Raleigh Wedding Photographers »

Sweet as can be, Ilene & Andrew had hired me just a few months ago to shoot their June 2012 wedding. During our initial meeting we had talked about some ideas for their Vintage Raleigh Engagement Photos that they wanted to emulate during their session. I was stoked at the idea of it and of course recommended my fabulous hair & makeup artiste, Margo Williams of Belloviso. Ilene was sold! The vision truly can’t happen without Margo and her artistry. Day of makeup and hair proved impeccable.

We opted to start in studio at Swank Photo Studio in Smithfield NC with our studio Hollywood lights to emulate the look of the period style imagery dating back to the 195o’s. Andrew was a great sport! He came dubbed in his best vintage inspired suit and fedora.

Afterwards, we headed to downtown Selma, home of the antique district to get some close to sunset pictures. Can’t beat that late afternoon light. The pair really hammed it up during their session and played the part. The backdrop of the downtown Selma area was idyllic. I look forward to their Beatles style wedding.

Well, it’s always such an honor to be featured in local magazines and blogs, but one that is internationally recognized makes me blush! As a Destination Wedding Photographer, I know that travel does pose it’s logistical challenges, however the rewards are always greater. Such is the case of Jennifer & Brandon’s St. Lucia Wedding at Stony Hill. Their wedding is currently featured on Destination I Do Magazine blog. So excited for them and well very happy for Swank!!

Check them out! Here is the link to the blog - Jennifer & Brandon\’s St. Lucia wedding

In the spirit of having been photographed with my family by John Michael Cooper as per his Roadside Families pay it forward concept, I’m reminded of the simple principles of life as a Senior Photographer; it’s truly more blessed to give then to receive. John’s travels across the US documenting the likes of us photographers is truly in giving spirit. Us shooters are commonly left out of images and often our own families’ lives as a part of their history and legacy. I know from experience {albeit I know that I way more appreciate being behind a lens then in front of it!} that I am most definitely left out of pics. It’s time. Every year is time and so it should be! Our family memories immortalized by a tangible piece….a print…….(not a disc) is so important to the family legacy.

All the years I’ve been shooting, I’m at a point where I just want to be inspired, moved, enlightened. I’m seeking it. I don’t want to shoot something just to ‘take a picture’ or just to be paid for the assignment or event. I want my clients to move me & artistically enhance who I am as a person and in almost a voyeuristic way, give my audience an inside view into who I am as a person and how I see them as clients. All the paths I cross in this life, good & bad(there truly are no bads if you understand and embrace the potential for growth), shape who I am as a person and this Senior session was no different.

Holly is a dear neighbor/friend of mine, often acts as an assistant to me, and my regular bookkeeper for the studio. We often find ourselves in deep meaningful conversations about life. Holly told me the story of Dawn(a good friend and fellow church member) who is suffering from a rare debilitating condition. The Mom of three, Josh is her oldest. The Clayton High School Senior is a former member of the football team and decided in his Senior to give up football so he could be more involved with his church being a positive role model. He is a leader in his very large church youth group & Holly tells me of stories of how all the kids are all over him & look up to him. Joshs’ story is endearing, full of faith & hope, and yet I know intrinsically that there are serious days at hand. He’s certainly has had some tough days already. I was needless to say moved to give back to this family.

Going into the session I might add that I had some anxieties that the tone may be very hard to work around knowing the sentimental factor behind it. Boy was I in for a treat!!! Life is full of surprises. Joshs’ energy is nothing, but pure light, exuberance, & humor!  I was instantly drawn to what he had to bring to this session and I laughed my ass off the entire time! I’m a jokester at heart so we just let it roll! The giveback this day was laughter……much needed and lots of it!

I’m fairly certain the pics below tell the story of Josh in his Senior year as he was……and is!

Shake -n- Bake, Josh! God Bless & prayers to you Dawn!

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Think shopping for a bargain and that money is the most important factor for your wedding photography services? This Raleigh Wedding Photographer says, “Think again!”.

Very often, price disparities in wedding photography are a clue as to who is a seasoned pro vs. who is new to the industry. There are pros and cons to both, but the ball is in your court to ask yourself what’s most important to you. The one thing that you take away from your wedding day, that will recount the very beginnings of your marriage, that will appreciate in value over time, & that truly gives back over and over again is your wedding day photography.

