Fun with the Finley Family at Freedom Park (and a lot of alliteration!)

Weather in Charlotte has been strange.  It has been soooo cold in the mornings then warm by 10 or 11 in the afternoon which makes for very unpredictable shoot weather. Some mornings I walk into a Key West weather type of shoot. Other mornings, I'm back in the Artic.  The Finley Family were great sports considering their tiniest member gave me lots of laughs and smiles despite the cold.  I'm always full of gratitude when I get such great families to with which to work.

Self Portrait Marred by Self

Have I taken pictures of myself before this moment? Yes.  Those, I guess, are considered selfies.  Have I ever taken the time to make sure the lighting was exactly right, set a timer, do my hair, my makeup, and make sure it was just as perfect as it would be for my most important client? No. This was a first. Well, I made it through my first Self Portrait and I must say that it was a very emotional experience. But here they are!

Derek + Alissa Engagement Session in Pontotoc, Mississippi

Expansive green fields. Old rustic shops. Roads with little more than dirt, trees, and deep blue skies...and my little brother and the love of his life.  We started the day off with lots of laughs and lots of coaxing. I never thought that I would shoot my greatest engagement shoot, but I must say that it happened.  I captured everything I wanted to capture in the full comfort of my craft (complete with family in tow).

To see the love in their eyes..the love in his eyes..the love she has for him and the love he has for her.  That's obvious to everyone.  But what people don't quite know is that these two met 10 years ago in middle school. I'm not quite sure if they knew it then that they were meant to be.  But, they are indeed the lucky ones.  They are the ones the see love for what it is and move forward with it. They take a leap and don't wait for life or social constructs to decide what is right. As Cartman from "Southpark" says "[They] do what they want." They love how they want.

Please enjoy a few of these pictures as much as enjoyed taking them.

Photo Session at the Ann Close Dairy Farm in Fort Mill, SC

I'm not going to lie. I struggle waking up on Saturdays.  Though my military roots aren't too fast to fade, I enjoy my Saturdays because they are much more relaxed.  My shoots seem to go extremely smoothly on these days as well because I generally schedule no more than two on these days.

I was blessed.

Can I get an AMEN!

I am blessed! I get the best clients! The Vollen Family was amazing.  They welcomed me and I welcomed them and we sincerely brought my art and profession under the beautiful sun flares and autumn leaves. 

Intimate Wedding in the Mountains

Imagine this:  Imaging taking off, just you and your fiance, to a destination and simply signing a piece of paper. Then imagine donning your "wedding's best" hiking almost a 1/2 mile to the top of a mountain, then taking some of the most loving pictures simply to mark the day.  That's exactly what Tiffany and Jacob did.  There was no huge procession.  Tiffany's mother made the bouquet.  Jacob picked out her shoes.  And they simply stared at the setting sun and said, " I do."

Couple's Session: Ryan + Chloe

There's were moms with strollers. There were senior citizens sun grazing by Lake Norman. It was only 8 in the morning and it already felt like it was 90 degrees. Then there were the three of us...Chloe, Ryan, and myself roughing it and melting through the humidity. I'm a known sweater.  Sweat pours whether I'm nervous, happy, lovely, or even when I'm thinking.

(constantly embarrassed on summer shoots)

Despite this well-known fact, I was able to see through my lens enough to pop off a few of these amazing shots. I'm really excited I got the opportunity to meet these great folks!

Here are a few shots from our day.

Behind the Scenes: Boudoir

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Audra does it big @ Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Senior Sessions

Light on her feet. Light in her heart. This lovely chica is in the class of 2016.  I had a wonderful time meeting and photographing with Audra (and her mother I might add).  Few are the times I'm graced with food and water at a shoot shot in over 100 degree weather.  But, what I will say is that it was sooooo muchhh fun. I love this lovely ladies!

For your viewing pleasure, I have included some lovely behind the scenes photos for a good laugh.

Will + Emily become one @ The Howard House in Dunn, NC

Young love is a good love. What more can I say.  It is blind. It is fearless. It is hopeful. It is beautiful.  This love is young and enduring.  This love is Will and Emily. You could feel the love oozing through the cracks of the hardwood floors of this historic location.  Sounds of children could also be heard echoing through the house with the creaks marked by high heels running back and forth up the steps of this illustrious mansion.  When I entered the home, I was met by Emily's father, who looked calm and cool under the circumstances.  The sound of clamoring bridesmaids and the nervous laughs of the groomsmen never get old.

Oh lovely day.

Oh lovely time.

It's their wedding day!

