Wednesday, May 8, 2013
I've been in the wedding industry, listening to Nashville brides for 7 years. I've heard it all - vendors they love, hated, advice they'd give other brides, etc. One recurring theme is how long it takes photographers to get brides their images. This topic is debatable. I know that photographers have valid reasons for why it takes so long. I'm not here to argue one way or the other. But, I will say that fast, QUALITY service is appreciated and not very common.
For that reason, She+Him Wedding Photography is a wedding photography company that is on my radar. They produce great wedding images, are creative and relaxed and pride themselves in quick turnaround, ensuring quick communication and fast delivery of wedding images.
I'd like for you to meet them today via my interview with Liz, one-half of this photography duo.
First up - what's the orgin of your business name? From the moment I learned about your business, I've been curious.
Will had been shooting weddings prior to us getting together. We kept his name on the business for a while and then when we decided to shoot weddings more full time, we wanted a name that reflected both of our roles… While we are aware of the band She+Him, we just really liked the ring of the name.
Ahhh. I must not be a cool kid because I'm not familiar with the band. But, I will hop online to listen right now! What photography services do you offer?
We shoot weddings and engagement photos. We have 3 packages that range from 2,000-3,500.
How many years have you been in business?
Will has been shooting weddings for 5 years… Liz joined the team a year later. We started the She+Him brand a year ago to engage brides that are more in line with our aesthetic.
How did you get started in weddings?
Will is a commercial photographer on the side. To learn about all of the different specialties within the photography umbrella, he assisted a wedding photographer that shot weddings nationally and internationally. Once Liz joined the efforts, we discovered the joy in shooting weddings and getting to know all of our different brides and grooms on the best day of their lives.
What do you like most about weddings?
The thing they love most about weddings are the couples they get to meet. The process of telling a wedding story is extremely intimate. Will and Liz begin the process knowing relatively little and end up feeling like they’ve made life-long friends.
What’s your favorite wedding pic/video and why?
We really cant isolate a single favorite image. Out favorite wedding is Ellen + Brandon’s, the wedding that’s featured on our website. It embodies everything we enjoy about shooting a wedding.
What is your service philosophy?
Will is the artist. Liz is the organizer. The two of them firmly belive a bride and groom should have an amazing experience that is both stress-free and yields gorgeous results. Their goal at the end of a wedding day is to deliver images that transcend time and trends.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category?
With many companies you are forced to choose between stuffy/run of the mill imagery or a hard to reach photographer where you wait 6 months to a year to see anything. Our company is both left brained and right brained. We deliver an experience: beautiful imagery AND quick communication, day of planning, and fast turn-around times.
What attracts brides to your service/company?
We attract brides that care about their photography. We will treat you like an individual instead of giving you a cookie cutter schedule and photos. We will deliver the type of photos you want. We attract the busy, “I don’t know anything” brides and also the “I’ve looked on Pinterest and want to try all these shots” brides.
What would previous couples say is the main reason they selected your company?
“We selected Will and Liz as our wedding photographers first because of positive references from friends, and the because of their portfolio. We were drawn to their unique style, and how those being photographed always seems relaxed and comfortable. As expected, this is how we felt during our two photo shoots with them. Their ability to create an assuring environment allows for great and natural photos. We were thrilled with our choice of their service.”
We couldn’t say it better ourselves.
Describe the bride/couple that is most attracted to your service/company?
The bride/couple that is most attracted to She+Him would be someone who has an opinion about their wedding photography. We aren’t marketing ourselves as everybody’s wedding photographer… we are artisans. We want a bride/couple that will appreciate the time and energy that we put into creating beautiful portraits. We tend to line up best with DIY brides that are laid back and create a day that is about celebrating the two of them.
We seek weddings that are a true reflection of the couple.
What is the most “now” aspect of your business or industry that brides and grooms might appreciate?
The most now aspect of She+Him is really something that comes from the past. We love the look of film and the look of a photograph that isn’t overly processed. The era before ours was concerned with quality over quantity. We want to embody that age of craftsmanship. Oh, and because we love film, we shoot instant peel-apart film… just because it makes us happy. Turns out, our brides love it too!
How should brides and grooms contact to learn about your venue and wedding services?
