A month and a day ago, RLP Studios photographed what was one of the most fun, lively, emotional, and lovely events of our studio’s history: the wedding of Emily Brock Jones and Josh Jones. We had met them as we do many of our couples, through an online wedding resource, but their situation was a little bit different: the timing of their wedding was of significant importance because Josh is in the Army and would be being deployed shortly after the wedding. We spoke on the phone and they were just so sweet that I knew from the first interactions that it was going to be a really fun event. Because we are a full-lifestyle studio we have decided to take a only a select number of weddings a year, with couples who we just click with and adore, and Emily and Josh certainly fit the bill. But that was just the beginning. As we began hearing about the plans we became more and more excited: it was booked at one of our favorite venues (the Abernethy Center in Oregon City), and they’d also booked our very favorite entertainment team, Event Team Entertainment. (We have several amazing DJs that we work with, a list of which will be on the blog shortly! But Event Team just takes it to a whole new level). Will and I both have considerable military backgrounds in our families and so we loved that component, including that the male members of the bridal party would be in full dress and perform a sabre arch. We were really looking forward to the day for the months in between when we met and the actual event.

But then, the day arrived and the plans played out and it was even more fabulous than we could have even hoped for. After all, it’s not every day that the dad of your bride is a former, and celebrated, member of the NFL. Or that the groom’s father is a decorated colonel and educator at West Point. There were emotional components that made the day sweet in truly profound ways. Their families, without exception, were absolutely lovely to work with. And the party! Oh, the party. Both families love to dance but I have to say that the Brocks take the cake for the funnest family that I have ever worked with– their nearly 10-minute long lip sync sealed that without exception! The day was an expression of joy overflowing from beginning to end and I am so glad that we were able to document it for them.

To view many, many more images from the day, please visit the RLP Studios’ Facebook fan page gallery.

“Mark,” I ask, pen poised over my notebook, “if I’m looking for a wedding photographer, what questions should I ask?”

Mark looks thoughtful. “Couples are mostly asking the right questions,” he says. “But there are some questions they should ask themselves before they interview a photographer.”

1) What is most important to you on your wedding day?

“When you create a budget, what number do you base that on? Is it some recommended percentage found on the internet?” Mark asks. “Figure out what is most important to you as a bride– mirror you and spend your money on that. I’ve known brides who only wanted to spend $1000 on photos that should last a lifetime, but they spend $1800 to rent a Hummer for two hours.”

Mark explains that your photographer and videographer are the only vendors who provide a service that lasts beyond your wedding day. It’s not something that can be trusted to someone who might be able to capture the moments the way that you’ve dreamed of. (See point #4 for more on that). Most little girls grow up looking at their mother’s wedding album. But for modern brides opting for inexpensive packages or do-it-yourself albums, chances are their albums won’t be around to share with their kids. They’ll be tattered, faded and falling apart.

2) What kind of experience do you want to have on your wedding day?

“Your photographer will be with you when you’re getting ready at home, at the church, at the reception and afterward you’ll be interacting with them to go through pictures and design your album,” Mark says. “They are the vendor you need to invest the most time in.” That’s not to say that other vendors aren’t valuable. But for someone who will be your right-hand man (or woman), you want to be sure that you love them as well as their photography. And they’ll be able to recommend others in the field, from a wedding coordinators to DJs, who are critical to the flow of the day and have great reputations as well.

Just about everyone knows someone who has been burned by a photographer. When you interview photographers, imagine if you’ll like working with them. You want to hire someone who will help you create the wedding day experience you want.

3) How do you want your photographer to interact with you?

“Understand the difference between styles,” Mark says. “There’s photojournalistic, candid, formal, completely posed… Our style tends to be more traditional with your family photos, contemporary and modern with you.” (RLP Studios also combines a more documentary approach, with occasional composition at key moments).

In Mark’s experience, most couples don’t know exactly what they want until they see it. That’s pretty normal, considering that many have never planned a wedding before! Have potential photographers show you the difference in styles and you’ll know what you want. And be sure that you see several of their complete weddings so that you can see how their style flows throughout the day. Anyone can present 40 great photos on their website but you want to be sure that they have the expertise to carry that throughout the event.

4) Are you hiring a photographer or a wedding photographer?

Kat stops munching her baby spinach salad. “A wedding photographer knows the flow of a wedding; they have experience and knowledge. Someone who’s just starting out in weddings doesn’t have that experience.”

Every experienced wedding photographer can regale you with stories of the wedding where they learned to be cautious of this or that, or how to negotiate a tough situation. When you decide to hire someone who is just starting out you agree to be a part of their learning curve.

