New home

That's right. I moved the blog to another domain. Make sure to check it out and don't forget to bookmark the new address.

New Blog Here!

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Being a Wedding Photographer...

I attended a business seminar yesterday where the main topic was different ways to market your business and how to make it successful. The seminar was sponsored by the Business DreamWorks Chamber of Commerce of Virginia or "BDCC." But what does this have to do with being a wedding photographer here in Virginia? It can't be THAT serious. Well it is.

I know fellow photographers who've been in the business for quite some time and they still struggle to bring clients to their business. They're not bad photographers at all. They have the skills and equipment they need but the only thing they're lacking is the drive to be a people's person and that's what being a wedding photographer is all about.

You shouldn't expect clients to look for you and your business if you can't or don't know how to approach them. I love being a photographer and I love interacting with people and that's a good start. It makes it easier if you know how to communicate with others. But it needs a bit more of drive and motivation to be successful. We can't lie and say we don't do it for the money. In part, yes because we all need to eat and pay for the cable you know. ;) But my personal goal with my clients is not only to take the photos and give them to the couple, but to be able to make them feel comfortable and for them to feel like there's more of a friend taking the pictures instead of a complete stranger. And you can only accomplish that by being a social person. So next time you try to meet a client remember these words of wisdom. ;)

-H




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Virginia Beach Weddings...

It's February and there's a lot of people still getting everything ready for that special day. Here's a list of famous places for wedding receptions in Virginia Beach. Click on The Celebration for more cities in the Hampton Roads area.

-H






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Wedding Photographer

So you're getting married! Congratulations! But with that comes planning your wedding. There's probably two things that come first to mind. Either "I can't wait to start shopping around" or "Chaos! Where do I start!?" Well the good thing is that there's tons of information online to help you and guide you through all the steps, needs, do's and dont's. (The Knot, Hampton Roads Wedding Guide, WPJA ) On the other hand, there's so many choices of pretty much everything that it makes it even harder to make up your mind. Cake, venue, food, reception, wedding gown, bridesmaids, etc.
And then it comes, the photographer. Who's going to photograph your wedding? Who will be in charge of capturing all those moments on such a busy day? Is he any good? Is he reliable? Well.....

The Solution
First of all, start doing A LOT of research in your area for local wedding photographers. A good professional photographer will have a website where you can view his work. Next, make a list of your top choices and start making phone calls and sending emails. Compare packages and what they offer and most important meet with the photographer. It is extremely important that you meet with the prospective photographer ahead of time. And when I say ahead of time, I mean months and even a year or so before. Good professional wedding photographers book their weddings years in advance so your chances of getting something last minute with a good photographer are slim to none. He's probably already booked.
I personally try to meet with my clients at least once after the first intervew. I know the couple has a busy schedule and it's usually the bride calling most of the shots, but the better I know the couple, the easier it is to get the shots. That way I go to the wedding prepared. I know what they're looking for. I know what they want and what they're expecting from me.
It's better if the couple likes the photographer not only as a professional but also as a person. Personality has a lot to do here and that's something you don't want to miss. Can you imagine having a photographer that you don't feel comfortable working with and even worse, in charge of taking all those special shots! Awkward, I know.

Here's a list of what you should ask to your soon-to-be wedding photographer:

• How many years of experience?
• Will you bring an assistant?
• Backup equipment?
• Prints, CD/DVD with print rights, or both?
• How many photographs will you take? (approx)
• Album provided? (if you want one)
• What type of equipment do you use?
• How will the images be processed? (basic color correction, retouch)
• How do you provide the proofs? (online or paper)
• Do you provide engagement sessions as part of the package or is it additional?

Those are the basic questions that I came up with but you ask all the questions you need to.
So there you have it. Hope that helps and good luck planning your wedding and looking for that wedding photographer!

-Herson




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Hampton Roads Bridal Shows

I was looking through the Hampton Roads Wedding Guide website and found a list for the upcoming bridal shows in the area. Very useful site if you're still in the process of getting everything in order for your special day. The bridal shows dates are here.
Hope this helps!

-Herson

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