Another Gift

To help end our Wedding Week, I thought our Lightroom Users could use a little sample from us! I created this Lightroom presets to give you a taste of them. One thing I always stress to people is that no two photos are alike. If you try to use a preset on one photo it may look horrible. But use it on another and it’s fabulous. So, it’s always best to make adjustments. Use the preset as a guide to get you going or started for a certain processing look. So, always remember that and I know you will love this program and presets!

Click here to download this mini set just for you! Thanks to Emily Law for the photo!

Wedding Week Is Ending and You Can’t Miss this Team!

Okay, it’s been so much fun for me spotlighting our wedding week photographers. I have learned so much and have been so inspired. I always told myself that wedding photography wasn’t for me, but I have an itching to at least try it now! How scary is that? I guess after an afternoon of photographing dogs and cats would turn anyone towards the wedding scene (see my flickr stream for stuff from my Fall Pet Photos event and you’ll see why!)

Wedding photographs are the one thing you get to keep forever. When you get married, you can’t keep the food or the guests. You can’t preserve some things, but it’s the photographs that let you remember that day forever. It takes a special person to capture that day.

This next team of photographers has really grown into their wedding photography with their own love for one another. I did goof and gave Amber our traditional Friday interview rather than the wedding one so please forgive me. I know you will LOVE getting to know them as much as I have enjoyed watching them get to where they are today.

It’s none other than the team of Amber and Rob of Look Here Photography.

Your Name:
Look Here Photography – Amber Clark & Rob Garrett

Where You Live:
Ohio

Your Site Address or Blog Address:
www.iamambernichole.blogspot.com (www.lookherephotography.com – coming soon!)

Type of Pictures You Take…
All kinds, we are not picky about what we shoot, just how we shoot.
Weddings, Families, Children, Maternity, Engagement, Baby, Friends, Events…you name it, we will capture it in our own way.

Your Camera…
Canon 5D

Your Favorite Camera Equipment…
Canon 5D ) – seriously an amazing camera.

Magazine Must Have…
Amber – Paste
Rob – Script

Guilty Pleasure…
We love GOOD food. Really good food. Usually this tends to be expensive, but when you are used to eating super quick meals, it is soooo worth the money. We usually go for coffee after dinner at a book store and then try to catch a movie. It makes for the best date nights AND the best family nights.

What Do You Do When You First Wake Up?
Well, we are both up at 5 am.
Not really by choice, but we are still working full-time jobs as well as our photography business.
The first thing Rob does…goes to work at 5:30 am.
First thing Amber does…MAKES COFFEE and starts editing photos, goes to work at 8:00 am.

When It Rains…
We lay around the house and watch movies.

Who Do You Love?
Each other and the weeman of course…and family…and friends.

Favorite Pink Ink Product…
Old School – ACR Presets

Do You Read Your Horoscope?
Nope. Amber used to but it always lied to her.

Blog Addiction…
The Image is Found.
When we first found their site we seriously just couldn’t believe how much our lives had in common…and of course how freakin amazing their work is. Nate’s personality rocks.

Tattoos…
Amber…yes 2 and would love more.
Rob…no, but is seriously thinking about it.

MAC or PC…
Own both, but the MAC is our baby.

80’s Music…
GROSS except for a very slim selection of songs.

What’s on your iPod?
Oh man…you really want to go there? We are HUGE music fans. If you follow Amber’s blog, you would know just how much this is true. Quick list of some of our most recent faves: Iron & Wine, Jeremy Enigk, Akron/Family, Alexi Murdoch, The Beatles, Beck, Damien Rice…basically lots of folk, a little rock, and bits of metal thown in every once in awhile.  The weeman’s favorite song is “My Name is Jonas”, so lots of Weezer’s blue album as well. )

Travel Dreams…
We would love to go anywhere. We know that is so vague, but when you are from such a small town, it doesn’t really matter where you go…as long as you go…and see…and do. We try to travel as much as our jobs, company, family, and money will allow and unfort. right now, that is not very much. Luckily we have our honeymoon to look forward to!

Take a look at some of their latest images that are so amazing!

Wedding Week Is Ending and You Can’t Miss this Team!

Okay, it’s been so much fun for me spotlighting our wedding week photographers. I have learned so much and have been so inspired. I always told myself that wedding photography wasn’t for me, but I have an itching to at least try it now! How scary is that? I guess after an afternoon of photographing dogs and cats would turn anyone towards the wedding scene (see my flickr stream for stuff from my Fall Pet Photos event and you’ll see why!)

Wedding photographs are the one thing you get to keep forever. When you get married, you can’t keep the food or the guests. You can’t preserve some things, but it’s the photographs that let you remember that day forever. It takes a special person to capture that day.

