My Best Wishes For You!

My Best Wishes For You!

A little something to get you started...



Perhaps a bit long... But, this e-mail evoked the stimulation of emotions such as "New Year’s Resolutions"

It has become a tradition that sometimes I like to hold on to, here are a few pieces for everyone to appreciate. I try to every year select out a few things to work on and keep that list in my Tiffany Blue Book by my bedside.

2014 has finally come to an end and I recently looked at my little book and I did pretty well with my 2014 goals {Both business wise and personal}

Oh, now... This year, I've had a few challenges - it is harder coming up with a new set of daring matters that will be part on my 2015 plan. However, I enjoy doing these and here is quick questionnaire that perhaps may assist you decide on your resolutions for 2015.

Let's see...

Here are my New Year’s Resolutions for 2015

Bad habits I’m going to break:
Start my days earlier, and attain a normal schedule - I definitely need more rest!


Where do I want to travel:
DO my normal US route - But, I want to conquer new places.


I will make a better effort at:
- Creating more availability to help more in my community.
- Develop a program locally to provide printed memories to those who cannot afford to have my services such as less fortunate individuals.{ Charitable work}


What Project to finish:
- My Bridal Sketches and other illustrations
- My Sketch table - Canvas painting studio set up

What I want to do more of:
- Offer Educational Opportunities to beginner photographers
- More YOGA and walk more often.


Food-wise, what would I do:
Prepare in advance... So, I can eat better and frequently


What to wear:
Although, I have always been the pony tailed with jeans gal, I will attempt to be more-formal, more often


Work/Business Wise
Indulge in creativity for my clients and myself while continuing to grow and assist conventions/workshops , continue to inspire other and meet new clients as well as to continue developing my Commercial Division!

So, there it is.... Now it is your turn...

What are your plans and resolutions for 2014?

When choosing your Wedding Photographer - Cheaper is NOT always BETTER -

St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 

No flash Photography was allowed.... - Still was illuminated!

Your Wedding Day.. Ahhh – You have waited for this moment almost all of your life… And now, here comes the planning… And along with all preparations, it is a good time to start shopping for a photographer – after all you do not want to trust those images to some hobbyist who “loves to take pictures” or someone in your party with a point-n-shoot {usually a good hear-ted friend}, right?

If you are reading this blog, you have probably landed here and the title has caught your eye –  I am so glad you’ve decided to check out this article, because finding a wedding photographer can be a bit overwhelming.  I know, prices range from almost nothing (friends with cameras, the hobbyist) to prices as high as $30-50,000 dollars!! And no! this figure is not a typo.

I can let you in a little secret, since you got this far – Good wedding photography is not cheap, but it is the most important investment you will make on your special day..  It is not an expense {key word} you are investing a lot into your big day.   In easier terms, when your wedding venue is over, the food will be eaten, the transportation will be returned, tuxes taken back and the dress and decorations packed away (possibly will never worn or used again – my gown is pretty in a box).  Now, your photos, Ah {Smile} – these are usually the only remaining evidence of all the hard work you put into your wedding day.

What we are saying is, that If you are hiring a wedding photographer, just make sure you hire a photographer that you are comfortable with and feel like you can actually trust to take on your day personally.  Even if it is not our booked wedding, just make sure you are truly confident they can handle the work load, the day, the guest, the lighting {that their gear can handle most lighting situations?} etc and treat you and your party with respect.

Professional photographers, we come in all shapes and sizes. We all have various levels of experience and education.  So to say not all wedding photographers are created equal.

We can say that we are not the low end cheap, but we are not the most expensive either.  We  do shot many weddings, and have multiple PRO camera bodies, PRO lenses and flashes, and we are ready for anything, for example if one of our cameras break down, you can trust we have backups, again not missing a moment. And this is exactly what you want when you are hiring a photographer.  Also, do not forget planning for the worst, is your photographer affiliated? Do they have insurance? What is the contract read? Are they professional? When you first met – Were they dressed appropriately to your interview?

With my wedding packages, there are always two of us taking photos.  I’ve used other photographers before, but the second photographer is USUALLY my husband.

We love what we do and we have fun shooting weddings.  Honestly, we are so grateful to work with so many couples who truly understand the value behind our craft. And we have created some pretty sweet relationships as well as with many clients that we have photographed.

Sometimes in conversations with friends and colleagues, we are always amazed at some of the horror stories we hear about their wedding photographers and the stuff we come across in social media.

There are of course lots of  talented photographers too, but, the way of handling your day’s captures are different.  So, it is important to meet and survey the professional photographers you are considering for your special day.  Not everyone is a good fit ( whether be for you {client} OR the photographer).
Your overall experience is an important factor for all those involved, when you have a great rapport.  For some reason if you are  not comfortable with their style.  Do not settle.  Find someone that you will  be comfortable with, remember they will be on your every moment on your day.

Keep in mind that  good professional photographers get booked  real FAST!

Make sure they are not double booking on your day or taking other sessions during your day.   A story last year we had to turn away 5 brides requesting wedding dates in September and November. We simply could not shoot them because we were already booked – our attention is solely to you, and if hiring someone – expect nothing less!

