Minneapolis, Midwest & Destination Wedding Photographer
Questions Answered
do you advertise?
No. I would estimate that 90% of my business comes from referrals (past clients or other wedding vendors). The other 10% is Facebook, Google or The Knot.
You do beautiful detail shots at weddings! I'm curious, what's your favorite lens/aperture for your details? by spaulson
Thanks!! I usually shoot details shots with my 50mm 1.2, but I don't typically shoot this lens wide open. I like it around 2.0 or 1.8. Occasionally I'll break out my 100mm macro for details as well.
What was your favorite year?
I can honestly say that every year of my adult life has gotten progressively better! (I'm excluding my childhood completely bc I have a bad memory.)
2010 is going to be a good one and 2011..phewwww! So excited already!
When do you do your wedding photographs on the wedding day? Before hand or after the ceremony? If before, how do you answer brides and grooms who don't want to see each other before hand?
A lot of times, photographs are done before the wedding ceremony. Every couple I've ever worked with has wanted at least a few formal shots with their families and wedding party, so I find it easiest to do those before. It doesn't take a ton of time (often around 30 minutes), but it frees time for the parents/family to go off and entertain after the ceremony, when I'm typically out with the couple and wedding party doing the more relaxed, fun shots.
Of course, every wedding is different and it's completely up to the couple, so the most important part is that we're both on the same page when it comes to the timeline. I work very closely with every client to develop a timeline that makes sense and if they don't want to see each other before the ceremony, that is perfectly fine with me! We just need more time for photos afterwards.
Basically, in an ideal world, I have 1 hour for getting ready shots (this allows time for candids and lots of details- jewelry, shoes, flowers, stationery, etc.) 1 hour with the couple (before or after the ceremony or a combination of both) 30 minutes with the wedding party, 30 minutes with the family. This initially sounds like a lot of time, but allows for a non-stressful pace and accommodates time for things running behind schedule on the wedding day (they usually do). This timeframe also allows me to do what I do best. Most couples that hire me love details and they love the fun, outdoor shots of the b&g and wedding party (much like the shots you see on my formspring background or the type of work shown on my blog).
I'm starting out in my photography business and I'm struggling to purchase equipment. Any suggestions on purchasing those "key" equipment items?
This is kinda hard to answer, because everyone is different- has different financial situations, different ideas of what constitutes just starting out... I would buy the best equipment you can afford. If you're feeling limited by your current equipment, upgrade. For me, I knew 100%, without a doubt, that I could make my passion of photography into my full time career, so I starting investing in quality equipment right away. At the time I had a relatively secure full time job with decent pay, so everything I earned from photography was gravy and I could afford to invest in new equipment. Before I even had paying jobs I saved and bought things as I could afford them and made a decision not to go into debt while starting my business (although in hindsight, I don't think that would've been so terrible for me).
I started with a Canon 20D (which I bought used and will never buy a digital body used again), 24-70L, and 430EX speedlite. I quickly added a 70-200L. I decided to go for the 2.8 IS version, and I'm so glad I did. It just doesn't make sense to save a couple hundred bucks and skimp for the cheaper versions, when you'll most likely sell it for a lower price only to buy the better version in the long run. Once I started booking enough to pay for equipment, I upgraded to the original 5D which was pretty much life changing. The 20/30/40/50D series just does not even compare to the full frame, in my opinion. The MKII is great as well, but the biggest jump was definitely crop to full frame.
After I had what I considered my core list of equipment (at the time) I slowly started adding pieces, such as a macro, primes, flashes, studio lights, etc. That's pretty much the way it worked out for me.
Do U want to be famous?
Yes and no. Yes, as in I think it would be cool to be well known and respected within my industry, but at the same time, that wouldn't equal success to me. I wouldn't want to be hollywood celebrity famous.
This is just an FYI to anyone reading... Ignore my typos! You can't edit your answers on Formspring :-( On the question about lighting... I meant to say I prefer EVENING light in the last sentence. by lauraivanova
A question to myself!
When do you begin booking weddings for the next year? In this case, for 2011?
Whenever the inquiries start rolling in! I've had several 2011 inquires and already booked some AMAZING weddings.
What is your favorite time of day ( type of light ) is your most fave?