Main contact: Liz Knowles
Visit our website: sheandhimweddings.com
Call us: 615.707.0749
Email us: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Follow us on Twitter: @sheandhimphoto
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Helpful Vendor Interviews!, Photography
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Tuesday, April 16, 2013
One thing I love about what I do at Ashley's Bride Guide is the opportunity to get to interview and share with you some of Nashville's top wedding professionals, via my vendor spotlights.
Today's spotlight is on jHenderson Studios, operated by the lovely Jenna Brie Henderson who's as cool a person as her photographs are gorgeous. I've really enjoyed reading her blog which showcases not only her talent in photographing weddings and engagements, but photography as a whole. I won't spoil it for you, you can see for yourself in our one-on-one with jHenderson Studios.
How did you get started in weddings?
When I began working in photography, I knew right away wedding were for me! A friend was getting married about the same time, and that was my way in. From there, it was a mix of hard work and luck that built my client base, and now I’ve been in business for myself for over 7 years.
What do you like most about weddings?
I love the beauty of the drama of it all. There is just so much going on, emotions are on edge, people are always moving & interacting…it’s such a spectacle. I love the challenge of telling the story of a wedding day by capturing the motion in a still photograph.
What’s your favorite wedding pic/video and why?
My favorite changes on a regular basis, though I tend to lean towards images that are photojournalistic in their nature, where my subject has ignored me and been present in their own moment. Any image that contributes to telling the whole story of a wedding is going to be one I love.
What is your service philosophy?
I want my clients to know that I’m available to them at any time to answer questions and help them have a truly wonderful wedding experience that is showcased through beautiful photos. I also like to make friends with my clients…not only does it makes everything seem less like work, but I love staying in touch as their family grows.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
My strength is my personality. I have the right balance between being assertive enough to orchestrate a large number of people and laid back enough to not sweat the small stuff. I pour my heart and soul into every single wedding I photograph. Not only to I dwell on my upcoming weddings for the weeks and days prior, thinking about the ways I can do my job better, I also spend hours after it's all over, going through each and every photo to make sure they're all as perfect as they can be.
What makes you stand out from other photographers?
First of all, I shoot a mixture of digital and film photography. I shoot mostly 35mm film throughout the wedding day, and I’ve chosen to shoot film because I love all things analog in such a digital world. It’s important to me to tell the story of a wedding as it happens, and I find that film brings an extra touch of beauty to that story. I haven’t completely abandoned digital photography, but my best work tends to come from film. (All images in this post were photographed using film).
Also, my pricing structure is quite different from most. Rather than having set packages, I allow my clients to build their own custom wedding collection using a credit system. It gives my clients the chance to get exactly what they want, and know exactly what it costs.
Who are your favorite Nashville wedding vendors?
Ashley’s Bride Guide, of course! I’m also a HUGE fan of the gals over at CJ’s Off the Square as well as Legacy Farms and anyone involved with the Main EventPro team. And I’ve never seen a bouquet I didn’t love from The Enchanted Florist or Brocade Design. With This Ring Wedding Films is my top videographer recommendation. Honestly…I could keep going. There are so many great vendors in Nashville.
Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit?
I usually refer folks to Ashley’s Bride Guide first! I know only top quality vendors are listed here. I also love the work of Joshua Gull. I’ve been lucky enough to have been in front of his camera, and I know any client who books him would be pleased with his work.
Good answer! Thank you:). What's the best way for Nashville brides and grooms to contact you?
Contact: Jenna of JHenderson Studios
Visit: jhendersonstudios.com
Call: 931-703-3016
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Tweet: @jhendersonphoto
Friend us: JHenderson Studios on Facebook
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Helpful Vendor Interviews!, Photography, Wedding Resources
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Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Donald of Donald Yeager Photography is not only an incredible photographer but he's always willing to educate Nashville brides. I've had a burning question about photography and wedding venues and I reached out to him to get his thoughts. The advice that follows is must-read whether you have selected your wedding venue or not.
Ashley of AshleysBrideGuide.com: I'll be honest, some of venues around town that I know and love, that are also really popular with brides, don't seem to photograph well. When I visit them they are stunning but when I see photos from their weddings, they are usually very dark. How can brides get better photos? What type of venues help photographers get better images?