Parris + Janae: Engagement Session

How wonderful it is when you see so much love in such a young couple. These are my contest winners of my first ever wedding giveaway and I think I chose wisely.  Parris and Janae are a one of a kind couple getting married this year.  With their creativity and uniqueness it's a wonder that our shoot didn't become a two day shoot.  I had SO MUCH FUN.  Between walking on train tracks, seeing a festival, going to a coffee shop, then the general store, then a soda shop, it was a tour of beautiful Belmont.

Rustic Glam Wedding: Sneak Peek

A couple of weeks ago, I got the opportunity to shoot a Rustic Glam styled shoot with Aisha Garnett of Sheree Amour Weddings & Event Plannin of Durham, NC. It was an incredible opportunity to work with a number of vendors and meet such great artists in the North Carolina area.  I am looking forward to working on many more events with Sheree Amour.

Here are a few scenes from the last styled shoot that was shot at the Landmark outside of Raleigh, NC

Vendors:

Venue/Location: The Hall & Gardens at Landmark - Garner, NC

Photographer: Blue Arden Photography – Charlotte, NC – Ollie Willis

Stationery: The Desktop Diva – Holly Springs, NC – LaDonna Bethea

Baker: Sugar Fetish Cakery – Wendell, NC – Tracey Evora

Florist: Bloomies on 42 – DeDe Koewler – Durham, NC

Model(s): Kyara Crayton – Cary, NC

Party Rentals: Classic Party Rentals – Raleigh, NC

Beauty (Make-Up/Hair) Natural Beauties By Vee – Raleigh, NC – Vee Washington

Design/Décor: Sheree Amour Weddings & Event Planning – Durham NC

Jewelry: Chloe + Isabel By Nicole Mitchell – Holly Springs, NC

Bridal Fashion: La Belle Mariee Bridal & Tuxedo – Raleigh, NC

Linens Connie Duglin Linens – Raleigh, NC

Dream Wedding Pallet: Styled Challenge

This was the challenge: Create a wedding day pallette using past shoots that you have done (you can't use any photos fro any other bridal shoot), and the original shoot must not have been used as a bridal shoot.  Results:  Lots of portions of my dream wedding pallet and custom made styled shoot.

Missed Easter Cupcakes? Why Wait? Love it 2 Pieces

I am a creative photographer.  What people don't know is that my sister is a creative baker.  We come from a creative family.  My other sister is a writer. And my other sister happens to be an artist.  It's pretty great.

Now...back to food.

Did you fail to get your Easter Cupcake Fix? I did.  That's why I called my sister up and had her make me some cupcakes.  She has a small business called Love It 2 Pieces where she makes anything from cookies, and small desserts to wedding cakes.  I'm happy to see her business grow. She is reasonable priced and perfectly skilled.

To contact her for any cake questions or quotes, call 980.221.5926

Bridal Trends: Flo & Percy

Romantic.....

Lovely.....................

Absolutely unique..................

UK Handmade

According to the website, Flo  & Percy are  "Florence and Percy [and] were married for 80 years and held the record for the longest marriage in the world. May the Flo & Percy piece you purchase bring you the same luck, health and happiness that they shared."

This website is brimming with a number of handmade timeless and classical looks that will strike your fancy.  The pieces are bright, vintage, and infused with a taste of nostagia.  Kristin Taylor, the designer, is a award winning accessory designer.  She has been creating these pieces for over 10 years with her work having been feature in a number of magazines both wedding and national publications.

Her work can be described as "vintage chic" with "every single hand finished piece that is made in [their] studio..."

Like the FB page at Percy & Flo

Pictures courtesy Percy and Flo

Bridal Trends: DIY Cake Inspiration via Babes in Boyland

Babes in Boyland is one of the many blogs  I follow via Lovely Life and use for my photographic inspiration. I'm almost positive the website is based in Denmark given the fact that the site is predominantly in Danish ;) Please go check out this website. This is probably one of the single most appetizing and easy tutorials I have ever read.  It's also an incredible tutorial for the Rustic Bride, DIY queens, and Vintage Mavens.

xo-Ollie

Source and Photo Credits: Babes in Boyland

DIY Flower Crown via Simply Divine Creation

Flower crowns are all the rage. There's nothing more simplistic or more beautiful than a natural crown made from plants, twin, and patience.  Photos and tutorial via Simply Divine Creation.

What is the Difference Between a Copyright Release (CRR) and an Print Release (PR)?

