Oh Tonight... {{Cody & Nikita}}

I have died everyday waiting for you. Darlin' don't be afraid I have loved you for a Thousand years. I'll love you for a Thousand more...

Alyssa & Ty's (Limited Sneak Peek!)

Nicole & Dean

Famous Last Words of an Amateur

“I've got a camera.” Famous last words of an amateur, and with the decline in the cost of DSLRs, a phrase that is becoming more and more common. “Yeah, I think I could do it,” to which you should respond, “no, no you can't do it. This is my wedding day, let's leave it to the professionals.” Its harsh, but worth every breath spent to say it.

We are at a time in our life where wedding photography and technology have met face to face posing the question, is it the camera that takes a great picture, or the eye behind the lens? I'm here to let you know, its far more complex than that. Photography is about the synergy between the camera and the photographers imagination melding into one, to frame the perfect shot. Its about thinking on your toes and furiously changing settings to capture the perfect bokeh, the glint in the eyes. 

Being a professional is about crawling around on the floor to get the right angle, but staying out of the way. Its about sore thumbs and a blackened index finger from changing the aperture. It about knowing the balance between science and art, light and dark, focal points and white balance. Its about finding order in the chaos of what is potentially the most important day of your life!

This is a once in a lifetime event, and every single guest should be enjoying themselves as such. No one but the photographer should be worried about getting the perfect shot of cake being smeared across your face, or the look on your face as you hurl your bouquet through the air behind your back. 

“I might just bring my camera along as well.” Take a deep breath and say, “I'd rather you just enjoy yourself.” Harsh I know, but after the ceremony ends and you see all your friends and relatives making a mad dash to the reception, and subsequently the bar, you will understand. There's a years anxiety thats been building inside you and now that it has ended, you just want to calm down, but now you have to pose for pictures and in the moment it feels like an eternity. Now, here's the important part, the more people standing around taking pictures, the longer it takes. As each person calls out your name, you turn to their cameras. Your throat becomes parched and the dress gets heavier standing in the same spot. Your feet hurt. But it doesn't have to be that way. With a professional at your side, like a quick draw, you'll be shaking your tail feathers to the Chicken Dance in no time flat.

Having spent so much time, and so much energy on this momentous day, you want someone capable of freezing time and space just as it was meant to be, not a person who lacks vision. Just remember if you find yourself even remotely considering a friend to document this important day, you might save some money immediately, but in the long run, it is sure to cost you.

Blog Post by William of Sleeping Owl Photography

Photography Credits:

Kiss -William

Bouquet Toss - Annie

Jump - William

5 Things to Bring to Your Bridals...

 "Can we just take my bridals on the day of the wedding?"

Yes, absolutely. Do I recommend it? No.

Firstly, most of you have spent a small fortune (not to mention many dressing room hours) on your perfect gown. Wear it more than one time. Show it off. Print huge photos to display at your reception.

Secondly, the majority of weddings do not go as planned, so if your make-up artist gets stuck in traffic and can barley paint your face before your vows, you may have very little or no time to pose in that gorgeous arch way as visioned from day one of being engaged.

 Also think of bridals as a trial run. Make sure the hair style, make-up, shoes and dress all go together exactly as you expect before the big day.

 Most importantly, the less stress on your wedding day, the better.

 

So, let's get to the list:

Five Things to Bring to your Bridals
1. Your wedding photographer.

Yes, the person who is shooting your wedding. This is the only way to get the same style of photography on both days. Even though your Aunt Sue has an awesome camera and took some photography classes in high school, if she is not shooting your wedding, her style and ideas will be completely different from your hired photographer's.

2. A best friend

There are a couple of reasons for this one: Having someone there to bring out your true personality and having an extra shoulder to hold and drag important stuff around (See 3 & 4).

3. Comfy shoes

Yes, you like the look of that field in the middle of nowhere ... yes, it's muddy and your heels sink into the ground as you make your way to the chair you will be so elegantly sitting on with your beautiful blue shoes kicked in the air.

4.  A towel, blanket, piece of fabric that match your gown.

As beautiful as the final product looks, that stone wall you just sat on is Dirt City. Some photographers will bring something along as well. Make sure you discuss who is in charge of what before you get to the location.

5. A bouquet.

Talk to your florist ahead of time about your bridal session date. In my opinion, a bouquet is the icing on the cake as far as Bridals go!

Oh... Let's add one more:

More important than anything else on this list or your mirror, brush, make-up, and bobby-pins... You have to show up to your bridals with patience and time! You have put so much time, energy and money into preparing for these, enjoy the moment while it's there!

Blog Post by Annie of Sleeping Owl Photography
Photography Credits:
 All but one of bride gazing out of the window by William of Sleeping Owl Photography
Bride Gazing by Annie of Sleeping Owl Photography