Top 7 Homemade Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are traditionally small gifts from wedding couples to their guests when they attended the couples' wedding.

In modern times, wedding gifts have become commercialized and wedding favors received by the guests have been similar. Thus to distinguished your wedding favors for your guests, nothing is more special than a homemade wedding favor.

A homemade wedding favors from the wedding couple will have their personal touch and thus uniquely differentiate their wedding favors from other wedding couples.

By designing your own personalized homemade wedding favors, you are able to match the theme and the mood of the wedding and greatly reduce expenses on your wedding budget.

Some personalized homemade wedding favor ideas

• Photo frames


• Personalized Cds / DVD


• Plantable Seeds


• Scented candles / Soaps engraved with the your name


• Bookmarks with photos


• Key chains


• Homemade cookie / breads / cakes / chocolates

The wedding gifts are not limited to the list above and there are a lot others wedding favors which can be given and personalized and you are only limited by your own imagination.

Homemade wedding favors do not have to be complicated or labor extensive in order to be unique. If you are thinking of giving a photo frame wedding favor personalized with your wedding photos, you do not have to saw the frame yourselves.

You could purchase the photo frames in bulk in different colors. Add on your personal touches with you and your spouse name on it by engraving on it. With advance in technology, professional and creative printing is only limited by your mind.

Armed with a computer with lightscribe technology, you can print your pictures onto the DVD / CDs. Lightscribe is a technology to use laser to 'burn' images and pictures onto the CD / DVDs itself. The contents for the CD could include your wedding pictures and your wedding videos.

Give your wedding guests plantable seeds and encourage them to grow it. Thus whenever they water the plant, they will be reminded of your wedding favor and the love you both shared.

Design your own bookmarks and keychains with various shapes and sizes. It does not have to be in the boring long rectangular shape. A heart shape will certainly lets everyone knows that it is a wedding favor and by printing your photos, it becomes a personalized homemade wedding favor.

If you have a talent for baking, not let your wedding guests know about this? Bake cookies in various shapes, packed in a small personalized box and distribute to everyone. Let your wedding guests have them as the wedding's dessert, sweetening their wedding experience further.

Have fun while making your wedding favors and your guests will certainly feel your affection when they receive you homemade wedding favor. A wedding favor that expresses the sentiments of the wedding couple, although cheap, will certainly brings a smile and memory to them.

Special Occasion Photo Frames

Ever wanted a photo frame for a special occasion, but not been able to find quite the right thing? There are millions of photo frames out there but to give that extra special touch, personalising is fantastic.

Occasion photo frames can be used for any celebration or milestone in life, such as special birthdays. You can have the age of your friend or loved one added to the frame when you order. Celebration birthdays such as 18 or 21 are particularly popular.

Personalised photo frames can also be used for particular important events, like a graduation. These will often feature decorative graduation wording and illustrations or have a space to add the graduate's name and course details under their photo.

These kind of frames are great gifts because you can add a photo and give it as a complete present. The frame can also be given as a gift on its own, so the person can add a photo of their choice.

Other special events like christenings and weddings are also great opportunities for ordering occasion frames. They can be made of special materials like silver and decorated with beautiful patterns and motifs. For these celebratory occasions photo frames often become keepsakes so need to feature that extra special touch.

A framed wedding photo is great to display around the house to bring back special memories. Wedding anniversaries can also be a good opportunity to buy a special frame. There are several milestone wedding anniversaries such as Silver, Ruby and Diamond.

A man or woman can surprise their partner with an anniversary frame featuring a recent photo of them or a perhaps a picture from their younger days. It is also often nice for a child - of any age - to get their parents a special anniversary frame, to show their appreciation.

A new baby's arrival is also a great time for a special occasion photo frame. People take lots of photos when babies are born and although they can be kept in a special photo album, it is also nice to display some around the house.

These frames can be simple or decorative, perhaps featuring baby themed illustrations and wording. It is also a good opportunity to use black and white photographs for a classical and timeless look.

There is so much to choose from with personalised photo frames. So next time if you are stuck for a gift for that special occasion, how about something that will protect and displaying precious photographs with a personal touch. Occasion photo frames are truly a gift that will be treasured forever.

Some Beach Wedding Do's, Don'ts, OKs and FYIs

Please note these are just some personal observations based on attending and photographing countless weddings. You might read similar experiences elsewhere, and some are Ocean City and Delaware Beaches specific.

DO - Book in advance. This might seem a given but you might miss out on locations or service providers you wanted based on availability and the summer window of opportunity.

DON'T - Do Not have your wedding at NOON or anywhere around that time if you can help it. It's the worst time for photos as it creates dark shadows under the eyes for example, not to mention its right around the hottest time of day. Instead, aim for the sunset time which is the best, maybe an hour before sunset for the actual ceremony and gives you 40 or so minutes for photos after.

OK - Sunrise or Morning weddings. As these early morning weddings on the east coast beaches are nice, it works well for elopers or very small groups. It's hard to get everyone together and on the beach so early in the morning with coffee. And photos can turn out really good or really bad, if you don't know what you're doing. Try and use the flash when shooting against the sun and for point and shooter camera users get closer to your subject when shooting against the sun and use a flash.

DON'T - Do Not use bubbles, unless you do it right. It seems like such a waste of money if you don't do this right. You might imagine your guests showing up and someone handing them a mini container of bubbles and they go to their seats. What you didn't consider is when you say your "I Dos" and kiss, I now pronounce you husband and wife people are sometimes caught off guard or lost in emotion they forget they have this thing of bubbles. Too late, you just walked back down the aisle and the moment is gone and no bubbles. Tip, get a bubble machine they have them battery operated, and assign someone to turn it on. Or assign some bubble people to get the others started.

DO - Wear sandals or flip flops on the beach. People in heels or nice dress shoes do not walk well in sand. And let your guests know this, to bring a pair of sandals or flip flops and if you're wedding reception venue is somewhere else to bring a back up pair of footwear.

DO - Get a professional photographer. More and more I see, couples either saving money by having an aunt or uncle or inexperience friend take their wedding photos. Don't let your friend who thinks they are a professional photographer after buying a $600 camera and never been to a wedding before. Reasons why the professional is better - better equipment usually in the $3000 - $10,000 in equipment coming to photography you. More experience - the countless weddings has taught your photographer about lighting to look your best, placement, posing, and to anticipate various wedding situations. And because this is one of the most important days of your lives you want to have something really nice to look back on and show others.

DON'T - Do Not use a wedding aisle runner. They might be nice to look at, but ultimately as waste of money. People walking on them tears them up and often time's trips on them if they get bunched up. And having one at the beach is so wrong. That is what having a beach wedding all is about, having the sand under your feet.

FYI - there will be other people on the beach unless you have access to a private beach. If you don't have a private or secluded beach, be prepared for other people you don't know to be in your photos, unless your professional photographer knows how to hide them or make them disappear. You wouldn't want an awesome photo of you and your new spouse and have some unattractive person lying out on the beach behind you in the photo.

DO - Pick the perfect wedding gown. Some dresses are better for the beach then others. You wouldn't want to pick a dress that as you walk across the beach it collects a lot of sand and becomes really heavy. Think about choosing a dress that will flow with you, that is not too long, and that will be comfortable in the heat of the summer weather.

FYI - Unity Candles or a Sand Ceremony? Candles would be hard to keep lit on the beach, instead consider incorporating a Sand Unity Ceremony in place of lighting the unity candles. And to start the Sand Ceremony off, be sure to collect sand from under your feet on the beach where you are getting married. Then you can combine your colored sand in your unity vase.

DO - Make sure you have your beach permits. Some beaches in Maryland and Delaware require you to have a permit to hold a function such as a wedding ceremony on the beach. Assateague Beach is crazy when it comes to permits and there will be an entrance fee for getting on those beaches. Delaware beaches will require you to have a permit for specific beaches, and getting married around Rehoboth beach parking will be limited and be prepared to keep feeding the meters.

DO - have a Plan B or Location B ready in case of rainy weather. You can always count on Mother Nature as being unpredictable, so you should have an alternate plan in case that beautiful beach wedding doesn't happen as you have dreamed. You will find that a lot of wedding venues located on or near the beach will have enough space to have the ceremony in doors. Just make sure what the cost will be on having it in doors so you can plan to have that in your budget, just in case.

Wedding Photo Booth Hire: A Fun and Economical Wedding Choice

Getting married can not only be a stressful process, but it can also drain your wallet if you don't carefully plan your wedding. This is something that you have probably been planning since you were a little girl. You have always wanted a fluffy white dress that made you look like the prettiest princess in the room. You even want to wear a tiara that sparkles and shines.

You want the church to be just as spectacular as you are. It has to be decorated from floor to ceiling with fresh red and white roses. You want the fragrance of the flowers to float through the church and become an important wedding memory for your guests. Every pew should be decorated with strands of pearls and garland. Of course, you want your bridesmaids and groom to look just as wonderful. Your bridesmaids must have pink and cr癡me tea length dresses that match perfectly with your rose theme. Your groom has to look dapper in a crisp tuxedo with tails. After all, he is the man of your dreams and you want him to look handsome on your special day too.

