Ideal Portraits ~ Unique. Affordable. Friendly.

An important lesson for brides...

2010-04-16T15:58:00.000-05:00

Hello again everyone! Sorry for the absence, but I had some family issues to deal with this winter season and took a sort of sebaticle. Also, my computer had contracted one of those nasty viruses and been out of commission until this week. I had been intending to write this particular blog awhile back, but now is as good of a time as any. :)

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One of the main clauses in every photographer's contract when you hire them for your wedding states that no other photographer, amateur or professional, is allowed to be photographing while they are working. This is a clause I personally discuss more in detail with my clients before the wedding. Most people initially think this is only to boost sales; however that is a grave misconception. It doesn't mean that your guests are not allowed to take snapshots, but below are several reasons and examples from a wedding I photographed for you to be cautious and inform your guests about not using flashes.

One of the primary reasons to disuade your guests from taking pictures is that every person there is after the same shot. Often this will unintentionally cause your paid photographer to be blocked by guests when trying to capture your special moments. This is particularly important during the posed shots. Having multiple cameras to look at is a distraction to the people in the pictures. This causes eyes to veer in different directions and can drastically slow down the pace of your professional. Also on a personal level, even though it is not intended, it can come accross as rude to try and take the pictures they are working so hard to create for you and get in the way of their workflow.

However, the most important reason of all is that outside flashes can ruin the best shots. Your photographer adjusts their camera settings to your specific space and lighting situation. When other flashes go off (which are undoubtedly aimed at the same subject as your professionals camera during the most important and quick moments of your wedding), it essentially causes the image to become blown out and sometimes causes motion blur. It can also cause hard shadows depending on the location of the source.

Here are some examples of different degrees of this problem. The first shot is the original image, and the following shot was the attempt to fix it and make it work. If you have a photographer who can work with photoshop well, sometimes you can find a way to salvage the image or make it artistic, though it will never be as great as the clear image would have been...

However, sometimes there is just nothing you can do to make the image work, and you have then lost the moment and possibly some of the best faces of the night...

There is simply no way for your photographer, even as a professional, to account for this. Outside flashes go off at random intervals and levels from many directions during moments too quick to counter. I felt terrible that this happened to these images at her wedding; however, I discussed it with her both before and after she booked my services. It may be important, but once the ceremony starts and people pull out the cameras, it is too late for me to say anything more. I don't think anyone would expect me to stop the ceremony to ask people to stop. :) You can't recut the cake or get back your first kiss.

At this point you have paid good money to hire a professional photographer for your wedding. You don't want to have wasted that money on something outside their control. The best suggestion I have for you here is to address this issue with your guests in 2 ways. One of them is that in your invitations you can make a small note on a slip in piece of paper or at the bottom of the invite that you kindly request no flash photography. I would then remind them again as they're entering to be seated with a sign by the door or asking ushers to tell each guest as they're seated.

One more thing you may want to take into account is the location for your group photos. Typically this is something you decide beforehand with your photographer either when scouting the location or discussing what you want. Be aware of that when decorating and setting up around this area. If you are outside, find out if there will be high pedestrian or car traffic, if there will be garbage cans or other unwanted scenery around, and what can and cannot be moved. Typically though for outdoor shots your photographer can handle looking into that themself when scouting your location.

However, when it comes to setting up in a church or venue, make sure your setup includes adequate space for the location you've chosen and has the kinds of decoration you would like in your pictures. Here is an example of a group shot I did. We had decided to do pictures in front of the stage where the ceremony would be held, but they had forgotten that the dj would already be set up behind them for a smoother transition. Luckily I had brought a large black background that was able to hide the cords and blend in with the stage curtains. Also the chairs and tables had been set up a tad bit close together and were coming into the edge of the pictures. This space was only really needed so that all sizes of pictures needed could be printed without cutting people off, but it was still there. The first picture below is the original image, and the second is after I spent almost an hour clearing out the scenery in photoshop. It is most of the time doable, but will create an extreme extra workload for your photographer.

Hopefully this has been helpful for you and you'll take this into consideration during your planning process. It is a very small task that can save yourself tons of time, hassle, and disappointment in the long run. We will do everything we can for you as your hired photographer, but these little bits of help and consideration will go a long way towards getting great images. :)

Senior Frenzy!

2009-11-19T12:36:00.000-06:00

I had another phenomenal senior session the other day that I couldn't help sharing. Shandee said she hates getting her picture taken, but you could have fooled me! She was super easy to work with and really gave some great expressions that made for stunning images. I was pretty psyched when she said she had a fur lined hoodie which ended up really making the session.