This next team of photographers has really grown into their wedding photography with their own love for one another. I did goof and gave Amber our traditional Friday interview rather than the wedding one so please forgive me. I know you will LOVE getting to know them as much as I have enjoyed watching them get to where they are today.

It’s none other than the team of Amber and Rob of Look Here Photography.

Your Name:
Look Here Photography – Amber Clark & Rob Garrett

Where You Live:
Ohio

Your Site Address or Blog Address:
www.iamambernichole.blogspot.com (www.lookherephotography.com – coming soon!)

Type of Pictures You Take…
All kinds, we are not picky about what we shoot, just how we shoot.
Weddings, Families, Children, Maternity, Engagement, Baby, Friends, Events…you name it, we will capture it in our own way.

Your Camera…
Canon 5D

Your Favorite Camera Equipment…
Canon 5D ) – seriously an amazing camera.

Magazine Must Have…
Amber – Paste
Rob – Script

Guilty Pleasure…
We love GOOD food. Really good food. Usually this tends to be expensive, but when you are used to eating super quick meals, it is soooo worth the money. We usually go for coffee after dinner at a book store and then try to catch a movie. It makes for the best date nights AND the best family nights.

What Do You Do When You First Wake Up?
Well, we are both up at 5 am.
Not really by choice, but we are still working full-time jobs as well as our photography business.
The first thing Rob does…goes to work at 5:30 am.
First thing Amber does…MAKES COFFEE and starts editing photos, goes to work at 8:00 am.

When It Rains…
We lay around the house and watch movies.

Who Do You Love?
Each other and the weeman of course…and family…and friends.

Favorite Pink Ink Product…
Old School – ACR Presets

Do You Read Your Horoscope?
Nope. Amber used to but it always lied to her.

Blog Addiction…
The Image is Found.
When we first found their site we seriously just couldn’t believe how much our lives had in common…and of course how freakin amazing their work is. Nate’s personality rocks.

Tattoos…
Amber…yes 2 and would love more.
Rob…no, but is seriously thinking about it.

MAC or PC…
Own both, but the MAC is our baby.

80’s Music…
GROSS except for a very slim selection of songs.

What’s on your iPod?
Oh man…you really want to go there? We are HUGE music fans. If you follow Amber’s blog, you would know just how much this is true. Quick list of some of our most recent faves: Iron & Wine, Jeremy Enigk, Akron/Family, Alexi Murdoch, The Beatles, Beck, Damien Rice…basically lots of folk, a little rock, and bits of metal thown in every once in awhile.  The weeman’s favorite song is “My Name is Jonas”, so lots of Weezer’s blue album as well. )

Travel Dreams…
We would love to go anywhere. We know that is so vague, but when you are from such a small town, it doesn’t really matter where you go…as long as you go…and see…and do. We try to travel as much as our jobs, company, family, and money will allow and unfort. right now, that is not very much. Luckily we have our honeymoon to look forward to!

Take a look at some of their latest images that are so amazing!

Wedding Week Is Ending and You Can’t Miss this Team!

Okay, it’s been so much fun for me spotlighting our wedding week photographers. I have learned so much and have been so inspired. I always told myself that wedding photography wasn’t for me, but I have an itching to at least try it now! How scary is that? I guess after an afternoon of photographing dogs and cats would turn anyone towards the wedding scene (see my flickr stream for stuff from my Fall Pet Photos event and you’ll see why!)

Wedding photographs are the one thing you get to keep forever. When you get married, you can’t keep the food or the guests. You can’t preserve some things, but it’s the photographs that let you remember that day forever. It takes a special person to capture that day.

This next team of photographers has really grown into their wedding photography with their own love for one another. I did goof and gave Amber our traditional Friday interview rather than the wedding one so please forgive me. I know you will LOVE getting to know them as much as I have enjoyed watching them get to where they are today.

It’s none other than the team of Amber and Rob of Look Here Photography.

Your Name:
Look Here Photography – Amber Clark & Rob Garrett

Where You Live:
Ohio

Your Site Address or Blog Address:
www.iamambernichole.blogspot.com (www.lookherephotography.com – coming soon!)

Type of Pictures You Take…
All kinds, we are not picky about what we shoot, just how we shoot.
Weddings, Families, Children, Maternity, Engagement, Baby, Friends, Events…you name it, we will capture it in our own way.

Your Camera…
Canon 5D

Your Favorite Camera Equipment…
Canon 5D ) – seriously an amazing camera.

Magazine Must Have…
Amber – Paste
Rob – Script

Guilty Pleasure…
We love GOOD food. Really good food. Usually this tends to be expensive, but when you are used to eating super quick meals, it is soooo worth the money. We usually go for coffee after dinner at a book store and then try to catch a movie. It makes for the best date nights AND the best family nights.

