San Antonio Senior Portraits

Earlier this week, I laid out some guidelines to help you choose a wedding photographer.  The moral of the story was to not let price be the determining factor—to do some homework!  After you’ve done your homework and have hired a photographer, it’s time to trust them.  Wedding photography is a big investment.  Make sure you get your money’s worth by following these simple tips.

The most important thing you can do is educate your photographer.  Don’t dictate what they shoot or how they shoot it!  Let them do their thing!  With a little guidance your photographer should be able to capture the defining moments of the day AND other special moments you won’t even witness until you view the images.  Here are some things you can do to make sure your wedding images are stunning:

• This should have happened before you signed an agreement, but make sure you get along with your photographer.  If you and your photographer’s personalities clash, it is going to be a painful experience.
• Make sure they know your story.  Your photographer is an artist.  They create.  By telling them how you met your groom, how it was love at first sight or how he proposed, you’re painting a story in your photographer’s mind.  They will take this story and want to add beauty to the canvas with your wedding day.  They will feel compelled to tell your story.
• Invite them to the rehearsal.  It’s not a deal breaker if they can’t come, but if they are available, it will give them an opportunity to:  (1) learn who the key family/friends are, (2) become recognizable to your family and wedding party, (3) recon shooting angles and possible light sources, and (4) learn the venue rules.
• Identify key members of your family and closest friends.  Have your Maid of Honor serve as the go-to girl on the wedding day.
• Point out special wedding mementos and details that are not all the guests are privy to (Grandmother’s veil, Father’s special promise ring, special messages on the bottoms of your bridesmaids’ shoes, or the crazy socks the groomsmen are wearing, for example).
• Create a timeline of the day and stick to it.
• Smile.
• Have fun.
• Forget about every recent photography trend you have seen.  This includes slanty pictures, blown out and super warm edits, frames within frames, railroad tracks, balloons, selective or saturated colors, and jumping in the air.  It is crucial that your wedding images stand the test of time and are valued for generations to come. Trends are fun, but don’t last long!  Hopefully, you’ve chosen a photographer with a classic shooting and editing style.

Reduce stress for the day.  Here is a short list of things not to do:

• Do not give your photographer a two-page list of combinations for family photos.
• Do not give your photographer a two-page list of detailed shots to capture.
• Do not follow your photographer around saying, “Shoot this. Get that. This is a nice background.”
• Do not let any of your relatives interfere by getting in the photographer’s way, blocking the shots or helping to pose.

Please feel free to browse my wedding portfolio or my engagement portfolio.

**The images contained in this post were shot under the direction and for assignment of Philip Thomas Photography, LLC.  The images are copyrighted by Philip Thomas Photography, LLC, but are used herein with permission.

_______________________________________________________________________________

I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.

In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!

The post, What to Expect from Your Wedding Photographer, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

Last week, I briefly touched on choosing a photographer in two posts about planning your wedding, here and here.  I recommended choosing your photographer at least 10 months prior to your wedding so that you could also take care of your engagement photos at that time.  And finally, I recommended sitting down with your photographer to “educate them” about a month prior.

When I say “educate your photographer,” I don’t mean teach them how to use a camera, or request certain angles or very specific shots.  I don’t even recommend giving your photographer a requested shot list.  I’ve heard nightmares about brides listing extremely detailed shots (ie. picture of the rings, on a pillow, in front of a stain glassed window, with a blurry background.)  Once, I even read about a request list that asked for a shot of the groom carrying the bride into the reception hall.  The photographer was unable to capture that moment because it never happened.  The bride and groom walked hand-in-hand into the reception hall when they were announced.  And the bride was upset at her photographer for not capturing her being carried into the reception!!  That makes no sense to  me.

Once you’ve decided on a budget for a wedding photographer, start shopping.  Ask for referrals.  Take the time to look through their portfolios and ensure that their photography style is what you have in mind for your wedding images.  Read their blog.  Check their Facebook and Twitter.  Call them.  Set up a consultation.  If you’re out-of-state, Skype them.  See how committed they are to their business.  Make sure their personality is one that will mesh nicely with yours. Read the testimonials and see what past clients are saying. Make an educated choice!  Do your homework!

Do not, I repeat, do not choose a photographer based on cost alone.  If your wedding images are important to you… If, in the future, you will look at the images and reminisce about your wedding day… If the images are something you want to cherish do not let price alone determine who will photograph your wedding.  And, if that’s not enough reason, read this blog listing 10 reasons to hire a professional.

You can continue reading this series here.

Please feel free to browse my wedding portfolio or my engagement portfolio.  Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

**The images contained in this post were shot under the direction and for assignment of Philip Thomas Photography, LLC.  The images are copyrighted by Philip Thomas Photography, LLC, but are used herein with permission.

