Theresa and Larry - February 24, 2010

I had the privilege of photographing some of my favorite clients down at Shaw's cove at Laguna Beach this past week. I first met Theresa and Larry back in September 2007 when they hired me to photograph their wedding, in beautiful Millcreek Canyon. They are an older couple with so much spark and charisma, I had so much fun working with them and capturing their wedding. About a year later they hired me again to take some fall portraits of them so we went back up Millcreek and took some fun shots with the beautiful fall foliage. Now, two and a half years later, they have since relocated to California and hired me once again to take some portraits of them.

Last Wednesday was the shoot and the weather could not have been more perfect. We were the only ones on the beach and the shoot was stunning and as always, so much fun!

Here are a few from the day...

Booking your wedding photographer

Did you recently get engaged? If so, it's time to start planning the most important day of your life! One of the first things you should book is your photographer. There are a few things to consider when looking for a photographer, and I have dedicated this blog post to helping you find the perfect wedding photographer.

First, figure out your spending limits. It's always good to have a budget when planning a wedding, but I strongly urge you NOT to skimp on your photography budget. Remember that no matter how beautiful your flowers are, or how delicious your cake may be, your wedding photos are your biggest investment because after all is said and done they are the only things you have to look back on. Your wedding photos will forever preserve your favorite moments from your big day!

Second, figure out what you like so you know what to look for. There are a TON of wedding photographers out there and each of them have a different style. Some are more traditional, some more modern and edgy. Some prefer the classic black and whites while others use more bold striking colors. Some use a lot of posing and others just shoot candids. So look through magazines, ask your friends who took their wedding photos and check out some wedding expos to get a feel for what's out there and what you like.

Third, schedule a consultation. Now that you know what you like and have found some photographers that you love, if you're having a hard time deciding, set up a time to meet with each of them to talk about your wedding and give the photographers a good idea of what you like and what you're looking for in a wedding photographer. Find out who's flexible on dates, prices, and packages. See if they offer the copyright release with your wedding photos. Some photographers do provide this, which gives you the ability to print and use the photos however and wherever you'd like, so it's a HUGE bonus. However, not all photographers give that up, so make sure you find out if the photographer you like, provides the copyright release. Also, don't be afraid to communicate with the photographers so they know exactly what you like and what you don't like! Any photographer that is not willing to cater to YOU and your style, is not worth working with. Some photographers out there have a certain style and certain "poses" they always use no matter who they are working with. So make sure the photographer you choose is willing to work with you, cause you don't want your photos to look like everyone else's.

Finally, and most important, now that you've found a photographer you like and have decided to go with them, MAKE SURE YOU SIGN A CONTRACT WITH THEM! I strongly recommend that you stay away from any photographers that do not require you sign a contract when you book them! Unfortunately there are a lot of scammers out there who are taking advantage of the wedding and photography industry and I've heard way too many horror stories from brides that did not protect themselves with a contract. So make sure they have one and read it over very carefully. You want to make sure that the contract not only protects the photographer, but that it also protects you!

Planning your wedding should be fun but it can get stressful. So hopefully this will help in at least one of your planning steps and take some of the stress out of it.

Please check out my website, StacyMariePhotography.com and see if I have what you're looking for! I offer preset and customizable wedding packages. I am very flexible and I work very hard with each of my clients to make sure that their photos truly bring out their own personality and style and make each photo shoot beautifully unique.

If you are interested in setting up a free consultation with me, please email me at Stacy@StacyMariePhotography.com.

15 Reasons why I love my job

Here are some of the reasons I love my job, in no particular order...

#15: I get to work from home.

I don't have an office with a desk or cubicle that I have to sit at all day. When I'm shooting, I'm either in my studio or enjoying the great outdoors, and when I'm editing I get to do it from the comforts of my own home. (Usually in bed, with my dogs :) )

#14: I don't have to wake up to an alarm clock (usually)

Unless I have a shoot first thing in the morning, it is very rare that I have to set a time to wake

up. I typically get to make my own schedule and do things at my own pace.

#13: I don't have a boss

I do not have to report to anyone nor do I have anyone breathing down my neck or shouting orders at me. Sure, I have deadlines and clients to please, but my business is MY livelihood, I'm not working for someone else's success, and that is a great feeling.

#12: I get to be artistic and creative

I don't have a mindless job pushing buttons or filing papers, I have a job that allows me to be me. To have fun, think outside the box and be creative. I have a career that continuously challenges my way of thinking, with different angles, lighting and perspective. I get to express myself through my art and it is very liberating.

#11: I am constantly evolving

Photography is an ever growing industry that never stops evolving. I think back in the time of Ansel Adams and the masterpieces he created with such simple tools. Just think of what he could create today. This industry keeps me learning, growing and improving. No matter how much I know, I still have so much to learn. I will never know it all, therefore I can never stop progressing.

