Monday, December 28, 2009

portraits: sarah and chris

Rain spoiled our plans to go to the beach for their engagement session. However, Chris and Sarah (the 2nd place winners of the Dream Wedding Contest) still wanted to take some photos to give to their family for Christmas. Here are a few of them!


Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! I hope you are able to have a great time with your family and friends this time of year!

Blessings,
Kristin

Monday, December 14, 2009

Worry and Wedding Photography

I approach a closed door in the hallway of a somewhat stuffy church. As I open it, a swirling cloud of hairspray, glitter and makeup washes over my face. Chattering, high-pitched voices squeal and giggle with delight of the day. I introduce myself to the ladies present and ensure that I will make them all look fabulous, but that it won't be that hard. As the dress goes on, I watch the delight and sigh of relief emerge on the face of the bride. A veil is placed atop a head of curls and bobby pins and suddenly it all becomes so real. She's getting married!

Most people think that being a wedding photographer is the easiest job in the world. I get to photograph people looking their best on what is generally considered to be the happiest day of their lives. Brides are radiant. Grooms are giddy and all is right in the world...or so people think.

Mothers ask for another group shot. Wedding planners are clueless. Sometimes the only one who knows what is supposed to happen at a wedding is the photographer. And then there are the moments that I think ever photographer secretly dreads at a wedding. The moment the bride walks down the aisle and the kiss. The bride emerges from behind closed doors and there is about 2 seconds of prime shooting time and only time for about one flash equaling one shot. Kisses are better, unless the groom pulls the brides face away from where I can see her with my camera. such is just the tip of the wedding iceberg problems and stresses.

Here is how people think wedding photographers spend their time:
And while photographers certainly do have a lot of fun, it is not always just butterflies and wedding bliss.
Being a wedding photographer is NOT the easiest job in the world. It is fast-paced, stressful, and nerve racking, but rewarding. Some think that all photographers ever do is take pictures for one day and then they are done...not true. Wedding photographers spend time shooting, yes, but also editing, talking to clients, creating albums, making orders and more.
Here is a more realistic graph from ISPWP of how photographers really spend their time:


I, myself, have always been prone to worrying over a wedding assignments. I think it happens to every photographer at some point. "What if I lose the images?" "What if the they don't like my images?" "What if I mess something up?" "What if the bride or her mom decides to sue me?" And I'm not the only one. On his blog, Strobist talks about some of the worry and preparation that goes into a "simple" shoot. Check it out here: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2009/12/on-assignment-what-me-worry.html

However, there is a great deal of photography that is a true joy and passion that makes it all worthwhile. No matter how tired I am I always get a big adrenaline rush right before a photo shoot or wedding. It is almost like a different person takes over. I am way more confident and outgoing with a camera in my hand then at any other time. Which is good because without it I would probably crumble into a mess of worry and fear.

At the end of the day though it is all worth it. I take one final photo of the bride and groom inside the getaway car, close the door, pat the hood and wave good-bye. I have the best job on earth.

SoCal Photog Shoot Out

I'm back from my first Photog Shoot out and I had a GREAT time. I'm so glad I get to be the fabulous Hanssie Trainor's (http://hanssietrainorphotography.com/) "minion" next semester. should be in for a blast!

The photo shoot had a 1920's theme and I got some images that I just LOVE here are a few of them!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Tie the Knot: Elsbeth and Ryley

They did it! My new vegan, biking, video-game loving friends are married. Today marked my first official wedding in Southern California! Hopefully, it will be the first of many. *crossing fingers*

Here are some images from the day of the gorgeous bride and her new husband. Enjoy!


Thursday, December 3, 2009

And the winner is....

Kristin Fruh and Bobby Kelley
Here is their winning story:

In all honesty, I need your help-
Bobby and I have been dating for almost three and a half years, and have yet to kiss. We are saving that special moment for our wedding day. While it has not been easy, AT ALL, we have managed to stay true to our promise and wait until our wedding day on July 3, 2010. With Bobby starting medical school in the fall, and I continuing my Masters at CBU, we are just barely going to be able to afford the portion of his medical school that has to be paid upfront. In additon, we might be relocating to Parker, Colorado or New York two weeks after we get married--depending on medical school.
I have gotten several estimates on the cost of our wedding photography and almost every single one is 2,000 bucks over our budget- putting us way over on our pre-set budget for the wedding also. (Something that we cannot afford to absorb ourselves) In reality all we want is for someome to successfully capture our first kiss, in the most important moment of our lives.

Kristin and Bobby will receive:
8 hours of photography coverage by Kristin Joy on their wedding day
"Get to Know Me" 2 hour engagement session
Digital negatives of all their edited images
Reprint rights to all their photos
16x20 finished print
(Total Value: $1500)

Congrats!

2nd Place goes to: Sarah Robinson and Chris Cloes
Will Receive Digital negatives of all their edited wedding images and reprint rights to all their photos. (Total Value: $500)

3rd Place goes to Julia Brinkley and Jon Pickard
Will receive 10% off of their wedding photography package up to $300 (Total Value: $300)

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Elsbeth + Ryley

When Elsbeth approached me about photographing her wedding on a short notice, I couldn't have been more stoked. Not only will her wedding be my first in California, but her and her fiance are so unique and fun. Because Elsbeth and Ryley share a love for Lee's Sandwiches, they requested that we go there for their engagement shoot. Fine by me! I was also glad to have my man come along and get a taste of second shooting with me. Here are some pictures from the day!


My handsome man took this great photo!