What Do You Do When You First Wake Up?
Well, we are both up at 5 am.
Not really by choice, but we are still working full-time jobs as well as our photography business.
The first thing Rob does…goes to work at 5:30 am.
First thing Amber does…MAKES COFFEE and starts editing photos, goes to work at 8:00 am.

When It Rains…
We lay around the house and watch movies.

Who Do You Love?
Each other and the weeman of course…and family…and friends.

Favorite Pink Ink Product…
Old School – ACR Presets

Do You Read Your Horoscope?
Nope. Amber used to but it always lied to her.

Blog Addiction…
The Image is Found.
When we first found their site we seriously just couldn’t believe how much our lives had in common…and of course how freakin amazing their work is. Nate’s personality rocks.

Tattoos…
Amber…yes 2 and would love more.
Rob…no, but is seriously thinking about it.

MAC or PC…
Own both, but the MAC is our baby.

80’s Music…
GROSS except for a very slim selection of songs.

What’s on your iPod?
Oh man…you really want to go there? We are HUGE music fans. If you follow Amber’s blog, you would know just how much this is true. Quick list of some of our most recent faves: Iron & Wine, Jeremy Enigk, Akron/Family, Alexi Murdoch, The Beatles, Beck, Damien Rice…basically lots of folk, a little rock, and bits of metal thown in every once in awhile.  The weeman’s favorite song is “My Name is Jonas”, so lots of Weezer’s blue album as well. )

Travel Dreams…
We would love to go anywhere. We know that is so vague, but when you are from such a small town, it doesn’t really matter where you go…as long as you go…and see…and do. We try to travel as much as our jobs, company, family, and money will allow and unfort. right now, that is not very much. Luckily we have our honeymoon to look forward to!

Take a look at some of their latest images that are so amazing!

raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens….

these are a few of my favorite lenses…..

So how many of you are singing songs from “Sound of Music”? you can hate me if you are! lol .

I’m a lens addict, I learned this quickly when I purchased my 1st film camera. Then I didn’t have the funds for L lenses…I was lucky to get the camera. I still fell hard for lenses. I loved how you could change a scene with a zoom of your lens. I could show you the entire Deco Drive of South Beach, FL, or just part of the Art Deco details of the buildings with changing my lens.

Right now I have two favorite lenses, and they are opposites ends of the spectrum. My 1st is a Canon 17-40mm F/4 L Lens. I love the wide angle..and it can honestly bend metal. Shooting full frame with a 5d I can get distortion and make the building bend. It is a great dramatic effect. When I 1st got it I didn’t think I’d ever take it off my camera. The drama it has added, makes me happy.

Well, I took off the wide angle lens recently and tried out the Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L IS lens. It’s heavy ( no really, it is a lot heavier than I imagined and I was warned!)…but the trade off is it is REALLY fast too. This is awesome for portraits, and landscapes (I tied both today). I use a monopod with it…fantastic lens!

My advice (same advice I got from my favorite teacher) is spend your money on lenses, and good lenses. You can see a difference in your lenses. I stick with Canon lenses because I’ve never had luck with anything else…but others have.

What is your favorite lens?

Another Amazing Spotlight!

It’s been really fun meeting and talking with such a variety of photographers. Some beginners, some old pros. We’ve been getting so many great tips and advice that I sure hope it’s proven to be helpful to you!

So, as start rounding out the week, I’m excited to announce today’s wedding photographer spotlight, Andrea Hanki of Pink Sugar Photography (hey, it’s pink!)

Name: Andrea Hanki

Site: www.pinksugarphotography.com

Stats (camera, lenses, etc.): I’m a Canon girl! I’m currently shooting with a couple of 30Ds (and am looking to upgrade in the spring). The lenses I use, in order of use (for weddings): 24-70 2.8L, Sigma 10-20mm, 70-200 2.8L IS, and 85 1.8.

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Describe your style: Modern, edgy, artistic, fun.

If not a wedding photographer, then…. I’m in my last year of elementary education at university right now, so I guess a teacher

Favorite wedding photography add-on product? Slideshows! I love how the right music can add to the emotional impact of images…

Your go-to camera shop? B&H

How many weddings do you typically shoot in a year? Well, I am just finishing up my first season, but I will have shot twelve weddings by the time 2007 is up. I currently have fifteen weddings booked for 2008 and am expecting to end up at around twenty or so…

Do you find that you do much continued with business with your wedding clients after the
wedding? Do share! Once again, this being my first season, it’s only been four months since my first wedding so it’s hard to tell for sure. That said, I have booked a couple of family sessions with wedding clients from this summer, and I anticipate working with a number of my other clients again in the future as well!

What’s your favorite ceremony lens to use? Oooh tough call! I carry two bodies around the whole ceremony so I guess I have two favourites! 70-200 2.8L IS and 24-70 2.8L.