If you find someone you really like, make sure you get in touch with them as soon as possible. If for example, our style suits your taste – send a message – even if not in the area… {hint}

Perhaps, you are just researching – give us a ring- or Skype with us and feels like you would would just like to come by and visit.  We would be glad to let you look more closely the work we do, and our process and see if you like what I offer.

Never imagined I could really write this long blog, but I know it has gotten longer than intended.

Final words – When hiring a professional wedding photographer just make sure you like them as a person/people and you can tell a lot by first impressions.
So, If you are a fit {like peas in a pod} you will likely click with them during your  day and it will reflect in the outcome of your photos.

Also, make sure they have good gear and backups to handle your wedding and most lighting situations.  (Plus, make sure they actually know how to use it!) If you’re not having an outdoor wedding with a nice cloud cover and a brightly lit reception, you might run into issues. Saying that also, make sure you like their past work and this perhaps will be the best predictor of the outcome.

So, even if their price might be right, but their style might be wrong.  Cheaper is NOT  always better.  Sometimes cheaper is just CHEAP and the product will be shown and discussed for times to come among friends and family…. True story!

Now, there is a lot of work ahead… Let’s plan this day!

Allie Miller
Owner/Photographer – Eastern NC

DO PLAN YOUR WEDDING In UNDER a MONTH!

Re Blog by --Erinn Bucklan

Want to plan your wedding in under a month? Yes, you can.

Impatient lovers, cover your ears. This stat is not what you want to hear: the average length of engagement hovers somewhere around 14 months.  When romance has swept you off your feet and you just can’t bear to wait much longer to say your vows, why not plan an impromptu wedding in under a month? You won’t risk losing the thrill of a whirlwind, spontaneous wedding with a long engagement.

Of course, a last-minute wedding does have some minuses. For one, you’ll have to make some concessions due to the time constraint—with only a few weeks to shop for and book all your vendors, you may need to settle for what’s immediately available. Also, you’re likely to have to buy your wedding dress off the rack; most bridal salons need at least three weeks for an order.

But if these compromises seem like a small price to pay for a speedy engagement, read on for a guide to the can-do places to book in less than a month away.

VEGAS, BABY

Take a jaunt to the most famous place to tie the knot fast. Dubbed the marriage capital of the world with more than 122,000 weddings a year, Las Vegas makes it the easiest. There’s no waiting period to get a marriage license here and the county’s Marriage License Bureau is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, 365 days a year.

Do: Fill out an online application beforehand to expedite your trip.

Don’t: Miss The Chapel of The Bells as a venue possibility. It may not be as understated as, say, the Bellagio, but it is more iconic as seen in flicks like Indecent Proposal and Honeymoon in Vegas.

DECK THE HALLS

There’s also the option of staying local and marrying at your local city hall. Some cities like San Francisco and New York hold their marriages in gorgeous, stately buildings that rival many other venues.

Do: Book a post-nup celebratory meal at a festive nearby restaurant.

Don’t: Neglect the paperwork required to get a marriage license. You may need to get a jumpstart on your marriage license; some places like Texas or Washington, D.C. require a three to five day waiting period.

SEEK OUT A RESTAURANT

Many restaurants have private rooms or can accommodate larger parties (usually up to 60 guests) on shorter notice than wedding halls. So, consider a spot like Miami’s Red Fish Grill to host your last-minute affair.

Do: Work with the existing dinner menu. Requests for dishes that aren’t usual fare for the chefs may not be possible on such short notice.

Don’t: Expect everyone you invited to be able to attend. You may have fewer guests in attendance than you’d like; many may have already scheduled activities on your wedding date.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

A public venue, like a beach or a park, is another possibility with more flexible booking arrangements than a hotel or wedding hall. States like California have plenty of options from beaches to historic gazebos to redwood forests as a backdrop for your vows.

Do: Check with local authorities before sending out invites. Many require a permit for such a gathering even though the area is public.

Don’t: Anticipate a private, intimate affair. Often, passersby visiting the area will stop to ogle your ceremony.

HOLD THAT HOTEL

As long as you’re flexible with time and day of week, you may be able to book your wedding at one of the more traditional establishments like a hotel or wedding hall. Sure, Saturday night will be booked, but Wednesday may be wide open.

Do: Ask friends or family for help with addressing invitations, doing the photography and simple floral arranging. While the location may be available, some of the other vendors may not be.

Don’t: Be surprised that you may just save some money when you switch the night of your celebration from the all-popular Saturday evening.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Have a friend with a gorgeous lawn or an aunt with a large enough abode to accommodate your friends and family? Consider asking if they’d host your last-minute nuptials.

Do: Remember that a lot of responsibility goes into using a close one’s house for your event.

Don’t: Skimp on the niceties that will show your appreciation, such as hiring a cleaning crew post-wedding and sending your hosts a quality gift to thank them for their hospitality.

ELOPE!

It's called a destination wedding if you bring your guests, but if you and your fiancé take the leap à deux, then you’ve got the formula for the ultimate in passionate spontaneity: elopement.

Do: Book a photographer to record your ceremony. Without anyone to witness the event, it is especially touching to have photos that document your wedding.

Don’t: Forget that your nearest and dearest will still want to celebrate your marriage somehow—so host a celebration back home once you’re Mr. & Mrs.

If in VEGAS and Planning a wedding - Contact us. www.amillerfoto.com {ASAP Packages for your day if needed} how great is that????