I have gotten behind on showing my friend Whitney’s progression! She’s almost there–Due next month. We have one more session scheduled and will include her hilarious hubby Mike in the next one. You’ll see him here at week 24.
These come from the lovely Isabelle:
Q:What do you find is the best way to change lenses quickly so that you don’t miss that perfect moment (with the perfect lens). Multiple cameras? Bags? Skillz?
A:I LOVE LOVE LOVE my shootsac. For the longest time I wouldn’t buy one because I thought it was trendy….Um, then I realized just why it was so popular. This thing is awesome! It conforms to your body so you can move around and shoot without feeling like all your lenses are going to fly out of your bag. It’s made of neoprene (like a surfers wetsuit), so it’s stretchy and “can” hold the largest lens I have, my 70-200. (I never do that because it’s too heavy, but I could!).
I don’t like carrying multiple cameras. They just get in way and I can’t move as well. It’s really easy to change out lenses with a shootsac.
Skillz? Yes. I have dropped lenses getting in a hurry so be careful!
Q:Is there a dress code for photographers at weddings? Dark colors, not too fancy, fancy, etc.?
A: I am not sure if there is a universal code for this, but I know many photographers wear black for a reason. You don’t stand out as much, so it’s easier to get candids without people paying as much attention to you, if you have to get on the floor or ground you won’t get as dirty, and if you sweat? You get the picture.
I usually always wear black pants with a top I like (that is sometimes a color because I don’t like black all the time). I sometimes wear a dress if I’m bored of that! Just to mix it up, but it it usually long.
Q:When do you think you get the best pictures? And how do you achieve that?
A: If you mean the time of day, I prefer later in the evening, maybe a few hours before sunset. The light is beautiful then!! People say the same about early in the morning….I’m not a morning person, so that usually isn’t an option for me. haha!
If you are talking about for a wedding….I think it is so important to get to know who you are working with. When you do that, people trust you, feel like you are their friend and they are more relaxed! This is the best for photos. I like to joke with people and make them laugh…that takes the awkwardness out of how people feel. It’s a funny thing having your photo taken. You almost feel “exposed” like the photographer is judging you. We need to make sure people know we are NOT doing that! I genuinely love people, so I always want people who hire me to know I am doing this for THEM. That makes the difference.
See the image below….I was pretty darn close to them! We all got along well and this cute couple felt very comfortable. (This session hasn’t been posted yet, but it’s coming soon!).
by juliet
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Hi all!!
I would first like to start this section with a “disclaimer,” and express that I will never claim to know it all. I think I received my first email from someone asking me to mentor them while I was only a year into this. I was kind of shocked and told them I was still learning!
I think though, we are ALL learning. I believe that’s what makes a great artist, one that’s always looking for different ways to do things, express themselves, connect with others. I intuitively thought that when I made my first post about doing an FAQ section, there may be other experienced photographers out there saying to themselves,”WHO does she think she is?” Ahhhhh, if we always worried about what other people thought in this life, we’d never try or do anything! And besides, I feel part of my purpose is to be loving, helpful and kind. To share what I know and what works for “me.”
This business is about people. Relationships with them, whether it’s a client (I prefer to call them “my new friends”), or a fellow photographer. I read somewhere, that we should never want to become a photographer to be famous or make millions.
We should do it because we love people and want to make a difference. That’s my philosophy.
So here I am! Ready to take this on. I hope it helps you in some way! Feel free to keep questions coming….drop me an email (julietphoto@hotmail.com). It doesn’t have to be about photos…it can be personal, business, anything. I’ll do my best to post your questions and answer them. I can’t wait to hear from you.
by juliet
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This is the last of their “series” of shoots we did while this couple was in town. I am posting a few favorites! You can really see their fun-loving personalties here! I love it.
