Vendor Spotlight: Eve Traetto Photography

Gotta love Christmas Season folks. Lots of shopping, baking, parties and....delayed blog posts...my apologies! However, good things come to those who wait and do I have a GREAT vendor for you to check out: Eve Traetto Photography. I had the best time working with Eve at the wedding of Jennifer and Sheldon Colborne-Lewis earlier this year. Jennifer is a photographer herself (Jen Shoots Weddings) and both her and Eve own and operate Sensational Wedding Vendors. But, this post is 'All about Eve' (couldn't help myself.).

I absolutely love Eve's style and spirit. She blends in so well with the guests that she has the opportunity to really capture the best natural shots of the wedding.

Read on for our interview with Eve:

How did you decide photography was what you wanted to do?

Photography was always a hobby of mine growing up, i was rarely without a camera. Then i was lucky that my school offered it as a course and i had an amazing teacher that really pushed me to follow it as a career, so that's exactly what i did. I couldn't be happier!

How did the company get started?

I moved from the UK to Canada about 4 years ago and started working for an advertising agency. I hated working there, it was boring and not at all creative. I figured the only way i would get to photograph what i wanted would be start my own business and it's been growing ever since.

What equipment do you use?

I use mainly all Canon equipment my primary shooting camera at the moment is my Canon 5D MII but for fun i play around with my Bronicas and Holga cameras.

What sets you apart from other photographers?

I am professional but laid back, i don't have as many restrictions as other photographers seem to. I understand that standard photography packages don't always work for everyone and i work with my clients to see what works for them. I also, like to get a good feel of what my clients are looking for and involve their personalities in the images and not just what happens to be the current trend.

What tips can you give a couple to help them make the best choice in photographers?

The number one tip is to connect with your photographer, especially for a wedding as you will be with them all day. If you choose someone who you don't mesh with it will show in your photographs. You want someone who will put you at ease and you can have fun with. If budget is an issue don't just choose someone who has the best price as you might end up regretting not spending a little bit more. More photographers are offering this now but make sure you get all of your high res images on a disk as always having to print through your photographer can get very expensive when their printing rates are sky high. This way you also have all digital copies of your images and not just a proof book.

What are important questions that a couple should ask a photographer before booking?

If the person you are meeting with will actually be your photographer on the day, some studios just send out whoever is available, so you want to make sure the work you are looking at is the person who will be taking your photographs. Just be smart, make sure everything that you are expecting from the photographer is written down in a contract and signed by all parties.

Are there any misconceptions that couples have, that you'd like to clear up?

I guess that just because a family member or a friend has a good camera that they will be ok to take the pictures at your wedding. Yes they have a good camera but they probably are shooting on auto and even if they are not they don't have the experience that other photographers have or perhaps even the creative eye.

Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Coordinator? Why?

Oh yes very important! There are so many things that could not quite go to plan on a wedding day and if you don't hire a planner then the wedding couple are the ones that have to deal with it which can really stress them out. Coordinators are trained to deal with these issues and are usually prepared for anything!

Are there any special promotions you have going on right now?

Right now we have a special deal for winter weddings (off season now until April) from 25% to 50% off and contact me for more details!

Thank you Eve. I look forward to working together in 2011!

Contact Eve: Eve Traetto Photography
www.traettophotography.com

Vendor Spotlight: Jennifer Images

Having had the pleasure of working with Jennifer of Jennifer Images, there were a few things that stood out to me as far as her 'Creative Eye', so to speak.

a. She doesn't skip a beat. She is so in-tune and focused on her couple that she truly captures the personal and intimate moments between them.

b. She is honest to a fault!  She will never lead a couple to believe they are getting something they are not.

c. She absolutely, positively, LOVES her career and all her couples.  You can see this from the minute you meet her and go through her portfolio. She speaks about her past clients as if they are family.

d. She is proud of her work! This is my favorite quality in her.  Being proud of what you have captured and delivered, means you have surpassed even your own expectations.  It shows that to her every wedding is unique and she does not shoot the same 'typical' images for every couple. She is one-of-a-kind, and I look forward to working with her for many years to come!

