"Photocrisy"- Is the wedding photography industry killing itself?

In today's world it seems like everyone wants to be a photographer. It's the new "fad" thing to be into...that and making cupcakes. With the accelerated world of digital media and camera technology, the ability to own a camera and take "decent" pictures has become commonplace. It seems as if the wedding industry (in particular) is rapidly becoming over populated with photographers. This in mind, the photography industry must respond. I have heard several responses as to what actions should be taken and I want to respond.

First, I have heard some photographers criticize the photographers that are constantly running deals and "undercutting" the professionals while they try to break into the business. I must ask of those photographers...Were you not once there? Did you not also do cheap shoots saving for a new camera or lens? And if you just happened to have $2000 laying around for a Mark II, then lucky you!

Other photographers say that if you just "stand out" you will get business. They also suggest word-of-mouth and a good brand. Let me again say, THIS TAKES MONEY! Photographers who suggest this often seem to have a product or service backing them that they want you to buy to help your brand. A good business logo by a professional will cost upwards of $200 and that's just the logo. Add on the domain name ($13/month), web server ($40/month), web designer (In the 100s), professional blog ($200 and this is your main up-to-date portfolio tool) and you have a steep bill for a beginner. And that's not even counting professional equipment which can take you to the $5000 mark easily. If you were ever in this position, you know that it takes money, a lot of cheap shoots and time.

I think overall the biggest problem is the economy + client apathy equation. (This of course does not apply to the photographers who have been lucky enough to break in to the wedding market of the millionaires. I'm talking about the middle class photographers.) The market is now bombarded with trillions of photos every day. For wedding photographers, this is tricky because it makes it harder for clients to see the differences in quality. But, more importantly, the state of the economy was forced brides into the world of DIY! Why do you think so many DIY bridal blogs are doing so incredibly well? And DIY has trickled down to the photography department of weddings. This is why so often the cousin, uncle or friend gets the job of shooting a wedding instead of the true professional. Brides regret it later, but this is the state the their pocket book seems to force them into.

So, what do we do? Pros don't like the newbies that they once were. Newbies don't have the money that they need for pro equipment, so they undercut and hurt the some of the pros. Brides just want a good deal. To me, it's a vicious cycle and as one being caught in it (unfortunately), I don't have an answer.

*Comments welcome and appreciate*

love you: Brittanie and John

Alright. I confess. I am really bad about keeping this blog up to date. It's not that I'm not working and shooting. It's just that I upload photos to Facebook and forget to do the blog. With the madness of my wedding and everyone else, I seem to constantly inhabit wedding world and rarely emerge to even eat let alone blog. However, at the request of my fiance, it is time for an update.

The first wedding weekend of the summer for me this year was madness. Two weddings. Two time zones. Two days. You get the point.

Brittanie called me back in March and asked me to photograph her and her soldier fiance's wedding. I have always had a soft spot for military weddings so I was excited to get to work with them. Brittanie is a tall, gorgeous gal with an air similar to what you would imagine a queen or princess to have on her wedding day and she certainly looked like one!


The day was beautiful and the venue she chose was stunning. The Twin Oaks Garden Estate where the wedding was held was adorably decked to the nines. The gals got ready in the schoolhouse and the ceremony was help outside in the gazebo.

Red Gerber daises, sparkling jewels and black and white polka dots, accented the wedding with elegant touches.

class of 2010: ashley

Ashley was a little shy when she first stepped out of the car. I had talked to her prior to our shoot and I knew that she was a sweetheart, but I think the idea of being in front of the camera made her nervous. Ashley loves photos so I knew that having great senior pictures meant a lot to her. Knowing this, I was excited that she had picked me to capture this stage of her life. Ashley is being home schooled like I was at her age so, photographing her was a little bit like peeking a look back at myself. I'm happy with the way the images came out. I hope I filled her expectations!

This is my favorite from the day. I love the great expression and moment on her face. To me, it is pure joy.
Look at those eyes...STUNNING!


Ashley just adores her little sister, Laura, who has Down Syndrome. I was glad to be able to capture such a special bond.
What do you think?

Cypress College Photo Expo

I missed WPPI this year because I had to go to class. Boo. So, I was stoked when I heard about the Cypress College Photo Expo. Jasmine Star, Chris Becker, Dane Sanders, Lawrence Chan were a few of the amazing photographers that came to speak.
It was hard to tell what was ore exciting "ghetto fabulous marketing" or Jasmine's brilliant style and personality. She truly is such a great speaker and a blessing!

Thank you to everyone who came out yesterday!

Overdue Easter Post

Yes, I know these photos are a little overdue, but I want to post them. Easter is always special for Dustin's family for several reasons. First, is the obviously celebration of Christ being raised from the dead and emerging from the tomb. Second, is the fact that it is Dustin's cousin, Miles' birthday. Third, is that all of Dustin's mom and her sisters get to all be together. This is rare since Julie lives in Virgina.

The smell on ham radiated from the instant we walked in the door. Kids running to and fro shortly ensued. Appetizers lined the counter-top. Guacamole, salsa, veggies, crackers and chocolate shortly became the munchies of choice while the ladies finished lunch.


Nana, Kim and Julie working away in the kitchen.

Dustin playing with his cousin's film camera.Owen asking his aunt, "Can we start yet?"
Logan's mad dash for Easter eggs.Mom and daughters.
Kim and Boomer
My handsome man and his classic eyebrow.
Dustin took this one of me and I think it's great!

Money Entagles: My tax woes

I officially hate doing taxes. They are so long and exhausting as a small business owner. You would think that the government would want to give small business owners a tax break, but noooo taxes are super high. Anyway, I have been so tangled up in my taxes that I have barely been able to think of any thing else.

So when I was given an the assignment of "Color" I had no idea what to do. Thank goodness for my amazing boyfriend who was gracious enough to not only help me come up with a concept, but was willing to model for me as well. Here is the representation of how I feel about taxes:
What do you think?

love: jenai and jared

I was so excited to hear that I was going to get to assist Hanssie Trainor at a wedding at the historic Casa Romantica in San Clemente. I was also excited to find out that the bride was not only gorgeous, but had a master's in journalism. Although the lighting was not ideal that day, I am still excited about how the images came out.
What do you think?

I absolutely adore Jenai's Maggie Sottero dress.
Thank you so much, Hanssie and Mary for letting me shoot with you!

life: jessica's maternity shoot

Jessica is one of those women that I think every other pregnant woman hates. She is stunning! I seriously could not get over how beautiful she is. Jessica is going to a bridesmaid for only of my July brides later this year and it was a joy to photographer her early. I just hope that I look that gorgeous one day if I ever have a child.

I knew that I would like Jessica from the moment I heard her voice on the phone. Spunky and perky. Just how I like my clients! :-) At the shoot, her and her husband Danny were up for anything. And let me tell you, Danny is a trooper. He carried ice cream, pickles and a potted plant around and chauffeured two giggling gals. I'm so excited for the new addition to their family and the new friends I have made!

engaged: kristin + bobby

If you keep up with this blog, you will remember the contest last year where I gave away free wedding photography to the couple who had what I felt like was the best love story. With the weather finally starting to warm up, it was time to do their engagement photos. It was such a great time! You can read Bobby and Kristin's story here: Kristin and Bobby's Winning Love Story

Here are just some of the great photos from the day!




Copyright © 2010 by Kristin Vaughan http://www.kristinjoy.net
Inland Empire Wedding Photographer, Kristin Vaughan is a artistiv wedding photographer who specializes in portrait photojournalism.
Kristin Joy Photography Wedding Photography | Riverside, California, 92504 | 816-223-8033