Thanks again y’all for letting me capture these memories!
by juliet
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I love details at weddings! I usually always post them to share the style of the wedding but I decided to do a separate post for this wedding because there were so many! I always get to a wedding early, so I see just how much work goes into the decor, flowers, food. The behind the scenes stuff! I have an appreciation for all of it and how’s it’s pulled together— Believe me it’s alot of work. When you look at these details you will probably see just how much went into this.
Flowers and Decor: Out of hand
Food: Fish
Location: Lowndes Grove Plantation
by juliet
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I always think it’s so cool how people find me! Jamila’s friend DeAndra lives in Columbia, SC and knows my friend Melanie who is a planner there. She saw some of my work on Melanie’s blog, and told Jamila about me. I always say, word-of-mouth is the best thing. The people I have ended up connecting with always seem to be such a great fit!
Jamila and Aaron were technically married but never had a big bash with family and friends! I thought it was cool they decided to do it at Lowndes Grove since Jamila grew up right down the street. It’s such an amazing location…..right by the water, and the house is GORGEOUS. I’ve always loved this place!
I had such a great time with this beautiful family! We spent alot of time together…..rehearsal, wedding, after wedding and family photos. I’ll be posting some from the other sessions soon.
There were alot of people who put their heart into this and it turned out beautifully! Stay tuned for part 2!
Thanks y’all for trusting me with memories of such a special part of your lives. I had a great time and I’ll see you when you come back to visit!
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Ceremony and Reception: Lowndes Grove Plantation
Planners: Mindy Weiss & Team
Flowers and decor: Out of Hand
Ceremony Musicians: Classical Charleston
DJ: DJ moo moo
Cake: D’Lish
Hair: www.affairhairbytanesha.com
Makeup: www.eqmakeup.com
Video: www.artisticeyeproductions.com
by juliet
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I am really not sure why, but I have really been missing my mom this week. If you are new to my blog, my mom passed away last June from cancer. I know she is not in pain anymore, and I am so thankful for that! It doesn’t change the fact though that I lost one of my best friends. I miss her terribly! She was my go-to person for advice, to share my life and things going on, and just to have awesome conversations. I miss that so much. She loved people–all ages and walks of life, was so incredibly smart, and didn’t let anything stop her. She was a joy to be around and people just loved her.
I took this photo of her one day before she got really sick, about 2 1/2 years ago. She was “tickled” at something I said, and I loved seeing her laugh! I have posted it before, but it’s my favorite! It’s how I want to remember her.
Life is fleeting and we have no idea what’s in store for us. I realize it is hard to understand if you’ve never experienced anything like this. All I will tell you is don’t let yourself get caught up in trivial stuff. Stay away from all the junk on TV and the internet that isn’t important or clouds your vision of your purpose here. Don’t let yourself get caught up in the narcissism of the times. Take the time to slow down, be with people you love and do something kind for someone, just because!
Take the time out today to tell someone you love them and give them a big hug!
by juliet
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Hi All!!
Since I have been shooting full time the past few years, I’ve received many emails with questions from other photographers. They’ve all been different…how I got started, what equipment I use, questions about my website, how I work with clients, how I run my business, etc. Sometimes though, I end up repeating myself and answering the same questions. While as much as I love to meet new people and answer everyone, I’m super busy and sometimes I just don’t have time.
I have decided to come up with a frequently asked questions section here on my blog, and maybe add it to my actual website. I would love to hear from you! I realize some things I do are just because they work for “me.” It may not work for everyone, but I have hopes it might shed light on something you are having trouble with or are just curious about.
Please feel free to email me (julietphoto@hotmail.com) and I’ll start to add everyone’s questions to the list I’ve started compiling. Just title your subject “FAQ.” If you don’t hear directly from me, please don’t be offended! I just get a bit overwhelmed with emails, editing and everything it takes to run a business. Remember I love helping so I’ll do my best to help you!!
I look forward to hearing from you!
by juliet
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I really really wished I had brushed up on my french before this wedding! I did my best with “Bonjour! Je m’appelle Juliet” (Hello! My name is Juliet). And as I was taking photos saying “un, deux, trois!” (one two three!).