With respects and regards to budgets, yes, us seasoned pros are fully aware that not everyone can secure the top notch services. However I believe as a seasoned pro in this industry {that I am so passionate about}, it is of utmost importance that a few things need to be disclosed.

Please read an email I received from a girl just a couple of days ago who secured the services of another photographer NEW to the industry(subsequently, no longer in the industry):

This is a very odd question, but about a little over a year ago I signed a contract with a photographer who said that they knew you and that you kind of mentored them a little bit. Well, I had hired her because of what she could offer and some of the books she showed me. I got married June 18th this summer with a different photographer because the one I originally hired took my deposit and I had never heard from them again. It was $500 which is a lot to me and I was just amazed that someone would do that. I was just curious if you had ever heard of her…xxxxxxxxxxx…of..xx xx xx Photography. We had signed a contract and everything and then I never heard from her. So sorry to bother you with this…but if she is using your name to help get business I thought you should know.

This girl went on to email me that this photographer said she was mentored by me several times (not the case) and in part, because of that, the bride deemed this girl a reliable vendor for her wedding photography.

HOMEWORK TIME, BRIDES! What your photographer wants you to know is that if you’re ‘shopping’ another photographer and you find one that is willing to give you the sun {2nd photographer + themselves all day services}, the moon{12×12 flushmount album + 2(eclipses) custom designed parent albums} & stars{engagement session and bridal session} and adds in a bonus of stardust{discs from the sun, moon, and stars} all for $2000, I’m fairly confident in saying that this photographer is new to the industry, has no understanding of business practices or the amount of time spent in this business with one client, and very well may be running themselves into the ground in the process.

You may never get pictures back. I’ve heard this before.

You may never get an album because they’ve gone out of business. I’ve heard this before.

They may forget to take pictures of you as a bride, by yourself on your wedding day. I’ve heard this before. They may not show up to your wedding…..I’ve heard this before.

Those that are truly vested in their business, as a ‘business’, care GREATLY about their reviews and reputations. This is what you should be seeking out. Online reviews. Referrals. Reviews from people whom have secured their services before or others whom have heard through the grapevine of their services. Word of mouth carries, positively and negatively. Ask questions.

Now, I’m not about entirely bashing the new photographers to the industry as we all need to start somewhere and I’ve talked to very many of them extensively about this tug of war that is going on in our industry. I like what I hear and I see and hear their determinations to succeed. They’re educating themselves, attending workshops, and regular meetings, and learning the tricks of the trade. Beginning to understand that at the end of the day, that photography is a business, bottomline. That owning a camera does not make you a professional photography business owner.

So, brides, what I want you to know is that there are honest and legitimate photographers out there. It is your job to (a). Weigh the importance of wedding day photography to you and how much you are willing to invest upfront for something that appreciates in value over time. A tangible(your memories) that truly is invaluable and gives back to you.

AND

(b) Many seasoned pros do offer the opportunity to do a services only which will save you up front. Most photographers are highly flexible with their packages. Albums and portraits can always be added on post wedding. If photography is one of the most important aspects of your wedding, then find the photographer whose work you believe in, that resonates with you, & above all, that you connect with on a personal level. The relational gifts a photographer has with a client speaks volumes and will be directly responsible for eliciting moods; positively and can also be adversely. You must be a good match for one another. You will be ‘dating’ over the course of your engagement.

LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH!

For comments and questions: I can be reached at stacy@swankphotostudio.com or feel free to comment here on the blog.

Happy Wedding Day Planning.

Gone Country! That’s right our HOT Summer Vixen promo is here and we’re now taking bookings. This Raleigh Boudoir Photography is going to be different and only for those brave little Vixens daring to bare it outside on a country farm setting in the Smithfield area.

Our limited July offerings are a session like none other….in the great outdoors. It will include your hair and makeup arts by none other than Margo with Belloviso. You’ll bring two outfits of your choice, 110 eyelashes, and we’ll promise a great time on a local farm! Session also includes a Honeybook. A Honeybook, you say? It’s sweet. It’s the perfect little something for your special someone. A mini album which will boast five of your favorite pictures with the capacity for your significant other to add on 5 of their favorites too.