Yes, you are the bride and you want everything to be perfect. You have a vision for your wedding and don't want anything to deviate from this princess themed vision. As a matter of fact, you have even hired a wedding planner to make sure that your vision for the perfect wedding day becomes a reality. If all goes as planned, your wedding will be the envy of every woman who has ever wanted a wedding fit for a princess.

However, there is one slight little problem. Your wedding vision does not quite fit your wedding budget. Many of the things that you want for your big wedding day are much too expensive. As a result, you must find ways to either curtail your budget or let some of your vision fly out the window.

You can still probably have your dream wedding, but you have to think of ways to cut back or find cheaper versions of the things that you want. Have you considered combining some of the things on your list? For instance, what type of wedding favours are you going to get for your wedding guests? Why not give wedding favours, but let them double for something else on your wedding planning list as well. Get a wedding photo booth hire. This would be a wonderful way for your wedding guests to have fun and interact with one another. It could also double as both a wedding guest book and wedding favours for your guests.

So, there you have it, a creative way to save money and combine expenses. This solution serves many different purposes. It will provide entertainment for your guests. It can be used as a wedding favour. It can also be used as a wedding guest book. The best part is that for a couple hundred dollars, wedding booths are an economical way to kill a couple of birds with one stone. Then you will have more money to spend on other wedding needs. Who says that you can't have the princess wedding of your dreams? With a little creative thinking, you can still be a beautiful princess on your special day.

Why Do We Take Photos?

Why do we take photos? What is the appeal that makes photographers continue to take photos?

Professionals do it to get paid. It's how they pay the bills. It's how they put food on the table. It's how they take care of their families. But, they also have a love for photography.

It's that love that drives photographers to keep shooting pictures.

So, I guess the real question is, why do we love it? Here's some of my reasons.

Capture Memories

How many times have you gone to a friend's or family member's home and picked up a photo album? Were you able to go through that album without smiling at least once? Probably not. If you're like me, you probably turned through the pages of that photo album and re-lived some of the memories you saw in the pictures. I'm sure you said things like "I remember this!" or "We had so much fun here!" And it didn't matter that the photos were probably taken by an amateur photographer. The photos did the job of capturing those memories.

Capture Moments

Moments happen all the time and they can happen fast. A kitten pouncing on a ball of yarn. A wave crashing against the shore. The swing from a batter at a baseball game. Photography freezes these moments so we can take the time to enjoy them.

Tells Stories

Have you ever seen a photograph that just made you stop and look? Many times, the subject of a photo is so powerful, it doesn't matter if it was taken by a professional or amateur photographer. The stories these photos tell can sometimes have the ability to overshadow any technical ability of the photographer. These stories can be happy, sad, and any number of other emotions. Think of photos of Olympic medalists at that moment of victory. Think of photos of tragedies such as natural disasters and war. These stories can also be more personal, such as the photos taken at your wedding.

Communicate With Others

You've heard the old saying. "A picture is worth a thousand words." It's very true. Professional and amateur photographers alike have the ability to express themselves through their images. When someone looks at one of your photos, they are able to see something exactly the way you saw it. Photography can convey ideas in a very artistic, visual, and creative way.

Improving As A Photographer

I'm sure you can agree with many of the things I've written about our love of photography. I also feel it's safe to say that many photographers wish they could improve their ability with a camera. All of us have looked at photos we've taken, compared to photos others have taken of the same or similar subject matter. We may have asked ourselves, "How did they get their photos to look so much better than mine?" How many times have you taken a photo, only to be disappointed with the outcome? It can be frustrating sometimes.

We have a drive to get better. And, as the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. We may shoot 100 photos and find 1 that we think is absolutely amazing. It's that one photo that keeps us shooting. It's that one photos that inspires us to try to do it again.

So get out your camera and go capture some memories! Go capture the moments that happen around you! Tell stories with your images! Continually improve your photography! Most importantly, share your images with others. Because your photography can not only inspire you, but, it can inspire others as well.

As always, Happy shooting!

6 Tips For A Successful Wedding Photo Shoot

The wedding photography is an important part of your big day. It is your wedding photos that will capture the moments, preserve the memories and give you years of pleasure looking back. So even if you hate having your photo taken, on your wedding day this is one time when you have to smile and relax into it. To make things easier on the day here are some tips to help your wedding photo shoot go smoothly.

1. Well before the wedding day itself, plan with your wedding photographer exactly what photos you want from the shoot, how much time will be allocated to it and at what stage of the day the photos will be taken. Most likely your photographer will be taking informal photos throughout the day, but if you want any portraits of you as a couple or posed groups, you will need to decide the where and when and plan a slot in the schedule for the shoot.

2. Make sure you have a Plan B in case of bad weather. Good wedding photographers can work in most conditions, but it's not going to be much fun for you having photos taken on the beach in wind and rain, so check out your wedding venue for alternative sheltered spots that would also work well for your photo shoot, just in case.

3. When planning your wedding hair and make-up, make sure that it will work well in photos. Your make-up artist will advise on this, but it might be a good idea to have a few photos taken at your makeup trial in natural daylight to see how it all works on camera. This will give you more confidence on the day, so that you can relax into the photos and not worry about how you look. Just remember that a professional wedding photographer will make you look a thousand times better than photos taken by your best friend on a small digital camera, so don't worry if they are not perfect. If your budget allows, it is well worth while booking a pre-wedding shoot with your wedding photographer to combine with the make-up trial, so you get a really good idea of how you will look on the day.

4. Put together a bride's emergency pack for the big day, that your chief bridesmaid can keep at hand for you to use before the photos are taken. Include a lipstick, tissues and wet wipes, powder and mascara, and of course a mirror, so that you can repair smudges and shininess brought on by so much emotion!

5. Ask your bridesmaids to keep a bottle of water to hand for you to sip, especially on hot sunny days. It's easy to get de-hydrated and often the bride and the groom are the last ones to get drinks at the reception, as they are so busy greeting guests and having photos taken. A few snacks might also be a good idea to keep you energised during the photo shoot.

6. Practise your deep breathing and relax. Forget about the details of the reception, schedules and whether the photos are delaying things. Leave all that to the wedding planner or to the caterers to sort out and start enjoying your wedding day with a big smile for the camera.

Personalized Wedding Table Numbers

Would you like a unique way to display your table numbers at your wedding? Wedding table centerpieces are one way you can absolutely put a finishing touch on your wedding table decor.

Wedding table numbers have become a huge hit for all brides when it comes to decorating your wedding tables at your reception. Every bride looks for a way to make their wedding reception unique, and personalized centerpieces are just the way to do that. Each display can be customized exactly to the brides own personal taste and give the bride a endless number of choices to personalize their table decor. Some of the options you can choose from include variations in size, style, color, font, and pictures to include. These picture displays can be personalized with any photos and can have any saying,letters, or numbers you choose making them extremely unique and personalized. Brides can use these personalized displays to tell a story about them and their partner, display photos of each throughout the years, or even quote their favorite poems etc. Table Numbers are a perfect way for the bride to add uniqueness to their wedding decor. Beautiful table decor at wedding receptions will almost always leaves a lasting impression on the bride and grooms guest.

There are two different types of materials you can choose from when designing your own table numbers, metal or wood. The fact that you have two options in material selection gives you a lot of flexibility to choose the perfect personalized photo display that will match your decor. If you decide you go are going to have more of a country rustic look, most brides tend to go with a wooden frame. If you're looking for a more elegant clean look, another option would be the high-resolution metal display.

Wedding table numbers can be made into several different sizes, styles, etc. Standard sizes include 4x6, 5x7 and 8x10. Typical style options to choose from include a solid standard color or a rustic distressed look. Each individual style looks absolutely stunning and is personalized in a way that is solely the choice of the brides taste. There are also thousands of fonts to choose from. The bride is given the flexibility if she chooses something she does not like she can always go back and change her decision. This option is priceless when making a decision on exactly what you want something to look like.

If you are looking for that unique style and touch at your wedding, Personalized wedding table displays are just the touch to make a lasting memory on that special day.

Choosing Photos for Your Adoption Profile

Every Picture Tells A Story... Don't It? Besides being the refrain from a popular song it is the rule you should follow when choosing photos for your Adoptive Family Profile. Your profile will be the single most important tool you have when networking for birth parents, and you shouldn't waste a single inch on photos that don't share something significant about your family.

When a potential birth parent (PBM) looks at a profile the photos will be the first thing that captures her eye. Before she reads a word she will scan the photos, and she will already have an impression of your family before she reads the opening sentence. A birth parent will most likely sit down with a stack of profiles, pick up the first and flip through without reading. A photo may catch her eye, and she stops. She will read the text around the photo and then, if you capture her interest, she will read the profile front to back. A thought to remember is that while you will be counseled to keep the text of a profile simple as a PBM may not have had the opportunity for education, photos will speak volumes about your family without requiring her reading a single word.

A birth mother's thought process when culling through a stack of profiles is very much like what you may do when you visit a bookstore just to browse. You walk, full of anticipation, to the new releases table. You walk around the table slowly, just looking at the covers. A book with an evocative cover catches your eye, and you stop. You pick it up, and read the words on the cover. The photo or cover design sets the tone, and before you begin reading you know what to expect. You may flip to the notes on the author, you may read the inside cover, or if you are like me you flip the book open to the center and read a few lines. You get an instant impression about the writing style, tone, and feel of the book. Based on this you may choose to buy the book, or you put it in the mental "hold" pile and keep browsing.