#10: It pays the bills

What could be better than doing something you love on a daily basis? Getting paid to do it! Yes, sure this is an obvious pro about my job, but when it really comes down to it, I could not be more grateful to have a job that I not only love and have a passion for, but that pays me enough money to be able to do it full time. I worked really hard to get to where I am and it is very rewarding to be paid for your talents. I appreciate those that support me and others in pursuing their dreams.

#9: I get to travel!

Not only do I get to shoot at cool places around Utah locally that I probably wouldn't have otherwise been to, but I have also had the privilege to shoot in Southern Utah in places such as Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. I have also been blessed with the opportunities to shoot all over the country in place like Vegas and California as well as out of the country such as in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, and when I get to combine business with pleasure, there's really nothing better!

#8: I have an instant gift!

No, I'm not saying I'm gifted, but being a photographer sure does make birthdays, holidays and anniversaries that much easier! Photo shoots, and custom photo albums and cards make the best personalized gifts that are easy and still mean a lot. It also means I don't have to hire a professional to take photos of my kids when I have them, why pay someone to do something you can do yourself!? hehe

#7: I get to meet a lot of different people and see a lot of different things

Since I have been in this industry I have met a lot of really famous, influential and just down right cool people. I have also been able to experience and see a lot of cool thing. In the almost 4 years that I have been doing this, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with and photograph people like Glenn Beck, Dave Ramsey, Kathy Ireland, the Beach Boys, 311, Incubus, Depeche Mode, the current and former Miss Utah USAs and the current Miss Teen Utah USA as well as all the Miss Utah USA contestants. But the even more rewarding part is the brides, grooms, moms, dads, seniors, and babies that I meet on a daily basis. I have also photographed many different cultures, religions and races. I've shot Mormon Weddings, Jewish Weddings, Catholic Weddings, Polynesian Weddings, baptisms, blessings, renewing of vows, and even a 25th birthday party fully equipped with an authentic Mariachi band. I have been so blessed with so many awesome clients, many of whom I now call friends, and have been able to be a significant part of their lives.

#6: The Sky's the limit

Though I shoot mostly weddings and family portraits, I am not limited to those categories. Since becoming a professional photographer I have photographed houses, furniture, jewelry, clothing, pageants, concerts, Christmas parties, birthday parties, company parties, Galas, dances and benefits, baseball games, carnivals, and lectures. I've shot CEOs, actors, singers and models, animals, landscapes, and even plants. So no matter what situation I run across, or what someone's photography needs may be, there's usually a job for me.

#5: It's flexible

Something I am very happy about is that I will be able to be home with my children. When we start having kids, it will be so nice to have a career that allows me to work when I want to and be home with my kids instead of shipping them off to day care or leaving them with Grandma and Grandpa. So even though I'm not a parent yet, can I still claim this as a pro? I think so, it gives me something to look forward to!

#4: I never have a case of "The Mondays"

Every day is like a Friday to me, and when I have a shoot, I look forward to it. So I never find myself anxiously awaiting the weekend, or dreading the end of a Sunday.

#3: It's interesting

The wonderful world of photography is quite an intriguing one. I love that I have a job that has depth to it, it's fun and interesting and you can make it your own. There are so many endless possibilities with photography. The more you know and understand your camera, the more you can do with it. You can take the same photos a million times and have it come out different every time.

#2: I can do it here or there, I can do it anywhere!

My job is not limited to the boundaries in which I live. I can take photos right here in my home town, or on the other side of the country. If we ever move, I know that I can continue my photography business wherever we end up, and that is a very peaceful feeling.

#1: It's stands the test of time and money

One of the most beneficial and reassuring things I have come to learn about my job, is not only that I will be able to do it forever, but it has proven to be recession proof. (For the most part) Don't get me wrong, people's budget's have definitely tightened during this tough economy, but even during rough times, people are still going to move forward with their lives. They're still going to get married, celebrate birthdays, have babies, and throw parties. Those moments are still just as precious to them now as they were before and people still want their most precious memories captured forever. I cannot express what an honor it is to be one of the people that gets to be there to witness when two love birds say "I do", when a teen celebrates becoming an "adult", or new parents enjoying their newborn. And to get it all on film is the most rewarding part of all.

I truly am very passionate about what I do and how I do it. Photography is not just a means to an end for me, it is not just "an easy way to pay the bills" nor is it just something I do for fun. I take my job and my business very seriously and I have worked very hard to build my livelihood. The satisfaction I get from taking a beautiful photos, is nothing compared to the satisfaction of a happy customer. I cannot thank my clients, friends and family enough for helping me pursue and achieve my dream.