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Wedding Planner: Advice From a Wedding Photographer

CasaSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:15:39 -0700

Wedding photographer Jessamyn Harris is known for taking lovely, striking images of couples in love. I recently interviewed her about her business, and she provided all of those brides-to-be out there with valuable knowledge about what to look for when choosing a wedding photographer. Read on to find out all about Jessamyn's advice for hiring a wedding photographer, and if you're interested in hiring her, you can do so here.

CasaSugar: What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?

Jessamyn: Definitely the people I get to work with. I am really lucky to work with kind and creative clients who genuinely want a beautiful wedding because they love each other, and to whom artistic photography is a high priority. Combine that with gorgeous details to photograph, and it's a pretty nice setup. The best moments are when I really feel the connection between the bride and groom during the big and small moments of their wedding day, and of course when I know I got an amazing shot.

To see a gallery of Jessamyn's work, and to get her advice for choosing your own wedding photographer, just read more.
CasaSugar: What are the most challenging parts of your job?
Jessamyn: The most challenging aspects to being a wedding photographer are much the same as running any small business that is so based on the identity of the business owner - in other words, it's all me. I do all of the booking, planning, shooting, editing, and designing myself, as well as all of the other aspects of owning a business. Most of the time this is awesome and rewarding (because I hated working a full-time job for someone else!), but the flip side of that is that it can be exhausting and hard to escape. At the wedding itself, I work very hard physically and also emotionally to keep everyone happy and comfortable while being photographed. This is also something I like about it, though, so there are really two sides to each aspect.

CasaSugar: What should couples consider when choosing their wedding photographer?

Jessamyn: The number one thing a couple should look at when searching for a wedding photographer is style. You definitely want to be sure that what appeals to you is thoroughly represented in the photographers' portfolios. For example, my style is a mix of fine art, documentary, candid/ lifestyle shooting, and most of my clients are interested in keeping the more traditional family portraits to a minimum, with some time for unique portraits of the couple being the main focus. Most of my clients want candid, natural shots of the connections and moments between people, as well as some classic and beautiful portraits of themselves in their wedding finery. If I get the sense that a potential client wants a more traditional style than I tend to shoot (my style is something like "quirky, modern elegance"), I'll refer them to someone who has a little more mainstream sensibility. Besides style, I definitely think it's important to have a personal connection, or at least high comfort level, with your photographer. These two usually go hand in hand, but be sure they are someone you'll actually want at your wedding day. The more comfortable you feel with the photographer, the better the photos will be.

CasaSugar: What are some of the most memorable wedding shots you've taken?
Jessamyn: I have a shot going around the internet from a wedding last Summer of the bride's former roller derby teammates who served as usherettes at the couple's beautiful Napa Valley wedding, all in roller skates! This same wedding had a bounce house, and some other very unique details (and was recently featured on Style Me Pretty. Otherwise, it's usually the shots that I can tell will take the couple's breath away, or a shot of the bride looking like a beautiful vintage painting as she gets ready to get married. I also offer a "photo booth" type of setup, and these are often very memorable as well! This weekend, I had a very pregnant woman and her husband pose themselves as if she was about to deliver the baby, and there have been many other hilarious and shocking self-portraits taken.

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Photographer to Watch: Roger D'Souza

CasaSugar — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:15:14 -0800

Sydney-based photographer Roger D'Souza shoots interiors, exteriors, and portraits all with equal skill and expert composition. Many of his photos happen to feature stunning architecture, though D'Souza highlights the gorgeous buildings with his expert use of natural light. Whether documenting worn floor boards and peeling paint or sleek, newly erected homes, he manages to give every photo a beautiful polish. To see more of his photographs, read more.

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Photographer to Watch: Aimee Herring

CasaSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 04:15:31 -0800

The natural light in Aimée Herring's interior photographs makes me want to pull up all the blinds in my office and bask in the sunlight, or just pack my bags and move right into the interiors themselves. Yes, these homes are also beautifully designed, so that helps. But, her composition of any basic vignette like a potted flower and a framed print or a vase of flowers and (insert anything) could sell any house in a New York minute, even in this unforgiving housing market.

