Hello, soon to be bride or groom!

Nicole, Scott and Baby Jacob

December 14, 2009

What better way to celebrate a new blog than with pictures of a beautiful baby?

Nicole and Scott are two friends of ours who recently welcomed their first son, only a couple weeks ago. The proud parents both wanted to do something that wasn’t “typical” (love it! ) so after we got the requisite family Christmas card shots out of the way, we got to experiment with a few looks.

Jacob is about a month old, and as a photographer, this is such a special time to take pictures! Yeah, I’m a wedding photographer, and while it’s awesome to work with brides and grooms on one of the happiest, most incredible days of their life , I’m also blessed to be able to photograph the special nature of the “every day” moments in our lives as well!

While an infant at this age may be aware that there is someone else in the room he doesn’t recognize (who is also popping the flash off repeatedly ), he won’t pose or alter himself or his expressions. He doesn’t care! And there is such an incredible intimacy shared between parents and their newborn baby; one that an observer can “feel” but can’t express in words! All I can do is take the pictures and hope that they capture a fraction of the love that Nicole, Scott and Jacob experience together.

So that is why I loved this shoot. Oh, and last but not least … Jacob is a *cute* baby:

A Portrait of a Family Portrait

December 7, 2009

So this weekend I had the privilege of taking a few family Christmas portraits for some of my inlaws. Though we had a fun time and did get a few winners, this one pretty much sums up the session

Chris Aram Photography Now Celebrating Its 24th Anniversary!

December 7, 2009

Photographic proof that yes, I have been doing this since I was five years old.

Photo credit to my Dad, who found this little gem while digitizing his tens of thousands of memories. He was and is quite the photographer himself and whatever skill I might possess, I am sure I owe a great deal of it to him.

Finding the Photographer That’s Right For You

December 4, 2009

For some time now, I’ve wanted to begin publishing a handful of personal tips for brides and grooms who are shopping for a wedding photographer. Having been there myself when my wife and I married a few years ago, I know that it can be a challenging and stressful decision. I often say that a bride and groom’s choice in photographer is perhaps one of the most important vendor choices they can make.

In that spirit, my goal is to share what I have learned along the way and this, though a longer read , is the first of what I hope will be many such pieces to come. I sincerely hope you’ll find it helpful

First, what exactly is a “professional” photographer?

The difference might be much less than you think. Simply put, a professional is simply someone who is paid for their work. That’s it, and that is really all there is to it.

I have met “professionals” who lug around $60k in gear yet couldn’t shoot an inspiring image if they had a year to capture it (much less a quarter second, as is often the case at weddings.) Conversely I have met “amateurs” with a Rebel and a kit lens who shoot amazing work. (Expensive cameras and accessories are tools, a means with which to take inspiring pictures, nothing more.)

What clicks for you

Second is that photography is a highly subjective experience. In terms of style, what clicks for one viewer may not click with another. I loved our wedding photographer, who shot almost entirely documentary. Others prefer a focus on hours of carefully planned, creative portrait session and hey, there is no right or wrong when it comes to this stuff. It’s what you and your honey like.

This is why I always enthusiastically advocate that a couple find the photographer that is right for you. Yes, I am in the business of selling my services to you. But being a photographer and having been married myself, I know how important this decision is, and I want you to choose the photographer who best provides what you’re looking for … even if you might end up deciding that isn’t me.

Separate the marketing from the reality

Remember that photographers, and wedding professionals in general, will spend a great deal of time and money marketing themselves. I don’t want to be cynical, but my “insider’s perspective” would be to suggest you take many of these promises with a grain of salt.

It isn’t uncommon that I’ll visit the website of a photographer who touts him or herself as a “photojournalist” … and I’m treated to page after page of posed portraits. (?) I often chuckle to myself when I read promises of a “master photographer” … as if there is an influential organizing or governmental body who awards these auspicious titles (there isn’t.)

It can be difficult to separate the marketing from the reality, but a thorough look over a photog’s portfolio is a start. Does his or her work “click” with you? Inspire you? If not, does it matter how many weddings they’ve shot or awards they’ve won?

So what do “professionals” do well?

Now that I’ve talked about some of the potential “gotchas,” does it pay to hire a professional? My answer is that yes, it probably does – if you find the right professional.

The advantages to hiring a professional who specializes in weddings are numerous, but in a nutshell, they are the professional’s ability, through experience, to:

anticipate the flow of a wedding,
expect the unexpected, and
work in a wide variety of challenging shooting conditions.

And of course, once the pictures are taken, to:

process and deliver the photos and any products (albums, prints, etc.) in a reliable and timely fashion.

Artists are stereotypically not the most organized or timely folk and in my experience there is some truth to this. Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon to hear of a photographer who is weeks or even months late delivering the products to an irate bride and groom. Personally, it is hugely important to me that I deliver on time and as promised, but research a potential photog to the extent that you can, make sure that he or she is reliable in this fashion.

No Matter What …

Your photographer should treat you and your wedding day as importantly as they would treat their own. This is reflected not only in his or her commitment to professionalism (punctuality, appropriate attire, courteous and timely interaction, etc.) but in a strong desire to “tell your story.” Your wedding day is uniquely your own and your photographer should be able to cheerfully meet your reasonable wishes.

Be sure that you feel comfortable not only with a photographer’s work, but his or her personality as well.

Making a decision

Finally, remember that photography is widely varied and that skill in one arena doesn’t necessarily translate to skill in another. Speaking personally, I do pretty well when it comes to a wedding or family portraits, but I can’t shoot sports for jack. There are photographers who can wear many hats well, but don’t assume.

Ask questions. Shop the decision around as much as you need to. Talk to friends who have been married to find out what their experience was. You may meet one photographer and know that he or she is the one for you. You may interview twenty. But I do believe it is perhaps the single most important vendor decision you and your fiancé can make.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, I’d love to meet with you, both to get to know you a little better and to find out more about what you’re looking for. And no matter what, I sincerely wish you and your fiancé all the best as you plan this exciting chapter in your lives together!

Chris

** If this was helpful to you (or even if you hated it) please feel free to leave a comment or question below! **