Monday, July 26, 2010

Headhshots for Dr. Ginger

Dr. Ginger Mills, of Back in Health, has an amazing personality and energy about her, which is probably why she is a great chiropractor. She wanted headshots that showed her personality and also her office where she practices.




Thanks Dr. Ginger for a really fun photography session and if I throw my back out, you'll be the first one I call! ;-)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Top 10 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer

When I got engaged I had no clue where to start on planning my wedding. There are thousand of websites out there that can help and assist you in planning your wedding but it's always helpful to get some insight from someone who has been there. So I decided I would do a series on "Questions to Ask a Wedding Vendor" starting with photography, of course. :-)

Hiring a wedding photographer is easy if you ask the right questions and make sure you "click" with your photographer. Here are some questions I recommend asking when looking for a wedding photographer.

1. Describe your photography style.
Before you even meet with a wedding photographer, look them up on the web and see if you like the style of their photography. If not, move on and find a photographer that you like their photos and contact them for a consultation. Then when you meet with the photographer ask more about their style and to see more samples of their printed work. Viewing photos in print and on the web are two different things!

2. Can you walk me through your wedding process?
Each wedding photographer operates a little differently. Some use a second photographer others don't. Some use portable lighting others don't. Also, some photographers use a standard shot list like we do to ensure that we get all the shots a couple wants and some do it free form. Find a process that you feel most comfortable with and let your photographer know that up front.

3. What is included in each package?
Be sure to get crystal clear information on this question. You want to know exactly what you are getting in your package and if there will be any additional costs later on.

4. How many hours are covered for the wedding day?
Find out how many hours are covered in the wedding package you are thinking about and what is the charge for additional hours. Also, if you want additional hours, when do you need to tell the photographer by?

5. Do you do multiple weddings per day? And do you have any booked on my wedding date?
Depending on the type of wedding you are having you may want the photographer for the entire day or only for a few hours. And if they are booking multiple weddings on one day, find out the timing between yours and the other one to make sure the photographer has enough time to get from one wedding to the next.

6. Are the photo proofs retouched? Are the final images retouched?
We retouch all of our photos before the couple receives their proofs but not all photographers do. Be sure to ask before hand what the photographer standard practice is and if there is a charge for additional retouching.

7. What happens if you can't make the wedding?
Asking the dreaded questions are always hard, but it will give you peace of mind in the end. You want to know what the backup plan is if the photographer you hired can't make the wedding due to some unforeseen event.

8. What happens if the photos are damaged or lost?
Professional photographers do everything in their power to protect their photos and make sure nothing happens to them. However there are things that are sometimes outside your control, like a corrupt flash card, damage to the camera, lost film by the film developer, etc. You need to know how this will be handled in the worst case scenario.

9. How do you handle guests that are taking photos at the wedding too?
In today's world everyone has a camera on them. Whether it is their cell phone, iPhone, point and shoot camera, or even a high end camera guests will be taking photos throughout the wedding. It is always good to know how your photographer will handle any situations that may come up...and if you're lucky you might even get a funny story of something that has happened at previous weddings. ;-)

10. Does the photographer have any recommendations for other vendors?
If you are going to hire the photographer you are meeting with then ask if theycan recommend any other vendors that you still need to hire. It is likely that if you like your photographer's personality and feel comfortable with them that you will also feel comfortable with their recommendation of other vendors.

Be sure to check back for more Questions to Ask Wedding Vendors. We will have guest bloggers that will cover questions from wedding planning to catering.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Henry 9 Months

Henry, as everyone knows is my munchkin boyfriend, and up until this point has been pretty much stayed in one spot when I photographed him. And as most people know, it doesn't stay like that for very long. At Henry's 9 month photography session, he zoomed and zoomed around the studio like Superman...only crawling...but just as fast. And his favorite destination...me.


Which is great for photos until he gets a little too close. So to help wrangle the little speedster, Mom stepped in.


And then we even tried distractions.....hoping it would keep him in one place.


But we soon were overpowered by the cuteness and decided....lets give him some wheels.



Henry loved the horn....but couldn't quite figure out how to honk it.


And of course all of that riding around caused a "flat tire" that had to be fixed. He did such a great job fixing the tire.


But then it was time to go home.


And just in case I thought maybe he will stay crawling forever....I got a glimpse of what is to come.

I will to need to start running track to keep up with Henry once he starts walking. But after all, that what I love...chasing babies and brides. :-)

Friday, July 2, 2010

Relax and Enjoy

Our life here at Rhonda Giedt Photography is a little busy. My clients have often asked "how do you not run out of energy?" My secret is photography. It energizes me and makes me jump out of bed in the morning (well most mornings because I'm really not a morning person).

However, I also have another little secret. I have three little helpers who force me to relax, take a quick break, and just enjoy life. And they are Logan, Mele, and Emily....our pets.


They love to climb on top of me or next to me and take a quick nap. And I'm such a sucker that I don't want to move them because they look so cute! But thanks to my iPhone I can grab these adorable little pictures while they relax and enjoy time with me.

To give you an introduction to each, Emily is 16 years old and has been with me since college. She is a little misunderstood...as in she doesn't seem to like anyone but me and kind of tolerates my hubby.

Mele just turned 4 years old and is the most loving, sweet, dream of a kitten anyone can ask for. Both Emily and Mele are rescue cats and our tortuous shell cats, which I love.

And last but certainly not least is Logan our 95 pound chocolate lab. Logan is 3 1/2 years old and thinks he is a lap dog. He loves kids, people, other animals, getting a bath, well....pretty much anything.

So in the spirit of celebrating our Independence Day, all of the men and women who serve to continue to protect our country, and my three little helpers...take some time this 4th of July to relax, unwind, and just enjoy this great country we live in!