What really impresses me about her work is that, unlike the work of many interior photographers, it doesn't make you crave the shabby chic dresser (which, albeit, may be crave worthy). But after seeing it, you find yourself looking for a realtor to find you the house with the shabby chic dresser so you can call the dresser, the floors, the grass, the light, the house, and everything that comes with it your own. Aimée's mother must have taught her well about the simple pleasures in life like fresh fruit, your dog climbing into bed with you, the feeling of your bare feet in the grass, or opening a door to a beautiful room. I find that admirable, not to mention that her photographs are simply breathtaking, without much thought or analysis.

To see more of her portfolio, read more

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Photographer to Watch: Margaret Mulligan

CasaSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 08:08:55 -0700

Margaret Mulligan is a photographer from Toronto, Canada who has been commissioned by hotels, museums, restaurants, housing developers, flower shops, and other Canadian and international businesses. Her work has been printed in several magazines, including Canadian Home and Country, Flare, Toronto Life, Toronto Life City Guide, Homemakers, enRoute, Canadian Living, and Style at Home. She also shoots for "the holy grail" of Canadian home décor, Canadian House and Home. Press history aside, her photographs are breathtaking, and her talent is intimidating.

What amazes me about her work is her sense of composure. She takes beautiful photographs of high-design hotels-which I assume were designed by architects and interior designers who sought a composed, angular look. However, Mulligan finds striking lines, diagonals, and curves in all of her subjects, whether she's shooting a couple of pigs in a dirty farm stall, a daydreaming man in a coffee shop, or the Royal Ontario Museum.

To continue your Margaret Mulligan introduction, read more

Desire to Inspire noted how Mulligan's photos are taken in such bright, beautiful light, and I agree. What I find inspiring about her use of light though, is that she not only uses light to make a room look glowing, pretty, and all hearts and stars, but she takes advantage of all the interesting angles and shadows that only that glowing light can create.

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To see more of Mulligan's photos, take a gander at her portfolio on her website. Be sure to check out her point-and-shoot snaps; she's also got cute shoes!

Photographer to Watch: Kari Herer

CasaSugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:00:05 -0700

I came across the work of Portland, ME-based photographer Kari Herer on Etsy and was absolutely swept off my feet. She does commercial, portrait, and fine art work, but it's her floral photography that really gets me.

Fresh peonies and hydrangea make wonderful subjects for anyone behind the camera, but take a look at Herer's work and you'll be convinced she's truly a stylist at heart. Here, she's arranged and captured a delicate magnolia on a gorgeous botanical illustration - buy an eight-by-10 print here for $25. In Peony No. 9364, flower buds prove to have strength in numbers in her well-composed arrangment. A pinecone in a teacup? Unusual, but ethereal. Herer's composition is flawless and she almost gives her subjects a vintage feel, which I adore. See more of her work when you read more.

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Photographer to Watch: Aaron Chang

CasaSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:00:02 -0800

Surfer, world traveler, and photographer Aaron Chang expresses his passion for the outdoor world through his massive, beautifully rendered photographs. Aaron, who has just opened his first gallery in Solana Beach, CA, works in large-format photographic prints that highlight his love for travel and the ocean. An award-winning photographer with over 100 magazine covers to his credit, Aaron is currently working with renowned designer David Carson on his first book, which should be out this December. I recently had the opportunity to interview Aaron about his work, life, and commitment to the environment.

CasaSugar: Did surfing affect your desire to start taking photographs, or was it the other way around?

Aaron Chang: Yes, surfing was the reason I started taking photographs. I saw so much beauty when I was surfing that I was motivated to shoot in order to share what I was seeing with people.

To read the rest of the interview and to view other photos, read more.

CasaSugar: What is your favorite subject to photograph?

Aaron Chang: The ocean. Waves in particular.

CasaSugar: I see that you're involved with Surfrider Foundation. Can you tell readers a little about this charity?

Aaron Chang: I have a passion for the ocean, so my partnering with Surfrider was an obvious fit. We will be partnering with Surfrider for the gallery's grand opening on Feb. 28. A portion of the evening's sales will be donated to them. We will also be working with them on an ongoing basis for future events.

CasaSugar: I love that you use eco-friendly materials. How and why did you begin doing this?

Aaron Chang: I feel it is important to be responsible with the earth's finite resources. Every little bit helps. [Aaron uses material such as recycled scrap metal and earth-friendly dyes.]

CasaSugar: Why did you decide to present your photographs in such a large format?

