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Getting the Wedding (and Photos) of Your Dreams

Before I got into wedding photography I thought the technical “wedding season” ended in October. I could not have been more wrong! This October has been packed with weddings (including my own)! Although this was not my first time shooting a wedding, I learned so much about the whole process through my own experiences, as well as those of friends and clients this past month. Now, I’m passing it on!

First and foremost, be calm. Try to relax and enjoy the day! It’s busy and anxiety inducing but it’s only one day. And a day that’s meant to be fun and romantic and everything you want it to be. If you’re stressed or fixating on every minute detail being perfect, you’re not going to be happy with the way you look in your pictures or with your wedding day as a whole. Remember what it’s all really about: you and the person who means the most to you.

Setting matters. It should be a place that either matters to you, or that you’ve fallen in love with. My wedding took place in the pub where my husband and I had our first date, first kiss, first real “I love you’s,” and important talks about plans for our future. It feels like a second home; an extension of us and who we are. We were comfortable and had the best time ever! Some friends of ours had a casual wedding in a park because they didn’t want a lot of fuss, while one of my clients chose a historic mansion because of the beautiful pictures it would create. Wherever you choose, it should exude your personality and fit what you're wanting for your day.

(And yes, that’s us below having way too much fun at our wedding)

Don’t compromise too much. A common thing I hear among brides as their wedding approaches is “I can’t wait to just be done with it all.” For many it’s because a typical wedding can be expensive and stressful, but it can also be because they either have too many opinions and too many people to please, or someone important to them is being pushy. Don’t forget: it is YOUR wedding. Don’t let anyone bully you into doing things their way and sacrificing what you really want. It’s okay to compromise a little on smaller things to keep the peace, and I’m in no way suggesting that you need to micromanage, but don’t lose out on having an amazing time and the wedding of your dreams just to please someone else. Find your balance. It’s your day. Make it exactly what you want and cherish every moment of it while it lasts.

Cheers to all the October brides! I hope your wedding was everything you hoped for! And to all the soon-to-be brides out there, I hope this was helpful advice or needed reassurance while you’re going through all your planning. If you like my work, follow my monthly blog to see what I’ve been up to. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and on my website https://colalxbro.wixsite.com/taylorjphotography

My featured wedding picture was shot by Chloe Woodward and edited by me.

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Latest Project: Love Relationships Photostory part 2

If you saw my last blog (which was, of course, part 1) you’ll know I’ve been working on a photojournalistic project on love relationships. I’m doing this because I was challenged to choose a topic I feel passionately about. Not long ago I saw an Old Navy ad featuring interracial family, and a shocking amount of horrible and hateful comments and opinions on couples and families like this. I was heartbroken and enraged that something as trivial as skin color still made some people feel so strongly that a couple should not be together -- even a couple that’s not real! I know this still commonly happens with couples that are a part of the LGBTQ+ community as well. I wanted to combat this kind of bigotry in a way that was personal to me. I decided to do a series of photoshoots with as many different kinds of couples in various stages of life to show that, while every relationship is unique, love is love and it should be celebrated. I hope you enjoy part 2 of my photostory.

This couple has been together for years and have two beautiful little girls (and lots of adorable kittens I wanted to steal!). I took this picture of them on their front lawn while my fiancé played with their youngest daughter on a swing her father made my hand. They’ve decided to tie the knot soon and I’m very happy and excited for them!

These two are some friend of mine. Her boyfriend recently endured a terrible car accident that actually brought them closer. They also just bought a house close to a lake, so things are going pretty good for them now!

I love this couple! They’re so funny and quirky. I did some engagement pictures for them of them playing Mario Kart together, just like they did on their first date (and many, many times since). This is one of my favorites though, because it features their baby, Opal. I can’t wait for their wedding in October!

This couple was thrilled to let their kids join them in the shoot. This is them enjoying a typical Saturday in their pool as a family. There was so much love between them all, even after years of marriage. Seeing that always gives me hope for all the new marriages happening around me.

Unfortunately, not all relationships have a happy ending. This couple is sadly no longer together, but had been for a long time. I know they did truly love each other but as they grew up they just didn’t work anymore. That’s okay. That’s a part of life, and in some cases, to save the friendship the healthiest thing to do is to no longer be a couple. I hesitated on whether or not to include this piece, but I decided that it was an important one. Just because a relationship didn’t last doesn’t mean the good parts of it shouldn’t be cherished. I also thought it was a beautiful photo and it would be a shame to not show it.

I hope you enjoyed parts 1 and two of my Love Relationships Photostory. I had an amazing time shooting it and getting to know these couples and families.

For more on what I’m doing, keep checking out my blogs here on Tumblr, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, linkedIn, and my website https://colalxbro.wixsite.com/taylorjphotography. Thank you so much for reading! As always, feel free to like and share. Bye for now!