As adoptive parents when we create our profiles the first thing we do is struggle with the text. We read tons of other profiles, we read books on writing profiles, and we labor over the text. We write, we rewrite, we throw it all away and we start writing again. At long last we get a draft we are happy with, and then we turn our thoughts to the photos. Text will get perhaps 10-20 hours of your attention, while the process for choosing photos is often thumbing through a stack of photos, pulling out the ones where we don't look fat or cross-eyed and heading out to Kinko's to copy them on a single page and we call it a day.

Photos count. They count so much, in fact, that they ought to get our immediate attention. My advice is that from the very second you begin to consider adoption start getting "candid" photos of yourselves. Head out to every social event with a camera in your purse and ask people to take a few shots of you both. You will, naturally, hate the way you look in at least half of them, your spouse will hate a few others, and you will eventually have a group of ten or fifteen to use in your profile.

When I think about photo selection I break the process down into WHAT, WHEN, and WHY. First, What are the photos of? When was it taken, and Why should we include it?

WHAT: Most if us don't go around snapping photos of ourselves. We have photos of our kids (if we are already parents), we have photos of our pets, our wedding, vacations and of our spouse doing interesting things. As an interesting side note; family photos are always lopsided. When I review photo packets from prospective parents I can always tell who "owns" the camera, one spouse is always over-represented! It somehow feels narcissistic to take photos of ourselves unless we are on vacation and standing in front of a landmark. You will need ten fun photos of you as a couple, and if they are all vacation photos a PBM will think you do noting but travel. The WHAT list wouldn't be complete without a list of must haves: photos of your home, a nursery if you have one decorated, you participating in your favorite hobbies, at least six good shots of you and your partner; and you having fun with important people in your life. An important note, make the last set of photos of you doing something, not lined up in a row smiling. Be baking, be skiing, be working on your car, be having fun. Show your style and interests through these photos!

WHEN: I've reviewed many profiles where the photos are old, grainy and have a brown tint to them- a dead give away they are more than five years old. Do not include photos that are of poor quality. Just don't; no matter how good the memory is that that the photo represents. Old photos make us look old...to a young birthmother she may well be reminded of photos she has seen in her parents albums. Not a great impression! Your photos ought to represent the current you, not you ten years ago and certainly not you as a teenager.

Wedding photos are the most often asked about photos, and my answer is almost always NO. Why not? First, our weddings were often years and years ago, and the photos date us. (The big dress and fluffy hair are a dead give-away!) Secondly, what does the photo really say about you? As emotionally attached as we are to our own wedding photos they frankly all look alike, and the space can be much better used on a candid, fun, lively photo. An exception is when your wedding photos are unusual in some way, and really tell a story about how you live you life. An example is in the profile of a current client: she is a ski instructor, and they skied down the hill from wedding to reception. Now that's a story!

WHY: This is the most important question to ask. WHY should I include a certain photo? Remember, your photos should evoke emotion, and looking at the group of them together should give a certain feeling about who you are as a family. Capture fun, happy moments on film and your photos will dance off the page. What a great impression to leave a PBM! Several photos of you and your cousins lined up in front of a Christmas tree tells a PBM you have family, and that is about it. Several of these in a profile make it feel like looking through a strangers photo album. (Yawn!)

The bottom line? Gather your photos and your partner, and start asking the hard questions. Watch for background objects that distract from your photos (beer cans, bra straps etc.), and be judicious with cropping out unnecessary clutter in photos. Photos tell the story of your life, so be thoughtful and conscientious in your selection and arrangement.

Wedding Photo Albums - Certain Important Facts and Useful Tips

A wedding is the most important occasion in everyone's life. Each of us would want to frame those moments and cherish them forever. It is therefore very important that you choose the right means to preserve those moments. Wedding photo albums which are professionally designed are a great way to preserve your most precious wedding photos. Read on for a few great tips and basic facts you ought to know before you choose your wedding albums.

Satin covers are normally used in well designed and professional wedding photo albums. They help in preserving the photos and also ensure that they do not wear away over time. Satin covers are long-lasting and therefore preferred. It is also equally important that the pages are made of a good material. The ivory shaded Italian paper is normally found on wedding photo albums.

You can choose a good photo for the cover page. Either the same can be displayed on the front as well as the back or you can opt for different display pictures on each side. Also ensure that the positioning of photos is done in the right sequential manner. This is utmost important and do take care to avoid goof ups here.

You can personalize your wedding album by choosing nice background images and incorporating romantic wordings as descriptions for your photos. Heart shaped designs can be embedded on the pages to signify the romantic occasion.

Most people prefer printing their photos on the albums rather than sticking the hard copy images. This looks good and also ensures durability of your photos. Hard copy photos tend to fade away over time and can also get torn with rough usage. Printing your photos would obviously cost you a tad more but they are certainly worth it. These photos are printed using a chemical process. They are of a very good quality and have a great resolution. Printed photos are also lighter as compared to the bulky albums wherein each photo is stuck into manually. After all no one would like compromising when it comes to wedding albums.

Having your photos printed also gives you a lot of room for customization. You would be free to specify your requirements and ensure that the album is customized to suit your specifications.

You can also ask your friends and loved ones to leave their comments on your album pages. This would take the personalizing a step further and help you preserve all the good wishes that come your way!

Wedding Photography Services - Know What is Included in Your Package

How much do you really know about the various wedding photography services? There are a lot of questions that should be answered by the individual photographer you hire, but more than likely you are going ask these questions to your friends with the expectation of them being answered correctly.

Although your friends mean well, they might be giving you information that is no longer true or information that was never true for a particular wedding photography studio. However, each photography studio and photographer have their own packages and included services.

In order for you to know exactly what is going to be included with your wedding photography services and what is not going to be included you need to talk to your photographer. He or she will be able to tell you about everything that is included with your package and what is going to cost you extra. However, it is possible that you can enter into negotiations with the photographer and modify the package to meet your needs.

Usually, if you are more interested in a particular number of photos but could do without another portion of your package the photographer will be able to make the necessary changes for you for free to little charge.

Of course, you are not going to be able to eliminate something fairly inexpensive and replace it with something that is much more expensive. The individual cost should be fairly close in order for the photographer to be able to make the modification possible for you.

In general, the amount of time the photographer spends on your wedding day is included as part of the wedding photography services. Typically, included in this price is also the negatives, travel expenses, a specific number of actual print photos and a photo album. With technology advancing as it is, many photographers are even offering to host the wedding photos online for a short period of time. This is generally also included in the package price.

You can use the internet and check out the website of the photographer to determine exactly what is included for each of the wedding photography services. Read all of the fine print on the website also and make note of anything and everything that you do not understand or have a question about. This way you know what to ask when you meet with the photographer.

Wedding Photography - Poses and Must Take Shots

The following are events that should be recorded by the photographer during a typical wedding day. There will be some things that are not listed here because no two events are exactly alike. If there are important events happening at the event you are shooting that are not listed here, you need to take those pictures as well.

Take these shots of the Bride at home or the bridal party meeting place:

Applying makeup or fixing hair

Putting on garter with a couple of other ladies around

Fully dressed with mother or parents

Fully dressed alone holding flowers..full length

With Bridesmaids (if space and time allow)

Leaving for the church

Entering or near limo or car, ready to head to church (with maid of honor if possible)

At the church:

Arriving at the church (Bride)

Groom:

Waiting at the church. (usually in a back room or office.)

Posed shot with groomsmen

With the best man

Ceremony:

Each member of wedding party coming down aisle. (If you miss someone because they are moving too fast, just focus on the next one).

Bride-to-be coming down the aisle. Under no circumstances should you miss this shot. Take 3 or 4 in case eyes are closed in one.

Whole wedding party at altar (if possible)

Bride and Groom

At or around altar during ceremony. Take various shots from different angles. In front of them and behind them.

Exchanging rings.

First kiss: Please be ready for this. Take more than one if possible. Be in position because guests will start getting out of their seats to get this shot.

Leaving altar: Take several shots while backing up.

At reception line (if there is one)

Wedding party on church steps or in front of entrance

Couple posed in and around limo or car.

Formal Pictures: Take several shots of each of these poses!

Entire wedding party together including ring bearers and flower girls. (sometimes a bride or groom will want to have some family members included. If they request it, do it and then take the wedding party without the family members, unless they are part of the wedding party)

Bride with and maids including flower girl(s)

Then with Maid of Honor

All the males in the party including ring bearer

Groom and Best Man.

Newlyweds together: Take a lot of shots of these poses. They are money shots and will increase your sales if done properly.

The New Mr. and Mrs. with certain family members. Try to keep this to parents, grandparents, or immediate family members. Let the couple know that taking pictures with every relative or friend at this point would be time consuming and slow down the days proceedings. You can get shots of other family members and friends during the reception.

Bride alone: Take several different images. These are money shots.

Groom alone: Once again, take numerous shots

At the Reception:

Wedding party members entering the reception hall.

Bride and Groom entering the reception. Take several shots.