Donald Yeager Photography: Personally, I love to shoot in natural light, so I tend to gravitate toward outdoor venues with daytime receptions. But, that is not always possible! I do not know that there is a specific type of venue that is better than another. One very important thing any couple should consider is lighting. Since most receptions occur at night, you should consider additional lighting through event lighting to help bring the space to life. Look for a venue that provides the opportunity for creativity through event lighting.
Examples of great natural lighting at Front Porch Farms
What traits do these venues usually possess that make them so photo-friendly?
Venues with areas of natural light (like windows) are great if the wedding or reception is hosted during daylight hours. Venues with focal points or features in decor-- such as exposed brick, different levels, or interesting textures in wall treatments or furnishings, are a great added bonus to providing depth and dimension to your wedding photos. If your venue lacks those characteristics, consider bringing in items to enhance them-- such as event lighting or specialty rentals.
Ashley: What are clear obstacles of some venues?
Donald Yeager Photography: Size - a venue that is too small or too large for your party pose equal obstacles. Too tight a space means that there’s no availability to find fun places to shoot within the venue because there’s literally nowhere to go! Too large and a “cavernous” effect can happen in photos where you have lots of empty, unused and un-utilized space. Also pay attention to ceiling heights-- low ceilings can make a space feel smaller. Read venue contacts about restrictions to decor elements like candles-- several venues limit them and they can bring a lot of ambiance and additional lighting to your event.
Ashley: A lot of the outdoor venues – like Front Porch Farms, Cedarwood, Southall – are obviously beautiful so we see wonderful photos. But, how can a bride make an indoor venue more interesting so that her photos are too?
Donald Yeager Photography: Number one thing - event Lighting! In particular, uplighting, pinspotting, string lights, and gobos. Placing uplights around the room helps to add a pop of color to the walls to make the space more interesting while providing more light. PInspotting allows you to provide focal points to key items-- like your cake. String lighting is a great investment to provide ambient light and adds an interesting background element in room detail and dancing shots. Gobos or go-betweens are usually used to display the couples names and wedding date on a large blank wall, but can also add texture to the walls or ground. This again adds an interesting element to the space. Other considerations: Decor elements, like flowers, custom rentals, and personal touches from the couple make your venue appear more personalized and unique. Don’t discredit the value of well-placed decor.
Ashley: Wow! I had no clue why some wedding photos (at venues that I love) were unremarkable whereas the photos you have shot above are incredible. It's amazing how important lighting is. When you are selecting your Nashville wedding venue, be sure to budget for lighting or you won't get great photos. I've seen countless weddings in venues without great natural lighting and I struggle to see any of the details that you worked so hard to include. If photos matter and your venue matters, lighting is imperative. These venues are obviously dark but with great lighting, a professional photographer like Donald has turned these dark receptions into artistic masterpieces.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Photography, Wedding Venues and Locations
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Friday, March 22, 2013
It's been over a year since The Collection first featured Kelley and Denard's wedding on their blog. But, their wedding was so memorable that it remains a favorite. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for their color palette of red and turquoise. No matter how many times I see it, when it's done well, as their was, it blows me away. While an unlikely match up, the red and blue are a perfect complement! The colors popped against the beautiful, natural backdrop of their countryside wedding venue, Front Porch Farms. And it helps that all of the wonderful details and vibrance were meticulously captured by The Collection.
Take a look at some of my favorite photos from their day and I know you too will love their wedding, their venue and their photographers!
To enjoy their full wedding feature, visit The Collection's blog. To learn more about Front Porch Farms, visit their blog.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Photography, Real Nashville Weddings, Wedding Venues and Locations
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I just learned that JHenderson Studios has a few prime SATURDAY wedding dates for 2013 available. If you are recently engaged or have yet to fall in love with a photographer, take a look at JHenderson Studios' portfolio, approach. You'll know with one look at her photography whether she's right for you. Her style is obvious and immediately resonates with "her" bride and groom.
Jenna of JHenderson is a premier wedding photographer that serves the Middle TN area. I appreciate her sophisticated, classic approach to wedding photos. Her images are timeless and will be just as poignant in 10 years are they are on your big day. I also like working with her. She's warm and extremely professional and responsive. After you fall in love with her work, give her a call at (931) 703-3016 or email her jhendersonstudios at gmail dot com and secure your 2013 wedding date!
(Time really is ticking for all of you 2013 brides:)!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Photography
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