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Trying Something New Part 2: Food Photography

If you know me, you know I like to be somewhat adventurous. I love trying new things! It helps you grow and learn, and it can be a lot of fun! Recently I’ve been doing a lot of food photography, which isn’t exactly my niche. But I had fun with it! And I enjoyed eating after the work was done. (Side note: This is also something I love about shooting weddings. They usually let you help yourself to some amazing food and cake!)

Nashville has become an incredible place for food. We have so many places to eat between big restaurants owned by legendary country music stars, farmer’s markets boasting fresh foods and specialty items, and little mom n’ pop joints in old homes, you can find just about anything you might be craving.

We’re known for hot chicken, biscuits and barbecue, but there are so many other things to try! One place I recently shot for does serve hot chicken, but not the kind Nashville is famous for. This spicy chicken is more at home in a tortilla. Mas Tacos Por Favor is a little out of the way, but well worth it. My favorite shot was of their black bean and pinto soup, which had cheese, crispy tortilla chips and chipotle. It had enough kick to it to make my eyes well up but I LOVE spicy food!

Another place I mentioned before is the farmer’s market. There are tons of farmer’s markets in and around Nashville but my favorite is much larger than the average, and it’s open a good portion of the day most days of the week, which is pretty unique. In the actual market area you can find all kinds of gorgeous fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, jams and jellies, flowers, and fresh baked goods. I once treated myself to a strawberry rhubarb rum turnover and it was incredible!

Something else I’m a sucker for is really good Asian cuisine. I will always try a place that promises good Asian food, and we have lots of them here. While we have Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese restaurants, Japanese is by far the most prevalent. Hibachi’s are always tons of fun and I would love to shoot for one eventually, and we have a few places that sell really good authentic ramen, but sushi is the easiest to fine. There are a number of places around here that make amazing sushi! Sakura and Shiki Sushi are some of my favorites but you can actually find quality sushi in some of the nicer grocery stores here too.

Its always good to try new things. Sometimes it can also be delicious and satisfying!

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share and as always, come back next week for more on my adventures in photography and tips for yours. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and of course here on Tumblr. Bye for now!

https://www.facebook.com/mastacos/

http://www.nashvillefarmersmarket.org/

http://www.sakuratn.com/

http://shikifranklin.com/

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Perfect Portraits

There are so many reasons to get a portrait made! Senior, engagement or couples, maternity and new baby, family, even pets! If you're thinking about getting your portrait made, here are some things to consider.

1. Location

The location of your portrait shoot should say something about who you are and your personality. Maybe you want something with a vintage feel so that it’s classic and timeless. Maybe you want something that speaks more to your talents and personality, so for example, if you're musical, you might do a shoot in a record shop. Do you want a closed studio shoot, or at a location of your choosing?

2. Lighting

Lighting is important. You could go with lots of soft light for a perfect glowing complexion, or something darker with a lot of contrast for a more rugged feel. If you want to shoot at a location, be sure to communicate with your photographer so they know what lights and equipment they need to bring.

3. Clothing

Obviously if it’s a bridal portrait, wear your wedding dress. Outside of that, it’s a good rule of thumb to wear solid colors. Stripes have a tendency to strobe, as do very small patterns. Patterns that are too large or colors that are overly bright can be distracting in a portrait and can overwhelm the subject.

4. Hair and Make Up

Consider whether or not you will need hair and/or make up services. Even if you never wear make up or are good at doing it yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional to make you camera ready. If you do decide to hire a hair and/or make up artist make sure to clarify if you’re hiring one yourself, or if you would like your photographer to make the arrangements.

Thanks for reading! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and come back next week for more on photography!

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How to Get the Best Pet Portraits

Fur babies are often just about as loved and important to their pet parents as human babies. Because of this, there’s been a higher demand in the past few years for people who want nice portraits taken of their pets. If you’ve been thinking about doing this with your pet, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Be Patient

Your pet might be scared or excited and probably doesn’t understand what’s going on. You should have a nice long session because your pet might not want to cooperate and this of course takes time. Potty breaks for your pet and backdrop or environment changes do as well. Patience is key. They will probably not behave exactly as you would like and may even have accidents. It’s okay. The best way to keep them calm and focused is if their human is as well.

2. Come Prepared

Be sure to bring toys and treats! This will not only help to hold your pets attention, but it could also make for some really cute shots of play. Your photographer may provide some, but you’re not guaranteed that and pet your pet may have a preference for what they’re used to. It would also be wise to bring a dish for water, bags, and sanitizing wipes. Also, any accessories or props you may way to use in certain shots, such as bandanas or sweaters. Again, your photographer may provide some props, accessories and amenities, but probably not as many as you would be able to provide as the pet owner. Always collaborate with your photographer ahead of time so everyone is aware of who’s bringing what and ideas can be shared.

3. Take 5

It’s okay to take breaks as often as necessary. Being part of a photoshoot may be fun for your pet, but it could also be stressful. If they seem anxious, take a break to help ease that stress. Even if they’re doing well, take potty and water breaks. They may also need time to run around after having to stay in the same spot for a while. It may take longer but your pictures will be better if your pet is happy. More importantly though, your pet is happy!