Understanding Copyright Laws

2009-11-10T13:25:00.000-06:00

I have often encountered people who do not have a complete understanding of what the copyright laws mean for them, and in turn I get a lot of questions about what you can and cannot do. If I purchase a picture of myself, am I allowed to make copies? Can I put my pictures on my facebook? Hopefully this bit of information will help you have a better understanding of how that works. It is not meant to be portrayed as mean, but it is definitely in place to keep photographers from going out of business... :)

All photographic images and prints created by Ann Lenaers (owner) or any associate of Ideal Portraits are protected from copying, scanning, reproduction, enhancement or manipulation under the United States Federal Copyright Laws as well as International Copyright Laws. These Copyright Laws protect photographers by giving them the exclusive right to reproduce your photographs, which includes the right to control the making of copies. In other words, it is illegal to download to your computer, upload to a website or blog, print, screen, copy, scan, or reproduce your photographs anywhere without requesting and receiving written permission from Ideal Portraits and payment of a licensing fee or another arrangement (approved service exchange or something along those lines). This includes not only purchased prints on photographic paper or canvas, but digital images, as well, from our website, blog, online gallery, etc.

All text content, verbiage, and graphics appearing on the Ideal Portraits website, blog, facebook, myspace, or any other listing are also the exclusive property of Ideal Portraits and may not be reproduced in any form. These, too, are protected under the Copyright Laws.

By using this website or using our services, you agree to abide by these Federal Laws.

Anyone found to have violated the Federal Laws will be subject to its civil and criminal penalties as well as hefty fines.

As most photographers do, we try to accomodate all reasonable requests, and offer a CD of your portraits with a copyright release for every session for a reasonable charge. Please feel free to discuss your needs with us so that we may have the opportunity to serve you better.

Senior Portraits

2009-11-04T15:33:00.001-06:00

Senior portraits are happening like wildfire lately, and I thought it would only be fitting to share some of my most recent senior pictures that I did with the lovely Lacey. I couldn't have asked for a better gal to try some of these things with! It shows the variety you can get and that you can do it just about anywhere. We started by the US Cellular Center, then moved to Mohawk Park, and we finished up in her home with some studio style portraits. The speeding cars one was right outside her house in the front yard.

All Hallow's Eve...

2009-10-28T16:18:00.000-05:00

I took this picture at Morgan Creek Park close to sunset last night and thought it was pretty awesome and fitting for the season. Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Why are deposits non-refundable?

2009-09-30T17:48:00.001-05:00

Yet again I have come accross a blog from another wedding vendor that states the answer eloquently and clearly. Cater It Simple from Indianapolis, IN explains in the blog post linked to below the real reason that deposits on wedding services are retainers and, therefore, are not able to be refunded.

http://cateritsimple.blogspot.com/search/label/deposits

Why hire a professional for all aspects of your wedding?

2009-09-29T16:08:00.000-05:00

Click the link below and read the blog posted by Shang Chen Photography in Boston. She talks about being a DIY bride, the difficulties and benefits, and why professionals are way more awesome than we tend to get credit for. This could not have been stated better, and I'm glad she provided this information to the public in such a friendly and honest way.

http://shangchenphoto.com/blog/2009/09/why-hire-a-wedding-professional/comment-page-1/#comment-683

Why experience shows that you should do your homework before you choose a wedding photographer...

2009-09-14T00:44:00.000-05:00

I'd like to preface this post by saying I encourage this even with my own potential clients, and I am truly just trying to give you the tools to make wise decisions when planning for your wedding...

I can't begin to tell you the stories I have read and the things I have done to help people out when it comes to having chosen an amateur photographer or friend instead of a professional. I have seen forum posts of women who were in tears over the fact that their pictures did not turn out, because you can never recreate your wedding again.

The pictures were blurry or dark or they missed a special moment.

I have been sent copies of pictures to fix (that somebody had a friend take at their wedding), because they loved how they looked but their husbands head was cut off!

I'm not saying that photographers new to the business don't deserve an equal opportunity and fair consideration. We ALL have to start somewhere. My point is that doing your research is KEY to getting the end result that you want. Don't commit to a photographer with a glimmering low price before you've asked for referrals or testimonials, seen a comprehensive portfolio (which can be families, other live events, seniors, etc. if you're their first wedding), read through their contract, and met with them. Find out what you will get in return for this money as far as time and product. Find out if there are extra fees for more time or extra sessions. Ask your friends and family if they have ever used them or heard of them before.

The same actually works the other way, too. Don't see a really high priced photographer and assume that because they charge that much they will be the right fit. You need to mesh well with your photographer, because they will not only be following you around all day, but they are capturing a once in a lifetime event.

You can usually find a slew of qualified and friendly photographers in the $1000-$3000 price range. Sometimes people offer special deals outside of this, and that doesn't make them bad, just be 100% sure your wedding photos will be perfectly the way you want them. As I have seen many photographers point out, your photos are the only thing you will show your grandchildren from your wedding down the line, so this is one of the pieces to splurge on a little bit.