I was lucky enough to interview Jennifer and she graciously shared her great insight with all of us, including tips to help you decide on a photographer, should you hire a planner and even some questions to ask before selecting your photographer. Here is what she had to say.

Q. When did you decide that Photography was your 'calling'?

A. Almost 8 years ago I decided that life was to short to spend the majority of my time doing something I disliked.  I had always loved photography and wanted a career that allowed my creativity to grow.  With my husbands encouragement I went back to school and shortly there after opened Jennifer Images.

 

Q. How did the company get started?

A. The company got started as a result of much drive, determination and enthusiasm.  I was so thrilled to be doing something I loved that I jumped in with all of my heart and soul.  I started doing portraits for friends, work colleagues and family.  Then the referrals started to come in and one thing led to another.  Eventually I left my full time job and worked solely for myself. 
 

Q. What sets you apart from other photographers?

A. This is a question I used to struggle to answer, but over the years I suppose I've narrowed it down to a few key points.  First and foremost would be me.  My enthusiasm for what I do, coupled with my integrity and keen business sense allow me to be fun and responsible at the same time.  I do what I say I will do and I don't make promises I can't keep. I also believe that my style has evolved over time, and my work has been defined as having timeless elegance.  I like to equate it to the kind of timeless elegance seen in amazing women like Jackie Onassis and Grace Kelly.

Q. What 5 tips can you give a couple looking for their 'ideal' photographer?

A.  1. Don't base your decision on price.   As in almost anything in life, you get what you pay for in  wedding photography.  While it's true that not everyone can afford the most expensive wedding photographers, I think that it's important to understand the value of your wedding photos, and then to prioritize this accordingly.   There are many do it yourself projects that can be done beautifully when planning your wedding, and many areas where you can cut back on your budget.  Unfortunately, your wedding photos are one of the only tangible objects that will not only remain after the wedding itself, but for decades after that. Your wedding photos should become a family heirloom for your grandchildren to admire.  Not just a snapshot in time.

2. Do your homework, prior to hiring your photographer.  Referrals are an excellent way to start.  If you've been referred to your photographer, ask your friends why they recommend that photographer and what about them were they most pleased with.   Also, was there anything about that person that they disliked.  If you've come this far, follow up some more.  Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if this person or company has had any complaints.

Find out how long the photographer has been in business and if it looks likely that they will be staying in business in the years to come.

3. Decide whether or not you like their work.  By liking their work, I mean do you like it enough to trust them to photograph your entire wedding day without giving them a "must have" list.   Must have lists are fine for family formals but  aside from those you need to give your photographer free reign to see your wedding with their own creative vision, and with eyes that you could not possibly see.  To get a good sense of this, make sure you've seen a complete wedding from beginning to end and that you love what you see.   Once you trust your photographer, you will feel much more at ease, letting them "do what they do" on your wedding day.

4. Meet your potential photographer.  Make sure that you actually meet the person who will be photographing your wedding and spending the majority of the day with you.   Your personalities MUST mesh.  If they rub you the wrong way, if they stand you up, if they act inappropriately during your initial meeting, it's likely that they will not be the right person for you.  Personality is HUGE!

5. Consider having an engagement session to make sure you've made the right decision.  Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know your photographer better and provide the photographer with an excellent opportunity to get to know you as a couple.  The session also allows you a little glimpse of what you can expect during the wedding.  If you love your engagement photos, then it's pretty likely you'll love your wedding photos!

 

Q. What are the most important questions a couple should ask a photographer before booking with them?

A. How long have you been photographing weddings? 

-Do you carry insurance ? 

-Do you have back up equipment in case of theft or damage?

-How many photographers will be photographing my wedding? 

