Saturday, November 14, 2009

Wedding-November 17, 2009

Kristi and Sean were married at the Gaylord Palms and Resort in Orlando on November 17, 2009. Beautiful, simple, yet elegant. It was great working with them.


Friday, November 13, 2009

Endorsements from other wedding vendors

We run into a lot of other wedding vendors. Florists, DJ's,Videographers,Wedding coordinators/planners,Cake decorators,lighting specialists, etc. Here are some reviews from vendors we have worked with at weddings.

(Disc Jockey)
CE Djs, cedjs.com
Tara is an unbelievable photographer! Just as your thinking to yourself during your event, I wish Tara was here to catch this awesome photo opportunity.She appears unobtrusively and captures the moment as you wish! She has her finger on the pulse of your event so you dont have to worry about missed photo opportunities. She will surprise you with photos you never thought were possible. Shes amazing!




(Videography)
Key Moments Productions www.keymomentsonline.com
Tara was great to work with! She was on top of the evenings events and never got in the way of my work. I look forward to working with her again soon.



(Wedding Planner/coordinater)
Sawyer Event Management
www.myspace.com/sawyereventmanagement
Tara is an awesome photographer! She took her time and gave the client exactly what she wanted. Her pictures turned out beautifully.


Below are the website links to \ wedding vendors we have worked with and recommend:
Catering:
Puff n Stuff Catering, www.puffnstuff.com
Disc Jockey:
1.)CE Dj's, www.cedjs.com
2.)"In the Mix productions" Jonathan Berube. Massachusetts
Dresses/acc:
1.)Savannah Grace Bridal, East Orlando Florida. www.Savannahgracebridal.com
2.)Davids Bridal www.davidsbridal.com
Videography:
Key Moments Productions, www.keymomentsonline.com
Event/wedding planning
Sawyer event management, www.myspace.com/sawyereventmanagement

Wedding Photography Cost/Investment..continued.

One topic that comes up fairly often is why photography costs as much as it does. I'm going to attempt to break it down here and hopefully give you the information that will help you more fully understand the answer to that question.

These figures are average and will vary from one photographer to another. Also, keep in mind that a single unmarried photographer will probably have a lower cost of living than one supporting a family of five.
Individual differences between photographers such as this, among others, does impact what a photographers needs to charge to survive.Let's assume the photographer lists a price of $2700.00 for 10 hours of coverage, an engagement session, a book of 500 proof prints and a 30-page coffee table album.
Out of that $2700.00 you need to consider the photographers expenses. First, there are the annual expenses that take a part of each weddings income. Among those expenses would be insurance, advertising, updates and maintenance of their website and sample albums, advertising, accounting and legal expenses, repair or replacement or upgrading of very expensive cameras and computers, continued education, wear and tear on their automobile, and for some...studio rent, electric and telephone.
All this may come to $300.00 per wedding.Next, there are the fixed expenses for each wedding. Include in this figure...proof album and proof prints, consumables such as DVD's or CD's, and the cost of the coffee table book.
This figure may come to $800.00.After these expenses, the photographer is left with $1600.00. Federal, state and local taxes, social security and payroll taxes will take, on average, 40% of that $1600.00, or $640.00. This leaves the photographer with $960.00 in earnings for photographing your wedding.Wow, you say...a thousand bucks for a few hours work on a Saturday sure isn't bad. If it was that simple...you'd be right...it would be pretty good money. So, let's look at the time investment for each wedding.
*3 hours for meetings, emails and phone calls as you interview the photographer.
*4 hours for the shooting and editing of your engagement session.
*12 hours on your wedding day.
*10 hours to process your images, get proofs printed, etc.
*10 hours designing and producing the final album.
*5 hours for misc. meetings, phone calls, emails, planning sessions, trips to the lab, etc.

All this and you still need to add in the hours each week needed to run the business.
All told...a photographer invests 40-50 hours in each wedding.
Also consider that the wedding photographers season in this part of the country is about 40 weeks long. There are relatively few weddings in January, February and March.The national average income for wedding photographers is approximately $28,000.00 per year. So if it seems like wedding photographers make huge amounts of money...they do not. On average their incomes are pretty much in line with the rest of the employed public. Some make more and some make less, depending on experience, talent, the actual type of product being delivered, and overhead costs specific to that photographer.I hope this information is helpful in understand why your photographers prices are what they are.