Toasts. Take pictures of person doing toast with the newly married couple in the shot if possible.

First Dance: Take several shots from different angles.

Cutting the cake: Take a picture of the cake before it is cut. Then pose cutting the cake. (be ready for shots like them feeding each other or smearing cake on each others faces)

Take pictures of the newlyweds with guests and friends at the reception hall. Some can be candid and some can be posed. Check with the bride and groom. They will let you know who they want pictures with or who they want pictures of. These shots can be taken during lulls in activity.

Throwing the bouquet:: Try to angle yourself so you catch the end of her throw and the women reaching out to grab the bouquet..

Groom throwing the garter

Couple waving goodbye: This can be taken inside or outside. If you are leaving before they do, just pose the shot and take it. No on will know the difference when the pictures come back.

This is by no means an all inclusive list. You should photograph as much as possible that will give an accurate record of the days events. Just be alert and keep shooting. Good Luck!

Wedding Scrapbooking Tips

Wedding is considered one of the most important event in a woman's life because it is the time that she and her husband promised in front of God to love each other in sickness and in health.

Because of its significance, you want to cherish and remember it forever. You want to share the precious moments with your friends, family, children, colleagues and grandchildren.

Aside from taking wedding videos, wedding scrap booking is another way of preserving the event that would last for years. If you are fond of creating things and are fond of art, then scrap booking or making memorabilia would not be hard for you. With your creative ability and skills, preserving happy memories would not be a hassle for you, but one way of cherishing every moment as you layout and create your memorabilia. If you lack the skills and knowledge in scrap booking, read on to have insights on how to create wedding scrapbook.

Before you start your task, you have to prepare and to gather all your wedding photographs and wedding keepsakes, like wedding invitations and greeting cards.

Once you have collected and prepared all wedding keepsakes, you should also prepare or purchase scrapbook decorative supplies like:

1. creative skills
2. time
3. scrapbook or album or three-ring book binders with acid-free page protectors
4. glue
5. used or New ribbons
6. artificial flowers
7. color papers
8. artificial leaves
9. sequins of different shapes and colors
10. construction paper
11. scissors
12. pinking shears
13. double-sided tape

Steps:

• Arrange all your wedding photographs according to the sequence of the event, such as the march of bridal entourage, the exchange of rings, the kiss, the throwing of wedding bouquet and many more.


• Plan what layout you want to have for every scene. You can either create a border using ribbons, decorate it with artificial flowers and artificial leaves or with sequins. You can also surf the Internet to find different scrapbook layouts.


• You can also cut construction paper and shape it using pinking shears to create different borders for your photographs.


• Make sure to label each photograph. Write down the date of the wedding, the venue, and the time. Also include the individuals found in the photographs and their role in the event. You can also place narratives to enhance every page and every scene in your wedding, such as love quotes and motto. Use double-sided tape to keep the items in place.


• After you have assembled everything, do not forget to place them inside acid-free protectors. Ensure that each items do not interfere with each other or stick with the other page.

Other vital events in your life that you can include in your scrapbook:

• The wedding proposal


• The meeting of you families


• The engagement


• Pre-wedding planning and activities


• Engagement party


• Copy of your wedding vows


• Copy of your wedding invitation


• List of gifts that you received


• Venue of the honeymoon


• Wedding songs


• Shower parties

5 Tips to Planning a Successful Wedding Day

1) Importance of an Engagement Photo Session

An engagement photography session is the precursor and preview to your wedding day! It serves as an announcement and proclamation of your love for each other. Most often, clients use some of their engagement photos in wedding announcements and for "Save the Date" cards. We have received numerous phone calls and photos letting us know that the engagement pictures we shot are now placed proudly around their home. It is amazing going to shoot a wedding and seeing the pictures from the engagement photo session displayed on a table for everyone to see.

Engagement pictures showcase a couple's love, romance, and affection for each other. Often times, couples don't realize the importance of such an investment. However, engagement pictures help to bring back the memories of where you came from as a couple, where you love began, where it grew, and how it has come to the future wedding you are now planning.

2) Plan for "Wedding Day Emergencies"

One of the complaints from brides after the event of their wedding day is that she was rushed for time and felt out of control. Make sure to plan, plan, plan, and when you think you have planned ahead enough, plan some more! With my clients, I definitely offer recommendations of makeup artists and hair stylists we have worked with in the past.

A bride should know that these stylists are almost always running late during a wedding day. Make sure you plan yourself out an hour ahead of when you need to be ready. If you are having your hair and makeup done away from your ceremony location, make sure you ride separate from everyone else so that you will not get stuck for time while a bridesmaid or aunt is having her hair finished.

Also, another key thing we recommend a bride do is create a "wedding emergency kit." Make sure to include some extra touch-up makeup in your kit for lip gloss and powder retouches throughout the day (after all, we are taking your pictures all day long!). Throw in a bottle of water and an energy bar, just in case your oomph starts to take a nosedive. Many brides don't eat much the week leading up to their wedding and most especially on the day, so make sure your body stays replenished and comfortable. Another good idea: throw in some band-aids! Brides often wear new and uncomfortable shoes on their wedding day and while those fashionable strappy slingbacks look great in your wedding pictures, your feet will be in excruciating pain by the time the reception rolls around.

3) Wedding Day Transportation

Unless you are having a family member drive you to and from the ceremony location, to the reception, and wherever your heart takes you afterwards, make sure you are firm and clear with your transportation about pick up and drop off times. We express to our clients that we enjoy being there to catch every moment of the day and hate to see a couple standing around waiting for a ride. Whether you favor a limousine, classic car, or a horse and carriage, insist the driver commit to your time frame for your wedding day. Make sure this is set in STONE!

4) The Wedding Day Dress

Your wedding photographer will be taking pictures of you all day long. This translates to hundreds of pictures with you wearing your wedding dress! First and foremost, find a dress that suits your style and one you are completely comfortable in. Make sure the fit is "you" and something that you, not your mother, a best friend, or Aunt Margaret, would have chosen for you. These pictures won't be able to be recreated! Your special day should include all the elements that make you comfortable about your upcoming life together with the person you love and also the elements that make you who you are.

In addition, we can't stress enough that it is vital for you to be in control and in charge of your wedding dress. Too often brides designate a WDM ("Wedding Dress Manager") in the form of a mother, bridesmaid, friend, or relative. This can be disastrous! People can be forgetful and may not have you dress at the moment you need it. Don't let it out of your control or your sight.

5) Family Wedding Photos

It is common knowledge that when families get together, people become distracted! While I favor a wedding photo journalistic style and don't mind catching unexpected moments and emotions throughout the day, I strongly recommend that you tell family members to be at a location or venue minimum 30 minutes before the actual photos are to commence. This way, you can be sure that the family will arrive early, but more likely, on time. Also, it is a good idea to remind family members that wedding day photography does take time. If you begin family photos before your ceremony, everyone will have to arrive earlier. If after the ceremony, everyone will be a bit later in getting to the reception and guests will have to wait a bit longer. This is expected and common at all weddings, but make sure that family is aware that time will be taken to make sure that your wedding photos come out the way you want them to.

ALSO - Make sure that everyone has directions and knows where they are going. Most likely, your photographer is familiar with the city and can provide detailed directions and routes if need be. If you are having a downtown wedding and are worried about parking, let the family know where to park and how much this might cost. Suggest that they carpool. Do your research to better help your family prepare so that your day will not run behind schedule. Little memos, notes, reminders, emails, texts, anything small, sweet, and concise, are helpful to assure family members that you love and care for them but that this day is very important to you. The wedding photography is your investment and you want to make sure in the nicest way possible that they are able to cooperate with the events of the day.

Finding Great Collage Picture Frames

There are few things that warm the heart more than pictures. Having photos of your loved ones has turned into a well-respected tradition in every house. We hang photos on the wall, put them in frames, or make them into a collage. Collage picture frames are really popular these days because they let you have several photos collected on one frame That is better if you want to show several different snapshots united together.

The best is that collage picture frames offer you a wide choice of how to create and organize the whole composition. They can be found in many different sizes. You can choose the best size for incorporating your particular images together. The photographs you want to display will tell you which collage picture frame is best for you. It depends on what you intend to do, and how you are going to unite them.

There are different photographs, which can be used in a collage. For example, wedding photographs can make a nice collage picture frame, as they are all very interesting and represent an important event in your life. In the past people used to show only one photo of their wedding and hang it on the wall. But the old-fashioned photo with the bride and bride-groom smiling shyly in front of the photographer is already a past. When you have all you wedding pictures, you fall in love with them all, and you don't want to hide them in an album and look through them only on special occasions.

You need to have them around you, to remind you of this glorious day. So, you make a collage and select the best ones to hang on the wall. Collage pictures frames are especially useful then. The second usage of collage picture frames is in combining children's photos. It is very popular amongst grandparents. They combine different photos of the child, when it was at different ages. The final result is an "evolutionary map" of the growing up of their grandchild. This makes old ladies and gentlemen really glad and they happily hang this original collage on their walls.

Collage picture frames can be found on the Internet. You can order different sizes and shapes, or even make your own ones. The two things you need to have for collage frames, is a frame and a mat. The mat has cut-outs, which fit to the frame. The mat can have different colors, depending on your personal taste. Some people use a blue mat for a collage of baby boy pictures or a yellow mat to display their vacation images. But it is actually a question of preference.

