Preserving Memories

A few months ago I blogged about watching families grow and how thankful I was to have the opportunity to share in the memories.

I can't begin to describe how rewarding it is to create artistic, heirloom imagery that not only captures but also preserves memories that might otherwise fade away.

Melanie and Sasan gave me that opportunity thanks to one of my gift certificates they received as a shower gift.

I'm proud to know that few, if any, of the other gifts Melanie received that day will stand the test of time or be cherished as much as these images. 

Snapshots and the cheap pictures taken in the department store serve a purpose but can't replace meaningful lifestyle portraits that actually capture the memories and feelings of a growing family. 

If you, or someone you know is in the process of building a family consider one of the best gifts possible.

 Preserved Memories.

Save The Date!

Save The Dates have nearly become as commonplace in wedding planning as white gowns and wedding cake. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are bookmarks. Some are magnets. And some are designed as post cards. 

Here's a post card I just designed.

Engagement sessions are including with my packages. The design service necessary to transform the engagement images into something memorable is included at no additional charge.

Engagement images can be used in announcements, to create a unique guest book, signature board or, as in this case, beautiful Save The Dates.

Top Ten List

Questions For Your Photographer

Most bridal magazines publish lists of questions you're supposed to ask a potential photographer. This is nothing new. In fact I've chuckled at these lists for many years.

Very few of the questions seem to be valid criteria for choosing a photographer in my opinion. Additionally they don't publish the correct or acceptable answers for these questions.

I thought it might be fun to take a examine one of these lists.

1: How many years of experience do you have as a professional wedding photographer?

A: Thirty

I think this is a reasonable question provided it's qualified to a certain degree. Experience counts, especially when things are moving quickly and plans suddenly change. However, if a photographer has been doing things poorly for a long time do those years actually count?

2: What percentage of your business is weddings?

A: Roughly 80%

Is there a right answer?

3: Approximately how many weddings have you photographed in the last year?

A: Approximately 30.

It's still only about numbers? Not about the overall experience provided? Not about image quality?

4: Can you supply me with references?

A: Yes. How many would you like?

Finally! A question that warrants an answer about customer satisfaction. Something actually important. 

5: Are you the person that will photograph my wedding.

A: Possibly. I have a personally trained and equally qualified associate that may shoot your wedding if I'm previously booked. But you'll know this information from the very start. You won't need to ask.

6: What will your attire be for the wedding?

A: Something appropriate. And, when possible, something that blends with the color scheme of the wedding. 

This question made the top ten? Honestly? 

7: What type of equipment do you use?

A: Primarily Canon DSLR cameras and lenses.

This is my personal favorite. What would a lengthy list of manufacturers and model numbers mean to the average bride?  When did skill become associated to the tools a craftsman uses anyway?  Does it matter to you which brand of stethoscope your doctor or what brand of wrenches your mechanic uses?

8: Is it professional equipment?

A: Yes. I think so.

This seems like an unnecessary extension of the previous question. What exactly defines professional equipment? I wonder if the writer was using a professional computer when formulating this list?

9. Do you bring backup equipment with you to a wedding.

A: Yes. Plenty of it.

This is the only equipment related question worthy of a top ten list in my opinion.

10. Do you have liability insurance?

A: Yes

A reasonable question perhaps. But isn't liability insurance designed to protect the photographer?  I'd suggest that hiring the right photographer is a much better insurance policy.

You may want to formulate your own list that concentrates on why you should invite the photographer to be part of such a significant day. What he or she is going to do to make your day special for you. And what the photographer's previous customers think about the overall experience and imagery he or she produced.  

A Reason to Give Thanks

It's Thanksgiving, and do I ever have a lot to be thankful for. I have many exciting new projects to pursue now that I'm on my own, and I am thankful for each and every one of you who has allowed me to do what I love, capturing family memories with unique works of art.

Weddings are at the heart of what I do, but recently I've had the opportunity to go beyond the wedding day and into people's lives. 

I had the pleasure recently of shooting pregnancy and family portraits for three of my former brides. There is nothing better than seeing a family grow, especially after sharing in the couple's wedding day. 

I want to extend the offer to create imagery of pregnancy and family life to any of my former brides, or anyone else, experiencing the joy of a growing family. 

A gift certificate for a pregnancy, newborn or family portrait is a wonderful way to share your love with your friends and family.

(click on certificate to enlarge)

Mall studios can take pictures. We build memories. We also build relationships. 

Thanks to all my wonderful clients who have become my friends.
And have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Moving forward...

I have a big announcement to make today to all my brides, future brides and other clients. I am no longer with Bernie Elking photography and am now doing weddings and other photography sessions on my own.   If you have booked me through Bernie Elking, don't worry. I am honoring all my committments there. However if you are booking a future wedding or upcoming event and need a skilled and creative photographer, you should feel free to contact me directly by phone at 314-479-4090 or by email at photopaulmac@yahoo.com   I am excited about this change, and I am looking forward to future challenges and opportunities.

Some new wedding images

I've had some great weddings lately and have worked with some incredible people. Here's just a small sampling of some of the wonderful images I've been able to create.

The Continuing Adventures of Jon and Zoya

 I'm happy to say that Jon and Zoya, who's engagement session was my first blog entry, are no longer engaged.

 They are now married!

Zoya is Russian and it was an absolute pleasure to meet her friends and family that traveled to St. Louis for the wedding. They are wonderful people and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend a couple days getting to know them along with some Russian traditions and customs.

The couple exchanged personalized vows at the picturesque World Fair Pavilion in Forest Park.  

Unity Candles aren't a good option outdoors, especially at the always windy World's Fair Pavilion. So Jon and Zoya opted for a sand ceremony. The mixing of multi-colored sand, while a more modern "tradition" has become quite popular for these events.

Zoya is a tall Russian beauty that should looks and moves like a fashion model rather than the accountant she truly is. Her looks combined with the incredible natural light of the Pavilion certainly made my job easy. We created some beautiful portraits together.

Zoya's stature however, didn't make Jon's job easy when it came to the customary kiss. So, I arranged a little surprise. At the right moment, the best man produce a foot stool I'd brought with me. For once, Jon could be taller than Zoya. Everyone thought it was hilarious and totally appropriate for this fun loving couple. 

Considering the geographic diversity of this couple, some quick, yet unique Arch pictures were a must before heading to the reception. 

A wedding as unique as this one required an equally stunning reception. 

Kemoll's Top of the Met with it's incredible view of Saint Louis was the choice.

  Millenium Productions transformed the room into something truly spectacular with draping and lighting effects. They created the perfect backdrop for the many traditional toasts that took place.

 Have I mentioned that Russian's love Vodka? The Vodka was just like Jon and Zoya...

The Best!