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.

Styled Shoot: The Rebel Rebel Bride

• Styled by Tori Hardman
• Model: Nicole Swaim
• Photographer: Blue Arden Photography/Ollie Wills
• Flower Crown: Graham Jordan
• Cake:  Ollie Wills
• MUA and Hair: Tori Hardman
• Dress: Target Maxi Dress
• MUA: Ollie Wills
• Shoes: Coach
• Bouquet: Tori Hardman

A Look Into my Workspace

Your work cannot be all that you see it be as long as your space is not a place of peace, comfort, color, and love. Seize the moment in that that you love.

Wedding Trend: Great America Carolina Malt

Rustic Wedding. Check. Burlap and Lace. Check. Mason jars filled with glorious alcohol. Check and Check. Yeah..you heard it right; alcohol filled mason jars to complete the whole look.  That's where Great America  Malt comes in.

Shopping in the wine section at Wal-Mart, I found these two babies stacked high right across from the refrigerated beer.  There were flavors such as Apple Pie and Clear (this one).  What attracted me to this? Well, the mason jars of course.  There's nothing like the feeling of sitting on my front porch and throwing back what feels to be moonshine but tastes more like a clean and clear mead.

This would be a great talking piece for any backwoods rustic wedding. There's nothing like "Great America's Apple Pie Malt Substitute Beer! Brewed and bottled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains here in North Carolina." Nothing more rustic than that!

Candace + Gary Wedding at St Mark's Lutheran Church and Trump National Golf Club

They met when they were 13. They married in their 60s with children and grandchildren between them.  This family was a force of love and acceptance. No butterflies. No tension. No crazy wedding trends.  They just wanted to be married and marriage is what they got.  Take a look through my beautiful lens.

Hello Tulsa!

I'm coming. I'm shooting. I'm having a righteous reunion.  Get ready to get on my calender.

I'm coming for you Tulsans. I'm coming for you.

NEW Custom Packaging for Blue!!

The devil is in the details.  I say again, THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS. 

I have always been one for the details.  Symmetry is best friend.  In recent months, I have worked on a design I felt would fit the new image of my business.  When Blue Arden was Ollie Wills Photography, though my business had a name, it didn't have brand.  It did not showcase the things I love which are: antique, vintage, rustic, modern, and simple.  I like bold colors.  I like aged things.  I like new things made to look old and old things made to look new.  That's my SCHTICK.  My brand, instead, was all over the place with constantly changing watermarks, editing styles, and imprints, as I tried to find myself. 

Finally, this year, the name Blue Arden found me and with it came a brand.  What came with it was specificity and direction. What came with it was a THANK YOU NOTE.  I believe my clients should always know how thankful I am for them choosing me.  It is a huge honor to be the number one choice! With that being said, I am proud to introduce what will now come standard with all large packages and weddings. It's so cute, I think I'll make one for myself.

Bridal Trends 2015: Suarez Bakery

Window shopping is a poor girls dream.  Heck: It IS THE BRIDE'S DREAM.  Dreams are made and shattered in the very reflections of the window shopper.  I am a perpetual window shopper.  I like to fill my cart up with everything I see, touch, and feel, then leave the cart.  I'm that annoying shopper that shops short of the cash register then gives you all of those things to re-shelve at the end of the day.  I'm really not a unthoughtful person.  I just like to feel what it feels like because it always eventually comes back around to me.

Today's BRIDAL TREND happens to be the dream all of all for this year's 2015 Bride.  Bridal Trend pick of the week is "Suarez Bakery" of Charlotte, NC.  How do would one describe Suarez? Well, Charlotte Magazine would call it "Guns and Butter."  I would call it Carlos Suarez.  Be sure to read more about the Bakery here. Here are some pictures from my adventures ever so rustic, sleek, wonderful, and whimsical.

Baby Shower: A Party and a Reunion

Pleasantries and great fun from the 40th birthday and Baby Shower of my dear dear friend who I had not seen in over 10 years. Such a joyous reunion and amazing occasion.

"Mini" Mini Family Photo Shoot

As many of you guys know, I have taken a step back from doing so many family portraits to focus my business on wedding, engagement, and couple clientele.  This is not to say that I dislike photographing families, kids, etc.  I absolutely LOVE photographing families.  It's just not something that I can devote as much time to now that my business has begun changing.  With that being said, this weekend, I got the opportunity to do a "Mini" mini Family Shoot: five shots to ten shots, five minutes, five or less people.  Needless to say, it was an awesome time.

BTS ( Behind the Scenes) of the "Styled Vintage Bride" Shoot

Meet my NEW Creative Director!!!

I need help. I NEEDED help. I'm not afraid to admit when I need help.  The thing about being a photographer is that sometimes, when setting up beautiful landscapes, that you need vision.  You need the vision of someone who is NOT taking the pictures.  A lot of times, they can see things and think of things you would have never even considered as a photographer.  As a photographer, you get so caught up in capturing the photo, that you leave out the important part: CREATING THE PERFECT LANDSCAPE.  That's not to say that you don't consider the landscape.  It's just that sometimes, you need someone that makes this their MAIN concentration.  That is where Tori, my new creative director, came in.  I've always been told that I have an eye for the detail.  But, Tori HAS a HUGE eye for the details.  She's also very resourceful.

Enough of this gushing! Here's Tori!

