Redraft: Logo

So with my logo contest being an entire re-draft, I dedicated to post the new and improved logo choices.

Now with the talented Naomi working from Miami to get this completed for me. Yay!

Wedding Photography isn't just one day.

Treasures online are such a wonderful treat to share with others. I was looking at websites for fellow photographers and fell upon this gem of how digital photography has changed the workflow of photography so much.

Although when you talk to a bride about wedding photography there are different aspects she is concerned about. But really she should also think about the work that a photographer does after a wedding and how it can effect her turnaround time and receiving her images of her beautiful day.

Here is a blog about what a photographer does to prepare for a wedding and all the ins and outs.

Digital Workflow

Inspired by Seshu and a group of photographers, I wanted to fill you in on my digital workflow! While I customize my workflow for each wedding (because every client is different, and I use different equipment for each assignment), there are some standard things that I do for the vast majority of my weddings. Since I’m prepping for the upcoming wedding season by cleaning lenses, ordering all new cards, and cleaning up my workstations I figured this would be the perfect time to describe my typical workflow!

The night before

Oh yes, everything begins the day before. Charging batteries, erasing cards, cleaning lenses, packing my bags. I have a laundry list of “to do” items that also includes printing out your shotlist questionnaire, directions, and setting up my equipment so that I will be ready to go. I also make sure that my camera bodies all have the same time set - imagine using four cameras at a wedding then realizing some of them weren’t set to the same time! Makes for some loooong hours ordering the images later :)

Backups

I offload all of the images to my computer using Image Capture on my Mac (it’s so fast!). I then back them up (and then back them up again, and sometimes AGAIN). I have offsite backups as well as onsite to ensure we keep these images safe! I back up everything, and use external hard drives (I recommend Western Digital) onsite.

First edits

I use PhotoMechanic to sift through and organize my photos. I do a first edit of my favorite photos, which will turn into the teaser slideshow. PhotoMechanic is incredibly fast and is my favorite tool in the whole workflow.

Teaser

The teaser images get edited in Photoshop based on my clients’ preferences - do they like really vibrant images? Should I vintage-ize them? Do they want really romantic images or photojournalistic storytelling? Once these edits are done, I drop them in a blog, and then email my client (and CC the wedding planner if I know his or her email address!) the link and thank them for a wonderful day :)

Second Shooters

At this point, I check in with my second shooters. I ask them to also sync their camera bodies with the correct time so we don’t run into the same ordering issue, so everything should be good to go when I download their images.

Second edits

Now it’s time to organize and take out all of the “blinks” - the images that I’m sure my clients won’t want later. :) I organize the images into folders based on the subject (ceremony, portraits, details) and go through with PhotoMechanic to select the ones I want to keep. This removes duplicates, photos where people are blinking, blurry photos, etc.

After this paring down, I use Adobe Photoshop to correct exposure and colors. Usually this doesn’t take very long. It is also my favorite part because I can re-live the entire wedding.

Renaming

I prefer to rename my images and also helps me keep things organized when I add second shooters’ images to my piles.

Blogging

At some point during this process I blog the wedding. I like to add the blog the day after I’ve sent it to the client, since I want to show it to the world right away! :) While I’m editing the detail photos I also pick out a few that I want to add to the blog, since they’re often a huge hit and can help other people planning their weddings. I also try to add my favorite portraits to the blog, since those are often my favorite photos from the whole day.

Portfolio

At the very end, I add photos to my portfolio. Haven’t visited my portfolio in a while? It’s constantly updated with new stuff!

Disk Burning

I burn the images to a disk for the clients. If they want me to sign a copyright agreement this is the time I print it and sign it for them.

Albums

For album creation, I use a number of different actions and files. I work in Photoshop and make everything custom for each client.

Other stuff

So as you can see, quite a few hours are spent in post-production just focusing on the digital workflow. Wedding photographers’ work doesn’t end with the wedding! And this is just for a typical event - there are so many little things that can be different for each client.

"How LOGO can you GO?" contest!

The stakes are high and participation is necessary to win PRIZE!!

(Drumroll:) A 11x14 Gallery Wrap print from Canvas on Demand.

Cakes and Kisses is getting a Logo makeover!

The designer: Naomi Epstein the multifaceted designer, photographer, designologist (Seriously, you need to check out her MONTAGE, it rocks!)
I adore her creativity and supreme talent.

You have to VOTE to win! Please email me your VOTE: steenholly@gmail.com

Tell me what number and why you think it should be the new logo for Cakes and Kisses Wedding Photography



If your answer is the best explanation and gets the most votes from others you will win a FREE 11x14 Gallery Wrap Print! Provided by Canvas on Demand


Good Luck!
I look forward to the massive email frenzy that is about to begin.

Cakes and Kisses!
Holly

"Click Tips": Aspiring to be a Wedding Photographer?

Oh yes. It is a quench that can't not be soothed by anything other than shooting people in love and wedding cake. I totally understand.

Everyone has to start somewhere. I receive emails from aspiring photographers wanting to know "Tips" on how to shoot a wedding. Of course I can't explain exactly how that nervous feeling starts in your tummy the night before to its' complete understanding , but I can try.

