Tips for the Traveling Photographer!

Starting out in your endeavor of photography you start out in your local area and branch out. After a year of working in Nashville as a photographer I got my first out-of-state gig! For any photographer this is a huge bonus because it shows your work is worth a clients while to pay for you you to travel to them for their photo shoot! It doesn't stop with your first one. With luck you have many to prepare for.

Traveling in general you have to be prepared, don't forget the extra underwear, your tooth brush or toothpaste! So when you have to make your business mobile it's worth your while to make sure you are prepared to travel. If you forget something, kind of defeats the whole purpose of you going out in the first place. I put together a bit of a check list to help keep things in order for my fellow photographer.

0. Make a list of what you need and want to take. This will completely cut down forgetting something by like 95 percent. This only works as long as you don't forget to put something on the list. Other than that, it's organized and allows you to be side tracked and not forget what you where packing when you come back to it.

1. Pack your clothes and your equipment separately. Doesn't matter which you start off with first but if you handle your clothes and personal items first and then your work equipment you will have a lot less confusion and you are less likely to forget something.

2. Make sure you have correct packing equipment for your work equipment. If you have tripods and light equipment you want to make sure it either all fits or you have a safe way to travel with it. You don't want to forget anything, you don't want to lose anything and you don't want to break anything. Too many bags you might risk losing in the process of travel and delay your work. You don't want things to break, that just sucks all around and too many packages might even cause you to forget something. Never a fun feeling. If you are packing light a suitcase might just do fine. It's one thing to check, supposed to a bunch. It's as secure as you make it. If you think you can fit it all into a carry on, you might be deceiving yourself. Unless you are taking hardly anything at all, it might work. That leads me to my next point.

3. Try to travel light. Now with bigger jobs, that might not be an option. But for simple easy  work that you are more familiar with like an artist portrait or a wedding, try to be light. I was able to keep my flash kit with my clothes and it all fit just nicely. I didn't need to take extra reflectors or this or that. Just a flash kit, two lenses and a camera. I can see taking a spare camera but not much more. Granted this was for an out door wedding so light wasn't much of a concern to me. Another thing this helps with is most likely you are traveling alone. Carrying 5 bags by yourself can never really bring pleasure or joy, at least not for me.

4. If you are traveling by car it's very important that you don't keep your camera equipment, such as your camera and lenses, in your trunk. It's not a well ventilated space and the heat or cold might ruin your electronics. If you are taking a film camera to the airport be sure to let the TSA security know. Letting your film go through the x-ray machine could ruin your film. Your digital camera will be fine. If you DO NOT want your equipment to run through the machine request a bag check. Tell them you don't mind your bag to be checked but since it's thousands of dollars worth of equipment you rather be the one to handle the equipment. This might not always work but you can always ask them to treat your equipment with care.

As far as I have experienced these tips have helped me a great deal. If you have any further tips, please feel free to leave it in the comment section below!

Nashville Wedding Photography - The different types

Wedding photography is a lot to take in. If you don't have a friend or family member already a photographer not sure what type of photography you are interested in this article will help you! Getting married has it's exciting moments true. It's the planning that can cause some stress. The wedding world has PLENTY of choices to confuse you with and you don't want to make any wrong choices.

Here is some information on the different types of wedding photography, or photography in general. 

One popular types is Lifestyle. As far as I know, it is mainly used with portraits and closely related to photojournalism. It's more controlled than photojournalism but captures life similar to photojournalism. I am starting to see a lot more photographers chosen to be a part of weddings because of how much it captures joy and happiness. This style is also quite popular for fashion as well as musical artists. 

Here are a few pictures that fall under this category: 

A cousin of this type of photography, as previously mentioned is Photojournalism. In my opinion, you can have shots that are lifestyle also be photojournalistic but it's not always the other way around. You might see couples hiring photographers that just do photojournalistic as well as a traditional photographer because you can't really find many that do both. What you will get from this photographer is nothing posed, nothing controlled total fly on the wall situation.  It's life as it's happening. It tells a story and it communicates. It does get confessed with lifestyle, and it can be universal. But the biggest difference is the story behind it. Yes, it's mainly uncontrolled, meaning not posed. But you can find some that are naturally posed like sitting, standing or laying but that's as posed as it gets. If the person decided to do something as you take their picture, that's awesome and again, not controlled. 

Here are some examples:

Then you have some traditional photography. This is classic style utilizing a lot of creative and classic poses. This is created by the photographer and is meant to capture a great picture from the start. This is one of the most popular styles you find in the wedding photography world. It's highly controlled and it takes a lot of practice, as a photographer to keep poses fresh. One of the biggest challenges with this style is keeping smiles genuine. A tip to this is have the subject make a funny face and yes take the picture and be ready! The laugh will come and you will get a genuine smile. This is traditional because way back when the camera was still brand new people had to stay still as you see pictures from the 1800's. The more photography grew the more people started to get creative with taking pictures and started creating more poses.  This still continues today as you see in traditional wedding photography. Sometimes the poses start to mimic lifestyle photography, but it's created and not captured on the spot as a real moment. 

