Archive for the ‘Photography’ Category

A popular topic on any photographers’ forum is pricing, and whether to post it on your website. A wedding photographer in Chile, Kyle Hepp, who I have grown to respect and who does amazing work commented on a conversation about this. She stated that as a bride, she would not even consider contacting someone without prices. It got me to thinking from the bride’s point of view. It endlessly annoys me when prices aren’t available on other things I shop for, and yes, as a bride I wanted all the information up front.

I believe in being direct in everything I do so here is a pdf with all my 2010 wedding information. Please contact me at jessica@jessicashepard.com, or 503-914-7093, with any questions. I can customize anything to make it just right for your wedding.

Summer Weddings

March 10, 2010

The peak of nice weather we had last week has me thinking about summer. This wedding is just so Oregon summer to me, though it actually took place in Longview Washington. I thought I’d do a photo recap of it just for fun.

Photos of Me

March 9, 2010

I just got my photos back from Deanna Russell Photography and they are great! Deanna and I had a fun laid back photo session and I think the relaxing atmosphere really shows in both of our portraits. Check out my About page where I just posted my favorite. Thanks Deanna!!!

I had coffee (actually a chamomile tea with honey) with Gina Emerson, of Gina Emerson Photography, this morning. I think it is just amazing to be part of a community of photographers in Portland, that are truly supportive of each other. When I was first starting out I had several established wedding photographers offer me advice, and point me to networking groups. Over the years, I’ve become part of a group of Oregon Flickr photographers that are always willing to share ideas, and another group of women photographers in the Portland area.

Brides are often surprised when I tell them that a lot of photographers here are friends, or at least friendly enough to help each other out. Yes we are each others competition but we’re also coworkers in a way. When dates are booked we need to know other photographers to refer brides to for their wedding. When a portrait client contacts me, and they are too far away, it’s great to be able to send them to someone closer. It helps all our clients, and each other. It’s also an absolutely essential resource for a wedding photographer to have in event of an emergency on a wedding day!

I did a post a couple weeks back about engagement sessions. I realized I didn’t touch upon what to wear, which is something I get asked a lot. There is no right answer but here are some suggestions.

Dress in something that represents you. Think about where we are photographing when you choose your outfit. High heels and a dress may not work well if you want photos in a field, unless you are a kick off your shoes and run barefoot type.

Talk to each other before dressing. You don’t need to match your fiance but you shouldn’t clash. You’ll want to be about the same formality. One of you in a suit, and one in your favorite ripped jeans might look silly. Being a little aware of how your colors go together is good too.

Avoid clothing that will over power the photograph. I had business portraits done last year and wore a top that was patterned with bold flowers all through my mid-section. If you are a size 2 this might be okay and give the illusion that you have more curves. On me, it draws attention to my mid-section and the pattern is just too bold, drawing attention away from my face. I still really like this shirt but not for photos. Logos, even small ones, and writing are even worse.

Think about color. Most people look best in certain colors. Black is a difficult one for photos. For some it works okay, but it can wash out pale skin. It also tends to fade and show every little piece of lint.

Break the rules. Always feel free to bend, twist, or break the rules. Maybe your fiance always wears bright blue polka dots suits, and you love all black. Then this is who you are and by all means express it!

When in doubt, bring a couple of outfits or at least shirts. Email me, or comment on this post, if you have specific questions.

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