Your detail shot lens? 24-70 2.8L

Do you use an assistant during weddings? Yes! I always bring a second shooter. It’s so nice to have somebody to share the day with!

Destination weddings or ones right-here at home? I’d love to do both! Most of my weddings next year are local so far, but I do have one booked on the other side of the country!

Ever deal with a bridezilla? How did you cope? Not yet! *fingers crossed* I’ve really lucked out with the clients I’ve had thus far; they’ve all been awesome!

Standby wedding party pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)? There hasn’t been a specific “pose” being requested, as much as a style. A lot of my clients are really just looking for something creative and different, and that’s what they are wanting from me. (Which is a good thing — because it is what they are going to get!)

What is it like if it rains during a wedding for you as the photographer? We’ll shoot at some indoor locations, and then head outside with some umbrellas! I happen to HATE being wet, but weddings are pretty much the one situation in which I will brave the water and don’t mind getting soaked if need be!

What makes your job so much easier? Having such amazing, easy going clients who trust my judgment and are willing to try all of the wacky ideas I throw their way!

What’s your advice for a new photographer breaking into the wedding business? Make connections with local photographers! I started out last year as a second shooter for another studio in Edmonton  and much of my business this first year has been referrals from them.

Which album company do you recommend? I’m still in the process of finalizing my choices… but Leather Craftsman, Kiss and Asuka are topping my list right now! I like the idea of having different options and allowing people to choose which album is right for them, whether it be for a wedding, an engagement or any other lifestyle session.

Mac or PC? PC

Even if you are already married and can do it all over again, or even if you aren’t – who
would you want to photograph your wedding? Oh wow… such a tough choice… I have two current favourites so I am picking them both! Fred Egan and Fuller Edge!

Music in my iPod… Oh gosh, it changes daily! A random selection of my current playlist: Snow Patrol, Blue October, Imogen Heap, Hellogoodbye, Mika…

Morning or Night? Can I say both?! As much as I love sleep, I love getting up early and chilling out before my work/school day starts, and I like night time to because that’s when I get to take a break from work/school and hang out with my hubby! (Can you tell work and school are taking up a little too much of my time right now?)

My guilty pleasure is… red wine.

My weakness is… keeping my office clean!

My strength is… I hear all the time that I find the greatest places to shoot at, so I guess my strength is seeing the potential in unusual locations. I spend a lot of time scouting and just driving around town getting inspired by different spots.

My friends say… a lot of things. But not a lot of which should be posted in public places.

On my day off… I love to curl up with a good book… preferably on a dock at a lake somewhere

One thing you may not know about me… I’m pretty obsessive about checking email… I have three accounts (one work, one school, one personal) and I check them all countless times every day!

One of your top 100 to do before you die? Travel, travel, travel!

Favorite homemade meal? Lasagna, with lots of CHEESE!

We love this shot of Andrea working hard!

More of her amazing work:

Andrea, thank you so much for allowing us to spotlight you! Amazing work!!!! Be sure to come back tomorrow for our final photo team of the week and another “goody”.

Another Giveaway

We’re crazy, right? Well, here’s another fun giveaway to use for your engagement photos! Show your client his fun Save the Date card. You can change the colors with the color overlay blend mode (or see one of our previous Tuesday Tutorials).

The fonts are not included in this so when you overwrite, just change to your favorite font.

Click here to download from our file sharing site!

We love the feedback on our wedding spotlight photographers! I can tell they are all providing you with some amazing insight on improving your wedding photography business!

Our Wednesday spotlight is on one of the nicest photographers I have ever met (online at least) and I think you’ll like her too! It’s none other than Jasmine Star!

Name:
Jasmine Star

Site:
www.jasminestarblog.com

Stats (camera, lenses, etc.):
Canon 5D
*70-200 IS  2.8
*24-70, 2.8
*16-35, 2.8
*28mm, 1.8
*85mm, 1.8
*50mm 1.4
*Fishey*Lens Baby

For a full and detailed list of why I love each lens and when I use them, check out this link: www.jasminestarblog.com/index.cfm?postID=100

Location:
Orange County, California

Describe your style:
Fresh, young, classy

If not a wedding photographer, then….
Realistically, a lawyer (I was in law school when I quit to pursue photography).

Unrealistically, a writer.

Favorite wedding photography add-on product?
I LOVE when my clients add-on an engagement album!  It’s the absolute best way to display their images and it’s such a great conversation piece.  Most my clients opt to make the flushmount album a guest sign-in book, which is totally a new a fun way to document their wedding day and engagement session.  For a detailed description of my engagement sign-in albums, check out this link: www.jasminestarblog.com/index.cfm?postID=50

Your go-to camera shop?
Samy’s Camera

How many weddings do you typically shoot in a year?
Well, this year I’m shooting 36 weddings…I’m hoping to shoot a little less next year 

Do you find that you do much continued with business with your wedding clients after the wedding? Do share!
Yes and no.  Yes, in that most my clients refer me to their friends, so I see them at weddings at some point in the future.  No, in that I primarily focus on wedding photography, so I wouldn’t, say, photograph their children a couple years later.  At least not right now.