On a final note, don't be afraid of hiring travelling photographers. Often times these people are more about the photography than the money and will help you find cheap travel if they charge for it at all. Some of us will even offer deals or prices that are significantly less than your local option. For example, every year I offer 3 couples 50% off for first come first serve bookings. Even with the cost of a cheap plane ticket, I was told by a few people that I would be $4000 cheaper than one of the local places they were considering. It's better that you get a right fit than just somebody convenient at the time.

"There's no one 'style' that is right for everyone, no one pose that fits a situation every time. That's where timing, instinct, consistency and the understanding that every part of a photograph has a reason to exist come into play. Clarity and understanding separate the wedding photographer from the snapshooter and are why couples still hire professionals to photograph their weddings. Modern cameras available to anyone with the right budget can make photography a much easier task than it was in the past. The wedding photographer's eye, instincts and attention to detail make the difference." ~ George Schaub

A Unique Fundraising Opportunity...

2009-09-10T18:48:00.001-05:00

Do you know of a school or organization that is looking for a unique fundraising opportunity? Aren't you tired of buying 5 boxes of candy bars to support your child's school when you won't eat them and they will only get 10% of your cost?

Ideal Portraits will donate certificates for resale that get the purchaser no session fee and free or discounted products. We don't take a kickback, just the basic cost of printing the certificates, so the profit is all yours!

Example: If 50 people sell just 5 certificates each (250 total) at the small price of $15 each when the certificate gets them well over $50 in product value, they will make $3,605 after printing costs free and clear for their organization to keep!

50 people x 5 certificates each = 250 sold x $15 each = $3750 - $145 printing = $3605

For more information, contact us at ideal.portraits@hotmail.com or call at 319-329-6990.

Preparing for your outdoor session...

2009-09-09T01:34:00.003-05:00

When you have come to the decision to make an appointment for portraits at your favorite park, lake, or any other outdoor site, there are a few things to remember before you go. These are obviously not hard an fast rules, but they can definitely be some helpful tips to make your session easier.

1) Plan for the weather. It is unpredictable. You can get a general idea of what the day will bring, but the elements tend to switch quickly. If you are unsure, bring a second option of clothing (like a light jacket). Wind is the real killer, because it almost never goes away. Packing a hairbrush and a hand mirror of some sort may be a good idea.

2) Be familiar with the location you have chosen. Are there lots of trees for shade, or is it a fairly open location where you'll be in direct sunlight? Will you be near water or a highway? This will change the type of lighting your photographer has to work with, the type of clothing that you will be comfortable in, and helps you get an idea of what exactly you want to do.

3) Plan to be hungry or thirsty. It is generally a good idea to bring a beverage (like bottled water since it can't stain if it spills), especially when it is hot or you have a bit of a walk involved. Snacks can be a nice pick-me-up and are also GREAT bribery tools for children. Never underestimate the power of a sucker!

4) Bring bug spray and sunscreen. I can't even begin to explain how important this can be. If bugs are all over you (which is a place they like to be when you are anywhere outdoors) it becomes hard to stay posed and smile. Also, it has been my experience that even if you think you will be in shade for most of the session, the sun will sneak its UV rays through the trees and you will go home with a sunburn. Personally I'd rather be safe than sorry. :)

5) Go to the bathroom before you leave. I know this one may seem obvious and a little silly, but I've seen a few people do the "potty dance" before because they didn't like the nasty public restrooms or forgot to go before they left. Enough said there.

6) Don't be afraid to plan an outfit change. Generally for families or small children I would limit it to one change. It's nice to have a second option, because sometimes it will happen that you didn't like the first outfit as much as you thought once you see it in the picture. Most chidren, however, will not last longer than one change, and toting around multiple outfits can get tiring.

7) Obviously a lot of these are things you bring. Backpacks are great for getting them all together. It's easy to access everything, but you can toss it aside quickly to hop into the picture. It also balances out the weight a little so you can move around easier. Small suitcases with wheels can sometimes be ok for larger groups but tend to be a little excessive.

Overall, these are some of the basics I have come to find helpful (even as the photographer) to keep the session running smoothly for everyone.

Do you have any suggestions from your own experiences? Feel free to share them below for everyone to make use of...

The new deal is Ideal...

2009-09-07T01:24:00.001-05:00

At Ideal we strive to provide you with the highest quality portraits, prices you can afford, and top notch customer service tailored to your individual needs. This is a promise that we take very seriously and literally. We offer great perks every day like free retouching and enhancements and will travel to whatever destination you would like to be your photographer. This includes setting up studio style portraits in the comfort of your own home - no hauling the kids and the bags and forgetting things. We cover all types of portrait occasions such as families, maternity, babies and children, seniors, events, concerts and gigs, weddings, and more!

We do all of this because our passion is the photography, not money, and as long as our day to day bills get paid we are happy to go the extra mile for you. We hope that you will follow this blog for updates, helpful tips and advice, special discounts, and just plain for fun!

Feel free to contact us anytime we can help you!

ideal.portraits@hotmail.com

http://www.ideal-portraits.com/

319-329-6990