_______________________________________________________________________________

I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.

In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!

The post, What to Expect from Your Wedding Photographer, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

Last week, I chronicled what should take place during the first eight months of your wedding planning.  What follows is the second half of a basic order of events to use when planning for your wedding day.  Establishing the aesthetic part of your wedding is definitely the fun part.  However, the wedding details can become overwhelming in a hurry.  There are so many things to plan for; the coordination of all this detail can quickly take the enjoyment away if you’re not careful.  So, I have put together this simple check list to refer to and keep yourself as sane as possible.  Whether you’re a bride-to-be, parent, Maid of Honor, or attendee, this list will let you know what to expect and how to be better prepared.  Please keep in mind, that although this checklist is based on a yearlong plan, it can be adjusted for either longer or shorter planning timelines.

2 Months Out

• Mail the Invitations:  Typically, wedding invitations are sent out six to eight weeks prior to the wedding ceremony.
• Write & Memorize Vows:  If you are writing your own vows, it’s a nice touch if you memorize them. However, don’t be afraid to make note cards for reference.  There is no way how to tell how nervous you’ll actually be on your wedding day.  Having a backup plan will prevent moments of awkward silence.
• Purchase Day-Of Accessories: Don’t forget something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue when you’re planning what you’ll be wearing the day of your wedding.  You’ll need shoes, jewelry, hairpieces, veil, and lingerie.  Many brides also opt for a comfortable dress to change in for the reception and a second, even more comfortable get away outfit.
• Confirm Transportation:  Determine how you, the bridal party, and your families will be getting to and from the wedding location.

6 Weeks Out

• Apply for Marriage License: Check your local requirements and details.  Also, keep in mind some state’s marriage licenses are only valid for 30 days.  If that’s the case, you’ll want to secure your license inside of that window.
• Print Ceremony Incidentals:  Make sure all of the wedding programs, reception programs, seating cards, menus, and nametags are printed and ready to go.

1 Month Out

• Bachelorette Party: Typically, the Maid of Honor plans this with the rest of the bridesmaids. But, there isn’t a hard and fast rule as to when to plan a bachelorette party.  Just find the best date that works for your bridal party.
• Bridal Shower: The groom’s mother’s close friend typically hosts the bridal shower.
• Photographer Instructions:  I do not personally recommend giving your photographer a detailed shot list.  I’ve heard nightmare stories about brides listing extremely detailed shots (ie. picture of the rings, on a pillow, in front of a stain glassed window, with a blurry background.)  If you’ve hired and paid for a photographer, then I can only deduce that you like their style; therefore, you must also trust them.  Giving your photographer very specific demands, like the one listed above, will add undue stress.  They are there serving your best interests and they want nothing more than to document your wedding day perfectly.

What I do recommend is educating your photographer.  Let them know who your extra special family members and friends are.  Let me know that the black ribbons the party is wearing will represent your deceased grandmother, or that you have a special locket in your bouquet.  Should your photographer have any questions during the day, have your Maid of Honor serve as the go-to girl.  I provide my brides and grooms with a worksheet to document important things for the day and also to have a handy reference on the day of.

2 Weeks Out

• Final Dress Fitting:  It’s not only wise to start breaking in your wedding shoes at this point, it’s also a perfect time to test how your accessories will look with the dress.  This will give you ample time should changes be needed.
• Review Music with DJ/Band: Touch base with your band or DJ to finalize the playlist and confirm special request songs.

1 Week Out

• Final Headcount: Confirm the numbers with your rental companies (chairs, tables) as well as your caterer once you have reviewed all the RSVPs.
• Finalize Seating Chart: Sit friends and acquaintances together whenever possible. It will make your guests feel more comfortable and have a better time.

48 Hours Before

• Nail Appointment: You will want your manicure and pedicure as fresh as possible. 
• Spray Tan: If bronzed skin is important to you, get an airbrush spray tan.  Tanning beds are not worth any of the risks associated with them.
• Wrap Party Gifts: Do not wait until the last minute to wrap the gifts for the groomsmen and brides maids.

Day Before

• Rehearsal Dinner: Enjoy!
• Bridal Party Gifts: Typically, gifts are given the day before the wedding especially if the gift is something that can be worn during the ceremony.

 Day Of Magic!

• Live happily ever after!  There is no such thing as a perfect wedding.  Remember to enjoy the moment.  After all, it’s your moment.  It flies by, so try to remember to breathe, soak it all in and have fun!

Please feel free to browse my wedding portfolio or my engagement portfolio.

_______________________________________________________________________________

I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.

In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling and listening to Elvis!

This post first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio senior photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. Ata-Girl Photography Co. also offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.