AIMEE & JACOB'S E-SESH SNEAK PEEK

Aimee and Jacob are such a sweet couple and a lot of fun to work with!  We had a great time photographing their e-sesh.  They even brought their four-legged furbaby with them (she was an absolute delight also). Here are a few images from their session.

Location: Walter Jones Park  Jacksonville, FL

THE LEGEND OF THE CONFEDERATE ROSE

Here's a story for all us romantics of the world.  The confederate rose grows on a bush and is considered to be an "old-fashioned rose".  Here is the legend behind it:

During the Civil War a soldier was preparing to leave for battle.  He gave his true love a pure white Confederate Rose to show his love.  Unfortunately this soldier was fatally wounded in battle.  Over the course of the two days that it took for him to die, the rose turned pink and then red.  When he died the flower died with him.  From that day forward the Confederate Rose blooms white and over the course of two days changes to pink and then red.  On the eve of the second day the bloom dies and falls from its bush.

Those who are interested in growing the Confederate Rose take comfort in the fact that for a rose it is fairly easy to grow and is bug resistant.  It grows into a rather large bush so give it room when planting.  Here are some pictures of the bloom:

                                         This is the first day that it blooms.

This the second day of the bloom.  Notice that the bloom is now pink in color.  It will turn a deeper shade before it does and falls from the bush.  Sorry, my iPhone did not focus correctly (which proves NEVER use a cell phone camera when it counts).

BUYER BEWARE

One afternoon I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful ladies.  They were the bride's event planner, her mother and her aunt.  They came in to take a closer look at my work hanging on the wall.  They stated the bride already had signed a contract for a wedding photographer but wanted to know if I did boudoir sessions.  I told them yes and to have the bride call me and we would put her on our schedule.

"Sara" (the name has been changed) came to our studio and did a "special session" for her fiance'.  She ordered a flush mount album to present to her future husband on their wedding day.  Needless to say she was extremely pleased with both her session and her album.

I kept in contact with Sarah as she hired my florist friend for her wedding.  We would briefly chat about how her wedding plans were coming and life in general.

About 6 weeks ago (after her wedding)  I received an email from Sara.  In it she stated she had just received her wedding "album" from her photographer and it was AWFUL.
She wanted to know, since the photographer has given her a copyright release to her images, if I could design an album for her.  I made an appointment for her along with instructions to bring the CD of images and her current "album".  I could not believe what she brought in.

Her "album" was a coffee table style book made from a company similar to Shutterfly or Snapfish.  There was no flow to the album and it did not tell the story of her wedding day.  The "album" even came complete with a barcode on the back.  Sara thought she was going to receive something like what she had purchased from me.  A leather bound flush mount album that you could pass down from generation to generation.  What she had received was a "hot mess".

Now I am not writing this to bash the other photographer.  If that type of book was included in her package that is fine.  But it should have been explained to Sara exactly what she would be receiving.  

Upon redesigning her album I found that the photographer had made some very rookie mistakes.  There were no room detail shots, no first dance images, and the only image of the father-daughter dance was out of focus to name a few things.  My heart broke for Sara because I know her wedding photography was very important to her.  We did redesign her album the best we could and she was absolutely THRILLED!!

I told you this story to let you know that it is a "buyer beware" world out here.  Here are a few tips when looking to hire a wedding photographer:

1)  Ask to see the photographer's work both edited and straight out of the camera.  When 
     looking at the straight from camera work make sure the image is properly exposed.  
     You should be able to see detail in both the whites and the darks.  If you have dark
     hair you want to be able to see highlights.  If your dress has beading and lace, you 
     want to be able to see that.  Your dress SHOULD NOT BE a glowing hot with mess!
2) Ask to see a sample of all products given to ensure that there are not misunderstandings.
3) Ask if the photos you receive are edited and to what extent.
4) Ask how many photos on average can you expect.

Make sure everything is in writing BEFORE you sign the contract.  

And most importantly, make sure you like the photographer's personality.  If you do not like them (and people do hirepeople they do not "click with")  it will show in you photos.

I hope that Sara's unfortunate experience can prevent someone else from going through the same thing.  Or better yet, pick up the phone and call us.  We understand the importance of your wedding day and will go the extra mile to ensure your story is told.

SANTA IS COMING!!!!

Santa will be in our studio November 8th and 9th. No lines to stand in at the mall and your child will receive individualized attention.  Bring a wrapped gift for your child and Santa will give it to them. Watch your child's face light up with the magic of Santa.  This year we have a brand new set- Victorian Santa. 

Fees for this session are $129.95+tax and include a complimentary 8x10 image. The session fee is payable at time of booking.  Call us today at 904-704-7071 to schedule your session. 

 

 

Hurry.....sessions will book fast.  Do not miss out.  Book your session TODAY!

 

While your child is dressed up why not take the time to have a family portrait done?  We can even have Santa pose with your family if you desire.

 

The Wedding & Portrait Photographers can custom design cards for you. We also offer a variety of products including personalized ornaments and nametags to name a few.

Krista & David's Wedding

We enjoy shooting all types of weddings, both small and large.  We LOVED working with David & Krista on their intimate wedding.  They along with their close family and friends celebrated their love at the Hyatt Riverfront on a beautiful fall like afternoon. It was a great event to be a part of.

Venue:  The Hyatt Riverfront /  Officiant:  David Tagliaferri/  DJ Entertainment:  Lee Osborn of MagnetiX Entertainment