-How long after my wedding will my photos be ready?  

-Will I receive the high resolution images on DVD, or will I have to buy the images directly from you? 

-Are the images edited?  If so, what does that include?  

Q. Are there any misconceptions that couples have that you'd like to clear up?

A. I suppose the biggest misconception that people have would be that hiring a friend or family member to photograph your wedding is a great way to save money. The truth is that by hiring a friend or family member (with little or no wedding experience) you risk hurting your relationship with that person by putting unrealistic expectations on them, and then feeling negative feelings of disappointment when they aren't able to deliver you with the kind of images you envision from your wedding day.

 

Q. Any upcoming news or promos you'd like to share?

A. I recently offered a big 72 hour sale on remaining 2011 wedding dates, which was a huge success.  As a result of that success, I may actually consider offering another 72 hour sale in the near future!

Q. Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Planner? Why?

 

A. I often suggest to clients that they consider hiring a wedding planner for at least "day of"  or "month-of" co-ordination. I strongly believe that your wedding should be an experience of joy and celebration, and not one of worry and stress.

Hiring a wedding planner can help couples not worry about the endless "little things" that need to be done, and can really help them experience the day as they envision it!

Thank you Jennifer for taking the time to be our guest! 

Jennifer Images
905-854-6000
info@jenniferimages.ca
 87 Main Street North
Unit 2
Campbellville, ON
L0P 1B0

Choosing the right Photographer for you!

So, here's a special treat for all you wonderful couples out there getting ready to hire a photographer. Larissa and Trevor from the fabulous Ambient Studios have graciously honoured us by being our guest bloggers today! We are so thrilled to pass along these amazing tips (not to mention the wicked eye candy) that they provided especially to us about what style photography is right for you. Enjoy and don't forget to take the fun quiz at the end:)

Taste Verses Trend

As you sift through a sea of magazines and bridal shops, reality TV shows and wedding expos it becomes quite clear that the ‘current trend’ dictates what we see and can often influence our opinion.  Like most other creative industries, the wedding world is bombarded by many changing trends each season from colours to place settings to dresses to center pieces.  But one must be mindful to also choose what best reflects their own taste and personality – after all, this is a very personal day, and you wouldn’t want to end up with memories that don’t reflect your style. 

I can speak first hand as a photographer when I say that when it comes to being influenced by trends in the industry, wedding photography is no exception.  We see a wide variety of fades float in and out of the industry at a steady rate, from post-production variations to photo booths to specific poses.  At times a new trend can be beneficial to the industry – but one must be mindful not to jump onto a bandwagon without evaluating your own personal tastes first. 

For example, when I first began shooting weddings there were some very strong post-production trends floating around, some of which are still being used today.  Black and white photos with a colour accent were all the rage – you know the ones, where the couple is in black & white and the flowers are in colour?  Another trend of the time was overlaying text onto images such as “eternal love” or “just married” to compliment the photo.  Now, more recently we see an increase in faux textures overlaid on images, antique finishes, the addition of film grain, or a desaturation of colours for a more muted look.   Ultimately, trends will come and go and couples will either love them or eerr…not, but when it comes to photography it is important to keep in mind that these photos will eventually act as your memories of the day.  You may love the way these effects look now, but will they stand the test of time?  

One such trend, or rather shooting style that has quickly established itself in the marriage market is documentary wedding photography, sometimes referred to as wedding photojournalism.  While this is a bit different than the post-production trends we were chatting about earlier, it has emerged onto the scene quickly and the term has made its way through the lips of many-a-bride in the planning stages.

As with any trend you will find that many photographers will adapt to mimic or learn the ropes in order to accommodate a couple’s request.  While it’s nice to be a part of the latest trend, I’d like to reiterate once again, that it’s important to first recognize which style you are drawn to instinctively.  Some couples are a great fit for a documentary style, while others are more comfortable with a creative fashion photographer, or a more traditional approach.  Like anything, the first step is to understand what you are looking for. 