4. Environment

The environment you choose for your pet portrait shoot will have a big impact on your pet and the photos. A studio is probably the more safe option because it is a contained space. If they get excited or scared and run off set, they're still contained in the room. On the other hand, there are a lot more flashing lights in a studio setting. If you believe your pet may not do well with that, outdoors might be the better option. If you do choose to do an outdoor shoot, remember that lighting will be a huge factor. When your photographer recommends a specific block of time to shoot your portraits, listen to them because it’s probably at a time when the light will be optimal. Be sure to have a leash on hand or to choose a secure fenced in space for portraits to keep your pet safe.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Feel free to share. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and of course here on Tumblr. Come back next week for more on photography!

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Trying Something New: Music Photography

Being a Nashville native there’s one thing that I can say has such an impact on everything: music. Music is the lifeblood of Nashville. I mean, obviously, right? The food here is a pretty close second but it’s called music city for a reason. While I’m a self proclaimed “weddings/portraits” photographer, I also dabble in the world of music. This blog is going to be a bit less informative and a bit more of me just talking about trying new things. In this case, it’s music photography.

Again, this is not really my niche, but in a place where music is so prevalent, people often end up doing some kind of work with it even if they didn’t originally intend to. You meet so many interesting people from all walks of life, all with some variance of the same dream: making it big.

One of the most important things when music and photography intersect is uniqueness. They need to show genre, personality, and be a little different from what everyone else has. Something that could one day be called “iconic.”

That being said, there are some tried and true techniques that (when done right) look good every time.

Light is a major player as well. It can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Whether it’s a small pub, a honky tonk, or a major concert venue, it’s probably going to be relatively dark with lights aimed at the artist(s) and band. Sometimes that’s enough. Other times help is definitely needed. Usually this means speedlites and a higher ISO, so avoiding grain is tricky.

Music photography is challenging and unpredictable but I found it can also be a lot of fun! It’s high energy and exciting. Trying new things, like music photography, can be fun and rewarding. If you’re in the area try some Nashville hot chicken, enjoy the music scene, and hit me up!

Thanks for reading! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and here on Tumblr. Feel free to share and come back next week for more!

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Choosing the Perfect Venue to Get the Best Pictures

People often dream of their wedding from childhood. They think about the clothing, the food, the decor, and obviously the setting. The thing that most don’t think about is that the actual day of the wedding flies by, so pictures are pretty important. Everyone’s memories of that special day are heavily influenced by those pictures. If you’re one of these people (or not but you find yourself planning a wedding) of course the most important thing is that it fits your vision, but here are somethings to keep in mind.

1. The Lighting

Lighting is something that will have a HUGE impact on your pictures. Natural light is always the most flattering. If you’re wanting an outdoor wedding late afternoon and evening light is your best friend. Try to schedule your wedding or pictures around the time of the golden hour. This is when the sun looks soft and warm around sunset. Everything has a magical glow. Avoid noon when the sun is directly overhead. If an indoor venue is more to your taste check out places that have lots of windows or skylights. Not only do they make the environment appear more open and airy, but they let in lots of natural light. White and light colored walls are great. They act like a giant soft box, which diffuses the light making for soft and glowy skin. If you have your heart set on something like an old cathedral, beautiful but not always much light to work with, be sure to communicate with your photographer so they can come check out the venue ahead of time and bring lighting equipment on the big day.

2. Unique Features

Everyone wants their wedding to stand out. One way to ensure this with your pictures is to keep an eye out for unique features a venue might offer. Look for gardens, staircases and balconies, fountains, stained glass, really anything that sets your venue apart. It’s always great if it can also reflect some of your personality. Imagine what your pictures might look like in your prospective venue. Think about specific spots you might want to pose. Of course you should discuss your ideas with your photographer and make them aware of everything you're hoping to get out of the venue and your wedding day experience.

3. Fit

Be aware of things like the number of guests you intend to have. If you’re planning on a smaller wedding but book a venue thats overly spacious, your attendance will look sparse. Conversely, you don’t want it to look like your guests are packed like sardines. Make sure your venue is a good fit for your personality too.  It might be tempting to go for the overly glam on your wedding day, but if that isn’t who you are then you probably won’t look or feel as comfortable in that setting. There can also be pressure from friends and family to have a certain kind of wedding. Maybe your mother in law to be is pushing for a traditional religious ceremony but you’re more of an Easter and Christmas churchgoer. Always remember who's wedding it is. You don’t want to look at your pictures and feel like you’re looking at someone else’s wedding album. Your venue should probably be the biggest reflection of your (and your fiancé’s) personality.

4. Fall in Love

You’ve already fallen for the love of your life. Fall in love with the place you’re going to marry them and celebrate with your loved ones. Make sure your venue is exactly what you want. You’ll be happiest with your wedding pictures if you’re over the moon with your venue.

Thank you so much for reading! Feel free to share with your friends and follow me here, on facebook, twitter, and instagram!

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