Lets Go Cardinals - Lets Go! (woo woo!)
In the past, my lil man has played soccer but this year he wanted to play baseball. Tonight they played and I snapped away. Believe it or not, I was on the other side of a fence so the pictures were limited to certain angles. If you see your child and would like me to email you the photo please email me at jenn@mirroredimages.net -- I'll be taking pictures again next Thursday, so if you'd like individual images of your child in uniform just grab me before the game!
Trash it, Love it, Savor it
Take part in our Trash the Dress / Day After Session and you won't regret it. Take baby steps or take it to the extreme, you choose the level of trashing you feel comfortable with and we'll come up with a creative, sexy, love inspired session that you are guaranteed to fall in love with.
Choose your date and place a deposit on it by October 16th and you qualify to receive 50% off your session and 15% off prints, albums, CD's and specialty items!
Lights, Camera, umm… action?
I got an hour to work with Ben Robi today and we focused on indoor lighting. Lighting has always been a foreign language to me, but I know the more I practice the less foreign it will be. I brought my buddy Jess with me so we could play with different lighting styles and placements.
We did some skin shots but to reserve the modesty of my lovely Jessica, you only get to see the ones I've posted :)
Here's a few from today (Thanks again Jess and Ben!)
Hunter is ONE!
This adorable little man turned one last weekend and he, as most one year olds, was more interested in the paper and boxes than the toys! He's such a happy little boy, full of smiles and giggles (also tantrums and screams but what one year old isn't?). Mom, Stefanie, had his birthday party at their house and she did a wonderful job decorating with the very appropriate theme of monkeys.
Happy Birthday Hunter!
Pulse Check…
Yes! I'm alive. I can't believe I went this long without blogging! I haven't been shooting much because of the heat. Even at 7pm it's hot enough to cook an egg outside, so instead of spending my days off shooting pictures I've been spending my days off working. Yep. Working, LOADS of over time.
But today I picked up the camera and shot a few of our new furry friend, Brody! My son has been asking for another dog and I told him the next time we got a dog he could choose what kind and of course he wanted a "police dog." I am a huge advocate of rescues and shelters and I wanted to show Gavin he could get a wonderful dog from a rescue so I found a local rescue group called New Beginnings Rescue and we were approved! Yesterday was the big day so we drove to Pelzer and picked up the new lad! He's beautiful and is a great pup. I wanted to give him time to settle in before whipping out the camera, but today it was on! Here are a few :o)
I'll be taking more action type shots as the days go on. Breakin' him in easy!
Greenville Wedding Photographer | What is ‘Photojournalism?’
As you scroll through wedding photography business sites there’s a common word, photojournalism. If they’re all claiming to possess this technique then why are their images so different?
I went through my parents wedding album the other day(35 years ago next month, go mom and dad!) and saw a lot of posing and staged shots. These are shots I tend to stray from. It’s inevitable that photographs of the family with the B & G will need to be set up, but why stay in that frame of mind? Think outside the box and incorporate your surroundings to aid you in your creativity.
So the big question here is ‘What is photojournalism?’ Think about it for a moment; what is it that a journalist does? They find a story and they capture it through their descriptive words to insure that you feel as if you were there yourself when reading the story. A photojournalist has the same effect on viewers. As you flip through the photographs you feel the moment, you feel the emotion and you feel the real events of the evening. Weddings are full of emotion and should never be bottled up and contrived.
Creating the moment, setting the atmosphere, stand here, put your hand there… those are not traits of a photojournalistic photographer. The moment is already created and it is our job to capture it, as is. The atmosphere is beautiful and full of love, why change that? A good photojournalist needs more than just camera skills. Personality and people skills are just as important. A photographer must be able to interact with the guests and make them feel comfortable with the camera and with themselves. It is our jobs, as photographers, to capture the moment as it happens and to capture you and your guests flawlessly.