What are you waiting for? Because these sessions are limited, it’s time to book now. Please contact info@vintagevixensphoto.com to book your session today.

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I’ve been called into action for a Friday wedding and the occasional Sunday wedding, but a Weekday Wedding in the middle of the week? This was a first for me as a Smithfield Wedding Photographer; not for being at the lovely Preston Woodall House in Benson, NC, but a Wednesday wedding with only the couple, the lovely Diane Frazier of the Benson B&B, and their chosen minister. The idea was simply romantic, but still done well. The plan was for an early evening ceremony and lots of tasteful pictures afterwards followed up by a romantic 4 course dinner from the Preston Woodall House

Lori had reached out to me approximately three weeks prior to her wedding date stating that her and her fiance Matt, a software engineer, were just ‘going for it’. Their families were for the most part, out-of-towners, and they didn’t want to burden them with the travel for the occasion. The two having met on Match, an online dating website for singles, had only been dating for a short while. Lori claimed the stake to Matt saying she pursued him on the website. They’ve been together ever since.

And so it was, May 4th, a Wednesday afternoon, that the two said their, ‘I do’s', on a perfectly temperate day. Lori had warned me that the song she walked down the aisle to, something about wearing socks with shoes, was highly personal to them. It was for sure an atypical wedding march song, but then again, their Weekday Wedding was as well. However, it was entirely sweet and I’m redundant in saying a romantic wedding.

They, two days later honeymooned on a cruise while I edited and prepared her wedding gallery. It was ready for them when they got back. Got the loveliest email from Lori after which is affirmation that makes what I do all worthwhile. “I’m so excited!!!!!! They are so beautiful!!!  I’m totally blown away – you are amazing.  You have no idea how pleased I am.”. I’ve done my job, but not without the glory of God.

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To say Alex, my May 2011 bride is gorgeous, is an understatment. As a Raleigh Wedding Photographer, one dreams of having such trusting and beautiful clients such as Alex, an NC State pending graduate. Everything with her when it came to our photo session was easy. She needed very little guidance outside of my vision on posing. And nevermind  the fact she probably would’ve stood on her head for the images I was requesting of her.

Our session started out at Historic Oakview Park in Raleigh, NC. Being that she’s getting married on her parents’ homestead in Lumberton, she opted for a more country and pastoral setting. I shoot frequently at the registered historic Raleigh park so I’ve come somewhat familiar with the ‘where to’ shoot scenario’s. However, my clients know me better then that as  I don’t like settling for what I’ve already shot, but rather taking it to the next level so every client’s session is something different, that I’m giving them my art and artistic vision.

It was in me that day to take it a step further. At the beginning of the session I had broached the idea of taking the session to the field behind my home in Clayton. I’ve been watching it for a few weeks. The taller grasses and how the light captured them at different times of the day. Upon suggestion of shooting there, Alex was game. The rest is history. Her session was completed with some early sunset magic.

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It was contest time and we had over 5o entries in our Great Swank Babe Contest. As a Raleigh Family Photographer, this fun Facebook based contest generated some really good buzz as family and friends voted on their favorite to win a portrait session and other prizes.

It went like this: the contest was a simple postcard(posted to Facebook) that I made up that said I was looking for the next Great Swank Babe. There were four age groups ranging from newbie to five year olds. Applicants emailed me a snapshot of their child which I then posted on my Swank Photo Studio wall on Swank Photo Studio on Facebook. The contest was opened and they were invited to gather up their friends and family members to vote/ comment under their child’s photo. The person with the most votes from each age category was declared the winner.

Since then I’ve fulfilled 3 of the 4 sessions, the fourth to be completed on April 7th as they’re from Virginia. They are opting for a fun photo shoot with for their four year old daughter with tutu’s. Below are our winners. I’d like to congratulate them and thank them for their participation. Be on the lookout for the next contest. We’re going to be looking for the next Great Swank Vintage Vixen. Sure to attract some attention, as the Vixens always do!

So, in our Newbie category, we wish to congratulate Brayden Moore. Mom opted to add in older sister Kayleigh for an upgrade to her session. We also hosted a 4 mos. – 1 year old category and our winner was James Foy. In our 1-2year old category our winner was the daughter of a former bride of mine, Maddie Johnson. We had such a fun time at our sessions and I think we have some stellar looking images below.

Enjoy!

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