by Tina Valant

Created on: June 12, 2008

Will Work for Food

Weddings can range from intimate ceremonies on the beach with a few friends to gala events spanning several days at a country estate with hundreds of guests. And, like any major event, they eventually end. All that will remain are the memories; portrayed in the photographs. Weddings are organized chaos. Emotions of all types run high and next to the bride, there's probably no one under as much stress as the photographer. Our mission is to go in and tell the story of a very special day without too much interference, performing a very delicate balancing act.

A good wedding photographer shows up on time and takes all the standard pictures. A great wedding photographer does that, while gracefully assuming the roles of artist-director-stylist-peacemaker-coordinator, all while working with a cast of strangers (the families and bridal party). An extreme amount of energy, communication skills, artistry, and finesse are mandatory. Possessing these attributes, I credit the success of my business on these equally important aspects:

1) The right equipment and knowledge of its proper use

2) Skill in creative styling and positioning

3) Good old fashioned luck ~
Being in the right place at the right time with great natural lighting!

Satisfied customers and their network bases are my best source of on-going gigs. I don't recall the last time when it wasn't a friend-of-a-friend or referral from a previous wedding. One bride hunted me down five years after I shot her cousin's wedding. She confided that she knew, some day, when it was her turn, she already had her photographer. Color me very flattered.

Once a prospective bride finds me and makes contact, what then? I check my calendar and see if I'm available, then respond immediately with basic information. If I'm already booked, I thank them for getting in touch with me, and try to recommend someone else. No use in being a "dead-end"! If I am available, I like to schedule a phone call to find out dates, places and times; what they expect (color, black & white, or a mix?), the budget and style they prefer (formal, candid, traditional, or a combination), and who is involved in making the decision. All this goes on a form I developed over the years. Does it sound like we will get along, and I'll be able to be an integral part of their very important day? They can view my online portfolio, check references, review pricing, packages, and I can answer any other questions they may have. I'll ask if they need help in any

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