What’s your favorite ceremony lens to use?
Picking a favorite lens is like trying to pick my favorite ice cream…I can’t!    However, I will say that I wouldn’t be caught dead without my 70-200IS 2.8, 85mm 1.8, or my 50mm 1.4 during the ceremony.

Your detail shot lens?
50mm 1.4…although I’ve been dropping hints for the 50mm 1.2!!

Do you use an assistant during weddings?
Yes!  My husband is my assistant/second shooter and he’s just fabulous.  More than just being a solid photographer, he really knows how to connect with clients and their families.  At the end of the night, it’s not unusual for him to be getting a kiss on the cheek from grandma trading golf tips from the groom.  He’s awesome!

Destination weddings or ones right-here at home?
I prefer local weddings, but I’m always game for a destination wedding!  Part of what is so great about my ‘job’ is the ability to travel and do what I love!

Ever deal with a bridezilla? How did you cope?
No, I’ve never had a bridezilla and I’m SO blessed to say that!  I try to screen my clients as much as possible to ensure we’re a good fit.  I don’t accept every wedding and I’ve told prospective clients that I don’t think I’m the right photographer for their wedding.  It’s totally uncomfortable, but in the long run, it’s the best decision I can make for my business!

Standby wedding party pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)?
I’m totally blessed to have clients who want something different…something all their own.  My clients trust that if I pose them and/or their wedding party, I have their best interests in mind.  Thankfully, I haven’t received a complaint, so hopefully I’m doing something right! 

What is it like if it rains during a wedding for you as the photographer?
I’m fortunate enough to live in a gorgeous state, with equally gorgeous weather.  Rain hasn’t been much of an issue, but if it does occur, I just explain to my client that we’re going to have to think outside of the box and try something funky and cool.  There’s always a little more pressure to deliver under these circumstances, but using an off-camera flash can create an entirely different environment and mood.  For the most part, this works just wonderfully!

What makes your job so much easier?
Outsourcing!!  I realized early on that if I’m going to be a high-volume photographer, I can’t do everything on my own.  It’s truly impossible to carry such a huge load and offer impeccable client care.  I’ve relinquished some aspects of my business (my print fulfillment is through www.pictage.com and my album design is through www.albumesque.com), so this allows me to focus on the really important things.

What’s your advice for a new photographer breaking into the wedding business?
GET A BLOG!!!  I booked my first 10 weddings without a website, using only my blog.  Blogs are the newest wave of communicating with clients and it’s proven to be the best investment of my time.  Because my blog is a mix of my personal and professional life, brides are willing to book me without a meeting because they feel like they know me…like they truly KNOW me.  Connecting with people outside the world of just business has been a defining aspect of my business and my blog helped me accomplish this.

Which album company do you recommend?
Leather Craftsmen for my wedding albums ( www.leathercraftsmen.com ) and Kiss Wedding Books for my engagement albums ( www.kissweddingbooks.com ).

Mac or PC?
Is there anything else but Mac?!? 

Even if you are already married and can do it all over again, or even if you aren’t – who would you want to photograph your wedding?
I’m SO lucky to never want to do things over again in regard to wedding photography.  I had the BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER EVER at my wedding.  David Jay ( www.davidjay.com ) was the perfect fit for my destination wedding in Hawaii and his images are the most cherished items from my wedding day.  He’s truly an amazing photographer, but an even better person…since my wedding, he’s become a mentor and I’m honored to call him my friend.

Music in my iPod…
I’m waaaaay to embarrassed to admit what I listen to…upon first click, one may find Justin Timberlake, No Doubt, John Mayer, Incubus, Sarah Bareilles…and maybe a little Michael Jackson and Britney Spears.  Ugh!  I just can’t forgo my love affair with pop music! 

Morning or Night?
Morning

My guilty pleasure is…
Three words: Ben and Jerry

My weakness is…
My husband

My strength is…
My husband

My friends say…
I’m a work-a-holic

On my day off…
You’ll find me at the beach or with my family…usually surrounded by delicious food!

One thing you may not know about me…
I’ve never, ever watched a scary movie in my life.  Just watching a horror movie trailer in the theater can keep me awake for nights on end.  I just can’t watch them!

One of your top 100 to do before you die?
Write a letter to my friends and family fully articulating how much they mean to me and what they’ve done specifically to make me a better person.