Lindsay + David : Couple's Shoot

What are the odds that you shoot a wedding and you meet someone who went to your rival high school that happens to be located over 1000 miles away? Well, if you're me, they are HIGH.  I attended three high schools during my teenage "tenure." One of those high schools were Marshall High located in San Antonio, TX; connection made.  It turns out that David went to MY rival high school in San Antonio!  What a small world it is sometimes.

Now to the couple:  Lindsay and David were an incredible couple to shoot.  Our meeting was quite unique.  I was at a wedding and they asked me if I could do a quick shoot for them because they "never dress up."  I was more than happy to oblige as they were a darn good looking couple!  Lindsay described herself as "the skater" and David "the drummer."  Pretty cool if you ask me! Well, enough of this small talk. Lets get right down to the pictures.

Styled Shoot Sneak Peek

Brides, Bouquets, Flowers, Sunlight, STYLED SHOOT.  I'd write more about this, but I'm saving it for some upcoming blog love about the shoot and Behind the Scenes (BTS)  Stay tuned!

First Official Wedding of the Season: Greg and Candace

Years ago in the state of Michigan, two young kids met and became lifelong friends.  Thirteen is a tender age to meet the love of your life.  But that's exactly happened with Greg and Candace! They met at 13 and married 50 years later! I guess that saying is true that that "true love never dies!" Here is a sneak peep from their wedding I shot yesterday.  More images to come. Great family to work with.  Hope to work with them again!

Favorite Kid Portraits from the Days Past

I don't like everything I shoot. It could always use improvement.  These are a collection of the Kid Portraits that still make me feel like an accomplished photographer.  Some of them are from YEARS ago while others are quite recent.

Inspiration: Boho Wedding Dresses

Image courtesy BridalMusings.com ======Source

It seems that Bohemian Rustic is taking over the wedding industry.  Boho Chic is the incredible combination of modern day fashion with an edgier bohemian style usually marked by long flowy dresses and elaborate (or simplistic) headdresses. I am constantly inspired by what the fashion industry is doing with this look. BHLDN  (one of the my favorite websites for inspiration) has some of the most reasonably priced wedding dress with prices ranging from 250.00 for accessories and up. 

BHLDN Wedding Dress Courtesy BHLDN Inspired Blog "Real Weddings"

If you are in the ball park for something a bit more pricier (and you have a budget to die for), check out brands like Vera Wang (for more whimsical and tulle-d out) and Valentino (words cannot express the thoughts that comfort my mind when I think of Valentino) for more elaborate but incredible designs. Vera Wang has a line of dresses exclusively for Davids Bridal that start at 700.00USD for wedding gowns.  Valentino is and will always be Valentino.  Heck, shorts start at 400.00USD, so you do the math! Is it worth it for your wedding day? Of course! We also can't forget Oscar De La Renta!

Demetrios No. 1450 ivory lace halter gown ($2,130) from Brides by Demetrios. Oscar de la Renta five-strand beaded necklace ($895) and Stephanie Anne gold cuff ($695) from Neiman Marcus. William De Lillo crystal teardrop ring ($275) from Vintage by Misty. Source

More Inspiration

Picture Wedding Sources

Boudoir Commercial for Upcoming Boudoir Session: ONLY THREE SLOTS LEFT!!

Photographers Recollect Life Quite Differently

When people consider memories, they think of them as in good or bad memories. Photographers are a slightly different breed of rememberers (if that's even a word). We remember in "how good we thought we were" at the time we took a photo. We remember by "what camera we used." We also remember by "how we edited at that time" and "what was I thinking by posting that photo."  We are quite the eccentric bunch of individuals.  I can honestly say that my memories of my work have been love/hate memories.  Though I now have an incredible following (which I am humbled by everyday) of over 1K likes, it is still not enough. I want more...I want to be better...I want to be recognized...I want to be the best....until something reminds me of how far I have actually come.

When I look back at some of the work I have done, I am in awe of how my style has changed, yet how my vision has remained intact.

This very night, while putting together a new downloadable pricing packages, I came across one of my first Senior sessions. What struck me was not how many of the photos were bad, but rather how many were STILL good. Despite the fact that I didn't understand lighting and under exposure to the extent that I do now.  Despite that fact that I wanted to pretend like I knew everything and now I openly admit "I'm a forever learning photographer." Despite that fact that now I am amazed I was even paid for my earlier work, my earlier work is still my art. It is still my experience. It is still something I can enjoy.

What's more is that no matter how much I despise the techniques I used at the time, someone will always have my memories somewhere in their album, Facebook page, school year book, or even wedding album.  I am forever engrained in this family. That is something for which I can be very proud.

So how does this overcritical, perfectionist, sadist photographer feel about this shoot? I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to shoot such a beautiful and intelligent young woman. But really, it doesn't matter what I think. What matters is what my clients will remember about their experience.

-Ollie

Sea Otter Creations Promotional Shoot: Miss Briley Wills

Sea Otter Creations is a Tulsa based handmade children's clothing store. She makes customized orders and sells her original creations.  Store owner, Kimberly Cotter and myself met almost two years ago when I did a photo shoot for her, then, Baby Amelia.  Flash forward to now, Amelia is now a walking toddler, Kimberly is a SAHM, and she SEWS.  When we got together and decided to collaborate on her website photos, I was thrilled when it all started to come together.

There are the first few test shots using items she made for my daughter, Briley.  Can't wait for the weather to clear up so I can get my other little models and shoot more of Kimberly's clothing items from her clothing line.

To order from Sea Otter Creation or to like the page, go to https://www.facebook.com/seaottercreationsOK .  Support Local. Support Handmade.