Over the last couple years being in this business I have got to know some REALLY great photographers, and I have got to hear some HORROR stories! The Horror stories HURT MY HEART. Seriously! I’m going to kind of reach out here and tell you some stuff that I think can be confusing for Brides and Grooms and even some things that people dont think to ask when searching for a photographer. This may be a long winded post, becuase I have lots to say, BUT I think if you are planning a wedding, it is some good information! I’ll try not to ramble! In the form of Questions I’ve heard first

Q.My friend or family member wants to take my wedding photos and they have a nice camera, should I let them???

A. Well, My advise isn’t what normal photographers may advise you, but I’m going to speak casually. I realize that not everyone has thousands to spend on their wedding and everyone has a different budget. If you absolutely can not afford a wedding photographer by all means let your friend photograph your wedding…..they most likely will not be great, but you will remember your day.  (DO NOT LET YOUR MOTHER PHOTOGRAPH THE WEDDING). If you are on the edge about this decision, I have a whole speal and presentation to give if you want to come to my studio and let me tell you why a friend should not photograph your wedding.

*DISCLAIMER ABOUT ABOVE STATEMENT: I was thinking about what I wrote above and I do not want it at all to sound like I’m advocating for your friend to shoot your wedding, I think it’s a horrible Idea, really I do, HOWEVER there are some situations when there is no other choice……even before being in the photography business I thought “WHY WOULDN’T SOMEONE HIRE A PROFESSIONAL” Other then your dress, pictures are the ONLY thing you take home from your wedding! I can almost guarantee that you will think “I’ll remember the day”  but you wont, definitely not the way I will make you (and your great grand children) remember it! I will capture all the details that you have spent SO SO much time and money making sure they are perfect….I will capture the way your father and mother look at your when you are coming down the isle…I will capture your best friends giving toasts and I WILL capture the kiss, all the time being virtually undetectable during your ceremony.

Q. I went on Craigslist and I can get 2 photographers and the whole Cd for $500 why shouldn’t I choose them???

A. Well, I have a friend that hired someone similar to do her wedding (years ago) and yeah, she got 2 photographers and a CD of pictures….she took that CD straight to Costco to have every picture printed and When she showed them to me I felt so bad for her….what she got was a CD of pictures that were so underexposed that they were really hard to see….not one photo had been edited, but honestly I’m not even sure they’re saveable….so sad. So ask  your potential photographer if the CD of pictures you are getting are ready to print, have they been edited or are they simply handing you over the negatives, there is a HUGE difference.

Q. I hired a photographer gave her the deposit and then she cashed the check and I never heard from her again….ugh……TRUE STORY! So So sad!

A.When you hand over that check, there should be a contract that is signed by both of you, and the photographer….this is important. People think that contacts are just to protect the photographer, but in all actualality they are to protect you just as much! Make sure your photographer has a contract and make sure you understand what is in that contract. It should include, what you receive for the money you are paying, it should include the date and time and location of the wedding ceremony, and reception. It should also include what happens if you decided to cancel your wedding or move it to another date.

Q. My wedding is done and my Pictures SUCK! I had a horrible experience with my photographer, NOW WHAT?

A. When looking for a photographer ask them if they have insurance in case something goes wrong. Ask them if they belong to any professional organizations like the PPA or the PPO. These are important organizations in Wedding photography, as they set a higher standard for photographers and they are out there for educating and referring photographers. Also check their Google reviews, even call your local chamber or BBB and ask them for recommendations! Do your research, wedding photography is something that can NEVER be replaced!

Q. Ask your potential photographer what kind of camera and lighting they use….Why?

A.Well, you would think that one camera would be good right? WRONG! First off your photographer should be using professional Equipment. And they should have good backup equipment. We are all only human, and we have all had electronics fail on us, right?????? Well, our cameras are electronic, and they COULD mess up…….it’s a possibility! That is why any professional photographer should have a backup camera…..  Its important to let your photographer know where your ceremony will be at and what time of day and what the lighting you are expecting will be like, it’s very possible that the photographer you are talking to is simply just not set up for it. YES they could always get the correct equipment but they need to know about it ahead of time, and before they decide to do your wedding! For example if you are having a candle light ceremony I most likely would want to discuss that in great detail with you so that you know that the pictures you get will be dark due to low light……if your ceremony is at a park at noon, I need to know that so I come prepared for direct overhead sun………

Q. Well, I really like “X photographers” pictures, but when we met it felt uncomfortable

A. THIS IS A HUGE DEAL if you ask me….I think that the relationship that you have with your photographer is SOOOOOO important. My clients usually end up becoming really good friends and we stay in contact over the years….because we “get each other” If you find that asking questions or talking to your photographer is a problem, imagine how it will be on your wedding day when everyone is anxious and you have a rigid photographer directing your every move…not cool if you ask me….please really like your photographer!

Q. I want to have fun, he doesn’t seem fun

A. Well, he is probably not! Back in my college days (U of O) I worked at Sweet Factory in Valley River center, you know the candy store…..well, I was a young manager and had to hire and fire people…I needed to hire one person and this college guy came in and his schedule fit with what I needed. So I hired him….OMG HUGE WAKE UP CALL–this guys was super nice to me, but when customers came in he got flustered, couldn’t talk to people, couldn’t relate to them, made them feel uncomfortable…that was the first time in my life when I really realized that even though being a people person, going out of my way to help people and be nice to them, making them feel welcome…that was all IN ME, that was who I was, and not everyone was like that….not everyone has that ability to make people feel comfortable and just “go with the flow” I was made to shoot weddings, I do not get stressed at them, I can Feel the moments that are about to happen, and I LOVE them. I just dont do a lot of them, I want to spend time with my kids while they are little and being a wedding photographer can easily take over your life.

Q. what about you Jen?????

A. I’m not saying all of this to “toot my own horn” but I can tell you that I’ve been in Business officially for 5 years and over that time I have learned a lot about who I am, and how I want to reflect my business to the public…..I have taken every step that I can to give people 100% satisfaction and I know that I’m in the right business, because I don’t do it for the money, I need to pay my bills and make a living, but I genuinely LOVE photography, and I love the reaction I get when I give people their pics. I do not get stressed out during a wedding, and I do not order you around and tell you what to do, I’m there to take great pics, make good memories, and to help your day go smooth. I urge you to look at my website, to look at others websites, to make sure you like my style and then set up an appointment to meet me at the studio, to talk about your day, talk about what you want, and just get to know each other. I will answer questions for you, even if I’m not your chosen photographer.   Feel Free to Email me  jenniferlewisphotography@gmail.com anytime!