Favorite homemade meal?
Just one?!?!   Good grief…believe me when I say I’ve earned the size of my waist…and most of it is attributed to home cooked meals.  If I had to choose, here are my favs according to each of my favorite chefs:
My husband: Garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, stuffing, grilled peppers, and a cranberry reduction sauce.  Augh…my mouth is watering!

My dad: All things Mexican…he’s a true chef in the kitchen and he creates amazing culinary masterpieces from his home country!

My twin sister: Her homemade manicotti is literally to die for!

My mom: All things Puerto Rican!!  I love a dish called arroz con gandules accompanied with plantains, otherwise known as tostones.

Thanks Jasmine!!! Here are some of Jasmine’s images that we love and she does too!

We love the feedback on our wedding spotlight photographers! I can tell they are all providing you with some amazing insight on improving your wedding photography business!

Our Wednesday spotlight is on one of the nicest photographers I have ever met (online at least) and I think you’ll like her too! It’s none other than Jasmine Star!

Name:
Jasmine Star

Site:
www.jasminestarblog.com

Stats (camera, lenses, etc.):
Canon 5D
*70-200 IS  2.8
*24-70, 2.8
*16-35, 2.8
*28mm, 1.8
*85mm, 1.8
*50mm 1.4
*Fishey*Lens Baby

For a full and detailed list of why I love each lens and when I use them, check out this link: www.jasminestarblog.com/index.cfm?postID=100

Location:
Orange County, California

Describe your style:
Fresh, young, classy

If not a wedding photographer, then….
Realistically, a lawyer (I was in law school when I quit to pursue photography).

Unrealistically, a writer.

Favorite wedding photography add-on product?
I LOVE when my clients add-on an engagement album!  It’s the absolute best way to display their images and it’s such a great conversation piece.  Most my clients opt to make the flushmount album a guest sign-in book, which is totally a new a fun way to document their wedding day and engagement session.  For a detailed description of my engagement sign-in albums, check out this link: www.jasminestarblog.com/index.cfm?postID=50

Your go-to camera shop?
Samy’s Camera

How many weddings do you typically shoot in a year?
Well, this year I’m shooting 36 weddings…I’m hoping to shoot a little less next year 

Do you find that you do much continued with business with your wedding clients after the wedding? Do share!
Yes and no.  Yes, in that most my clients refer me to their friends, so I see them at weddings at some point in the future.  No, in that I primarily focus on wedding photography, so I wouldn’t, say, photograph their children a couple years later.  At least not right now.

What’s your favorite ceremony lens to use?
Picking a favorite lens is like trying to pick my favorite ice cream…I can’t!    However, I will say that I wouldn’t be caught dead without my 70-200IS 2.8, 85mm 1.8, or my 50mm 1.4 during the ceremony.

Your detail shot lens?
50mm 1.4…although I’ve been dropping hints for the 50mm 1.2!!

Do you use an assistant during weddings?
Yes!  My husband is my assistant/second shooter and he’s just fabulous.  More than just being a solid photographer, he really knows how to connect with clients and their families.  At the end of the night, it’s not unusual for him to be getting a kiss on the cheek from grandma trading golf tips from the groom.  He’s awesome!

Destination weddings or ones right-here at home?
I prefer local weddings, but I’m always game for a destination wedding!  Part of what is so great about my ‘job’ is the ability to travel and do what I love!

Ever deal with a bridezilla? How did you cope?
No, I’ve never had a bridezilla and I’m SO blessed to say that!  I try to screen my clients as much as possible to ensure we’re a good fit.  I don’t accept every wedding and I’ve told prospective clients that I don’t think I’m the right photographer for their wedding.  It’s totally uncomfortable, but in the long run, it’s the best decision I can make for my business!

Standby wedding party pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)?
I’m totally blessed to have clients who want something different…something all their own.  My clients trust that if I pose them and/or their wedding party, I have their best interests in mind.  Thankfully, I haven’t received a complaint, so hopefully I’m doing something right! 

What is it like if it rains during a wedding for you as the photographer?
I’m fortunate enough to live in a gorgeous state, with equally gorgeous weather.  Rain hasn’t been much of an issue, but if it does occur, I just explain to my client that we’re going to have to think outside of the box and try something funky and cool.  There’s always a little more pressure to deliver under these circumstances, but using an off-camera flash can create an entirely different environment and mood.  For the most part, this works just wonderfully!

What makes your job so much easier?
Outsourcing!!  I realized early on that if I’m going to be a high-volume photographer, I can’t do everything on my own.  It’s truly impossible to carry such a huge load and offer impeccable client care.  I’ve relinquished some aspects of my business (my print fulfillment is through www.pictage.com and my album design is through www.albumesque.com), so this allows me to focus on the really important things.