Aaron Chang: Big is exciting! The new digital process can replicate 68 billion colors with laser precision, allowing us to make prints that were not technologically possible a few years ago. These prints have startling resolution and color at sizes that create lifelike experience for the viewer.

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11 Female Photographers Who Rock My World

TresSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:37:56 -0700

Photography is one of my favorite mediums, and unlike many other art forms dominated by men, female photographers have played a crucial role in shaping and helping photography to develop. From the photojournalism of Margaret Bourke-White to the movie stills of nonexistent films by Cindy Sherman, female photographers continue to seize life as it's lived in the world and in the mind.

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Selecting the Right Wedding Photographer

GeekSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:00:42 -0700

Now that we're in full wedding planning mania, you've already started on your wedding website, and sorted out your online wedding registry, so hopefully you still have enough vigor left in you to start your search for your wedding photographer! Since this task is one of the most important for your big day (next to the dress of course), you'll want to put some serious thought and effort into choosing the right photographer to capture your wedding. If you have no idea where to start, I can give you some tips on how to hit the ground running.

Film or Digital?
Although digital photography might be something you are leaning towards (since you all are so tech savvy!), there are some factors to consider for both. The rich depth and grain of film photography is something unique that you can only get with film. Sure, your digital photographer can fiddle around with Photoshop for each of your photos to try and bring out those same qualities, but it's just not the same. Besides, I'm sure that would be a ton of OT for the poor guy, and who knows how high that would bring the cost of the service! But digital photography also has its benefits. To see what they are, read more

When shooting with digital cameras, for each image captured, you have instant feedback. You can adjust the settings, angles, and light right away to make sure you get just the right pic. . . and you won't be disappointed if a roll of film turns out crappy when you get it back. Plus, there is essentially no limit to how many photos can be taken. Also, if you are interested in getting your pics onto a disk, website, coffee table book or want to turn them into an awesome slideshow, digital is the simplest and easiest way to do it.

What style?
There are some photographers that specialize in portraits, and some in wedding photojournalism. Wedding photojournalism is something that has become more popular in the past decade due to its ability to capture candid moments that really bring the photos to life.

FAQ
After you make those essential decisions, it's time to pick a few photographers and meet with them. Here are some important questions to keep in mind when interviewing your selections:

Ask if they are the ones who will be photographing your wedding, and if the samples you are viewing are from their portfolio. If not, ask to meet the photographer that will be shooting your wedding and check out samples from their past events.
What is included in the packages, and what is the breakdown of costs. Ask if there is a way to customize a package to fit your needs and ideal budget.
Will an assistant be used? If so, is that an added fee?
What is the estimated time frame for finished photos?
Are CD's, proofs, and photo albums an added cost?
How many rolls of film do they typically use, and what is the cost per roll?

Hopefully these tips can get you on your way to choosing the perfect photographer for your big day! Do you have any tips to share? Leave them in the comments below! Plus, check out more of our wedding coverage on I Do Sugar.

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Marilyn and Madonna Get Sticky and Sweet

FabSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:00:22 -0700

Anyone else a Marilyn Minter fan? The photographer, known for delicious yet raw imagery, apparently has another big fan by the name of Madonna. The original Material Girl enlisted the photog to create a nine-minute video that will accompany her opening song "Candyshop" on her latest Sticky & Sweet tour. The vid, very sticky and sweet indeed, shows a pair of giant juicy lips playing with sparkly gold, orange, silver, and green goo. Marilyn was so flattered, she expected she would have to pay Madonna, but quite the contrary, "Then [Madonna] actually paid me a bunch of money and sent tickets,” said Minter. Here's a glimpse of the film; this already ran at the Sunshine Cinemas in NYC and in Times Square earlier this year. Nine minutes of this, giant sized, to Madonna?

See some Marilyn-inspired pics.

Photographer to Watch: Emma Lee

CasaSugar — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Photographer Emma Lee's passion for life is obvious in her photographs. Evidence of human life is everywhere, from glasses left beside unmade beds to glasses of wine left on a worn stool. Emma, who also photographs food, tends to blur the boundaries between her shoots, making her interior shots even more lush with their use of food and drink. Imbibing in a gallery of her photos might leave you a bit drunk on the vibrant imagery, but no worries: the effect may be intoxicating, but it won't hinder your good judgment. Take a look at a gallery of her work when you read more.

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