So- let’s break it down:

What is documentary wedding photography?

Documentary shooting is a candid, unobtrusive approach to photographing your wedding.  For a documentary photographer the goal is to cover your day as a story by capturing genuine moments and interactions between you and your guests.  Most documentary photographers aim to blend into the background to the point where you don’t even notice they are there.

How is it different?

Instead of spending the majority of your day posing for the camera, couples are able to interact with their family and friends naturally.  This means, for example, that instead of posing for a photo with your father in the morning before the ceremony, a documentary shooter would work to capture the look on your fathers face as he first sees you in your dress.  Real, genuine moments are the main focus rather than posed memories or directed group shots.

Is it right for me?

As with every trend or style, the fact that it is popular right now does not necessarily make it right for you.  You should be honest with yourself and be sure to choose a style that best suits your personality.   After all, your choice of photographer and their shooting style will dictate the printed memories you are left with after everything is said and done. 

Here is a rough guide to a few of the current photography styles and generally what they include.  Of course, every photographer is unique, but this will give you a good basic of understanding to start from:

      Traditional Style

• Most of the images are posed, with people smiling and looking at the camera.
• Formal, posed group shots with your family & friends are taken.
• The photographer will offer lots of direction to you throughout the day, for example: tilt your head a little, place your hand here, etc.
• Photographer is usually open to utilizing a specific shot list that you can provide and will follow it throughout the day.
  

Fashion Style

• Posed, creative photos with an edgy feel.
• Lots of direction is given and the goal is to achieve that model/fashion look that you see in magazines.
• Props are often used to create interest and sometimes there is a story line involved and a specific photo location is utilized.
• Lighting is usually used off camera, is very dramatic and adds interest to the photos.
• Strong poses with attitude and personality are created.
  

Documentary Style

• The photographer will offer little or no direction throughout the day, and blend into the background as much as possible.
• Images that depict true emotion, moments and interactions are the focus for the majority of the day.
• Photos of the couple consist of very candid, natural moments between the pair, sometimes on site or at an alternate photo location.
• The story of your day is captured through images and you are left with a set of images that showcase the entire day from beginning to end. 

Fine Art Style

• There is a mixture of image types, many are posed, some include eye contact with the camera and others do not.
• Current post production trends are often applied to images to create a unique look or feel.
• There is usually an element of drama and/or a unique perspective to the photos created through the photographers angle and or creative cropping.
• Special lenses or effects are often utilized to add drama. (tilt-shift lenses, fish eye lenses, lens flare, etc.)

Keep in mind that some photographers will offer a service that is a combination of two styles or a mixture of a few key elements, so be sure to keep searching until you find a fit that is right for you.  It’s hard to break everything down to only four categories, but hopefully this will act as a good starting point for those of you who are beginning your search.

Still not sure what which style is for you?  The simplest way to decide is to begin looking through a few different photographer’s portfolios, and get a sense of which images you’re drawn to.  Ultimately, you want to be comfortable with not only your photographer’s style, but their personality as well.

As a quick side note, it’s important to recognize that photography style is a very personal element and is unique to every photographer, because of this it was difficult to narrow down four choices to highlight for you here.  Keep in mind that while a company may aim to shoot with a specified style, you should ensure that you are able to see a portfolio created by the actual photographer that you will be working with on your day.  Believe me when I say that even given the same situation, no two photographers will produce the same image.- this is one of the things that makes photography so awesome. So, remember that it’s key to have access to and be comfortable with the portfolio of all the photographers who will be joining you on your day.

Happy hunting brides & grooms!

Cheers,

-Larissa Issler
Co-owner & Photographer
Ambient Studios
www.ambientstudios.ca 

Just for kicks, we’ve created a little quiz which might help you decide – all in good fun of course - and keep in mind that your top result may just be one of the styles that will work for you, many couples will be comfortable with a combination of two styles.