What’s your advice for a new photographer breaking into the wedding business?
GET A BLOG!!!  I booked my first 10 weddings without a website, using only my blog.  Blogs are the newest wave of communicating with clients and it’s proven to be the best investment of my time.  Because my blog is a mix of my personal and professional life, brides are willing to book me without a meeting because they feel like they know me…like they truly KNOW me.  Connecting with people outside the world of just business has been a defining aspect of my business and my blog helped me accomplish this.

Which album company do you recommend?
Leather Craftsmen for my wedding albums ( www.leathercraftsmen.com ) and Kiss Wedding Books for my engagement albums ( www.kissweddingbooks.com ).

Mac or PC?
Is there anything else but Mac?!? 

Even if you are already married and can do it all over again, or even if you aren’t – who would you want to photograph your wedding?
I’m SO lucky to never want to do things over again in regard to wedding photography.  I had the BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER EVER at my wedding.  David Jay ( www.davidjay.com ) was the perfect fit for my destination wedding in Hawaii and his images are the most cherished items from my wedding day.  He’s truly an amazing photographer, but an even better person…since my wedding, he’s become a mentor and I’m honored to call him my friend.

Music in my iPod…
I’m waaaaay to embarrassed to admit what I listen to…upon first click, one may find Justin Timberlake, No Doubt, John Mayer, Incubus, Sarah Bareilles…and maybe a little Michael Jackson and Britney Spears.  Ugh!  I just can’t forgo my love affair with pop music! 

Morning or Night?
Morning

My guilty pleasure is…
Three words: Ben and Jerry

My weakness is…
My husband

My strength is…
My husband

My friends say…
I’m a work-a-holic

On my day off…
You’ll find me at the beach or with my family…usually surrounded by delicious food!

One thing you may not know about me…
I’ve never, ever watched a scary movie in my life.  Just watching a horror movie trailer in the theater can keep me awake for nights on end.  I just can’t watch them!

One of your top 100 to do before you die?
Write a letter to my friends and family fully articulating how much they mean to me and what they’ve done specifically to make me a better person.

Favorite homemade meal?
Just one?!?!   Good grief…believe me when I say I’ve earned the size of my waist…and most of it is attributed to home cooked meals.  If I had to choose, here are my favs according to each of my favorite chefs:
My husband: Garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, stuffing, grilled peppers, and a cranberry reduction sauce.  Augh…my mouth is watering!

My dad: All things Mexican…he’s a true chef in the kitchen and he creates amazing culinary masterpieces from his home country!

My twin sister: Her homemade manicotti is literally to die for!

My mom: All things Puerto Rican!!  I love a dish called arroz con gandules accompanied with plantains, otherwise known as tostones.

Thanks Jasmine!!! Here are some of Jasmine’s images that we love and she does too!

We love the feedback on our wedding spotlight photographers! I can tell they are all providing you with some amazing insight on improving your wedding photography business!

Our Wednesday spotlight is on one of the nicest photographers I have ever met (online at least) and I think you’ll like her too! It’s none other than Jasmine Star!

Name:
Jasmine Star

Site:
www.jasminestarblog.com

Stats (camera, lenses, etc.):
Canon 5D
*70-200 IS  2.8
*24-70, 2.8
*16-35, 2.8
*28mm, 1.8
*85mm, 1.8
*50mm 1.4
*Fishey*Lens Baby

For a full and detailed list of why I love each lens and when I use them, check out this link: www.jasminestarblog.com/index.cfm?postID=100

Location:
Orange County, California

Describe your style:
Fresh, young, classy

If not a wedding photographer, then….
Realistically, a lawyer (I was in law school when I quit to pursue photography).

Unrealistically, a writer.

Favorite wedding photography add-on product?
I LOVE when my clients add-on an engagement album!  It’s the absolute best way to display their images and it’s such a great conversation piece.  Most my clients opt to make the flushmount album a guest sign-in book, which is totally a new a fun way to document their wedding day and engagement session.  For a detailed description of my engagement sign-in albums, check out this link: www.jasminestarblog.com/index.cfm?postID=50

Your go-to camera shop?
Samy’s Camera

How many weddings do you typically shoot in a year?
Well, this year I’m shooting 36 weddings…I’m hoping to shoot a little less next year 

Do you find that you do much continued with business with your wedding clients after the wedding? Do share!
Yes and no.  Yes, in that most my clients refer me to their friends, so I see them at weddings at some point in the future.  No, in that I primarily focus on wedding photography, so I wouldn’t, say, photograph their children a couple years later.  At least not right now.

What’s your favorite ceremony lens to use?
Picking a favorite lens is like trying to pick my favorite ice cream…I can’t!    However, I will say that I wouldn’t be caught dead without my 70-200IS 2.8, 85mm 1.8, or my 50mm 1.4 during the ceremony.