This has got to be one of the most common questions I get.  It is also one of the most common terminology mix-ups between clients and photographers alike. I want to make this clear:  CRR is not interchangeable with PR although it’s pretty simple to confuse the two if you don’t have an understanding for what each one of them entails. I guess that’s what I’m here for.

     We have officially entered a digitally dependent world.  We make our plans with a computer.  We date through computers.  In fact, I think you can even make coffee with your handheld devices now.  In fact, everything I do is practically done online (pretty much). I network with clients, post their photos, and edit using some type of digital device.

       With digital dependency comes digital sharing, liking, and networking.  What does this means for the photographer? It means a lot of blurred lines and mass confusion.

     Back in the good old days, when we had the ultimate right and power of the photos, the only way you could share a photo was if you sent it via snail mail.  For those of you who don’t know what this is, this was when you actually hand wrote a letter, put something in an envelope, licked a stamp (before the self-adhesive stamps), and prayed your pictures got to its location. There was no social media.  There was no Instagram or Twitter. There was no Facebook.  There was only yours, the guests, and the photographer’s recollection of the event.

     Nowadays, however, most of my photos are shared within 2 minutes of my posting them to my business site.  What does this mean for the photographer? It means that my images will now be shared throughout the far reaches of the internet with or without my permission or with proper credit due! Yikes!

That is where a print release OR copyright release comes in.

What is a copyright release?

A copyright release is a document that releases a document or photo to the client. When this transfer is complete, the picture no longer belongs to the photographer.  I, the photographer,  am legally signing over my rights to the client.  Basically, I am giving up my pictures for adoption which means I can never use that photograph without the written or explicit permission of my client. It also gives my client the right to do whatever he or she wishes with the photos including edit, alter, use for commercial purposes (get money for or use to solicit business), or use to promote gang violence (or for type of promotion for that matter).

Why are Copyright Releases so expensive?

Because I am giving my work to you FOREVER! That would be like you really liking a Rihanna song then asking her to give up all the rights to her song JUST so you can play it on your cassette tape player.  This is my baby. This is my artistic creation that I have bled over…sweat over…and spent hours slaving over.  There are very few cases I give copyright releases and it is usually for commercial purposes depending on the situation.  But even in those cases, a print release can (and usually is) negotiated. As I read on  TheLawTog.com, it’s like allowing the consumer to “ have your cake (prints) and getting to eat it too.”

Ya….that’s not kosher….

Most people simply want to print their photos.  They want to be able to drop by CVS on their way to their cousin Tony’s Bat Mitzvah and drop off their digital proofs from last year’s wedding and get them printed in an hour or so. They also want to be able to print about 300 copies of their Bridal portraits for all 300 members of their family. They want to be able to make a little scrapbook lined with fur and lace with all their printed memories from that special moment.

That is how a print release is important.

It is how we calm the war between the worlds (client and photographer).

What is a print release?

It is a document that allows you to print for personal use all while allowing the photographer to retain the rights. It’s what professional printers will ask you for if you take my awesome photos to them and say “hey I want these amazingly unique works of art printed and back to me before the end of Tony’s Bat Mitzvah.” 

It gives you the right to print these photos anywhere while I still have all physical and intellectual rights to the files.  That means, I still have the right to tell you take my photo down if you are using it commercially or otherwise without my permission. I have the right to tell you to remove that Meme from my work of art because it brings shame to my photography game.   It allows me to protect myself just in case you want to take my photo and use it at a strip club.  Do I mind the fact that you like my photo so much that you want to use it at a strip club? No…that’s pretty awesome! But do I want my business associated with your strip club since I take family photos? Not really.  That is why I keep the rights to my photos.

How can a PR be good for the client?

You have the right to print as many copies of my photos as you want. You are allowed to post files to social media platforms (with provisions of course).  You are also allowed to use it for invitations and cards (with provisions also).  You get to retain the use of these files for the rest of your natural life. And, best of all, you never have to come back to me and ask me to mail you a new set of photos…well unless you lose the USB I sent you. That’s a whole other bag of worms.

How can a PR be good for the photographer?

I maintain control over the disbursement of my stuff.  I can make sure no clients are altering my photographs and circulating bad versions of my work.  Remember, our images are our marketing. It allows me to keep the originality in my work. It prevents my work from being used for things and purposes I may not support or agree with (commercial).

You have to think, the digital world has essentially stripped artists of some of their power.  It is a double edged sword.  While our work is marketed and shared at a staggering rate in comparison JUST to work of mouth, we are constantly on guard for those seeking to change our work for their purposes. We cannot soon forget how the internet has circulated pictures of unsuspecting people, thereby, branding them for life with shameful associations (i.e. distasteful pictures, unflattering pictures, pictures with memes). With that being said, photographers have to see if anyone is  using their photos on blogs without creating links back to our work. We HAVE to monitor the integrity of the work we do on a daily basis. That’s pretty hard. Especially when people don’t understand or respect why and how this is so important.