Mark describes a meeting he just had with one of his couples who had booked him for a short period of time. They wanted to have a receiving line after the ceremony and didn’t realize that this particular church doesn’t allow any photos at all during the ceremony. They were going to have to go back inside and restage them. “I told them it’s just not going to work for what you want to do.” Mark smiles. “I’m going to tell you the reality of your day. I’ll even share some things that you may not have considered…”

In this case, Mark offered to take photos separately before the ceremony since he and Kat would both be there. If a couple is having their ceremony and reception at the same venue, he’ll suggest the idea of taking photos before, so that they can enjoy more of their day, but he will always respect their choice. It’s their day!

“A weekend warrior just taking photos on the side won’t know to make those suggestions,” Kat says.

I love our engagement sessions, too, because they’re such a perfect opportunity to get to know our couples on a deeper level. By the end, it’s so much easier to just play and be relaxed, even though there are two cameras trained on your every move! Perri and Corey’s wedding at the Crown Ballroom this summer is going to be fantastic and I can’t wait to capture it with them!

]]> http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/perri-coreys-waterfronteastbank-esplanade-engagement-session/feed/ 0 http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/how-to-look-your-best-in-photographs-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-photographers/ http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/how-to-look-your-best-in-photographs-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-photographers/#comments Sat, 03 Apr 2010 00:41:08 +0000 Emma Easley Darden http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/?p=610 One of my good friends, Charlotte Geary is a wedding and portrait photographer in Manitou Springs, Colorado. She posted this on her blog today and it was such great advice (and worded so wittily, in typical Charlotte style) that I just had to repost it for our clients. This is a must-read before any kind of appointment with a camera lens!

1. Wear clothes that flatter you.
Well-fitting clothes make you look your best. Dark jeans tend to be more flattering than light jeans. If you’re self-conscious about your arms, wear sleeves. Even if that cute top looks great on the hanger it might not look good on your body type. When in doubt, choose a simple outfit and let your face be the focal point of the photos.

If you’re selecting a wedding gown, trust the opinion of the salon’s consultant. I can’t tell you how many times a bride has said that she ended up buying a style of gown that she swore she wouldn’t get, because the consultant knew that it would be the most beautiful gown on her figure. Even the most gorgeous women I know don’t look like the 5’10″, size 2 models that appear in fashion magazines, so you need to rely on the mirror and professional advice when choosing your gown. If you suspect that the salon’s staff are more manipulative than honest, then find a new salon with staff that you trust.

2. Wear simple but effective makeup.
It is a myth that you need to wear heavy makeup for the sake of the camera. The camera works pretty much the same as a mirror — if you look good in a mirror, then you’ll look good in pictures. Make sure that your makeup looks good both indoors and outdoors. Your makeup shouldn’t look much different from the way that you normally wear it. You don’t want to look like a different person in your photographs, or else you won’t like the pictures. (This is particularly true for brides. Be sure to do a test-run long before the day of your wedding so that you like what you see reflected back.)

3. Consider airbrush makeup.
If you have any concerns about your complexion, considering hiring an airbrush makeup artist. A skilled professional can conceal pimples, scars, and blotchiness with an airbrush. It’s remarkable, really.

4. Watch out for tanning.
I’m a stickler for sunscreen. Wear it for a couple weeks before your photo shoot, and embrace your natural skin color. If you really want to be tan for your photos, then do it carefully. If you are going to tan naturally, make sure that your skin tone is even without tan lines (There’s nothing like halter-top tan lines with a strapless dress). If you are going to use a spray-on tan, make sure that your skin doesn’t look orange or streaky. Another risk of spray tanning is that it can stain wedding gowns if it isn’t done properly.

Something to keep in mind for group portraits, including wedding photos, is that you are likely to be standing next to several members of your family. If you are the only person in the group who is tan, your skin color may look artificial.

5. Consider the weather when choosing a hairstyle.
If you know that your hair gets frizzy in the humidity, you may want to have it professionally blown straight. If the forecast calls for wind, it could be best to wear your hair up.

6. Bring hair pins, lip gloss, blotting papers, and/or a hair brush.
You may need to touch up your hair or makeup during a photo shoot, so be prepared. On your wedding day, have a friend or coordinator carry any items that you may need during the day.

7. Even men need tidy nails.
Trim or file your nails, and moisturize your hands and cuticles.

8. Wear lip balm for a week or so before the photo shoot.
If you have dry lips, prepare them with lip balm for several days before your photos are taken.

9. Skip the glitter.
Sparkly makeup is only effective when seen in person or in video. Still photographs don’t show sparkle — instead glitter will look like spots.

10. Most importantly, be expressive.
No matter how great you look, the success of your photos depends upon your expressions. I will do everything I can to help you feel comfortable and make the photo shoot fun. Your job is to enjoy the moments, feel each emotion deeply, laugh, and love.

