Pro DPI Sample Album

If you follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you already know that I am absolutely in love with my latest Sample Album. I recently switched Labs to ProDPI and can't say enough good thing about them. They send you candy with every order - I mean, come on! How could I not love them?

After receiving several test prints, I decided it was time to order a Sample Album from them. I previously used Layflat Books but they just weren't cutting it anymore. I wanted something chic, high quality and something my clients could show off with pride. I am so happy with ProDPI and how the album came out. From the beautiful cover and its' thick pages to the great quality of the images and product as a whole. I am smitten! Thank God I get to keep this one to myself!

I decided to order the Sample Album in the Champagne Chrome Fabric but ProDPI also offers a simpler "Standard" Fabric as well as several colors for Linen and Silk Fabric. They also offer Vegan Leather, which I can't wait to try out as well soon!
  For all my clients who think they might be interested in an album, I also have Sample Swatches of all the cover options, which I will be sure to bring to your consultation. It's so much nicer to actually see and feel the material before committing financially.
  Make sure you e-mail me today if you're a past client and want to get a personalized album from me. I only have a limited amount of days left during which I can meet with you before November!

So excited about where my business is heading!

Introducing Pass!

Today I want to introduce you all to a little thing called Pass that I use to share all my images with my clients after the session. It's so much simpler than tediously burning a DVD and hoping it gets where it needs to be within a week.

Plus, look how amazing it looks?
Once I'm done editing a session, I simply upload all images to Pass. Within a few minutes (depending on number of images) they're all in the Cloud and I am able to sort them into Collections (or Categories) if need be like this:

For weddings, I usually break it up into my or the couples Favorites, Getting Ready Shots (if any), Ceremony, Reception and perhaps some Details. I love how easy it is to navigate! If you select one of the images, it takes you to an overlay screen where there are options to share or download the image.

Pass' newest feature is the option to get professional Prints right through the Pass Gallery for a super low price. I love providing my clients this freedom!

Facebook sharing, which I personally do all the time, is super simple with Pass as well. Right now, you can only share on your wall, not to an album so I always recommend downloading the images you want to share on facebook and then uploading them all via your desktop onto a specific album. But if you'd just like to share one or two images really quickly, this is what you will see:

Best thing about the entire thing, though? If you receive the link to your gallery and view the page through your mobile device, you get your very own App! Super easy access to all your images with one click!

All images also stay on the cloud for 10 years, though access to the gallery is only provided for 1 year with my session prices, after the 1 year is up, you can elect to add additional years at an additional price.

For more info, check out Pass' website to find out more. Also check out the Pass Gallery for my 2013 Senior Reps by clicking the image below!

Reality Check

Lately I have lost myself in the idea that I really don’t know what I am talking about when taking photos. Who am I to photograph a couple’s most important day? I don’t have this lens or that camera or then again those filters. Then I realized that it’s really not at all about the equipment. Well, to an extend it is. You have to have a camera, that’s a given, but honestly, I shot my first weddings with a Rebel xsi and blew everyone who doubted me away. There are obvious advantages to having top of the line equipment but for me, this luxury is just not possible at this moment. I am doing fine renting the lenses I need and slowly purchasing necessary items as I progress. This allows me to learn what I do have inside and out. Anyone can buy the newest Canon Camera but not everyone can shoot a wedding and not make the bride cry when she sees her images.

I know my equipment and I know weddings. And most importantly, I love what I do and understand it’s not about me AT ALL. I am there to capture memories, not make money. Sometimes, this becomes a downfall, which I won’t get into right now, but for me it truly is about the couple and their families.

It’s a challenge to shoot with limited equipment, but I have overcome it and am now actually relieved I don’t have to haul 10 lenses to every shoot. For me, it’s about simplicity, I strive to capture the beauty that is actually there, and I can do that very well with 3-4 lenses, thank you very much.

That said, I do have my eye on a little something-something in the next few months. As my clientele is increasing and I have been booking more and more weddings, it’s just simply not practical or wise to rent a lens I use most of the wedding day. I might as well invest my money instead of throwing it out the window.

Honestly, though. I think as photographers we get so carried away and are so easily intimidated by the big guns out there who bring 3 rolling cases of equipment to every wedding. If you can do it with less, then why don’t you? As long as the quality is the same, I don’t see why we need to waste our money on things we might not need. Disagree? That's ok. Some people love shooting with more equipment, it's whatever works for you. I just hope smaller scale photographers out there understand that growth happens at an individual's pace.

This goes for everything in life, by the way. Think about it.

What to Wear - Fall Engagement Shoot

We’re having our Engagement Pictures taken this weekend so I thought I’d share my tips on how to dress for an Engagement Shoot.

I often get questions from clients on this topic and some are really quite lost when it comes to choosing one or two outfits to wear. After all, a lot of people will probably see you in that outfit so there is some pressure to look good but be yourself at the same time.

We still haven’t finalized our picks for Saturday but this is what we've been inspired by. Especially now during Fall Season, I am loving warm, neutral color combos. I usually shy away from patterns as they tend to take over the picture and distract from the faces. I am a simple girl so simple outfits it is. Add some fun with accessories and multiple layers and you can easily turn one outfit into two (or three!)

See how many outfits we can get out of just a couple pieces? Add some statement jewelry or a scarf and it will change up your entire appearance.

Though I personally don’t care, most of my clients prefer not to strip down to their undies to change outfits in the middle of a park so layering and versatile outfits is really the key here. Losing a layer or exchanging a cardigan for a jacket or sweater is just as refreshing and can liven up a shoot.

My tip: Stick with a base and build from there. Sure it's nice to have a fancy and a casual look, but sometimes, simple really does it. Plus, your aunt Beth won't notice you wore the same shoes throughout the shoot. Or maybe she does, but who really cares? It's all about you anyways!

And guys? That goes for you as well. I know you think everyone looks at the future bride but if she changes up an outfit, join her!