Here are some examples:

 There are the types you might encounter when shopping for your wedding photography. You might find a specialist in one or a photographer that specializes in all. Hope it at least helps you decide on what you want! 

www.toyelephantphotography.com

Nashville - Love is in the air!

If you are in Nashville, watch out, love is in the air! If you are a wedding vender, you know what I mean! Just go to one wedding and you will feel the buzz! And the way Spring has been going, it seems like Nashville can take all the 'love' it can get.

Okay, so the weather isn't ALWAYS sun shinning, but there is a lot more sun these days, take advantage of it! Here are some fun ideas for couples and for couple portraits!

These ideas are for any one, wether you are a photographer, a couple looking for some great 'going-out-for-fun' ideas or a combination of both please feel free to get some great shots and send me your pictures!


Bike riding! - You can get some great shots riding or riding to a destination. Biking actually gets you out in the nooks and crannies of Nashville or in any city or neighborhood actually. As a photographer, you'd appreciate some of the locations you accidentally stumble upon or they make great character shots if you get real creative with them. Below is a picture my husband took of me Downtown Nashville. I do recommend if you are biking to take pictures make sure you have or invest in a caring case that is appropriate for biking. Or, if you invest in a GoPro camera you are lucky and will have fun for years! The GoPro camera is made for just about any outdoor occasion. Underwater, falling from the sky, cave diving, diving, biking. It is made for it all.

A day in the park! Seriously guys! I've come to realize not only are there A LOT of parks in the Nashville area but a lot of cool spots in each park! You get to go out for a walk and have some fun. This usually means a lot of good 'ol natural light too. This is great for beginner photographers and even the professional. Sunlight is unmatchable for light. There are lights that can mimic the Sun, sure. But if you got it shinning outside, go and get it! Below is a self-portrait of my husband and I at a local park. We had a great time and got some fun photos from it.

Hiking. I know. Hiking?! Yes. Hiking. I can't tell you how much fun hiking is with your loved one. It's even great when you can snap a few pictures while you do it. I have taken a couple on a small hike for their engagement photos and I got AMAZING shots. Also, I was lucky enough to get some of my and my husband on a short hike. So, get onto google and nail down some easy trails. Below are two examples. I have so much to put in this category, but then I would be bragging.

I know these are all pretty much a given of locations for photography and for fun. Maybe you've been there, done that, maybe not. But I am always trying to find ways to combine my business with pleasure. My husband is not only also my best friend but he is also a photographer. You never know what creative bud this will strike with your loved one!

Don't forget! Send me a picture from your day out, keep the 'love' in the air!

Wedding Photographer Tips - The Post Editing Blues

How often to you dread editing? Not because you aren't good at it or it's not your 'forte' But because of the hours you spend at your desk.... sitting? Truth be told, this isn't just tips for Wedding Photographers. Post Editing Blues happens in just about every post editing session. 

Now, I never dread editing. I am sure you don't either. Actually, the thought doesn't even enter my mind prior to editing my wedding photos, I love it THAT much! But the thought hits when I've been sitting at my desk for a few hours and I get up for a snack and my body gets so used to that darned sitting position that it pretty much cries when I get up. I feel all in knots and I am not even halfway through my post editing process. I am sure this is more common with wedding photographers as weddings yield a high volume of pictures to sift through. As I said, the post editing blues can effect anyone. Here are some tips to help you through it all. Use all of them or some of them. I have found them all to help me so I hope to pass on the help. As always, if you have tips, enjoyed these tips or have any comments or questions, please feel free to communicate! 

1. Stretch. Now wether you do this every morning, every night, before editing or all three this is quite important. Check out this site for 5 simple reasons why stretching is a good idea. One of them you will see leads to the reduction of stress. It's true for me that when stressed out it really blocks my creative communication. So stretching at least once a day and HIGHLY recommend before you sit down to edit. It's easy as going to youtube.com  for basic yoga stretches or you can get fancy and buy some DVD's or take up a yoga class or two to learn a few basic stretches. If you are still not sure what to do, feel free to contact me. 

2. Keep yourself in check if it's been more than an hour since you've gotten out of your chair, get up. Walk around or stretch some. I highly, HIGHLY, highly recommend taking a 5 - 10 min walk. Don't freak out! I know, you just shot a wedding Saturday and you have deadlines to meet and 'who has time for a walk?!' Trust me,  your body and your eyes will thank you! I also find it quite refreshing and clears my mind and keeps the creative flows going. It is also anther tip for stress relief.  If you can, try easy going work outs to keep your body fit. 

