Wedding Tips & Tricks

I love e-sessions. They are right up there with shooting a wedding for me - simply one of my favorite things to do.

What I love so much is the simplicity of an e-session; the passion and sometimes nervous excitement that comes when they realize this photo session is in preparation for the day they've both been waiting for.

I get to witness that - and better yet, I get to capture it. That's why I love photographing e-sessions.

And because I love them, and shoot them often, I've garnered a few tips and tricks along the way - things I've learned that help a couple enjoy and benefit the most out of our time together.

Here they are:

• Sleep! Get lots of rest the night before your session.
  
• Stay well hydrated by drinking lots of water a few days before your session.
  
• I highly recommend wearing something that you're both comfortable in, that makes you feel like yourselves.
  
• Also, choose colors you love; bright and bold often work well with the camera, especially when paired with a huge smile that shows you feel like yourself in what you're wearing.
• Keep the location in mind as you decide what to wear - if we're in a natural setting you may get a little dusty or slightly dirty as we shoot; if we're near water you may get a little wet (maybe); if we're in the city, we may be doing a bit of walking...which leads me to the next point:
  
• Wear shoes that work for the location(s) we're shooting in. It goes a long way in keeping you comfortable and relaxed!
  
• If you're wearing patterns, choose ones that compliment each other; horizontal stripes aren't always as flattering in camera, even if they look great on you.
• Typically I recommend having some color, or adding colorful accessories to a white top - it tends to really compliment your e-session photos and sets them apart from your wedding day photographs.
• Lastly, when couples match with similar hues or shades of a coordinating color pattern it looks great - but you don't have to perfectly match to look good together! :)

And finally, if you ever have questions on what to wear or anything else regarding your session - talk to me! Shoot over an email or give us a ring - we're here to serve you and help your session be the first of many amazing wedding memories to come. ;)

Got a great tip or trick? Leave a comment!


Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Do you Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?

New Orleans has touched my heart in a deeper way than I could have ever expected.

Last week I had the privilege to attend Pictage's PartnerCon in New Orleans, LA. The conference was held at the beautiful Astor Crowne Plaza, right off Canal and Bourbon St.'s in the middle of the French Quarter.

View more NOLA photographs here.

I arrived Monday night, so tired from the early flight and drive to the airport. I was ready to crash by the time I checked in after dark around 6pm. The first chance I had to explore the Quarter wasn't until the following evening. I wandered Bourbon St. with my camera - taking in the sights and sounds, and smells. Honestly, at that moment I was ready to write off NOLA (New Orleans, LA). I'd had my taste, and my fill.

Wednesday, I was scheduled to go on a Shooting Workshop with the amazing photographer, Chris A. Williams, who calls NOLA home. The session started out slow on the bus drive over. I was determined to practice "Walking amongst the fireflies," (as photographer Will Jacks mentioned in a previous session the day before) with my 85mm f/1.2 rather than my workhorse, the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens.

I wanted to see NOLA through different eyes. And I did.








Our wonderful bus driver gave us some cultural commentary as we drove into the 9th Ward district. He told us about how the levy broke because of a barge that was parked there just before Katrina hit. We heard how all the open grass lands in the district were once rows and rows of houses. We were told how many residents haven't yet returned home to NOLA. We saw the Make It Right development and Musician's Village.



I also heard from people like Jerry, Oscar and Danny. Jeremiah, my taxi driver on the way to the airport, told me how no one asks anymore. And he shared, with a quite bravery, how just after Katrina hit that he only worked in the daytime because it was too dangerous to go out after dark; he mentioned that for 12 days he was without power and running water.



As I walked the streets, up Cannal and over to Mother's Restaurant off Magazine St. I met people - I saw people - some brave, some hardened, some hurting, some hiding, some living, some not doing so well. But all who were left are surviving. Most are moving forward a little more each day.

On my last night in the city of music I wandered over to another part of the French Quarter. I had the privilege of meeting artists, musicians and magicians. It was more magical than words can define.









I came home new. I came home with my heart softened to a city of people that still need to have their story heard. Their hearts are still breaking, but they are living.



Thank you for taking a few moments to read about the lives of those still affected by Katrina. I would love to hear your thoughts, opinions and comments if you'd like to take a moment to share.

View more NOLA photographs here.

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

That Was So 1995...

FBI Agents Mulder and Scully were on the move last night, chasing hard and fast X-Files and distributing candy in Garden Grove, CA.

If you like what you see, leave a comment! :)



We sure had a great time. This whole week I've been planning for us to dress up as the 90's dynamic duo (which sadly no 10-year-old recognized), and even in spite of a long weird day, we were able to pull it off at the last minute.

The rest of the evening was filled with passing out candy and watching Dawn of the Dead - a classic. Interesting note: zombie thrillers don't scare me all that much. Who knew? They're just suspenseful.

Coup de gras of the evening was when Kip, Matt's brother, jumped out and scared one youngster to the point of fleeing without his pirate hat (see below).



All in all, good times with family and friends. Lesson learned: don't disregard small family gatherings, they can end up being the most memorable.









Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith