Kristin Joy Photography

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

2010-09-29T15:56:00.005-05:00

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

2010-07-07T16:31:00.003-05:00

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

2010-04-16T00:23:00.003-05:00

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

2010-04-10T20:47:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-10T01:30:00.007-05:00

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

2010-04-09T23:51:00.006-05:00

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

2010-03-31T01:59:00.003-05:00

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

2010-03-30T01:43:00.005-05:00

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

2010-03-19T01:45:00.006-05:00

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

Mallory + Kyle: Bridal Shoot

2010-03-07T00:36:00.002-06:00

Mallory and Kyle didn't get some great photos of them from their wedding so, they asked me to take some more of them.

Here are a few from yesterday's shoot:

Young Family

2010-02-22T03:24:00.002-06:00

I had the privilege of photographing the Young family before the youngest daughter, Sarah, got married two days later. I counted it an honor to get to photograph their family one last time before the addition of a new member. Enjoy!

photo shoot: Tim

2010-02-06T00:25:00.002-06:00

Tim is one of the RAs in my housing section at school. He is also a great friend and him and his sister are truly some of my favorite people. They are both such a blessing!

Bride's Choice winner!

2010-02-02T13:18:00.001-06:00

Kristin Joy Photography chosen as a Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Photographer

Don't ruin someone's wedding!!!!

2010-01-27T00:56:00.007-06:00

Below is the exact reason why some people should just say, "no" to shooting people's weddings.

I got this e-mail today from a bride and it just broke my heart to hear that her wedding day was ruined by a photographer that didn't know what they were doing. While I don't claim to be the best wedding photographer in the world, I do have the skills necessary to capture this irreplaceable day.

Here is the note:

Hi, Kristin! I'm a friend of (insert mutual friend). I saw the portraits you did for her and her roommates and they were beautiful! I was just curious, I got married last month, and as a present a friend was going to take care of our photographer. Unfortunately, we barely got any good shots. It was so disappointing to miss out on capturing that moment. How much would a session be with you for a couple hours if we got back into our wedding attire and just had you take pictures of us somewhere pretty? God definitely blessed you with a gift of photography. Hope to hear from you soon :)

-Bride's name

So, to other photographers who want to just "have fun" trying to shoot someone's wedding for a few bucks or as a friend with a "nice camera", take a second to step back and think about what you are doing.

Here are a few things that Scott Bourne mentioned in his recent blog post, "And You Call Yourself a Professional?" I HIGHLY suggest that ANYONE wishing to dip into the world of wedding photography read it!

I’ve been around a long time. I’ve seen dozens of businesses fail using this model and more importantly (and more to the point) have seen dozens of brides’ wedding memories ruined by photographers who had no business being there in the first place. There’s no do-over on a wedding. It takes a decent budget to get a decent result. Good reliable gear with backups cost money. Training cost money. Quality wedding prints, albums, books and gallery wraps cost money. If you sell a bride a cheapo wedding album that falls apart because you couldn’t make enough profit doing the cheapo wedding shoot, how does that serve the client? These are people’s lives you’re messing with. What could have more value than the wedding album – the first family heirloom of a brand new family? Think about it.

You can view his blog here: And you call yourself a professional?

Lovely ladies of Apt. 23

2010-01-06T12:41:00.003-06:00

These girls have more energy and silliness than I know what to do with sometimes. They are adorable, giddy and so much fun. The fun feel of the music and the photos truly captures the joy that they are!

Jesse and Tori

2010-01-02T15:29:00.003-06:00

Jesse fell in love with Tori almost instantly. She was his "angel" and it's not hard to see why he said so. Tori is one of the most gorgeous and sweet gals I have ever met. I remember when Tori and Jesse first started dating. It seemed like Jesse wanted to instantly go out, buy a ring, drop to a knee and propose. While he wasn't able to right then, his heart remained set on winning the girl of his dreams and soon...he did!

portraits: sarah and chris

2009-12-28T15:13:00.003-06:00

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!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T01:53:00.001-06:00

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

Blessings,
Kristin

Worry and Wedding Photography

2009-12-14T13:41:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-14T02:33:00.002-06:00

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!

Tie the Knot: Elsbeth and Ryley

2009-12-06T23:01:00.002-06:00

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!

And the winner is....

2009-12-03T12:26:00.002-06:00

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)

Elsbeth + Ryley

2009-12-01T12:15:00.001-06:00

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!

Lauren + Trent

2009-11-19T12:17:00.004-06:00

I recently was able to shoot a great couple! Neighbors, Lauren and Trent, would use the power box in between their yards as a meeting spot to talk. It's no surprise that Trent proposed to Lauren. Lauren is gorgeous, but that isn't all, her bubbly spirit and warm smile is always a joy to me. Trent is such an incredibly generous man. He quickly became one of my favorites guys around when he bought Chick-Fil-A for us for dinner. What a great day!

Here are a few photos from their e-Session.

I let Trent take a few photos of his lovely bride-to-be. I think it was his favorite part.
This is my favorite photo from the day.

E-Shoot: Trent & Lauren

2009-11-10T04:13:00.002-06:00

Trent and Lauren are definitely one of my favorite couples to date. Lauren is absolutely stunning and Trent couldn't be more enthralled with her. Throughout the shoot he repeatedly told me, "Isn't she gorgeous?" Here is a small collage of a few of the photo from their engagement shoot.

The Future of Journalism

2009-11-05T01:05:00.001-06:00

Honestly, the entire idea of the government funding any portion of the press as a whole is enough to send genuine chills up any journalists spine. Newspapers and broadcasts have often bucked the idea of government funding, however, with the invention of the internet and the easily accessible communication, it seems that the ability of newspaper to receive funding at the older rates may be declining.

Unfortunately, it seems as if newspapers are now finding themselves stuck in the black hole that is the internet with little chance of escape. Although publications like the Wall Street Journal are making their subscriptions available online for a fee (if even in small “micropayments.” I suspect that technology will soon become the boss of the news industry. Why should the average Joe purchase a subscription to the Journal when his news automatically shows up on his or her Google homepage or on his or her iPhone?
Because news industries did not react quickly enough to the changing technology of the “free” enterprise known as the internet, they will have a hard time convincing readers to now pay for something that they received for free.

As to the plan set forth in The Reconstruction of Journalism, I do not agree with the governmental matching proposal. This report by Leonard Downie, Jr. and Michael Schudson suggests that governmental funding would match funds raised by independent papers. This concerns me because it feels like it would then give the government 50% control of individual papers. It feels like this would give the government a sort of monopoly over the papers. A monopoly that paper have tried so long to escape.

To me, it seems like the most logical thing that will occur will one of two situations. One, newspapers will charge for virtual form and will see a drop in readership and eventually (maybe) see a re-growth after the shock value has worn off. However, for that to work, a substantial amount of respectable papers would all have to agree to begin charging for virtual format.

The second possibility is that newspapers will be forced to take the federal funding to survive.
Regardless, journalism will always exist in one form or another. Rather it be through a paper or a Twitter, someone will always have to gather the news and distribute it. News sources will survive based upon their ability to adapt to the ever growing world of technology.

http://www.minnpost.com/insideminnpost/2009/10/19/12627/a_modest_proposal_for_federal_funding_of_journalism

2009-10-17T16:30:00.001-05:00

I’m a very passionate person; not many people would contend with that notion. However, some things that people do arouse, not only frustration in me, but anger. I know that the Bible says to be “slow to anger”, but some things cause me to get aggravated quicker than others. For instance, one relatively minor irritation of mine is when people unnecessarily honk their horns, or honk for extended periods of time. I understand if someone is about to hit you, but there is no need to lay on your horn for fifteen seconds. My boyfriend enjoys participating in this irritation of mine and honking my horn when he drives my car.

Another minor irritation, is when I step on a melted ice cube while wearing socks in the winter. My feet are already naturally cold, so I try to wear socks sometimes to keep them warm. Stepping on melted, but cold water defeats the purpose of said socks and frustrates me to the “n”th degree.

These might be minor irritations, but few things drive me to real anger. One thing that makes me very angry is when parents over-punish their children in public places. For the past four years I have worked at a family entertainment establishment where parents are encouraged to play and interact with their toddlers. All children get tired and whine at times and, yes, they are more than capable of causing a big scene with a temper tantrum.

However, I don’t believe it is ever right for a parent or any adult to get angry at or hit a child in public. If a parent needs to discipline a child, it should be not be done in a store or public place, but rather at home where the matter can be discussed and dealt with.

Once such instance that infuriated me is the following story. The owner of a daycare brought approximately seven children into the facility which I worked. She then proceeded to turn the children loose to play in our ball pit area. As the children played, she would order food (with her company credit card) and proceed to read a book and eat. By and by, a boy who looked to be about three, exited the pit area and approached his caretaker to inquire as to a cup of water. She then aggressively grabbed him by the wrist and informed the boy that this was HER time and not to bug her. After hours of being rude to these children, the children’s parents would come pick them up at which point in time the “caretaker” would become sweet and loving to the children and hug them goodbye in front of their parents. This scenario was typical for this woman as she often would bring the children in on a regular basis.

Several things anger me about this behavior. The main thing is that I never witnessed the children ever do anything that was remotely disobedient or rude to this woman and yet she was cruel to them. Secondly, the fact that she used the children’s parent’s money to pay for her grotesque intake of nachos and yet was not even willing to give the children water. Lastly, that her behavior was manipulative in front of the parents exhibiting no integrity at all.

I hope I never subject my children to this kind of treatment.

Weston + Audrie

2009-07-06T14:01:00.004-05:00

I got to shoot a gorgeous wedding yesterday! Audrie wore her grandmother's dress from 1953 and it's was utterly too adorable! The day was filled with items from Audrie's and Weston's parents and grandparents wedding. From authentic petticoats to cake servers to garters, the day was rich with memory and blessings. I'm so glad I got to be a part of their day!!!
I absolutely ADORE this photo of Audrie! Her eyes show a sexy innocence that I just love in brides.

May 30th Wedding

2009-06-13T18:16:00.004-05:00

Recently, I was given the privilege of shooting a very near and dear friend's wedding. Whitney was the president of the Gamma Alpha Lambda sorority I was in a few years ago. Her beautiful spirit and heart for the Lord truly shined through on her weddings day as she was nothing but smiles. Although the road leading up to the day of the wedding was a rocky one filled with heartache and for Whitney and her family, the day itself was filled with laughter and tears of joy. I'm so glad I was able to spend such a special day for her on a special day for me...my 21st birthday. :-)

Mark is such an amazing man! He wrote letters to Whitney, her mother and his mother that morning.

It's a Party!!!

2007-12-19T12:12:00.000-06:00

When it's over....

2007-12-11T12:56:00.000-06:00

With the school semester coming to an end, I hope to start posting some of the work from my most recent shoots. For now, here is some older stuff from "The Vault." Keep coming back to see what's new at KristinJoy Photography.