If your snapshots are not of standard size, you'd better try to create your own collage picture frame. Believe me, it is easy and the results are really breath taking. Some frames are square, some are rectangular, you can even have a triangular or whatever-angular frame you like. You can put flowers or any decoration you think of when designing your collage.

The best thing that collage picture frames offer you, is that you the pictures can be removed and replaced at any time. You can always have new ones to put in place of the old. This means that you will never get tired of your frame. Your new pictures will always have a nice place to put on.

Learn More About Wedding Photography - Sydney Style

Sydney is a city blessed with amazing beauty. Beauty found in natural rock formations, in a sparkling harbour and in the most world-renowned and unique buildings. Beauty that enhances the beauty of every bride. That's wedding photography Sydney style wedding photos set against the most gorgeous backdrops available anywhere in the world...

The location opportunities for wedding photography Sydney has on offer are endless. The harbour and Opera House are timeless classics. However they aren't to every brides liking or realistic for every couple.

The views from the Rocks, Observatory Hill, the Botanic Gardens or Opera House are out of the question for majority of the people if you are not having a city-based wedding. The travel time to the wedding photo location shoot and the added stress which places upon the day aren't worth the result. There are good-looking buildings and features all over the city of Sydney and in each direction.

A more candid, natural and in certain ways photo journalistic style is being adopted by the style of wedding photography. Its about wedding photographers capturing the essence of the day. It is a wedding photo style in which photographers are in the background shooting the raw emotion. The wedding photographs in this style showcase the excitement, the anticipation, the joy, and the love which are the wedding day.

They're less artificial or formal wedding photos in favour of real interactions, real hugs, real smiles and as-it-happens photography. That's the challenge for any photographer who is not a specialist wedding photographer. There's a practised art to capturing moment as they unfold on film. There's a knack to being in the right place at just the right moment ready to capture the perfect shot. It is the proficiency beyond photographers other than the most competent specialist wedding photographers.

Wedding photography Sydney style is about showcasing the bride and the groom, the energy and emotion of the day and the beautiful wedding locations Sydney can provide.

Help! I'm Getting Married and I Hate Having My Photo Taken

It's your worst nightmare. Usually you manage to escape; sometimes you hold the camera. But on your wedding day there's no way you can avoid having your photo taken.

For the photogenic, it's the ideal opportunity for them to have well-taken pictures which really reflect their beauty, instead of Aunt Maud's blurry out-of-focus snapshots. For the style-conscious, it's an opportunity to create a modelling portfolio with every carefully crafted detail of court trains or cathedral veils. Watch out for your drama queen friend's Facebook profile to be dominated by a panoramic shot of them drowned in white satin, looking coy in a dramatic black-and-white setting. "It's all airbrushed anyway," you mutter, reaching for another chocolate biscuit for comfort.

So what do you do if you're getting married and you hate having your picture taken? Well, fear not! Here are some survival tips for you:

1. Select wisely.
Find a photographer who makes you feel relaxed. It is so important for you to be able to be yourself on your big day. The last thing you want is some obnoxious paparazzi maniac getting in the way and bossing you around! You need to like them personally, not just their portfolio. They may have amazing pictures, but if they wind you up then don't hire them!

2. Make sure you discuss your requirements beforehand.
Tell them that you don't particularly relish being in the limelight, and that you don't want to be forced into making all sorts of dramatic, uncomfortable poses. If that's an issue for them, then you may need to reconsider whether they are the right photographer for you.

3. Don't be afraid of having time out on the day for couple shots.
This is actually a great opportunity for you to have some time with your new husband or wife, away from all the guests. If you don't like posing, ask for natural shots of you two loved-up newly weds chatting together, walking, perhaps sharing a cheeky kiss. You'll definitely find images to cherish in these kind of shots - they're the sort you'll want to frame and hang on your living room wall.

4. Remember that you're going to enjoy your big day.
Even if you feel nervous, there is something so special about getting married, that you can't fail to love it! Once the nervy bit of saying your vows is over, you can just enjoy the celebration! You won't often see so many of your friends and family all together under one roof. Make the most of it!

5. Know that you can say 'no'.
It's your wedding day, and if anyone asks you to do something that you're not happy with, then just politely refuse. If family and friends are crowding you with their iPhones held out, don't be afraid to smile and then make your excuses, and walk away to chat to someone instead of feeling you have to stay there with a fixed grin on your face.

However much you hate having your photo taken, if you choose a good photographer, you will get pictures to treasure for a lifetime that won't age or lose their lustre. You will be at your most beautiful on your wedding day, because you will be excited, exhilarated and ecstatic. Don't worry about how you're going to look in the pictures, just enjoy every moment of your special day.

Photo Albums and Traditional Film Photography - A Thing of the Past?

With the digital age upon us, do traditional hard copy photographs now seem rather old-fashioned? Or does the nostalgia conjured up by flipping through and turning over the physical form of a photograph in your hand still hold a certain magic?

The benefits of digital cameras and photography is obvious, the very ability to be able to take thousands of pictures without the need for expensive film or the storage problems this poses. Additionally there is the option to be able to view an image instantly and retake it a potentially infinite number of times, all without wasting that precious and expensive film.

Since digital cameras dropped in price and became readily available to the masses, the trend surrounding photographs has moved away from printing them for prosperity to sharing them online through emails or social media portals such as Facebook and Twitter. The instantaneous shoot, view and share capabilities of the digital camera suits our fast paced, impatient society. No more the anticipation of waiting for a roll of film to be developed, just plug into a computer and go.

That said I can't help but feel that we take photographs for a reason, as a way to remember important days, fun days and days spent with friends. Memorable days that we wish to capture forever, relegating them to only be viewed through the screen of a computer or clicking through online somehow seems cold if not impersonal and what if you want to display those pictures at home? Granted, the invention of digital photo frames allows us to display a certain number on continuous rotation but just think of a wedding day immortalised forever in a series of pixels. Could you imagine such an important day forever displayed on loop in a small black digital photo frame, when instead you could reach out and pass around an album full of glossy shiny pictures. Personally I just don't think there's any comparison.

It's for these reasons the printed, physical existence of a photo will always hold its charm, digital photo frames can't ever fully replace a photo album full of pictures displayed in their full glory.

Photo Albums allow you to express your individuality, to choose a style of cover, an album for 6x4 photos or larger 7x5, even self adhesive types for odd sized photos or ones with slip in pockets. Self adhesive albums allow you the flexibility of displaying your pictures in a way a digital frame could never afford and can double up as a scrap-book. How wonderful to be able to display wedding pictures alongside orders of service, baby pictures next to tiny handprints or groups of friends grinning happily in the sun mounted with the festival tickets -- rather like a story book of your personal adventures. Many photo albums incorporate storage pockets allowing you to keep CD stored photo's together with their album so you can easily replicate a copy of a print in your album as many times as you like.

Perhaps time is being called on traditional film photography but digital can bring you the best of both worlds with simplified image capture, allowing you to point and shoot then edit your images, as long as you don't forget to print them out and share them.

Planning Your Wedding Reception Menu

Even though the food doesn't usually appear in the wedding photo albums, most couples give as much thought to their reception menu as they do to the bridal bouquets and decorations.

Serving style

A sit-down dinner is the most traditional - and most formal - option. If you choose this type of meal, just make sure all of the dietary needs of guests are taken into account and that people are given enough time to enjoy each course before the next one arrives.
 
These days, many brides and grooms opt for buffet meals where guests help themselves - but make sure you have a system in place to help avoid long lines and bottlenecks. A current hot trend is food stations, which encourage people to mingle and sample a variety of smaller bites at their own pace.

The least formal option involves simply serving drinks and hors d'oeuvres, which can still create great memories for the wedding albums. Just make sure you let your guests know a full meal will not be served.

Cuisine
 
Feel free to be as traditional or unconventional as you wish, as long as you communicate your intentions to guests. You could choose a regional theme that reflects your background, like Southern comfort foods or California cuisine. If your wedding is outside, a barbecue might be appropriate, while an eco-friendly ceremony can be accompanied by organic and locally grown fare.
 
Some people may want to make their food options as interactive as possible - all the better to create great wedding album shots. Think make-your-own taco buffets, sundae bars or even crepe station - just make sure you have someone on hand to take care of cooking the crepes!
 
Finally, remember that you don't have to have an evening event. Wedding breakfasts, brunches, lunches and teas can be charming and distinctive alternatives to a dinnertime reception.

How to Make Your Photography Business Grow

Do you want to get ahead of the competition? Are you passionate about your photography business?

Making your photography business grow does not need for more investments on camera gear and photography equipment. It does not need you to invest much money on marketing. Discover some easy methods to make your photography business grow.

The Power of Online Social Networks and Creating a Photo Blog.

Almost everybody goes online and with the popularity of online social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Flickr. All you have to do is use these networks to create your personal brand. These websites can help you get your photography business by being able to connect to other users of these social networks.