The handsome groom Jerome was french and his bride Ashley is gorgeous as you have seen from her portraits! This wedding and couple were so romantic! I loved it. The wedding was beautiful and this couple, their family and guests were just lovely.
Their planner Cricket Newman is so amazing! I was so happy to get to work with her again and will more this year. Her flowers and designs are always beautiful and she is so easy to work with. I just love her. Plane Jane was the band, and I was SO happy to finally hear this talented group! Their ceremony guitarist was awesome too: Nikolai Swishev. Jim Smeal of course did an amazing job on the cake as usual. Pamela and Stephanie did an amazing job makeup and hair!
I am excited to share these. Thanks you two for letting me capture such an amazing day!
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by juliet
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Chris and Sarah are both super musical people, so when I found out they were planning “secret surprises” for each other on the wedding day — one being songs and playing instruments –i was excited! I love music and I wanted to see what they were going to do! Turns out, Sarah was going to sing a song I have been learning in my voice lessons! We talked about it and she went before the wedding to my teachers house and did a “run through” of the song. I love it!
Chris ended up playing drums for a few songs with their awesome wedding band “the Travis Allison Band,” and a few songs on guitar with his buddies. So much fun. They are both super talented! I loved seeing them incorporate this into the reception.
This wedding at Alhambra hall was alot of fun. Hot day, but still a blast! There were alot of happy tears and laughter.
I had so much fun documenting this day. Thanks Sarah and Chris! Your day was beautiful.
by juliet
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What a whirlwind of photo sessions with this couple and their sweet baby Maxwell! We did family photos, the wedding and afterwedding photos, all in one week. What a fun time y’all! Thanks so much for letting me document this time in your lives. I can’t wait to post them all.
See you next time you are in Charleston!!
by juliet
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Mandy and David are so much fun! I met them and knew my goofiness would be just fine with this couple. We had alot of fun doing these engagement photos and I am so looking forward to their wedding coming up soon!
See y’all at the Daniel Island Club in September!!
by juliet
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I am about to post 2 recent weddings I did at the gorgeous Legare Waring House! I am excited to show you these, because both weddings were beautiful but set up completely different at this venue. It will show you options, especially if you are planning a wedding here.Here is the first one!
Paige and Chris booked me over a year ago. Such a sweet and fun couple! They originally booked a different location but had to move venues because of some problems there. I suggested Charles Towne Landing, because it is so beautiful and there are alot of options here. I’m so glad they did it! It was a perfect day and I was blown away by how unbelievably gorgeous everything was.
Out of hand outdid themselves here with decor, reception flowers, chandeliers in the trees. Man, you name it, they did it!
I had a blast with you guys–thanks so much for having me there!!
Ceremony and Reception: Legare Waring House
Coordinator: Allison McMaster with Ooh Events
Cake: Jim Smeal
Hair: Elysium
Makeup: Corinne Lovgreen
Wedding Gown: White
Bridesmaids Dresses: LaRoque
by juliet
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I was so honored when my friend Amy asked me to do family photos for her! I have known Amy my whole life….she was best friends with one of my sisters growing up. She’s an amazing artist and teacher in NC.
Her family was staying on Pawley’s island recently and came down to see me in chucktown–I showed them some of my favorite spots that they’ve never been to! We had alot of fun and her girls were great sports during the BLAZING heat. And I mean it was HOT!!
Thanks so much Amy, Kevin, Sydnie and Madeline!
by juliet
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I recently added a few of these to my Facebook Business page, but never did an official post! You will definitely recognize the location. I am at the Legare Waring House alot, and I never get tired of it! It’s a beautiful venue!
Ashley and Jerome just had their wedding there, so it made sense to do portraits at the same location. In fact, I have a few weddings I’ll be posting soon that were from the same place.
We had a great time!! Pamela did an amazing job on Ashley’s makeup (as usual!!) and her hair was gorgeous too, thanks to Stephanie, who works at Lava Salon.
by juliet
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by juliet
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