]]> http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/how-to-look-your-best-in-photographs-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-photographers/feed/ 0 http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/erin-and-gus-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-wedding-photographers/ http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/erin-and-gus-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-wedding-photographers/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:37:55 +0000 Emma Easley Darden http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/?p=512 I love the hub-bub of weddings, the nervous anticipation, the beautiful moments when two become one. Erin and Gus’ wedding was one of those days when everything comes together perfectly, in all it’s imperfectness, to create a truly beautiful couple. Erin had been quite sick leading up to the wedding with some flu bug or a very nasty case of food poisoning, and at one point was nervous that she might not be able to attend. But she’s a strong one and mustered her strength, and the day of the wedding she was absolutely stunning in her strapless lace gown. The wedding party got ready at the Hilton Portland and Executive Tower, and Gus and Erin had their first look on the grand staircase. Their ceremony was at the Rhodedendron Gardens, which are one those truly unique parts of Portland and such a perfect setting for a wedding. And then their ceremony was at Berbati’s Pan, one of my favorite music venues in Portland and completely fitting. Gus is both a musician and an art director (his band performed during the festivities) and the ambiance (enhanced by chinese lanterns and pompoms strung through the rafters and scores of candles) and craziness of the venue was perfection for this young, vibrant couple. They have so much of life ahead of them and I’m so glad that we got to join them right here at the start.

]]> http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/erin-and-gus-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-wedding-photographers/feed/ 0 http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/carolyn-bryce-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-engagement-photographers/ http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/carolyn-bryce-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-engagement-photographers/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:12:16 +0000 Emma Easley Darden http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/?p=365 Our engagement sessions are an integral part of our process– we get used to you, you get used to us, and together we make beautiful images that last not just for the wedding but as a record that at one point, you were just a couple in love. We always choose a location that really reflects the couple and picturesque Sauvie Island was the perfect location for Carolyn and Bryce. They’re incredibly laid-back and fun, and so adorably affectionate. They’ll be married later this summer at the Portland LDS temple, with a reception at the Persimmon Golf Club, and I can’t wait to capture their day!

I had a lot of people think I was crazy for taking this shot! But I’ll kneel in a highway any day for an image like this.

]]> http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/carolyn-bryce-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-engagement-photographers/feed/ 2 http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/krysta-unveiled-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-photographers/ http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/krysta-unveiled-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-photographers/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:19:57 +0000 Emma Easley Darden http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/?p=323 We photographed all of the consultants for Charlotte’s Weddings and More a few weeks ago, and then last week Will got to take Krysta, the owner of the salon, to the amazing Hotel de Luxe for her private session. Krysta had a great time playing dress-up and Katherine at Event Cosmetics made her look even more stunning. And Hillary and her staff at the hotel were absolutely fabulous. In fact, we loved the hotel so much that I think we’re going to do a little stay-cation for our anniversary there! It’s the perfect mix of modern glamour and classic romance. And it was a perfect backdrop for Krysta. You’ll see her pictures, and all of the consultants soon, up on the new Charlotte’s website so stay tuned.

]]> http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/krysta-unveiled-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-photographers/feed/ 2 http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/introducing-the-charlottes-weddings-consultants/ http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/introducing-the-charlottes-weddings-consultants/#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:49:42 +0000 Emma Easley Darden http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/?p=294 I’m so excited to finally unveil these photos! This project has been a few months in the making: Krysta McLaughlin of Charlotte’s Weddings and More approached us and asked us to update their “Meet The Consultants” page. We tossed around a bunch of ideas and knew that we’d struck gold when we decided to photograph them in different classic areas of the city. One group of consultants was photographed at the Governor Hotel and the other at the historic Pittock Mansion, and both venues suit the classic style and elegance that brides are guaranteed to find when they visit Charlotte’s (My loyalty is strong: I was a Charlotte’s bride almost six years ago!) We had a fabulous time with all of the girls, helping them to laugh and relax and really show who they are. After all, that’s the point, right? Here’s just a few for a sneak peek; the rest will be on the Charlotte’s site soon. And stay tuned for Krysta’s photos, which we finished today at the Hotel de Luxe!

(A big shout-out, by the way, to the staff of both hotels who were absolutely wonderful to work with! We really appreciate your keen eyes. And also to Nicole Wagner, whose make-up application was, as always, flawless and amazing!)

]]> http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/introducing-the-charlottes-weddings-consultants/feed/ 0 http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/meegan-and-levant-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-engagement-sessions/ http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/meegan-and-levant-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-engagement-sessions/#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:20:44 +0000 Emma Easley Darden http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/?p=260 Meegan and Levant will be married this summer on the beach at one of our favorite locations (the Surfsand Resort at Cannon Beach), but unlike most of the couples who choose us as their photographers, we’d never actually met them until this last weekend! They live in Seattle and ventured down to do some wedding prep and as part of that, we rendezvoused with them for their engagement session in the Pearl district. They are so fun and adorable together. I love it that we get to be around people so often who are so completely in love! We’ll see you guys in a few months!

]]> http://www.reversedlensphotography.com/blog/meegan-and-levant-%e2%80%a2-portland-oregon-engagement-sessions/feed/ 1