Pricing, or better yet...Investment!


Wedding Photography.

Investment in your future.




It’s said that once you mention the word “wedding,” prices quadruple. Wedding photography in particular can seem outrageously priced at times. You’ll discover the website of a photograper whose images you love and then you'll see the rate and your heart will sink. Why on earth do you have to spend so much money just for some photographs?
Well, a photographer's job isn’t as simple as showing up and taking a bunch of snapshots. An independent photographer is running a business. Businesses have expenses and they take hard work to build and maintain.

A Photographer's Expenses
Equipment. High quality camera bodies can cost $5,000. Lenses – which the photographer will need several of to capture different parts of the ceremony and reception – can cost $1,000+ each. And at 2,000 to 3,000 frames per wedding, even a good camera will need to be replaced every couple of years. Then there are flashes, light meters, tripods, camera bags and other miscellaneous gear.
Taxes. Your photographer is (or should be) paying taxes on every dollar she makes, just like everyone else. So if her fee is $3,000, almost $1,000 of that will go to Uncle Sam.
Insurance. Many wedding venues require photographers and other vendors to carry liability insurance. Photographers must also insure their own camera equipment. Each of these types of insurance costs several hundred dollars per year.
Advertising. Word of mouth is great, but a photographer needs to keep his name out there. Advertising on The Knot's website, one of the most prominent wedding planning resources around, costs at least $2,400 per year.
Other Factors That Determine A Photographer's Pricing
Hidden Work.

A photographer doesn’t work for you only on the day of your wedding. Every meeting with potential clients is an investment of his time, whether he gets the job or not. Your photographer will spend time with you before the wedding to go over your plan for the day, your required shot list, and the design of any albums you may wish to purchase.
Once the wedding is shot, your photographer will spend hours editing, retouching, and color-correcting hundreds of images and then creating an album and/or online gallery of your wedding photos.
Intangible Artistry. Photography is a skill, science and an art. A professional doesn’t simply memorize what all the camera buttons do; he or she is able to capture the beauty and emotion of your day in a unique way. Good photos are more than just technically correct, they are special.


Like professionals in any other field, wedding photographers have worked out their pricing system for a reason, and it's not just to part you from your money! Professional photographs are a wonderful way to capture your memories. They are not essential, but they are priceless.
You should never feel pressured into paying more than you want to pay for wedding pictures, but neither should you assume that higher prices are simply a scam or a ripoff. Once the cake is eaten and the flowers wilted, your photos (and your marriage!) are what you have left. A good photographer will provide you with photos that are worthy of becoming part of your family's history.









The copyright of the article Wedding Photography Prices in Wedding Planning is owned by Megan Lyles.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Collages

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"Posed candid vs. Traditional."















As you must know, I am not a "traditional" photographer. It took me quite a while to decide what style I preferred. I love "reportage" or "photojournalistic" capturing the day as it unfolds, catching those moments you dont know Im taking the photo! Those are the best of course. But everyone wants the group shots,that you can frame and display proudly.


Every wedding is different, for each one, I try to take each couples personality and work something into the photos. A lot of people will request the infamous "jumping" photo. Some people will request the "circle" photo. (I lay on the floor, and a group of people make a circle around me.)
Now, what is a "posed candid?" Its the "traditional style" portraiture, but with a unique twist. For example-the photo to the left, the girls are all standing together, but they are laughing and have a great time.



My personal favorite time of the day is the "formal shots" hour. (Hour is a term I use loosly since some weddings we have only had 10 minutes for formals!)
I always have a great time with the bridal party, I have a variety of "material" I use to get people cracking up and relaxed and thats where the best pictures come out.
When some people think of wedding photography, most "picture" an older man, with a film camera on a tripod and having the bride and groom smile softy as they touch hand over hand showing their rings. NOT HERE!
I want you to JUMP, to LAUGH and to have natural, fun portraits on your wedding day that will be classy, fun and contemporary, yet be classic to show your great grandchildren.








Photobucket (The Circle Photos) Choose between a "toast" or without.
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"Getting Ready." This is not a posed picture, the girls were helping the bride fix her dress.
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Engagement sesson. "Just kiss and act like Im not here."