Biggest Question of All:

Can I let my friend borrow my print release to print photos?

No.  Negative. Not a chance.  This is a no go.  Did I say NO?

This is stealing.  I put the name of the person who purchased the print release on the card.  It is for their use only. If your friend wants to print photos, she can either ask you to print her a copy or she may purchase a copyright release from me. I would prefer the latter, but I am also a realist. It’s about respecting the work it takes to produce a photo.  Plain and simple. Just as it is illegal to make copies of movies without permission, the same goes to my photos.  It’s about integrity.  So, I urge my clients and those reading this blog to consider what it took to give you this photo. Respect that.  Spend your money…Lots of money.  Smile and Say “Cheese.”

Oh So Candid Family Shoot with the Hardmans: A Sneak

Candid moments are great.

They are the things that let us know the human condition still remains.

They are not hallow social media selfies.  They are real. They are beautiful. They never go out of style.

They are my specialty.

The great thing about  shooting close family friends is that they trust your ability to accurately use creative license: in other words, you can be yourself. You can use your specialty.

***

It was weird to see someone you had known since they were a teenager be so grown up. My first thought was "he has kids and EVERYTHING." My next thought was "gosh, you're such an old bird now."

  Although we aren't really that far apart in age, I have always thought of Randy as my little brother (he kinda is since he is the younger brother of my very best friend). But, to see him grow into such a mature, responsible father of two in awe inspiring.  I now look at his family and think "wow, they were always there, just not there yet." It's surreal.

This weekend, he and his kids ventured a few hundred miles back in to NC territory for Easter Weekend and I made good on my promise to retake their pictures.  I'm so happy it worked out because I got to capture so many great moments in this beautiful little family.  These kids could not ask for a better father and he couldn't ask for better more joyous kids. They all got to be themselves. They let me be myself.  Couldn't have asked for a better photo session.

Gabbi + Byrd Engagement Shoot @ UNCC Botanical Garden

Gabbi and Byrd met in college, became friends, fell and love, and now they are getting married.  One thing that was completely evident in shooting this friendly and loving couple is that they have an undeniable balance that radiates.  I had a great time shooting this couple and can't wait to shoot their wedding in 2016.

How to Pick the Right Wedding Photographer

Most brides are bombarded by hundreds of vendors vying for their attention.  It's a shark tank out there.  And with the average wedding costing around $30K, its understandable why brides would be so choosy and vendors would be so aggressive.  As a photographer, I will be the first one to tell you that many times, we are the last one picked.  Most people just want someone to "take some cheap pictures."  What those brides, don't realize, however, is that the photographer is probably the most important and lasting choice you will EVER make.  Unlike the caterer, our services are life lasting.  Unlike the venue, our job isn't done at the end of the wedding.  In fact, our services will be what all of your "accurate" memories will be dependent upon.  What we capture is what you and your family will see forever.  So yes, you pay for what you get.  If you want your memories to be a bunch of mediocre photos, fine.  If you're happy with your Uncle Buck using his "real good camera" to butcher your wedding day, also fine.  You get what you pay for. But if you want your wedding to be storybook memories for years to come, I'd say pay a little more.

Picking a photographer requires research.  It requires actually talking to the photographer to make sure they fit what you are looking for.  If you like candid photo journalistic style photos, I would not recommend getting those who enjoy doing posed shots. That is why it is vital for you, as the bride, to really look through their portfolio.  For instance, I have a very photo journalistic, artistic, and creative style of shooting. I'm very much so suited for rustic vintage inspired weddings. But, I CAN shoot in many different styles which is apparent through my portfolio. This may not be apparent with all other photographers, so ask.

Choose your Style

Before you decide to book the first photographer with the best price, decide what style you like.  What appeals to you? What strikes your fancy?  Do you like documentary style shooting? Do you prefer simple traditional photos (where parties are facing the camera). Or do you like an artistic approach where lighting and coloring play a significant role.  This is very important.  In fact, this will determine if you like your photos.

There are times I have been hired by clients for my price who did not understand my style.  They, in turn, were not happy with my approach and voice.  This is because they picked on price rather than style.  That is a no no.  Although photographers work for you, they also work within their capacity.

Go to their website. Google them. Check them out. Like their Facebook Page.