There is nothing more exciting than when you first knock on the door to where the bride is getting ready and you get to see all the wedding hustle and bustle. It is probably the single moment, I can officially say "I am excited about your wedding." Because I truly am so excited and elated to be there, seeing her gown come out of the garment bag, and making memories with photos.

So when talking to someone about shooting a wedding, I can only give them my experience and "Click Tips" to make a more successful wedding photographer. I can't teach them what I have learned in five years, but I can give them 7 key points to make it that much more exciting and wonderful.

1. Get inspired. Look at wedding photography sites that you like the style, and try to figure what
setting they were using, or how the light was. It is important not just to look but to really think
about how to create that same image through your lens.
www.knot.com or www.weddingchicks.com also Joe Bussink is a personal favorite site of mine
to go to get inspired. There are lots of resources online, and they are ready and it should be  easy
to be inspired.

2. Organized.  Make sure you have lots and lots of batteries, charged and ready.
Check your gear all works. Format all your cards. Check your driving directions.
Make sure you have all the information of the wedding/location/names/family's names.
You know, don't come unprepared or your shots will suffer because you aren't thinking about the
wedding you are thinking about something else. Keep your head in the game, and cake.

3. Stay calm. Just shoot. They hired you cause you have a good eye. You are not the coordinator,
nor are you the reason why they are running 30 minutes behind schedule.
Pose your groups fast, make it good and move on. Try to give the bride and groom lots of
time to be romantic after the wedding before the reception. Just capture them being them.
Those are the images that they will appreciate. Just make sure they are romantic somewhere
with a pretty background and nice light.

4. Shoot. Make sure you shoot shoot shoot. Get a full length of both the bride and groom.
Get detail shots. Make sure that you don't crop out feet or hands in your group shots.
Never crop at a joint (ankle, knee, elbow).  Try to get in close, and then back off and get
those establishing shots.

5. Give it your all. If you have to stay later then the  time says to get that shot of grandma
doing line dancing, then just get the shot. If you decide that you really need that sunset photo,
make sure your assistant is confident to be alone in the reception.
And just shoot. Even if you think it might be blurry or not the right timing.. try to get the shot.
It is digital and you can only learn from your mistakes if you aren't afraid to make mistakes.
When shooting groups and you have someone who is pesty wanting shots with their cameras..
just ask them to wait until after you flash and put your camera away from your face and
then they can shoot away. Usually they respect that you are the professional, and they will
wait.

6. Change it up. Get low, stand up on chairs, make sure you don't block people or the videographers.
If you need more tips.. happy to help. Experience is the best way.

7. Enjoy yourself. You are going to have to be your best, for 8 hours or more.
Make sure you shine, but don't stand out.

Good Luck
Holly

Elite- Santa Clarita Valley!!

Yay! Cakes and Kisses is in print.

Delia and Michael got married on January 11th 2007. They had a beautiful ceremony and reception at the Bridegport Lake Club in Santa Clarita. Delia's family made her dress and her brother and father played on guitar a beautiful song just to the couple. Michael and Delia, just bought the home and got ready there for their wedding. It was wonderful and each of them have memories that will last forever.


The image that was published in Elite Santa Clarita Valley, was just after the wedding ceremony. We were so lucky to have beautiful light and ducks to join us for the session.

Lots of kisses and ducks,
Holly

WPPI 2009

Wow!



In case you don't know Photographers like to nerd out with other photographers. It is talking shop, talking about the latest gadgets, gizmos, but the most important part of that is making friends and being INSPIRED. WPPI

Absolutely I can define myself as the luckiest and most motivated girl blogging at this moment. Each and every little word I heard, each visual statement and color enhancement was absorbed, and every little nudge or heart string that was pulled effected me. I can't imagine anything more incredible or motivating than meeting other positive people.

Wedding FAQ

Questions that you might have for a wedding photographer and the answers that will help you pick the right one (with a sense of humor.)
Here are some answers I put together for an eager bride getting married in November 2010. I wanted to help in any way I could to put her mind at ease that she was making the right choice. She has tons of time to plan, but kudos for picking photography to book before the venue!

How do you identify your primary photographic style?
Photo journalistic Photography and Non Wedding Wedding Photography (just ask me what that means, if you don't get it.) Most recently I have heard it described as Portrait Journalist.



Please describe any special techniques you offer:
I retouch any image that the couple requests, that includes puffy eyes, blemishes, and or in-laws.



Which lighting situations do you have experience with?
My experience covers all lighting situations. However my favorite lighting is anything that makes the couple look more in love.




Do you have a media preference?
I shoot entirely digital. It has come along way, and the prints are almost to par with film.




How many photographers do you work with?
My staff includes several talented photographers, each with their own talents and specialties, including fashion, sports, editorial and design. I choose the assistant according to the preference of the couple. Having an assistant ensures getting every moment, front to back. This moment my assistant shot, while I was standing outside next to her groom to get the photo of his jaw dropping.


