Communicating with your Wedding PhotographerFrom the moment he pops the question and she says "yes" life changes, radically and rapidly. What, where, when, how many and who...? Just fill in the blanks with the remainder of each question and the first of many lists has begun. Frequently one of the first things (after telling everyone and showing off the new ring) is to have engagement pictures taken. For some this is an all day event and for others it is a one-two hour shoot with a professional. It also could be someone they know who has a "nice camera" or it could be with an uncle or a cousin or a friend who may or may not know what they are doing and if the results are lackluster or a bit disappointing the happy couple may shrug it off and figure they will get stunning results from their wedding photographer.
As the blessed day approaches they consult with various photographers but are stunned at the $1000+ price tag or maybe they find someone who is a little less pricey or gives them a deal as a gift. Or better yet they decide once again to go with their friend/uncle/cousin who has a 'nice' camera. Prior to deciding on the 'who' for the photographer they meet with many to talk pricing etc, once the decision has been made they may perhaps meet with the photographer to discuss the contract and what they want. Although they may have told the photographer that they want "EVERYTHING" photographed on the actual day of the nuptials they may find themselves a bit irritated with all the photos the photographer is actually taking or with how "bossy" he/she is being. Well this is a composite list designed to guide you as you chose a photographer and what to expect when you do see your photos, this comes from my experience as well conversations with other photographers. 1. A nice camera does not make up for a bad or mediocre photographer. Don't be fooled by someone with oodles of gear or cameras that look to be the latest and greatest. If they don't know what they are doing you will never get the quality photos you want. 2. Meet with your chosen photographer to discuss expectations-your expectations as well as the photographers. This will help to reduce stress the day of the wedding as well as (hopefully) any let down when you actually see the photos.
3.Know that in order to get certain shots the photographer will have to pose you and your wedding party, this may be seen as being "bossy" but I have yet to meet a photographer who is truly trying to be bossy. Most photographers try to stay in the background as much as possible, but in order to do a good job they may have to be out in front posing or directing people. 4.Cell phones, ipads, tablets, other cameras will ruin the photographers photos. 5. You have paid a large sum of money to have your wedding photographed, and that person has blocked out a lot of time to record your event. Please ask your family and friends to turn off their electronics and let the photographer do what you have paid them to do. (see #4) 6. Be sure when you meet with your photographer to let them know what you like and don't like, what you want and don't want. If you don't know then look at photos to get an idea of what you like and don't like. A good photographer will ask you (in many different ways) what you want and don't want and what you like and don't like, be sure to give them an answer. If you are unable to communicate to the photographer your likes and dislikes he/she will spend the day hoping to capture your day in a way that is pleasing to you and you run the risk of being disappointed when you see your photos. Are you unsure if you have had this discussion with your chosen photographer, well think back to the conversations you have had with them, did the photographer ask you if you like or want black & white photos? Chances are good that by the time the photographer has asked you this question he/she is grasping at straws to find out what you want.
7. If, when you see your photos, you are disappointed because they don't look like what you thought they would just take a breath. Now look at them again. Are there no photos of you walking down the isle (that could be because there were cell phones,ipads, or 'nice cameras' that had to be cropped out). If there is a pose that you wanted but don't see, ask the photographer about it (the photo may exist but the photographer may have overlooked it or it could have been marred by someone else with a camera who tried to take the picture at the same time). Please remember that what you have in your head will probably be different than the actual photos and there are a lot of reasons for this...communicate with your photographer ahead of time to try to avoid this. 8. Is your Great Aunt Elsie May not in any of the photos? Be sure to have someone assigned to aid the photographer with groupings and special pictures. I do have a notebook that I take to the meetings with clients so that I can write down special requests but we are human and can forget so if you have someone on that day to show the photographer who the people are they will be more likely to get their picture. Do you have a wedding planner? If so introduce the photographer to that person, they should be working in tandem on your special day to be sure that all bases are covered. 9. Photographers want you to love your photos, and they like to know when you do. For every hour spent taking pictures of your special day there are at least 10 hours (usually more) of behind the scenes work, we put a lot of love into each photo to be sure that they are as perfect as they can be and we like to know that you like them.