Read their Reviews

I happen to have 5 out of 5 stars on my Thumbtack webpage.  But as a photographer, I want to have a few four stars too.  Why?  It's more trustworthy.  And you should feel the same way.  Although I know I am perfect (photographers all feel they are perfect), I know the reality is that not all of my clients think I am perfect 100 percent of time.  NO ONE is perfect 100 percent of the time.  Read the reviews. Read their pros and their cons.  And, if they have a bad review, READ THOSE TOO. These will give you those all too important clues to if they are easy to work with, personality flaws, or if they have a penchant for taking their time on editing your photographs. I am an over-repsonsive photographer in that I LOVE talking to my clients.  I like communicating.  But not ever photographer is the same. That's why you need to read their reviews.  But, keep in mind, sometimes there are those clients who are malicious and will write harmful reviews just because they are "difficult clients." Ask the photographer about this experience.  Ask them how they handled it.  How they answer you will speak volumes about who they are as a person than any review.

INTERVIEW INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

I am shocked by how many people are willing to give me their money without at least talking to me on the phone. It's unreal.  I, as a photographer, don't like this.  How can you ensure I am a fit for you and how can I ensure you are fit for me.  Believe me, we have a fit too.  I take on a limited number of events a year and therefore have to be choosy about the opportunities I take.  When clients want to hire me and haven't viewed my work, it makes me very cautious.  You, as the consumer should also be cautious of photographers who are willing to do the same.  Consultations are important for this reason.

Make sure that you are also prepared for the appointment.  Most photographers want to know the venue (to make sure you are a fit for them). Have this info.  Know how many photographers you want on that day.  The standard rate for additional photographers is 100-500 more  than the quote amount if they quote you for just one photographer.  Remember, we have to pay every additional photographer that comes and shoots on your wedding date.

Ask to view Full Albums

Photographers showcase their BEST work.  For that reason, you should ask a photographer to see a FULL gallery so that you can see their range of work.  You want to see how they shoot indoors, outdoors, at night, during the day, on bright days, and on overcast days.  You want to see if they are capable of handling your wedding. This is the best method of gauging that.

I am the first to tell my clients that I am a natural light photographer.  I can shoot indoors (and quite well), but I'm not a studio photographer. So, you won't catch me with a bunch of extra equipment.  It's just not my style.  That is something you also need to know about your photographer. WILL THEY BRING A LOT OF EQUIPMENT. To a photographer, this equipment is not distracting.  It is necessary. But to a client, during a very intimate wedding, it can be distracting if you are not expecting this.  So ask them if there is a lot of equipment required to get those storybook shots you love.

View their albums very critically.  Remember, this is YOUR big day and no one else.  Do they take pictures of everyone and everything. Do the photos look washed out and blurry.  Do the pictures look edited? These are the questions you need to ask yourself.

Compare Pricing and Packages

There is a difference in purchasing a package for $1200.00 and a package for $3000.00 at my shop.  One gives you 4 hours of coverage while the other one gives you a full range of coverage.  Packages are built to give clients help making their decisions.  It throws a little bit of what we offer in a a little group for a discount. Is important to compare what each package will give you and to ask your photographer if they are willing to customize those packages.  I have some clients who do not want photobooks in their package and simply want more time.  I negotiate these things.

That is the difference between customizing a package and simply ordering a package.  I also offer my clients the opportunity to purchase me hourly or buy products a la carte. 

Know  Your Rights

Most photographers own exclusive rights to their photos. In my contract, I am allowed to use my photographs   for promotional usage, on my website, blog, business, or any publication.  But, if you do not want this, you need to tell your photographer. Also, most photographers stipulate if you are allowed to share the images with or without watermark.  This is something you should know up front.

Know Expectations

It usually takes me anywhere from two weeks to a month to get digital proofs posted for my clients.  A lot of my clients ask why does it take this long? Because we are weeding through a massive amount of massively large files.  I know it usually takes about 3 hours of editing for every hour shot at an event I shoot.  That doesn't include the time it takes me to upload photographs, change formats, etc. It's just in editing. I am also a workaholic who will continuously work on files for days and days until I'm at the cusp of burn out.  Not every photographer is like me however. Some require 8 weeks. Some require longer. For nine-12 hour events,  I require at LEAST one month to edit. 

Also understand that some photographers may not give you an unedited product.  I know I don't want my unedited work floating around the internet.  I'm sure yours may not.  You definitely need to know if this is the case.

How many images will you get? I usually guarantee at least 50 edited images per hour shot.  Will they be retouched or will this be required. These are all important and necessary questions.