Do you guarantee your presence at the actual event?
I do. :)


Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one wedding in a day?
My schedule verifies on demand. I have yet to shoot two weddings in one day. But I do shoot two in a weekend. I give each wedding 100% and I feel like I gain creativity with each and every wedding.




Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the wedding day?
It will never happen. I will show up, and there is no replacement for me.



What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?
I bring it all including the kitchen sink. I have three cameras, multiple lenses, and a lot of fun.



Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?
Yes. I never want to worry about missing a moment because my camera wants to take a vacation.



Do you charge hourly or full day?
I charge custom, depending on the couple. On the most part it is 6 or 8 hours of coverage. All the images from the day are included and there is no charge of negatives.



If hourly, are you available for shooting overtime? If so, how much do you charge for overtime?
It is $350 for each hour.



Do you require a meal break? If yes, do you require that the wedding party provide your meal?
A girl needs to eat. So unless you want me running off during your wedding to go get some chicken nuggets, I prefer to eat a meal at the reception. I am not a picky eater so anything will do.





Do you charge for travel?
Not typically, but if it further than 50 miles, I usually ask for gas money.



How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?
I like to get images ready after the couple comes back from the honeymoon. Give me about 10 days to receive the DVD.



In what format are the initial proofs offered?
I provide a preview on my website in the Gallery for the couple to share with the friends and family.



How long can the couple keep the proofs?
As long as they stayed married. So FOREVER.



Do you retain the copyright for the photos?
I retain artist rights, and I release copyrights to the couple. They can print and reproduce images as they wish. I use the images for promotional, website and advertising purposes only. If a couple requests not to participate, I respect their privacy.



Do you reserve the right to publish the photos?
Yes.



Do you provide the digital files and/or negatives (or copies of the negatives) to the couple?
I provide the couple with all the images taken on their day. If they want an additional shoot, "Morning After" I am delighted to do that upon request.



Will images be available for viewing on an online gallery?
Highlights of the wedding images will be online at www.cakesandkisses.com within the week of the wedding.



What kind of albums do you offer?
I offer reallllly nice albums, or crappy prints books. It depends on the budget of the couple.




When will I get the final book?
If a couple orders a book, it will depend on how quickly they return the proofs and let me know what images they would like to use. After that date it is a month.



If I haven't answered your question, please email me and I will answer it promptly. If you have any smart remarks to my FAQ section, you can keep those to yourself. (no you can email me those too. steenholly@gmail.com)





La vita e bella; la vita e amore. -- Life is beautiful; life is love.



Featured on Wedding Chicks

What Can I Expect to Pay for a Photographer? (watch your wallets)

Ladies!!!!

Listen up here. Two of my cutest girlfriends are getting married this year. One in May and the other in August! I am SOOO happy happy for them.

So August bride writes me an email to ask... "How much should I expect to pay for a photographer? They don't have it in the bridal books, or online anywhere. I think I was born without the bride gene!" (Well honey, just worry about those Joe's Jeans, cause they are fabulous and I want to borrow them.)

Here I am to put it online. It isn't a rule book, but it is at least a guide to help you out and for you to understand what you are paying for a wedding.

As a photographer, I am happy to help. In fact if there is anything I do to help I am delighted. Except help make homemade bouquets. (I suck at that) AND It is good to put my knowledge to use. It isn't like I am going to get married anytime soon :) oh wait :(

May bride had the same exact question. I think it is omitted from the Bridal books/magazines because they don't want to make you feel like you have to pay a certain amount to get good photography.

I feel like that Photography should be about 30% of your total budget.

Tip #1

Make sure you look at all the images on the site. When you find a photographer you like, ask to see a complete wedding (not just the album or highlights). Make sure it is the same type of wedding you are having, such as a church ceremony and outside reception, you want to make sure the photographer can shoot in those locations. Ask the photographer if they have shot in YOUR locations before, and look at those photos.

Tip #2

To get a beautiful fancy leather album (Leather Craftsman) is about $3000 photographer cost. So you can expect as a bride to pay $3800 for the design, album and retouched images. I can help you out with this, but not as much as I would really like. We use leather craftman so the quality is great, but I couldn't offer it less than cost. But if you wanted me to design and order the album for you I would be happy to do that, like Asuka Book.

Tip #3

If you are having a photographer shoot your wedding and not getting an album, it should be about $6000 for eight hours and all the images provided with copyrights included. (Up to you about the add ons, like parent albums, proof books and all that.)

Tip #4

Another idea is to have the cost of the photographer part of your registry. It is a new idea, but instead of someone buying you gifts, they can donate money for your albums, prints, or photography for your day. I would check with your photographer to make sure it is okay first.


I hope this helps out. On the most part I know it is hard to budget. I am cheap. I admit it. Not as cheap as my boyfriend, but I am.
When I get married I expect to pay cost for all my wedding. But I don't think Elvis costs as much as he used to..


Lots of cakes and kisses,
Holly

Yay! Wedding Wire

Super duper... I am going to try out this Networking resource for wedding planning. I am totally excited about it and really can't wait to get going.

I have been in the community pages answering questions about planning, time lines and glass clinking during the reception. Awesome.

So here is a link.


Kiss Kiss