It has also become very easy to create a website. A blog is the easiest way to create an online presence. It does not need to be a fancy looking blog. What is important is that you post the best photos that define the kind of photography that you do. If you are trying to become a popular portrait photographer showcase your best portraits. Make sure that the portraits will show the best character of your subject. If you would like to be the best wedding photographer showcase the wedding pictures of couples you think will best describe your kind of wedding photography. On your website create a section where your previous clients can put their testimonies which can help in influencing prospective new clients.

Your photo blog should also represent the kind of person you are. Prospective customers will surely want to know more about your character as a person if you are a type of person who can bring out the best in them as you photograph them. Every photographer can learn all the technical side of photography but what really matters is being able to come up with good photos and a photographer can only do that if one has the patience and if one finds joy in interacting with his subjects.

Networking

Always be ready to promote your photography business. Every time you meet up people in events or in any gathering is an opportunity to promote yourself as a photographer. Be ready to show your portfolio and one of the best way is have a business card with one of your best photos. You never know if the person you are talking to might become your next big customer.

Open up your photography business to the public. You can also be a volunteer to charity events in your local community. This will give you the opportunity to get published in your local newspaper and that's free advertisement for your photography business.

Never Underestimate Customer Service

Go beyond what is expected of you by adding your own kind of quality customer service. If a client is not satisfied, manage the situation by offering to re-shoot the project. Make the client feel that you are ready to work to come up with the best photos and that you are creating a memorable experience for them through the photos. If you give the best quality of customer service, you can expect to see more referrals from satisfied customers.

Develop New Products and Services

The photography business has become very competitive. The technology has allowed hobbyists to turn their hobby into a side business selling photo services. You must always try to be a step ahead and invest in learning new trends in photography. Remember that photography is an art and a craft. Marketing is important but you can only market something if the product is basically good to begin with.

Last thing to keep in mind, your photography business is just a part of who you are as a photographer. Stay passionate about photography and never forget that you are a photographer first.

Keep shooting.

Wedding Photographers Photoshop Editing Tip - Making Your Images POP With a Little Contrast

So you wonder what makes some images look more "professional" than others? I wondered the same thing for a long time until I finally found the secret. And that secret is the magic use of contrast. If you shoot in RAW (and I hope you do for many various reasons that we shall discuss in another topic) then you probably notice that the images come out looking rather flat. In my opinion, this is a good thing. If the photos came straight out of the camera with too much contrast applied, then you run the risk of having blown out highlights or loss of detail in the shadows. As wedding photographers, we cannot have that because some of the main colors we shoot are white (wedding dress) and black (tuxedo). So, today I am going to show you how to add contrast to your wedding photos without losing detail in your highlights and shadows. I am even going to throw in a bonus tip at the end of the article, so make sure and keep reading.

First, we need an image. I am assuming that you have already color-corrected your image and performed the necessary retouches. First thing we need to do is open the image in Photoshop. I am currently using CS5, but CS2 and up should work fine.

You will want to duplicate your original layer. A quick way to do this is to click on the original layer and press control + J (windows), or command + J (mac). This will duplicate the selected layer. Now that you have two of the same layers, we are going to focus on the top layer. Let's go ahead and name that layer. I find that this is a great practice and recommend you add naming your layers to your workflow. I am going to name mine "contrast".

After we name our layer, we need to change the blending mode of this layer. If you look right above the layer named "contrast" you will see a drop down box that says "Normal". We want to click on this and select "Soft Light". Once you do this you will immediately notice that the image has a lot more contrast. In fact, it has too much and does not look that good.

In order to make the photo look better we now need to lower the contrast a bit. We can do this by lowering the opacity of the "contrast" layer. I usually set my opacity to around 60%, or so. This is a subjective change and you can fine-tune this to your likings.

Because we have added contrast, we have essentially boosted our highlights and shadow areas. What we need to do is make sure that our contrast layer does not affect these highlights and shadow areas. We will do that by opening the layer properties and changing the way the layer blends the gray tones. Open up the layer properties by double-clicking on the "contrast" layer. Once the layer properties box is open you will need to adjust the "Blend if: Gray" value so that our "contrast" layer does not affect the highlights and shadows, within a certain range that we specify.

We want to move the slider on the black (left) side, to the right until the first number next to "This Layer:" is 10. After that hold down the ctrl (Windows), or command (Mac), while you are still hovering over the same slider and start moving it to the right, even more, until the second number is 30. You will notice that this will split the slider into two. What this is doing is blending the shadows so that there is not an abrupt change in the tonal value, for this would not look very pleasing. Do the same thing to the white (right) slider until the numbers are (from left to right) 225 and 245. So from left to right from the "Blend if: Gray", we have 10 / 30 225 / 245. Essentially, what we have done is tell the layer not to change any of the highlight or shadow values in a certain range and to also blend the values that we did change with the ones from the original background layer.

It is time to evaluate our work. Turn off the "Contrast" layer and look at how much different our image looks now. The image has great contrast without damaging our highlights or shadow detail and it looks more professional. Great job!

Learn To Create The Best Photo Books For Weddings

There are two distinct types of wedding photograph to consider. The first creates what might be termed the 'official record' of the day, and consists of the kind of images which are taken at each and every wedding as a matter of tradition. The photographs in question here include the likes of the happy couple cutting the cake and enjoying their first dance, and the bride tossing the bouquet for someone to catch. If you're getting married then, by definition, you'll have at least some leanings toward tradition, and so probably want to include all of these 'traditional' images in your wedding album.

The problem, however, is the fact that these standard photographs are reproduced across virtually every wedding, and so tend to things, making everyone's special day look just like everyone Else's, which is to say not so special after all. The irony is that the solution to this problem, and the chance to create your own wedding photo book as an alternative which truly captures the individuality of the day, lies much closer to hand than most people realize.

Almost every guest who attends a modern wedding will bring along a digital camera of their own and spend the day snapping away, especially since the point and click nature of most modern photographs make everything so easy. What this results in is a huge collection of images which capture, more intimate and individual moments of the day in question, reproducing the atmosphere in a manner which is much more accurate.

The good news is that you can now pull all of these photographs together and have them printed as an alternative wedding albums, and even better is the fact that creating photo books online is as quick and easy as it is effective. Once the dust has settled you can ask all your guests to send you digital copies of the photographs they took. By trawling through these you'll be able to build a cheerful, compelling and touching pictorial account of the day which includes the likes of the bride giving her make up a last nervous check outside the church, or the best man downing a little Dutch courage just before his speech.

Having selected the images you wish to use and uploaded them to the website of your choice, you'll find that creating photo books is virtually as simple as printing photographs. You'll be able to select every facet such as the size and shape of the pages and the design and make-up of the front and back cover, and then have fun placing the pictures on each page and adding your own amusing captions. Every part of the book is in your control and, since you can preview it as you go along, you won't have to pay for a thing until you're perfectly happy. When you are, it will be printed to retail standards, coming out as a heavy, luxurious coffee table volume with your special day at its' heart.

Family Portrait Photography - Beyond The Technical Skills

Since time immemorial,family portraits have always had a 'family' at its center, hence; innovation and distinctiveness continue to remain a challenge even for the most famous photographers. Each family has its own social-cultural background, a set of traditions that it was raised in. Bringing this alive through the camera lens is sometimes a herculean task.

It goes without saying that a family portrait has to be worthy of the living room or drawing room walls; in some cases a museum or a fort. This requires immense effort towards making a great composition. A good image would include correct emotions or body language of the artist, an appropriate background, accurate exposure, right shutter speed and an overall well balanced frame.

If a photographer has so many angles to deal with to get the right click, picture the following situations:

1. A daughter who has just had a huge argument with her mother about her choice of dress for the family portrait


2. A mother of three teenagers telling them how to pose for a family photograph


3. A father yelling at his family to come quickly for a group photo because he is running out of time

All of the above situations and several others like them that occur often when dealing with humans as our subjects require many other traits beyond just the technical skills. One certainly needs to be an effective communicator.

An image is a moment captured for a life time. Therefore, being able to sculpt the story of the family with a camera lens distinguishes a creative photographer from an ordinary one. Cracking a joke or making the moment light for all those who are about to be clicked is another rare trait which helps make the expressions of the family members so natural and effortless. It is extremely important to be cool headed and patient in this profession. After all it is a people's person whom someone would want to hire. If the same client employs you time and again at different occasions, family functions and ceremonies, you certainly have all the reasons to rejoice as a professional photographer.

It is also vital to be very quick in grabbing the golden, timeless moments like the exchange of engagement or wedding rings, cutting of a wedding anniversary cake and blowing off the candles on a birthday cake. You cannot afford to be puzzled or lost with so many attendees at any ceremonials. So, it is best to meet the family in advance and know what their preferences are to yield the best results. In any case, always remember 'customer is the king!'

If you are a photographer with great photo editing skills just take down the following as a side note. There may be a variety of photo-editing software available in the market today to enhance or correct a photo, so one tends not to strive for a perfect original image, be it black and white or coloured. But it is just that, which makes an expert different from a beginner!

Wedding Photography: Why You Should Demand a Written Contract for Your Wedding Photo Services

Most people may not be aware of the importance of having a written contract when it comes to availing themselves of wedding photo services. The contract will ensure that you will be able to get all that you need from the services that you hire. This serves as the professional agreement set between you and the wedding photographer. The contract will also be very helpful so that you can set your expectations with your chosen photographer. It can also free you from any kind of liability when it comes to the services.