I personally like to be in the middle of the action. A lot of photographers prefer to stand in a corner so they’re out of the way. I agree with that to a certain extent. But when guests are huddled and having a great time, I want to be right there with them snapping away and catching every moment of it.
The publics perception of photography is not what it used to be. As I have stated in a previous article, anyone can buy a fancy camera. It is important that the public understand that photography is an art and a craft. A lifetime of memories should not be jeopardized in an attempt to save money so when planning your wedding make sure to leave room for a professional photographer. If chosen for the right reasons, you will never regret spending the extra money.
https://www.mirroredimages.net
Spartanburg Family Photographer | Farrell Boys
This started off being one of the most flattering shoots ever. I got out of my car at the field to meet with James (9) and Spencer(5) for a evening session and James says "You're beautiful." You've taught him well mom! Flattery will get you places in life!!
We met in Holly Springs at a big open field with nothing but grass, kudzu and grass hoppers. We played ball, frisbee and bubbles until the heat had us all worn out. I will not give out my new top secret trick to making a 5 year old boy laugh. It stays between me, Spencer and the grass hoppers. :o)
So excited!
After looking for someone to do my SEO and drawing blanks I decided to do it myself. What's SEO? It's how you rank on major search engines. Well I am excited to say, my rankings have increased significantly! I am so happy! Here are some of my top rankings:
Senior Portraits: 2nd page / 4th page
Newborn: 5th page
Family: 3rd
Children: 5th page
boudoir: 3rd page
spartanburg wedding: 4th page
bridal portrait: 4th page
Trash the Dress: front page
I'm working on Greenville Wedding ranks right now and hope to get up there soon!
I'm going to celebrate by taking a nap.... :o)
Month of July promotion
To many, July 4th is a day off work, a day to blow things up(fireworks), and a day to be with(i.e. party with) friends and family. But, do you know the meaning behind the holiday? Americans became tired of dictatorship, they wanted to make their own rules. Congress met and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence which was adopted on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence is a symbol of American citizens' goals and their desire to fight for them. It is a symbol of the USA's independence from Great Britain and the courage it took to stand on our own.
Today, nearly 234 years later we have yet another battle in front of us. Our troops are still fighting for our freedom, our safety and our independence. Although it may be a small token, I feel that a promotion just for military families is a way for me to give my thanks and show my support.
For the month of July Mirrored Images will be offer 1/2 off any session, excluding weddings. Portraits, Trash the Dress, Boudoir, Day After Sesssion & Intimate Sessions. Session must be booked and a deposit must be placed prior to July 31st.
Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
Brace yourself..... it's a long one....
Anyone can build a pretty web site, buy a fancy camera and post a few "lucky" shots in their portfolio. Consistency is KEY. With the professional camera's out on the market and easily obtainable by anyone who has the money, make sure your wedding photographer knows how to use their camera and knows what they're talking about. Ask them if they shoot manual mode, aperture, shutter or automatic. You'll be surprised in how many "photographers" shoot fully automatic(they may not admit to this), which means you could give a nice camera to a guest and they'll produce the same images. There will always be a few bad seeds that give photography (or any career) a bad name, these seeds are in it for the money, not for the art. What's the point in spending your life savings on a gown, flowers, center pieces, a cake, a DJ, etc if you don't have the professional images to capture it?
Be confident in your decision. Micromanaging your photographer will cramp their style and creativity. Do not choose a photographer because they're "ok" (and in your budget)and think you can mold them into the photographer you really wish you could afford. It won't happen, there's a reason why their images aren't up to par with the better photographer.
I get the "you want me to do what?" look all the time, but once the image is captured it's usually the pick of the litter. You've hired us because you like our style and feel it suits yours. You've hired us because you like our "out side of the box" approach and creativity. We are open for suggestions and will always ask if you have any additional poses or shots in mind, we aren't asking that this turn into OUR wedding. But you chose us for a reason.