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This group was a little excited, they felt the need to jump, in their kilts. And the one towards the end, he was wearing under-roos, it was a special surprise for the groom.
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"ewww! kissy kissy!" "Candid posed"
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"The relaxed beach wedding party." I love this photo, everyone looks relaxed, and its a good "frame worthy" portrait.






Photobucket (Above) The bridal party, I was mixing up the traditional posing

"Reportage" This photo (below) was just a moment the bride, her new husband and the brides mother were sharing. I will use a lens with longer zoom, so I am able to stay far away and capture those amazing moments, without you knowing it! I will be your own personal paparazzi!
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This photo (below) was after the ceremony. Everyone was stressed and running around all day. I took the bride and groom out on the dock to have a moment of peace together. I told them to hold hands, walk slow and just talk to eachother. They got a chance to relax, and get a lot of beautiful portraits in the water.
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(Photo below) "Girls will be girls." A more traditional photo, but with a more relaxed feeling.
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(Above photo) Before the ceremony, the bride was taking a moment to herself.
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Bridal Shower.
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I of course, do a lot of posed photos with groups (extended family, etc)

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Cake cutting and of course all other formalities. I never make people pose, I just capture it all as it happens!

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(Above) The groom and the men on his side of the family! I often use a special lens called a Fish eye lens. Its gives a pretty cool effect and makes your photos unique!

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(Above) Just a great moment captured of the groomsmen watching their friend get married.































































Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Get 15 free edited and enhanced portraits!!!





We strive for 5 stars every time!



If Fresh Face Photography is shooting your wedding we have a special offer for you!



After your wedding, when you receive your slideshow and gallery follow these steps to receive your additional edited portraits for free!
Step 1:

Step 2:


Click on "Leave a review" leave an honest review regarding the services we provided for you on your wedding day. We help a lot of brides also with questions before their wedding, maybe regarding, tips, advice, etc. So if we helped you in other ways, please feel free to rave about that also! We strive for a 5 star rating EVERY single time!

Step3:

Finish your review and click POST


It will take around 5 minutes to leave a review, and sign up for a wedding wire account.

We offer the free editing as a thank you for taking your time to do this!
And you will leave with the nice cozy warm feeling of knowing you are helping out future brides by allowing them to read REAL and HONEST reviews!

Thank you!























































FFP-Volunteer/charitable work

Fresh Face Photography has worked with multiple charitable organizations.



If you have, or know of a charitable organization that needs donations through photography/videography services or any other, please contact Tara Renaud at: Freshfacephotos@live.com or go to http://www.freshfacephotos.com/










*Fundraising







*Orlando Health Annual Miracle Miles charity run. Miracle Miles benefits the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Winnie Palmer Hospital, raising critical funds to support capital campaign and medical equipment needs.






*Military Discounts

We always offer military discounts! On weddings, portrait sessions, events, etc.


Every year, on Veterans day-- Fresh Face Photography will give away 3 portrait package sessions for FREE for any veteran or active duty military.

Its our way of thanking you for all that you do!











*Angel Food Drive Ministries


With recent layoffs, mortgage readjustments and business closings, more Central Floridians are finding it harder to put dinner on the table. Swooping in to provide some relief is Community United Methodist Church in Casselberry, which is the largest host site to Angel Food Ministries, a non-profit, non-denominational organization that provides boxes of food to those in need



(Photo by Tara Renaud-for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine)

















*Infant Bereavement Photography


Pregnancy and birth are a miraculous journey. This amazing time of life is full of mystery, anticipation, joy, hope, and wonder. Feeling the powerful energy of birth and new life, watching as a new family is born unto each other. These things humble and amaze. These are the things that we celebrate when a baby is born.But there is another aspect of pregnancy and birth. There is an unexpected place in this journey where some families may find themselves. When a baby dies, a world is turned upside down. There is confusion, sadness, fear, and uncertainty that cannot be explained. There is sorrow where there should have been joy. During this time, it might be impossible for families to know what they might need in order to heal in the future.This is the place where the NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP FOUNDATION gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart. NILMDTS is a non-profit organization and Fresh Face Photography is a dedicated member of this phenomenal foundation. Our services are available to all parents experiencing the death of a baby as early as 25 weeks gestation or at the discretion of medical personnel.
There are NO FEES for the memories that we can capture.For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography and videography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of our service. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives. FFP will personally come to your hospital location for a private and sensitive photography session. You will be provided with a DVD of your baby set to a meaningful melody and the CD file of all photographs taken that you can personally reproduce. If you or someone you know needs our services please contact us a soon as possible. As we volunteer our service, the photography session may be provided "after hours."