The Need for Written Contract in Wedding Photography Services

You need to understand that every wedding photographer should be able to offer you a written contract when it comes to their services. If they do not have such, you definitely have your right to ask for one. You can clear out all the extent and quality of the services that you expect to have from the wedding photographers. You do not need to worry about getting disappointed when it comes to the final results of the photography service because your contract can be your guide. If your photographer is not able to meet what is stated in the contract, you have all the right to complain and definitely get what you truly deserve.

What Should Be The Content of The Written Contract?

You have to make sure that your written contract for the wedding photography services contains all the basic information of both parties that are involved in the said professional agreement. You need to include the name of the bride and her fianc矇 together with all of their contact information. You should also include the complete name and contact information of the wedding photographer.

The details of the wedding including the location, date, time and the reception details should also be included in the contract. An important part of this written agreement would be the complete description of the photography services that you will be getting. You must be able to indicate the length of the photo session, the package included and all other essential details. A good place for the signature and the date should also be allocated in the written contract.

The agreement details must be made clear and straight to the point so that it clearly defines what each of the parties wants. Specific details must be included as well. Payment details are also an essential part of the contract. The total charges should be clearly stated and all the prices must be enumerated for a good transaction between the bride and groom and the photographer. Details about the rights and usage of the photos should also be included properly. A model release should also be discussed in the contract. If the bride and groom allows the photographer to use their photos in his or her portfolio then that should also be written as well.

These are just some of the most important components of the written contract making it a very essential material between the couple and the wedding photographer.

Some Gorgeous Wedding Stationery Design Ideas

Marriages need numerous pieces of correspondence. Normal stationery items utilized all through the marriage process comprise in save-the-date mailings, thank you notes, the wedding invitation, place cards, ceremony programs and even menus for the function. With several paper pieces involved, strong decisions need to be taken about the kind of stationery to be used. Proper plans should be crafted regarding gorgeous wedding stationery design ideas. This article is going to deal with some key information regarding this topic.

Stationery is an important part of your marriage planning procedure, as the papers you utilize for your invitations and response cards say a lot about your special day. The stationery offers guests an initial glimpse into your marriage and tells them what the formality and theme will be. From patterned, bright papers to straightforward, cream colored card stocks, there are several kinds of stationery you can utilize for your marriage ceremony. Now, let us talk about some effective wedding stationery design ideas in detail.

Patterned Paper
Stationery paper with patterns, images or designs on it will surely add personality and style to you invitations and will craft them more visually appealing than a solid, bright colored paper. A lot of stationers may proffer you a wide range of different patterned papers, or you can craft your own invitations utilizing papers from a scrapbook store.

Strong Card Stock
For a more straightforward, conventional invite, utilize basic, solid colored card stock. Cream or white colored card stock implies an elegant and formal wedding, while vibrant colored card stock implies a laid back and casual wedding. You need to choose all the colors after a thorough consideration.

Fabric Accents
Fabric accents in the structure of cutout accompaniments or ribbons will affix detail to your marriage stationery and can make even solid colored paper look visually intriguing. You can even make use of flowers and polka dots for a laid back and casual wedding.

Vellum
You must have heard a lot about Vellum. Vellum is another great conventional paper type often utilized in marriage stationery, and it offers your invites an elegant and frosted look. You can easily add a thin sheet of vellum to your invitation body to make it more appealing.

Custom Made Stamps
Stamps are simply amazing for marriage stationery, as they can be utilized frequently and make applying images to bulk wedding invites simple. You can opt for a custom made stamp in order to give your invite a personalized and innovative touch.

Photo cards
Keep it straightforward and show off your passion with amazing photo cards in place of conventional stationery items. This idea is apt for less formal types of wedding stationery, such as engagement declaration and save the important dates. You can have photo cards printed with photographs of you and your partner along with the important details of your marriage.

So, these are some of the most creative wedding stationery design ideas in detail. Check out this article at least once for further information. Have fun and enjoy yourself while choosing the right stationery for your special day!

What a First Time Wedding Photographer Needs to Know

The news that you are photographing your first wedding often leads to emotions ranging from excitement to apprehension, and in some cases, fear. Assuming you have experience with your equipment and have developed the necessary skills to take great photographs, the wedding event has a greater likelihood of being a successful one if you follow some key steps.

This article provides an overview of important steps to follow before, during, and after the event. As with any important job, the keys are preparation, focus, and follow-through.

Before the Wedding
Proper preparation before the event is the best way for a photographer to have a successful outcome. I spent several weeks before my first wedding visiting other photographer's web sites. I read books on wedding photography, and I researched photography blogs and forums. It is amazing how much information is available for little or no charge. These tips and other photographs can inspire you and get you thinking about what you want to accomplish and how you are going to make it happen.

It is important that you have a standard written agreement that is signed by the bride- and groom-to-be and the photographer. There is no excuse for not having this document in place. It should describe the deliverables and the fees associated with the service and products. It should also include a model release so you can use the photos for promotional purposes. It is highly recommended that you contact an attorney and draft a standard agreement that protects you.

At the time of signing the agreement, there are two other opportunities to enhance the process. First, get to know the bride and groom. Spend some time chatting so you will know their story and they will know you. When the wedding day comes, they should feel comfortable with you so their true personalities will shine. If possible include a no cost or low cost engagement shoot so everyone can gain even more of a comfort level. It is a good opportunity to give them some posing tips that they can use on their wedding day.

It is also imperative to know the schedule. When you are meeting with the bride and groom, go over the agenda for the time you are expected to be at the wedding. Get to know their expectations. Let them know when you expect them to devote time to photographs with you in charge. This is a good time to talk about a wedding coordinator. If they will designate a friend or family member that will help the you identify important family members during the wedding day, it can be a tremendous help.

Another important component of preparation is checking your equipment. Check it thoroughly at least four or five days before a shoot. A check prior to my first wedding revealed a faulty auto-focus mechanism on one of my camera bodies, and I had to borrow a second camera for the shoot, but I was ready.

A proper equipment check also requires making sure you have backups of everything. You need two camera bodies and two flash units at a minimum. If you do not have them, you can rent them. On my first senior photo shoot, the wind blew my tripod and camera to the concrete surface. You never know when something will drop or just fail.

Check your batteries and memory card supplies, and bring more than you think you will need. It is not uncommon to take 2,000 to 3,000 images at a wedding. If you are using flash, you will burn through batteries very fast at that rate. For memory cards, it is better to have several smaller cards than just one or two big ones. If a card fails, you minimize your loss by using multiple cards.

Visit the venue(s) prior to the wedding day in order to scope out lighting and shot locations. Do you need to gel your flash for proper white balance? I often find that if I take a few test shots with and without flash, and perform a custom white balance check with my camera, that there are competing colors from the various light sources. For indoor venues, I often have to gel the flash to match the color of the venue's lighting. This will save you much time and aggravation later in the process.

To prepare yourself physically for a tiring day, have a light meal before you go. It is a good idea to bring granola, energy or candy bars or other portable snacks. Bring water too just in case.

If you are prone to headaches, have a pain reliever with your in your pocket or bag.

Part of blending into the event is dressing appropriately. Talk to the bride and groom about their expectations before the event. In all cases, wear comfortable shoes.

The Ceremony
When you arrive, begin by taking outdoor venue shots. Here in southeast Michigan, you never know if the weather will turn on you later, and the same is true in many locations. Get some key building and landscape elements without people, just to have them.

Calibrate your camera's white balance as soon as you walk indoors; do it for all of your cameras. Also, turn camera sounds off; you don't want your camera to make noise during the ceremony.

Bring a fast lens; the faster the better. Indoor lighting at churches and reception halls is notoriously poor and dim. Be prepared with a fast lens (f 2.8 minimum - f1.8 preferred). If you don't have one, rent it.

If you are in a place of worship, have a clear understanding of where you can go and what locations are off-limits. Also, flash is usually not permitted in places of worship, but you can ask.

Consider bringing an assistant. Let them carry equipment, help set up shots, hold off-camera flash, and more. If you are working a 6-8 hour event, be prepared for the physical impact it will have on you. Having an assistant will ease the burden on you and should result in better photographs.

If you have a break from the bride and groom, start shooting the very young and very old early. They can get tired fast, and some may leave early.

If you have a camera bag, lock it down or have your assistant carry it. If you are on your own, consider using a cable lock for your camera bag and hide it out of sight. It serves as a deterrent from theft. You may feel comfortable with the bride and groom, but you never know about their friends and family or the staff at the venue.

Never reformat memory cards at the event. Backup when you can, but do not reformat. Check everything on your computer and complete backups before reformatting.

Take shots of the bride and groom as soon after the ceremony (or before) as possible. After people start drinking and celebrating, it will get harder to assemble people and have them look their best.

Most of the time, the photographer's role should be to blend in and be discreet. Disappear in the background and try to capture people when they are relaxed, happy, emotional, etc.

If the wedding and reception are indoors, make sure to take shots of the bride and groom outside. Try to get away during the reception and get some outside shots - even if it is nighttime.

Be insured. If someone trips over your equipment are you covered?