A photographers personality carries just as much weight as the images they produce. If you do not feel a connection with the photographer, you will not feel a connection to their images. Price shopping is a bad idea. Finding a photographer that you feel inspired by and in aw of is the right idea. Search through local web sites until your eyes can no longer stay open. When you find it, you'll know. Just like your wedding dress, a photographer requires the perfect fit.
It is your job, as a bride, to research your vendors. Obviously you need to 'like' their work, but does the photographer make it easy for you to get a hold of them? Do they promptly answer your emails and phone calls and do they answer all your questions without having to ask again? If they post a wedding on their calendar how long is it before sneak peaks are posted?
Being in the wedding industry we tend to think of questions you may not have. The above is what is most important to me, if I were to choose a photographer. The below Q&A are more frequently asked and just as important.
Experience Level - We've photographed several weddings, we're very creative and try to bring something new to each wedding. I work fulltime as a paramedic and have a very flexible schedule! At this time I photograph on a part time basis.
Photographic Style - Our style is a mix between photojournalism, formal, classic and candid. We have examples of each style to show you and we will shoot which ever style you prefer. We offer both color and b&w photos.
Truth in Advertising - When we arrange a meeting with you it will consist of myself and possibly my second shooter. We will be the photographers working for you. We do not believe in sending a company rep to meet and smooze you and have a totally different person show up the day of your wedding. We do not come with any surprises.
Personality - We are very laid back, but business oriented. We have not found it difficult to work with any bride, whether your a bridezilla or not! (Kidding!)
Price Range - We are upfront and honest with all our prices. There are no hidden fees. We will work with you to meet your budget, but unfortunately can only work with you to a certain extent. The price of your package will be included on your booking proposal and you can choose to accept or reject the price.
Delivery - At this time we are guaranteeing your DVD of images 15 days following your wedding. After choosing your prints we will submit your order and delivery will take 2-3 weeks. Albums are custom made for each client and usually take 4-8 weeks for delivery.
Offering - We offer four premade packages and a "build your own" option. We have several add-ons that can be added to any package. We also offer custom packages to suit your budget and your needs. What you see is what you get, we do not change the product type or cost after the booking proposal is accepted.
Contract - All the obligations of Mirrored Images and the client are addressed in the contract. Our contract is very thorough and outlines all the "what-ifs". If you feel something needs to be added to the contract please email us your request and following approval, it will be added and a new contract sent. As I've said before, there are no hidden agendas or fees.
What about deposits and payments? In the unlikely event that Mirrored Images is not able to attend your wedding but a contract has been signed, another photographer will be sent at no additional charge to the client. This is outlined in the contract.
References - We have plenty! Personal & Business references are available upon request. However, if you click on the "real life" tab of our web site you'll be able to read a few that we have posted.
Do you have an assistant? We believe an additional photographer brings more to your wedding then an assistant would. Double the pictures, right?!
Do you have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment? Yes! We have backup lenses and camera bodies!
What time will you begin and how long will you stay until? We come when you ask us to and stay until you leave, or until the time booked ends.
When will the proofs be ready? We offer sneak peaks which are posted on the blog and facebook. These will be posted within one week of your wedding date. We also offer proof books which take 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Do you mark your proofs? Yes
Where and how are your proofs marked? Bottom right corner of every image.
How much extra for unmarked proofs? We do not currently offer this option
Do you have tele-photo and wide-angle lenses? Yes, both
Do you work well with the other vendors? We work well with everyone! We like to network with other vendors so we can share our experiences with our future brides.
Can you work from a photo checklist that we create? We will provide you with a questionnaire that you can choose from and add your own.
How will you be dressed? We wear formal to semi-formal clothing at all weddings, unless the couple has asked we dress a different way.
Do you process and develop your own film and prints? We shoot all digital! We post process all our images and a local lab prints.
Thanks for taking the time to read our FAQ's! If you have any additional questions please contact us!