Lydia - These are great tips, Melissa! Thanks for sharing so much!
Darbi G - Melissa,
So glad I found this. I've been toying with tipping my brides and grooms with the same, but have felt a bit timid to do so as I didn't want it to look haughty or self-promotional. But the way you've phrased it is exactly what I feel, so I think I'll add this to my own batch of suggestions for brides. Thank you so much for using your eloquence to clearly explain something I struggle with as well.
:) Happy shooting!
martin zuckermann - Gracias Melissa!, always treasure your comments. I don't read them all but this one's great and I have my biggest wedding in 2 days, so it comes just in time!
God bless,
marTin
ps. yes, I also noticed the little details you shoot and noticed you like shoes...cute.
MattDJ - Oooooooh... another gem! Oh man, I just know I'm about to get information overload on the posts I haven't read yet! :-)
Ali Girl Photography - Great tips! I've been on both sides of the day...as a bride and as a wedding photographer and it is always better if everyone is on the same page!
Amanda - Hi Melissa! I am loving your tips - I hadn't considered making a packet before to give to brides but it seems like a great idea! I want to work on one of my own! This tip is SO true. I've encountered the folks who are uncomfortable with the photojournalistic style as well - they always get upset because they "weren't ready" i.e. standing straight on at me with the fake smile - when I took the picture. And you're right, it does make you feel bad as a person and a photographer, like you will stand out notoriously in their wedding memories as "that photographer". The packet idea is great! Thank you for sharing!
denise karis - ohhhh this is such a good one! I once had to take photos of an event and I took a photo of a family of three walking away from me - someone else saw and said, "they werent smiling..." like I was being an idiot for taking a photo of the back of them - I really felt stupid even though I knew what I was doing. I love your examples too!