Take a group shot of everyone. This is a great way to have everyone in attendance in one photo. It makes for a great enlargement and an opportunity for sales to others in attendance at the wedding.

After the Event
After the event is over, I believe it is important to process the images as fast as possible. There is something to be said capturing taking the energy of the day and carrying forward. Posting images quickly to a web site will make everyone happy.

Keep in contact with the bride and groom and schedule a time to meet with them to go over the images and discuss ordering details. It is as important to provide a high level of customer service after the event and before it. If you establish a relationship with the couple, they will think of you for family portraits and portraits of their children in years to come.

Finally, take notes about what went right and what went wrong. This may help you do an even better job next time around.

Honoring Loved Ones Who Have Passed During Your Wedding or Special Occasion

Honor a parent, a grandparent, sibling, friend or even a pet that has passed on, by incorporating them into your wedding, anniversary, memorial service or special event. By doing this you can create a special feeling of togetherness to the whole family throughout the day.

A special reading of the deceased's favorite Bible verse or inclusion of their favorite poem in your wedding program calling out their name is a great way to weave their memory into your event. Other ways may include: Having someone sing a song with special meaning to your loved one during the ceremony or reception. Have the significance of the song announced or indicate it in a program. You could also include a 3-4 minute slide show of your loved ones life during the song. Keepsakes are another way to remind you of them. Maybe they have given you a piece of jewelry. Wear it or keep it close on the special day.

Other suggestions include: Personalized Photos - pin a personalized photo pendant onto your bouquet so you can walk down the aisle with your loved one.

Something Blue-take a small piece of blue fabric from their favorite tie, shirt or suit, and sew it on the underside of your dress.

Reserve a Seat - leave an empty seat and set a framed photo on the chair with special flowers that include a photo pendant. The following day, the floral arrangements can be placed on their grave, along with a wedding photo. The photo pendant can become a necklace, a new keepsake for future generations.

Donate to their favorite charity by placing a special box at your event in memory of the deceased and let guests make contributions to their favorite charity or cause, or to the foundation that does research on cures for the same illness your loved one had. The box can be decoupaged with favorite photos of them.

A Table All Their Own - set up a special small table at the wedding reception with a flower arrangement and tent card or framed card reading "In memory of loved ones who cannot be with us today" or be specific by including their name. Also display a beautifully framed photo of the bride and/or groom with the deceased person you are honoring.

A Family Tree - set a beautiful branch painted white or silver in a vase filled with pebbles, marbles etc. and hang photo pendants of each family member from the branches.

One last classic yet elegant suggestion is to hold a candle lighting during the ceremony in honor of your loved one's memory and let the candles burn throughout the night to symbolize their presence.

Your event is a time to celebrate, but you still want to remember those who can't be with you. So celebrate their memory while creating new ones.

Create Photo Book Designs Using Any Digital Photos

Baby Photo Books

The first few weeks, months, or years of a child's life hold some of the most precious and cherished of memories but those memories can soon fade. Taking photos of a newborn baby or young child enables us to keep those memories alive longer and by having them printed as a stunning photo book design it also allows us to show the photos off to others or, alternatively, to embarrass our sons and daughters when they get older.

Family Book Albums

The kids aren't the only members of the family that should be immortalised in photos either. Mum and Dad, grandparents, aunties and uncles, and even family friends all form a major part of a family unit and photos of all of these important people can be combined in a single great looking family photo book - you can even have a presentation tin or box personalised with your design in order to store the photo book and keep it looking brand new for many years to come.

Wedding Photobooks

A wedding is a major celebration and one that the bride and groom, as well as their families and friends will want to enjoy for a lifetime. A professional photographer can usually provide a digital copy of the pictures they take on request, or you can create wedding photobooks using the extra pictures that were taken by guests. Choose your favourites and convert them into wedding photo books with up to 80 sides of photo printing and a personalised cover.

Personal Birthday Book

Create book designs as gifts by adding pictures of the recipient. You can create what is essentially a life story in photos by adding older pictures as well as new ones. If some of the photos you want to use are only available in paper print format then you can even scan these and use them in the creation of a birthday photo book.

Photo Journals

A photo journal can be used to tell any story or depict any event through the use of photographs. An anniversary photo book is a superb example and it can combine wedding photos with more recent pictures of the couple. Romantic photo journals can be created using photos of you and your partner during the time you've been together - ideal as Valentines gifts as well as a gift to show your partner how much they mean to you.

Create Book Designs

Create photo book designs online using up to 80 or more of your favourite photos. Photo books come in three different sizes, equivalent to A3, A4, and A5 in size. Covers are customised with your choice of photo and the spine, headband, and ribbon are colour matched. You can even choose whether you want silver or gold metal corner protectors.

Wedding Parasols - Adding Flair To Your Wedding

As most weddings take place in spring and summer, a wedding parasol has become an indispensable piece of equipment for the bride and her wedding party. Not only is it practical as it keeps her protected from the sun, but it is also a very stylish fashion accessory.

There Are Two Main Styles Of Wedding Parasols

There are two main styles of parasols that are used in wedding parties; these are:

Oriental Parasols

The Oriental parasol is an umbrella that is traditionally made from oil-paper. It originated from China and then spread across Asia, to Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia etc.

The simple elegance of the Oriental style parasol has an enduring appeal as it brings a sense of serenity and calm to a wedding.

To use Oriental parasols does not mean that you will necessarily have an Oriental style themed wedding. The simple elegance of the Oriental parasol compliments western style weddings perfectly and can add a touch of the exotic.

Western Parasols

Western parasols have a long history starting with the Egyptians in 3000 BC, where they were seen as a sign of prestige. Western parasols are usually made from lace or chiffon, the most famous of which are the Battenburg Parasols which are made from classic Battenburg lace. Their quality and beauty is without par and they remain a classic without equal.

White lace inevitably adds an air of romance and mystique to a wedding.

Colours

Don't be limited by choosing only white. A striking colour like blue, red or pink can complement the colours of the wedding party perfectly. Parasols can even have patterns on them, just remember to always keep it subtle and tasteful and you will not go wrong.

Uses

Other than just keeping out the sun, parasols may be used in several other ways to brighten up your wedding and add some elegance and flair.

• You can use parasols to decorate your venue by using them as flower holders. Secure them and hang them upside down and fill them with hanging flowers or similar decorations.


• Parasols can also be used to hide unsightly corners, plugs or anything else you want to hide at your venue.


• Parasols can also be used to brighten up your wedding photographs and to add a touch of the exotic to your photo album.


• Another great idea is to use parasols as holders for your confetti.

Conclusion

Wedding parasols will undoubtedly add an exotic flair to your wedding and will ensure that your day is memorable for everyone. They are practical, beautiful, useful and timeless and whether you choose to use the oriental style parasol or the Battenburg parasols, your special day will be unforgettable.

Wedding Picture Frame - Reliving Memories of Your Wedding

"I do". These are probably the sweetest words that one would ever hear in his or her life, in reference to the marriage vow. To have the person you love tell you that he or she promises to be with you forever, no matter what, is not something you just take for granted. This is probably the reason why many people, particularly girls, often fantasize about their wedding day long before it's actually there. And the day itself surely does not disappoint.

To have your family and your closest relatives celebrate with you on the day that's meant o bind you with the person you would willingly spend the rest of your life with is surely something to speak for. And indeed, one's nuptial event is one of those days where people can't get enough of taking pictures; of the bide and the groom, the bride and the groom with their family, the bride and the groom with their friends, and even just the unguarded moments of the two people who decided to tie their lives together. Thus, after these photos are taken, it is not uncommon for the couple to allot one big album for that day's photos, and to have some special photos displayed. And for those they wish to have displayed, the right wedding picture frame should be selected.

The album is one we would most likely take out from the shelf in those moments that we feel like reminiscing on old times or to refresh our memories with what has transpired in the past. This is a good way to keep photos, but it is not particularly visible. A photo frame, on the other hand, may not be able to hold a lot of pictures, but it is a good way to make your pictures conspicuous in the room that you decide to place it in. it is also a protection for the photo as it is displayed. Without it, you could just imagine how you would put the picture on display. It might be possible to do it with cohesive devices, like the tape. This will most likely tear your picture. Now that we have established the whys and what's of the picture holder, let's go on to how your wedding photo could be displayed nicely.

For the single photo focused on the couple

In some of the homes I have visited over the past, a typical nuptial photo is the one of the bride and groom. This is usually enlarged and placed in the room that will make it immediately conspicuous to those who enter the home: the living room. And from the varied frames that I've see that housed this type of photo, I have made my judgment: the simple picture holder will do. Simple refers to having a plain finish with no visible design. This will ensure you that the photo stands out as it deserves.

For the wedding collage

Because of the great number of pictures that you would probably obtain from your wedding day, there are a lot to choose from to put on display. By making a collage, you are able to put all those photos together. A photo collage consists of a group of pictures that are put or arranged together and presented as one. This usually tells a story, so you would probably find pictures that are associated with each other. A good collage frame is something that will help tell this story. Thus, when you decide to have this type on display, make sure that the design of the frame that hold this is appropriate or associated with the story you want it to tell.

For the nuptial photo you want displayed, it's always good to know what constitutes a good wedding picture frame.