Your detail shot lens?
50mm 1.4…although I’ve been dropping hints for the 50mm 1.2!!

Do you use an assistant during weddings?
Yes!  My husband is my assistant/second shooter and he’s just fabulous.  More than just being a solid photographer, he really knows how to connect with clients and their families.  At the end of the night, it’s not unusual for him to be getting a kiss on the cheek from grandma trading golf tips from the groom.  He’s awesome!

Destination weddings or ones right-here at home?
I prefer local weddings, but I’m always game for a destination wedding!  Part of what is so great about my ‘job’ is the ability to travel and do what I love!

Ever deal with a bridezilla? How did you cope?
No, I’ve never had a bridezilla and I’m SO blessed to say that!  I try to screen my clients as much as possible to ensure we’re a good fit.  I don’t accept every wedding and I’ve told prospective clients that I don’t think I’m the right photographer for their wedding.  It’s totally uncomfortable, but in the long run, it’s the best decision I can make for my business!

Standby wedding party pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)?
I’m totally blessed to have clients who want something different…something all their own.  My clients trust that if I pose them and/or their wedding party, I have their best interests in mind.  Thankfully, I haven’t received a complaint, so hopefully I’m doing something right! 

What is it like if it rains during a wedding for you as the photographer?
I’m fortunate enough to live in a gorgeous state, with equally gorgeous weather.  Rain hasn’t been much of an issue, but if it does occur, I just explain to my client that we’re going to have to think outside of the box and try something funky and cool.  There’s always a little more pressure to deliver under these circumstances, but using an off-camera flash can create an entirely different environment and mood.  For the most part, this works just wonderfully!

What makes your job so much easier?
Outsourcing!!  I realized early on that if I’m going to be a high-volume photographer, I can’t do everything on my own.  It’s truly impossible to carry such a huge load and offer impeccable client care.  I’ve relinquished some aspects of my business (my print fulfillment is through www.pictage.com and my album design is through www.albumesque.com), so this allows me to focus on the really important things.

What’s your advice for a new photographer breaking into the wedding business?
GET A BLOG!!!  I booked my first 10 weddings without a website, using only my blog.  Blogs are the newest wave of communicating with clients and it’s proven to be the best investment of my time.  Because my blog is a mix of my personal and professional life, brides are willing to book me without a meeting because they feel like they know me…like they truly KNOW me.  Connecting with people outside the world of just business has been a defining aspect of my business and my blog helped me accomplish this.

Which album company do you recommend?
Leather Craftsmen for my wedding albums ( www.leathercraftsmen.com ) and Kiss Wedding Books for my engagement albums ( www.kissweddingbooks.com ).

Mac or PC?
Is there anything else but Mac?!? 

Even if you are already married and can do it all over again, or even if you aren’t – who would you want to photograph your wedding?
I’m SO lucky to never want to do things over again in regard to wedding photography.  I had the BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER EVER at my wedding.  David Jay ( www.davidjay.com ) was the perfect fit for my destination wedding in Hawaii and his images are the most cherished items from my wedding day.  He’s truly an amazing photographer, but an even better person…since my wedding, he’s become a mentor and I’m honored to call him my friend.

Music in my iPod…
I’m waaaaay to embarrassed to admit what I listen to…upon first click, one may find Justin Timberlake, No Doubt, John Mayer, Incubus, Sarah Bareilles…and maybe a little Michael Jackson and Britney Spears.  Ugh!  I just can’t forgo my love affair with pop music! 

Morning or Night?
Morning

My guilty pleasure is…
Three words: Ben and Jerry

My weakness is…
My husband

My strength is…
My husband

My friends say…
I’m a work-a-holic

On my day off…
You’ll find me at the beach or with my family…usually surrounded by delicious food!

One thing you may not know about me…
I’ve never, ever watched a scary movie in my life.  Just watching a horror movie trailer in the theater can keep me awake for nights on end.  I just can’t watch them!

One of your top 100 to do before you die?
Write a letter to my friends and family fully articulating how much they mean to me and what they’ve done specifically to make me a better person.

Favorite homemade meal?
Just one?!?!   Good grief…believe me when I say I’ve earned the size of my waist…and most of it is attributed to home cooked meals.  If I had to choose, here are my favs according to each of my favorite chefs:
My husband: Garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, stuffing, grilled peppers, and a cranberry reduction sauce.  Augh…my mouth is watering!

My dad: All things Mexican…he’s a true chef in the kitchen and he creates amazing culinary masterpieces from his home country!

My twin sister: Her homemade manicotti is literally to die for!

My mom: All things Puerto Rican!!  I love a dish called arroz con gandules accompanied with plantains, otherwise known as tostones.

Thanks Jasmine!!! Here are some of Jasmine’s images that we love and she does too!

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