10. Most photographers make $5-10 an hour by the time it is all said and done. So when you are charged a $100 sitting fee the photographer will be lucky to break even on their time and work. If you ask for all the files on CD and they give it to you they are handing you $1000+ worth of work and potential sales, be cognizant of what you asking them to do, they have bills to pay just like you do. 11. Have I mentioned that Cell phones, iPads, cameras will ruin the photographers photos? Those photos WILL end up on social network sites before you have seen them and do you want the world to see your photos before you do?. Think about having an 'electronic free' ceremony by stating that on the invitation.
12. The flash from other cameras can ruin the photos that your professional has taken. The screens from smartphones will also interfere with the settings of the photographers camera. Remember that cell phones, iPads/tablets WILL ruin the photographers photos. 13. Most of the time the photographer has spoken with the person officiating the ceremony and agreed on the usage (or not) of flash photographer during the ceremony. It is typically considered rude to use flash photography during the ceremony itself so the photographer has set their equipment for the light therefore anyone else using a flash will inturn ruin the photographers pictures. 14. Understand that if your aunt/uncle/cousin/friend wants to give you photos as a gift that person is in effect taking money out of the photographers pocket. That person's movement before/during/after the ceremony may interfere with the photographers job and may be in contrast to the agreement the photographer has with the officiant or location. Professional photographers will always try to meet or exceed your expectations if they know what those expectations are. We are not mind readers or miracle workers. We love what we do and are always looking for the perfect light or setting to make your day as memorable as possible. Be sure to communicate with your photographer to be sure that it is a good fit, it is too late when you are given your photos to decide that you don't like the photographer or their style is not your style.
Rocky Mountain GlamourYesterday afternoon I had the honor and pleasure of photographing one of the most fun and unique couples I have ever met! Located atop Lookout Mountain, CO at the Crystal Rose, Robins Nest the wedding was an intimate mixture of close friends and family that came in from all over the country as well as some requiring hours of travel by plane and I am quite sure about 4 time zones!
With a perfect mixture of glamour paired with the colors of summertime in Colorado the couple and their wedding party sparkled against the rocky backdrop of the Denver Foothills. The day was a perfect June day; mild temperatures, no wind or bugs, and classic Colorado blue skies...it really could not have been any better for an outdoor wedding. As for the wedding ceremony itself, the couple paired symbols of significance with traditional vows, at times eliciting laughter followed by tears of joy. Both the bride and the groom value family above all else which was evidenced by the family heirloom rings they exchanged, the brides grandmothers pearl bracelet worn by the bride, as well as incorporating the 50th anniversary of the grooms parents in the ceremony itself. This is a special couple...one to keep your eye on in the future. Congratulation Stacey & Kris Teegardin!
Finding Inspiration-TwoFinding Inspiration Part Two At some point in our lives we have been inspired by someone, perhaps it was something specific they did. Maybe it was their life story, or how they turned a bad circumstance into something positive. There were stories of extreme acts of heroism that came out of that horrific September morning in 2001 and more recently of the police officer who delivered milk to a family while the city of Boston was in lockdown. Certainly less publicized are ‘average’ people who have a can-do attitude that accomplish things great and small and they do what they do because it feels right to them or they have a passion they pursue. My journey into the world of sign language and interpreting began in 2000 when a life threatening tumor robbed me of my voice but it was that same tumor that has lead me to meet some extraordinary people and through them I find inspiration. The first of many is a woman who will be celebrating her 100th birthday in January 2014, can you imagine everything she has seen and done, all the changes that have taken place in the world and our country…and technology! Her name is Marion; she is the namesake for the Marion Downs Hearing Center in Aurora, Colorado, and as she once told me she became an audiologist almost by accident (because it was the shortest line at the university when she was signing up for classes). Her legacy is as rich as it is valuable especially in terms of pediatric audiology, you see Marion truly was a pioneer and set the standard for newborn hearing screening with the goal of early intervention. The Marion Downs Hearing Center embraces and supports the individuals choice related to their hearing loss whether they choose to use technology such as cochlear implants or the use of signed language.
Through my work with the Marion Downs Hearing Center I have met other amazing people as well and most recently I have the opportunity to meet and work with Justin Osmond. Yes, you read that correctly…he is one of “The Osmond” family, famous for Who inspires you? Do you find joy in what you do? Who do YOU inspire? I challenge you to try something new and different, set a new goal, or resurrect an old passion or hobby not with the intent of success but rather in succeeding in finding the joy and spreading the inspiration that is within you.