3. Keep away from junk food snacks! If any one is aware of how yummy junk food snacks are, it's me. But this will not help you in the long haul. I do recommend snacks of a heathy choice! Carrots, cucumbers, trail mix, protein bars, orange slices... you get my point. Think of food as your fuel, well... food is your fuel so know that putting in 'food' that is highly processed isn't really food, or food that your body needs. 

4. Get regular rest. Don't stay up until 4 am and sleep until 9 am just to get right back to it. This will not benefit you, your body nor your art. I am sure you've done it, we all have. Still got the job done, so whats the problem?  Well, I don't know about you but life feels just a tad bit more chaotic than when you are well rested. 

Picture of the day: 

There are my tips, hope they help! There is plenty of work out there but, in my opinion, you won't perform your best if you are letting your body, mind and spirt get out of shape. 

Here are some links to some motivational sites in regards to keeping your body in shape as well as a link to a youtube.com video that I use to work out with:

www.Twotri.com - For the beginner triathlete! Great motivation topics and easy tips for getting and staying in shape even if you aren't a triathlete.  I love it because regardless of what I am doing, this great couple always seems to find a way to motivate me. 

www.weightlossjules.com - This is another great site of motivation! It's a great journey of a gal who lost a ton of weight and is on a mission to help others do the same. I think she is doing a great job and between the two has helped me!

Here is the channel for videos on fitness: http://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender?feature=fvst

Photography in Nashville's Backyard - Locations!

As a native from Los Angeles I have to say, photography in Nashville's backyard has been quite exciting!

So, for today, I am going to share some locations for any other photographer roaming Nashville. If you would like more detail, please feel free to contact me!

I've used this location many times for fashion, artist portraits and for test shots and I am never let down. It's off Gay street just west of Downtown.  The best part about this location is that it has low car traffic and you can shoot in the middle of the street. It has tunnels, cool walls and just a lot of pockets that make it look like you are changing location but you are just making the most out of this spot. The con is that it's not heavily populated with traffic so always bring extra people with you if you can. Lock your car doors.

The next location is a spot just south of Downtown. There are train tracks that are just down Division street. So take Division across 8th Ave past the Pour House and make the last left. The is a great spot there with again, a variety of locations. It has an urban feel and it's also not too heavily populated with traffic. It is an area where homeless to use as a back road but as long as you have a crew with you or a man to kind of 'baby sit' you should be fine. I shot there with a fashion designer and a model (so three gals) and we weren't bothered. Just fair warning.

If you kind of drive not too far from this area around Fogg st you will find some more pockets of fun.

If you are looking for a 'timeless' location that is more on the private or vacant side try out Fort Negly. It's south of Downtown, close to both the Science Museum and the Sounds Stadium I believe off of Wedgewood. Whats great about this location is that it's on a high hill that over looks Downtown. Also, you can get a lot of shots with no phone wire or what not in the way. It is a great location for sunsets. Just down the street is a great view of the highway and you can see a sample of that below as well. 

And lastly another fruitful space is where the Marathon Music Works is. With all of these locations you really just gotta walk around and scout due to no exact address. And really with any location, just scout around for your shots. You will be happy you did! 

Please feel free to contact me if you have locations you want share!

Getting Close to Wedding Time - The Photographer Point of View

We must all be aware of Bridezilla if there is a show appropriately titled as such. I am pretty sure the groom goes through a few moments where he looks down and finds his fists filled with his own hair. Your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your life. Mix in excitement and rush it's fully understandable that one might get frazzled over small things close to the wedding day.  For venders, it might be the same. Getting close to wedding time is pretty important. You have to get your ducks in a row. As a wedding vender, whether you are the wedding planner, the wedding singer, the wedding photographer or, or, or you have to be prepared. You don't want to be the one that messes up someones big day. I know I don't! Here are some helpful and easy tips to make your end of the deal run a lot smoother.

1. Make a list of things to do or that need to get done prior to the wedding date. Anything from making sure you have the right tools to deliver or making sure you are well groomed (hair cuts, roots died, dry cleaning) make sure you put that on your list to do. I would give your self a full week. This will save you from making a mad rush around town the day before and getting stuck in rush hour traffic trying to make it to a store that is closing in 10 minutes. Just not worth it.

If you are depending on  the mail system, like mailing a check or getting something delivered to your home try to plan for that no later than a week away from when you need it.

2. Do a test run if you can. If it is possible for you, be at the wedding rehearsal.  I understand that a catering company might just not be able to do this, but if you map out the wedding day with your employees this just might make things run easier. If you are a photographer or make up artists make sure you get your tools prepared for take off the day before.

3. Know the route to the venue. If you haven't been there before, make sure you know the route. Don't depend only on your GPS.  Again, getting lost can add to that stress as mentioned above. Don't let this happen to you!