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Veterans and Active duty Military--FREE photo sessions!

Veterans Day, 2009

As a special thank you to veterans and active military, we are offering 3 military families a free photo session. So go enjoy your free meal at Applebee's and then book your free photo session with Fresh Face Photography!
Thank you for all that you do!


(Below-free meal at Applebees on Veterans day for all
veterans and active military)

Frequently Asked Questions...

What primary photographic style do you identify with?
Contemporary, Photojournalism, Portraiture, Posed

What do your packages include?
Albums, Custom Graphic Design, Digital Files, Flush Mount, High Resolution Images, Matted Prints, Prints, Proof CD of All Images, Thank You Cards, Video Montage

Do you have liability insurance?
Yes

Do you offer special techniques such as hand-coloring or toning?
Yes! Every package includes over 40 professionally edited/enhanced images. This includes skin airbrushing/color pop and other special features. Also, every package comes with a mix of black and white/sepia and color toned images!

Do you have experience shooting in various lighting situations?
Yes. I have experience with natural and artificial light. I do not bring umbrella lights to weddings, I have professional flashes I bring with me.

Is your media preference film or digital?
I work with all digital equipment.

How many photographers do you work with?
I usually bring an assistant with me if the wedding is large enough. This is to be discussed with the bride. The assistant will never add any additional money to your package, as they are usually students trying to build their portfolio. If the wedding is large and a 2nd shooter is appropriate, I will hire someone myself.

Do you guarantee your presence at the actual event?
I am the one who shows up! No other photographer will be there! :)

Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one event in a day? Weekend?
I only book one wedding a day! You are my main focus the ENTIRE DAY!

Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the day of the event?
I have other photographers I work with who are similar to my style in case of an emergency, it hasnt happened yet!

What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?
2 top of the line canon camera bodies. 4 lenses...(Wide angle, telephoto, macro, standard.) 2 speedlights. 4 battery packs, 10 CF cards. Batteries, etc!

Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?
Yes, I always have a back up camera body and lenses. ALWAYS!

Do you charge hourly or full day?
Every wedding is different, I work with budgets and different circumstances.

Are you available to shoot extra hours? If yes, how much do you charge for extra hours?
It depends, but generally speaking around $80-$380.00 an hour.

What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?
I usually take a break while people eat their dinners. Unless Im around taking "detail" pictures.

Do you charge for travel?
No, the price I give you includes everything, except future orders such as photobooks/prints/etc.

How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?
It depends, but you will always receive your online slideshow within 3 days of your wedding.

In what format are the initial proofs offered?
You will receive a high resolution c.d. with every image taken at your event.

How long can the client keep the proofs?
The cd is your to keep, forever. It contains all of the portraits taken at your wedding.

Do you retain the copyright for the photos?
Yes, but you own them for your own private use after you receive your c.d.

Do you reserve the right to publish the photos?
Yes

Do you provide the digital files and/or negatives (or copies of the negatives) to the client?
Yes, you get every single one of your photos.

Will images be available for viewing online?
Yes, I offer a full gallery, this is generally ready to view within 3 days of your wedding! You can email the link to friends and family. This allows you to enjoy your photos until you receive your cd/cds in the mail. It also gives me a bit extra time to ensure every single photo is perfect!

What kind of albums do you offer?
Hardbound, softbound photobooks. I have a very large selection.

When will the client get the final album?
It can take up to 6-8 months to receive photobooks. But generally, it takes a month or 2.
Additional Questions and Answers
Every session includes a complimentary engagement session, which includes an online gallery, an online slideshow and a cd of your images. Every wedding includes a cd of all portraits. Skin airbrushing is complimentary also.
Tips and Advice
Not all photographers include all of your photos. They will give you a photobook or prints, thats all. I provide you with all your photos! You own them, no watermarking/etc. You can print and share how you choose!

We accept credit cards!

We now accept all credit cards. Make all payments through paypals secure site. Track and check your payments, pay online instead of writing a check if you prefer.
Go to our site: http://www.freshfacephotos.com/
and click on "payments."

Band/Group/Model Photo Sessions