I think most photographers would agree with me, I love the time about an hour before sunset. I also love just after the sunsets for a nice twilight hour. Great for travel photography, but usually gotta use the high ISO. When I travel, I also get up at the crack of dawn to photograph in the morning light. While, I prefer morning sometime I like to capture things without a million tourists in my shot!
I have the Canon 1V. Love it! You can get them for a steal now. When I bought mine I spent 3000.00! I saw one on ebay the other day for 300.00 by TonyaPeterson
Thanks for the advice. I've been watching them on Ebay and seeing the great prices. I haven't seen one actually sell for less than $500, but I'll keep my eyes open!
Do you shoot film or digital? by TonyaPeterson
For clients I shoot 99.9% digital, although I'd like to start integrating film more and more into my workflow. I LOVE the look of film and I think I was born to shoot it. It just fits me and my style. I currently own a Contax 645 medium format camera, a medium format holga, a Fuji Instax, an SX-70 Polaroid Land Camera, a Minolta old school 35mm and a Nikon old school 35mm. Each camera produces such unique results and they are so fun to play around with. Next on my list is definitely a Canon 1V so I can use all of these fabulous L lenses I already own.
Wow, I guess I could've kept that answer a lot shorter, haha!
Where did you get your material printed? The letterpress is to die for!!! by TonyaPeterson
My designer, Aurora of Red Organic, took care of me and did all the quotes and researched printers... She is so awesome! We ended up using Studio on Fire in NE Minneapolis for the letterpress. I went for a press check and got to watch them mix the PMS colors and do a couple test prints... So fun! They did an amazing job and I'm so happy with the results.
For my digital materials (anything with pictures can't be done as letterpress) I used Merit in the Warehouse District. They are right on 1st Ave N with the funky mural/grafitti wall. Chuck, the owner is so awesome. I used to work as a graphic designer before I was a full time photographer, so I have a long standing realationship with Merit and they worked so hard to match the digital CMTK prints to my letterpress stuff. Highly recommended.
www.studioonfire.com
www.merit72.com
Love your new look! Has it been a process of self-discovery too? What is the process in building a brand? How does one get started?
Thank you! This has definitely been a process of self-discovery. The process is long, much longer than you may think. In the interest of keeping those relatively short here on formspring, I would say the first step for me was figuring out what kind of bride I want to attract. What that bride like? What is her wedding like? What would be my ideal wedding or client? That really guided my branding. Secondly, find an awesome designer who gets the concept of a brand vs. arbitrary logos. A good designer should be able to take your mumble jumble of wants, wishes and desire and make it into a cohesive brand. They should be able to translate.
What's the best place near you to get a drink?
I like Whitey's. Low key, no loud music, you can just chat and hang with friends. It's in NE Mpls on 4th and Hennepin.
If you were given a $100,000 tip by a client, would it change your life? How? by Vadavoom
Yes, well first of all, I would be overwhelmed with their generosity! Gifts from clients are always so thoughtful and unexpected and make me really appreciate the bonds I form with my clients.
But, $100K... hmm, I'd have to consult with my hubby and my accountant. (I'm just so practical, haha!) I'd invest in an awesome workshop, take a trip somewhere fabulous, buy a crapload of film, and save the rest or invest it back into my business somehow. (Oh and I'd definitely pay off my car- car payments are super lame)
Are there any local photog meet ups you go to? Any I can come to also? :) by geneoh
Why yes, Gene. :-) You can come to the PUG meetings the 2nd Tuesday of every month. It's open to anyone- not just Pictage members. And try to get Spencer and Collin to come too, because I haven't seen them since before Spencer's wedding and I miss them!
how long have you been shooting? by geneoh
I've been fascinated with photography and cameras since I was a little kid. Took classes in college for fun. Starting shooting professionally in 2007. REALLY got into weddings in 2008. Been shooting like crazy ever since.
Why do you shot weddings? by geneoh
I love shooting people on such a happy, incredible, monumental day. I love creating and telling stories. I love making people and things look pretty! I love weddings.
Who do you print your albums through? by geneoh
I use Leather Craftsmen for my wedding albums and Vision Art for engagement albums. I'm also going to be adding Cypress to my product lineup and will do prints at WHCC. Cypress also has amazing proof boxes.