Boomerang QuiltThe warmest quilt in our home is not necessarily our favorite quilt, but it is a close second. It also not the most stunning quilt I have ever made or owned, the colors are not matchy-matchy or even coordinated. The fabrics are not store bought and their first life was a very functional one but the story of this quilt goes beyond the unique fabrics that make up this one of a kind creation.
You see, my sister had a friend who purchased an abandoned house in Evergreen, Colorado around 1997-1998. In the house she found a plethora of 1920's-1940's era aprons all in various states of repair yet each one had at least one unique feature in the form of a pocket and/or the sash. The friend gave my sister Dena all of the aprons because Dena is so "crafty" and would know what to do with them, well although crafty, Dena really doesn't sew much and really did not know what to do with them all. She held on to the aprons for a while then called me with an idea...would I, could I, take all of the aprons and turn them into a quilt for her friend? "Sure," I said "send them to me and I will see what I can do with them." A week or so later a box arrived at our Hanahan, SC home, though unsure of what exactly to do with them I had fun unpacking them and spreading them out on the floor to take it all in. Our house had two staircases, one near the front of the house that went up to the bedrooms and two of the bathrooms, the other was a little hidden, in the laundry room, and went up to a very large room that was over our garage which was two cars wide and two cars deep. In the south those rooms are called FROG's (Finished Room Over Garage). That room was so large that it had not one but two sizable storage closets, room for an over sized sofa and love seat, over sized coffee table plus a daybed, in addition to that there was a large area that allowed me to set up an office area and sewing area complete with an L-shaped oak desk (for the office) and my steel teachers desk plus my over sized ironing board which was permanently set up. Yes this room was big...and once the aprons arrived the floor was covered with all of the aprons, after all I needed to be able to see them in all their glory, look for all of the little details that made them so special and once loved. My only regret is that I never took a picture of all of them spread out prior to cutting them all apart...and cutting them apart was hard to do. Eventually I did cut them up but not after visiting my favorite local quilt shop, People Places and Quilts in Summerville, SC and brainstorming with the ladies there about how to turn these treasures into a new quilt. There was not going to be enough fabric to make a sizable quilt so I was going to need to add to it and therein was a problem, but we quickly decided to add in some of "that green" as well as some of the new millennium fabrics, after all it was January 2000 so why not combine the old with the new? Due to the condition of some of the aprons cutting and using large pieces was simply out of the question, so a modified 4-patch pattern seemed the logical choice. Here is where the story begins to get interesting...as I was feverishly working on this quilt life happened and I was diagnosed with a rare life threatening tumor called a Vagal Schwannoma and the prognosis was well, not good. With each doctors appointment the news became worse and as the news worsened with each visit to a specialist so did my determination to finish the quilt and get it mailed to my sister...that quilt became my stress therapy. As I cut and sewed I thought, prayed, and planned...who would I tell...what would I tell them...how do I tell my children...what do I put on the list for my mom when she came out to help...what would my life be like after the surgery...? Making that quilt for someone else became my lifeblood as I struggled with life's bigger questions and my fear. And yes...with each stitch came prayers...many with tears shed on the quilt. My goal was to get to the day of surgery without a stroke or a burst aneurysm and have that quilt finished and in the mail. Well March 7, the day of my surgery, arrived, no strokes, aneurysm intact (with the aid of surgery to place titanium coils) and quilt finished and mailed! Then life happened...the surgery went as good as it could have and obviously I survived. My sister gave the quilt to her friend and even made a video tape of the presentation and mailed it to me...I felt as if my part in all of that was complete, but if it was why do I call it the "Boomergang Quilt?" Ah.....that is because life DOES happen.