4. This will at least help with any 'stress' try to keep in a healthy diet and get good sleep. This will help you maintain energy. As a wedding vendor, you are probably going to have to last at most 10 hours. The proper energy will help you survive that. That's why you get paid the big bucks!

I hope this helped. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me!

-Sally

Wedding Photography: Where to start

When you are getting married one of the most important aspects to the event itself, among the dress and location is the photography. Every photographer has their own style, their own service and their own price. Where do you start? 

Nail down your budget. How much are you willing to spend? If you don't have much of a budget, that is fine, you can still find a photographer that meets your needs. First thing you can do is ask your friends and family. You will be quite surprised at how many budding photographers there are out there and how amazing their work really is. The plus point is that the cost wont be as high as professionals and willing to do a bit more and give you a bit more bang for your buck since they are trying to build a portfolio. This is a wise choice regardless of your budget, you never know what you might find.  If you like their work, you will like what they do for you. Don't worry if you find a photographer this route that you LOVE but see they haven't done a wedding. Check and see if they are willing to do a wedding. They might be looking for such an opportunity. Keep in mind that weddings don't happen everyday for an up and coming photographer so it's a bit hard for a budding photographer to getting weddings into their portfolio. At a bare minimum you might get an amazing bridal portrait!  

If you have no luck that route, the next step you can do is look for local photographers in your area. This might raise the cost a bit, it might not. The plus point on this is they know the area and quite possibly might have shot at the location of your wedding. The more prepared your photographer is the better your shots will be. A photographer who's never been to the location can be just as prepared by simply checking out the location and finding out how the ceremony will be set up. Shopping locally may still bring you some up and coming artist that that might have decent prices and you might find some professional that is very familiar with wedding photography. The prices will vary greatly.

Then if you have a budget that you can spend more freely than others you might be able to fly in a photographer if you know of one or find one from LA or New York. 

Key points to look for:

1. Look through a lot of their work, don't just pick ones you like.  If you find that the style you like is consistent throughout their photos chances are, you are going to get the shots you need and want from the photographer. Picking a photographer because he gets great beach shots but mediocre shots in places similar to your location, might not prove to be the best choice. Look for what would be similar to your wedding. See if he is consistently getting the shots you like and the detail shots you like.  Don't waste your time on a photographer that gets shots of things you won't care about. 

2. What does the photographer offer. There are many ways of operation. A photographer can just go and shoot and offer no prints of any kind. There could be extra charges for prints. There could be extra charges for editing. Look through the packages and see what the wedding photographer offers. Be sure to pay attention to time as well. Some will only do 3-5 hours and ask for extra beyond that and some will have packages for the whole day. 

3. Is their communication prompt? When you find the top three picks and you are writing for your estimates or bids, do they reply to you within 24 hours? Are they courteous? Do they ask detailed questions? If they are slow to get to you or when they do are brief, I, myself, would take that as a red flag. It's a business and you are a customer. To me, it's very important to show that the bride/groom is important. A wedding is one of the biggest days of one's life and it just shows lack of professionalism to not show you care about their business. Sure, there are unique situations but if it's consistent realize that might echo through out their service including delivery of the product. 

4. When you choose a photographer make sure they find out all that is needed and wanted. Get out all your expectations out bar none.  If there is no effort to find out who the Brides Maids are or if it's indoor or outdoor or if you'd prefer certain angles of the ceremony you chances are you are going to be dissatisfied with your photos. 

There are some basic tips to help start you off with your wedding photography. Good luck! If you have any additional questions feel free to ask!  www.toyelephantphotography.com

Nashville: The 'Love' Wall

As a photographer, I find Nashville is pretty fruitful for locations. It is filled with all kinds of artists so you never know what you will find and you never know what you will miss!

This wall was visible from the I40 going into Nashville. I drove by it many days before I decided to embark on my photography endeavors here in Nashville. I always thought 'That would be a GREAT photo shoot!' About two years later, I started my photography company and got involved with wedding photography and of course, engagement portraits. The first couple that agreed to use the 'LOVE' wall was a young, in love and fun couple. They were completely excited to utilize the location. We took a bunch of playful shots and the one above got the most attention.  I received comments such as 'Created emotional response', 'This makes me love 'LOVE'. It was even showcased at local art shows throughout Nashville. There were many that still communicated how silly they were and how in love they were. 

I am quite proud of this series. It was extremely fun to work with these two and I never got an opportunity to go back with another couple. As a photographer, I am always scouting locations. I was driving down the Nashville interstate and noticed that the wall is now painted over! A new picture will be painted there and I am excited to see what it is. Slightly sad, as I loved the 'LOVE' wall. It always made me smile when I passed it. Also happy as a photographer as now I have a piece of Nashville that is highly aesthetic and very much enjoyed. The couple let me know that they hung a huge print of it in their new home. That is joy to any photographers ears!