Wendy Mayo Photographer » Photography Tips

Six tips for Wedding Guests!

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:57:59 +0000

I go to a lot of weddings. Though I’m not usually just a guest, I have come up with a few things that are good to know if you are invited to a wedding. Here’s what I have learned:

R.S.V.P. as promptly as possible.

When the invitation comes in the mail, take just a moment to respond. The earlier you let them know if you can attend, the easier it is for them to make their wedding plans. Caterers can’t wait till the last minute to get a count of guests.

If you do say that you can come to the wedding, make sure you really go!

Not only is it disappointing to the bride and groom that you don’t show up, but it costs them money too. If you aren’t there, they still have to pay for your plate of food. Plus, there may be too much cake, etc. that just goes to waste.

Consider sending your gift directly to the couple.

Many weddings are held in locations that are far from the where the bride and groom live. They may have a lot of stuff to haul back home after the celebration. Make it easier on them, by shipping your gift directly to their new home. Most gift registries offer this service, along with gift wrap and greeting cards. Of course, checks and cash don’t take up too much space, so feel free to take these kinds of gifts to the wedding!

Be respectful.

Arrive early to the ceremony and quietly take your seat. Even at an outdoor wedding, it’s respectful to save your greetings to family and friends until after the ceremony. Plus, there is almost always some beautiful prelude music to listen to. Turn off cell phones and pagers, and turn off the flash on your camera. Not only is using a flash distracting during the ceremony, but it can interfere with the professional photographer’s job.

If you are family, stick around!

Don’t immediately head off to the reception if you are related to the bride and groom or a member of the bridal party. Right after the ceremony is the ideal time to take formal group photos, and it’s a hassle to gather everyone up. Plus, it makes the photo session take longer and then guests the kept waiting at the reception.

Thank your hosts.

Yes, do thank the bride and groom before you leave, but don’t forget to thank the people who put on the party. It is always in good taste to show your appreciation to the parents of the couple, or in many cases step-parents, grandparents, etc. After all, they provided you a free dinner and fun entertainment!

These are just a few ideas for wedding guests. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think.

How to Have Awesome Senior Portraits!

admin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:46:45 +0000

Are you going to be a senior next year? Have you been thinking about your senior portraits? Here are some tips to help you get ready and get those awesome shots you’re wishing for:

A few weeks before your scheduled session, get your hair trimmed. This is not the time to go for a new style or to try out the latest fad. Just a simple trim will do. Getting your hair cut a few weeks before gives your hair time to relax and bit and avoid that just-been-cut look.

About a week or more before your session, spend some time putting together a few outfits that you will want to wear. Prepare two or three different looks. Make one simple with neutral solid colors – a more classic look. If you play sports or are involved in other extracurricular activities, you might want to get some of your pictures taken in what you wear to participate in those activities. Try each outfit on in its entirety so you know what shoes and/or accessories you will need for each to complete the look you want. Be sure there are no loose buttons, torn hemlines or seams, stains, or holes on your clothing.

Be on the lookout for poses and styles of photos you like. Bring some along to show the photographer. It’s better to have an example than to try and explain what you are thinking.

If you’re going to get a manicure or pedicure, do it the day before your photo shoot. Unless you’re going for a really dramatic look, understated is usually the best approach. You should also get all of your outfits, accessories, and props together the day before your photo session so you will not be stressing on the day of the shoot.

The day of your photo session, leave yourself plenty of time to get ready. Shower, style your hair, and apply makeup, etc. Be sure to eat something. You don’t want to get all light-headed in the middle of the session! Dress in one of the outfits you have selected, then pack up the rest, along with your sample ideas, if any, and any other props you would like for your photos. Arrive a few minutes early for your shoot so you can check your look before you get started.

Now, take a deep breath and relax. Get ready to have some fun! I will do everything in my power to make your photo session an enjoyable one! And, the more relaxed you are, the better your photos will be!

No Way! You’re Not Taking My Picture!

admin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:48:12 +0000

Some kids just love to get their picture made. You know the ones. The camera comes out and they instantly start posing and smiling and basically hamming it up. My nephews are like that.

There are others who don’t mind having their picture done, but who wait to be told what to do, where to go, and how to pose. They are very cooperative and love to see their finished pictures. Easy, peasy!

Then there are those, like my little friend here, who insist that taking their picture is akin to torture and is the very worst thing to do, and they are having none of it!

It’s true that part of it is that he is two. Another part has to do with the fact that he is a boy (No offense to all the guys out there!). But most of it has to do with the fact that getting your picture taken means you have to be still, stay clean, and smile at that strange lady with the black box — and who wants to do that anyway?!

When photographing my friends like this, being sneaky is always the best way to be. I wait. Then wait a bit more. And then, with a little good luck and the help of some dirt clods, it finally happens! Ha! I got him!

Thanks Taylor Family, for a fun family session!