The story of the quilt is completely true and took place in 2000, and we moved from Hanahan, to Hilton Head, SC then in 2004 to Stillwater, OK then back to Colorado(after a 20 year absence). I moved back to Colorado in 2010, a year before the rest of my family because I was able to find a job in Alamosa and my first night back was spent at my sisters house. Much to my surprise the quilt was on her guest bed...I was shocked to see it! Well as it turns out her friend never used the quilt and even felt as if she somehow did not deserve it so she eventually gave it back to Dena who put it on her guest bed, yes you read that correctly...her friend never used it and it was on Dena's guest bed...I was the first person to have ever slept beneath it! I thought... BOOMERANG! The quilt top had to be lined with another fabric to stabilize the delicate apron fabric thus making the quilt a tad heavier than most the same size (an over sized twin) and considerably warmer. This particular quilt is not yet the go-to quilt when we are sick but when the temps fall it is sure the first one we plop on our bed for extra warmth. When I am beneath its layers and stitches I cannot help but be comforted by all its history and thinking of the hands that have wiped the remnants of all the holiday dinners and chicken casseroles over the years. The moms and grandmothers that baked pies and birthday cakes and spilled four, sugar, salt and eggs down the front of them but never soiled their clothes because of their protective and beloved apron. Oh, I cannot forget to mention "Glen" who's name was so carefully hand embroidered on a plain muslin apron...someone's boyfriend, dad, grandfather or brother perhaps?
Those pieces of history I will never know, they lay between the warp and weft of the beloved fabric but that is just fine with me for that history is not mine. No, my story starts with the stitches and tears that brought these old aprons back to life.
Finding InspirationSometimes it is hard to find your passion or even inspiration, maybe you have found it but have yet to recognize it although it has been there all along. Inspiration comes in many forms: a color pallet, music or the sound of something, a person or group of people, a fleeting thought, an ideal or belief, the change of seasons, a class or co-worker. Some people find inspiration in their cherished religious texts or in trite sentiments posted on Facebook or Pintrest. Whatever it is and wherever it originates seize it ...dare I say embrace it!
This is a photo of a painting by my great uncle Mario Larrinaga, actually this is a photo of a painting of a sculpture, I have never seen the actual sculpture although I would love to know more about it and know where it is. Growing up I saw this painting several times a month when we would visit my grandmother; as a child I didn't get the point of the painting and I didn't like the colors. Green and gold? And-oh-by-the-way it wasn't even a painting of something real like the ocean or trees. No, as a young child I found this painting to be utterly pointless and a waste of precious wall space. Funny thing is though...I found myself looking at it all the time. I still do. When my grandmother passed away I flew from Hawaii, where we were stationed, to LA with my 6 month old son in tow. We stayed with my father and attended the memorial service and I also was able to see cousins that I rarely have the chance to see. My dad was a tense mess but we needed to head to grandma's "coach" (aka a rather nice double-wide in an upscale retirement community in Camarillo, CA) to sort through some things. It was then that my dad asked me if I wanted anything of hers. "Hmmm...I hadn't thought about it to tell you the truth, but I guess I would like the green painting." The look of shock on my fathers face...really, all I wanted was the green painting? He said no one else did so I could have it, he would have it shipped to me in the next few weeks. When the painting arrived I was actually excited, the green painting was now mine and would grace our home from that point forward. I thought long and hard about where it would hang. I even purchased a light to shine up from the floor which accented the shadows in it. When people came over someone was always sure to comment...they either loved it or hated it. Most people at first didn't care for it but would grow to love it. I even had a few people ask if I would sell it, my answer was always the same, "Never!" My father came out to visit us twice in the 3 years we lived on the remote little base on Oahu, far from Pearl Harbor and well off the beaten path. The last time he came out he told me that he was going to send me one of Uncle Maury's Hawaii paintings for my birthday; I knew exactly which one he meant, it was of a storm blowing in on the island of Kauai. I loved that one, there was no question about it. Unfortunately he died before he could mail it, ironically he died of the same type of tumor that almost took my life five years later. It is because of that connection to my father and to Hawaii that painting has great meaning to me to this day.
Even now I find inspiration and delight from both of these paintings and some days catch myself just looking at them, studying them. They bring to mind wonderful memories but also fill me with inspiration and ideas about color, light and shadow. They are a part of our family, and will forever remain in our family not because of some arbitrary monetary value but because they are a part of who we are. I love to see my various cousins homes because they have other paintings created by our favorite great-uncle-by-marriage... and I love to see how they are on display. I believe that our whole family finds inspiration and even a sense of enchantment in these paintings, the play on light and shadow has a way of drawing a person into the scene.
What inspires you? What brings you joy or evokes vivid memories? Embrace it...cherish it...hang it on your wall. But no matter what don't sell it or give it away...keep it for yourself, nurture it until it blooms anew! |
