just LOVE what I do! I love the challenge ~ the joy ~ the emotion. However, I need to change that and get back to what's important first and foremost... God and my family! And the rest will fall into place. Become extraordinary!

I heard a great speaker this last week, and he asked if a man were working our specific business (he was speaking generally to a group of woman in that question) - and a Client asked for something that they needed right as they were about to head home for the day, would that man stop and get it done before he left or would he let it wait for the morning? What's your guess? Yep... he'd let it wait! WOW, what a wake up call! As woman, we are natural born nurturers and we want to get things done immediately for the sake of the others, but at times, forgetting who we are neglecting to put first.

So... you can see my personal goal starting to reveal itself right? Allow myself to let someone wait... I always call each phone call back within the same day or the next, unless they contact me during the weekend or while I am away, but it's okay to let someone wait two days... Jamie, it really is! LOL, yes, I am trying to convince myself - you are right! :)

What priorities do you have out of alignment? What do you need to reorganize? Take a moment to to reflect on that today as you go about your day... you can change whatever it might be. Become Extraordinary!

I absolutely love what I do, the amazing honor of capturing these precious moments for each family that walks thru the door of our studio, and it is my goal to provide superior service to each person! This first year of owning a retail business has been such a learning experience, and we are chugging along - switching things up as we need to - as we see new things that are causing major issues.

We have soo many exciting things coming up, be sure to add us to your RSS Feed so that you get the updates each time we post right in your mailbox. You won't want to miss out! I promise!

Many hugs, many blessings, and THANK YOU for being YOU!
Jamie

The Journey of Wedding Photography

Multiple times during the day, I get calls regarding our Wedding Pricing. Sometimes we hear back, and sometimes we do not... I think the important thing is to find someone that you find a connection with, as well as enjoying their style of work. I think this article hits on a lot of great factors to contemplate as you start your Wedding Photographer journey, and I look forward to meeting you and your fiance!

Your wedding day is a story... what do you want that story to tell? Let us capture that story as it happens, and make a dream become a reality!

One of my favorite moments to capture at a wedding is the emotions that the Bride and the Groom have when they see each other for the first time that day!!! Enjoy this image from the last wedding that I captured a story at.... it overwhelmed me as J broke into tears so much that I too almost had tears streaming down my face. Those are the magical moments!!!

Many hugs to you, and enjoy the article below!
Jamie


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Vanessa Dewson, a professional wedding photographer in Ottawa and Kawartha Lakes, Canada , explains in language a customer understands, why good wedding photography costs what it does and why skimping on photography is a disastrous choice. Excerpted from Avoid Hiring a Cheap Wedding Photographer on her blog Vanessa Dewson Photography + Design.

….And now here I am on the other side, listening to brides and grooms who seem to want awesome photography for a rock bottom price AND own all the digital negatives at the end of the day. Trust me, I know how expensive a wedding can be and how desperately you want to cut a few corners to bring the overall cost down, but I just don’t think photography is the place to do that. It will be your only lasting visual reminder of your day and frankly, if you are spending a good chunk of change on your wedding, you want professional artwork to remember it by and not just settle for snapshots.

I don’t think many people know what it takes to shoot and edit a wedding and create a beautiful album. I have spent up to 12 hours on the day of a wedding, then more than 40 hours editing and laying out an album, making revisions, etc… As a professional, I value my time as an expert and an artist. I want to work with clients who value my work as well and don’t just see me as another line in their budget. Yes there are ‘weekend warriors’ out there who offer their time and all the files for ridiculous prices, but I can almost guarantee they aren’t making any money and the quality is not nearly as good since they are still working other jobs that are allowing them to pursue this as a hobby. Professionals are constantly working to improve their craft through workshops, forums, conferences and competitions, as well as investing in top-of-the-line equipment and software and using professional labs and suppliers that really produce a far superior product than any online or in-store photo lab.

[Photography] will be your only lasting visual reminder of your day and frankly, if you are spending a good chunk of change on your wedding, you want professional artwork to remember it by and not just settle for snapshots


I also know so many people who just got the files and didn’t do anything with their images for well over a year! The advantage of having someone else create an album for you is that

* It actually gets done
* A good photographer is building a story when choosing which moments and details to capture.

How is someone else expected to sift through hundreds of images and figure out the best way to tell it? It would be like asking a bakery to give you all the ingredients and you would then have to make your own wedding cake. I can guarantee it won’t be nearly as nice or taste as good as it would be if you let a professional do their job.

If you really, truly cannot afford a professional, find someone who is striving to be one, whether a student or someone looking to build their portfolio. Help them out by showing them the style of photography you love and I’m sure they will do their very best. And you never know, you just might be hiring the next rising star!

I hope this helps educate engaged couples about the value of hiring a professional and doesn’t come across as a rant. I just want brides and grooms to be left with nothing but the best memories from their wedding day. Don’t just take it from me, here is a blog post I came across where a bride DID choose a cheap photographer and regrets it: http://everylastdetailblog.com/wedding-planning/i-took-the-cheap-photographer-route/

Ok, so now that you know WHY it’s better to hire pro, HOW do you choose? Well, a portfolio is a good indication of their skill but the best way would be to meet face to face and see if not just their style but their personality and philosophy fits with yours. The last thing you want is someone you don’t click with because you just won’t get the same results as you would with someone who totally puts you at ease.

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The door is wide open now wedding photographers. It’s up to you to close the deal.