I am a huge believer in sharing what I have learned so that others don't struggle as much as I have since I've started my business.  I want this community of photographers to grow which is why I share and pass on my experience.  So here are 5 tips for wedding photographers who are just starting out.

1.  Make sure you've got experience, or things could end badly.

I was on Google+ recently and found this link to an article about a photographer duo who gave their clients blurry and out of focus photos.  All of the photos were the same.  And it destroyed the memory of the couple's wedding.  Which completely proves why this point is number one in this series.  You have to know what you are doing and have experience doing it. 

Know your camera.  Know your settings.  Know that you will get in focus, non blurry, and beautiful photos of the wedding and couple.  Make sure that you've had some experience being a photographer at a wedding.  When I first started, I was deathly afraid of photographing a wedding, why?  Because I didn't know what I was doing.  After interning for a year and continuing to second shoot for three years, I learned how to conduct myself at a wedding as a professional, vendor, and making sure that I get the shots that are important.  

When I made the leap to photograph weddings, I used the blueprint I had learned from other photographers that I had second shot for.  What to do and what not to do.  I did research online of what to expect.  I bought two wedding books from Barnes & Noble and highlighted almost every sentence.  But no matter how many books you read or wedding photography blogs you follow, you need to second shoot and get some experience under your belt.  

Get in there and begin second shooting and learning first hand how and what to do.  I still second shoot and I always learn something new.

2.  Never say no.

This statement can save you and your reputation.  Never say no to requests, unless the bride wants to hang off a cliff.  Otherwise this word shouldn't be said. I know that sometimes as photographers we get requests that causes us to raise an eyebrows, but never say no.  Instead say, " We can do that however it might cut into your time..." or, "I think it would be better if we..." Find alternative ways to suggest something else that will work for you and for the couple.  At my October wedding, the groomsmen wanted to do a fun shot of them and we were running out of time. I shot it in two seconds and it made their day.  Later, one groomsmen told me that usually other photographers would have said no and been rude about it, and that it was nice I got the shot they wanted.  What does this mean?  By giving in to the requests (when able) makes those who are a part of the bride and groom's day makes you be more than a photographer.  It makes you someone who is helpful and listens to their clients.

This kind of professionalism can resonate a lot with the couple, bridal party, and guests.  They see you conduct and handle situations with professionalism and knowing alternatives that will make the experience even better.  And not saying "No, we can't do that."

3.  You will be the coordinator, dress bustle-er, flower holder, and family wrangler.

If your couple does not have a coordinator, be sure that you will assume one of the many roles (or derivative of) listed above.  Because you are the one documenting the day for the time you're there, you become the time keeper.  You are in charge and as nerve wracking as it sounds, this is a good thing.  Mainly because you become the one to guide the couple throughout the day.  I have bustled a dress or two because I can do it faster and therefore, stay on time.  I have pinned the boutonnières because I can do it faster and know how (even though they're tricky sometimes).  I work with my bride before hand to create a timeline that covers the most important moments of the day.  It is my job to stick to it and make sure everything runs smoothly.  It's part of the job.  Just make sure that you do it with professionalism and keep the day light, fun, and happy.  

Which brings me to my next point....

4.  ALWAYS HAVE FUN.

I love weddings.  I love being at weddings, watching weddings in movies, and I cry at weddings.  I like to dance and have fun at weddings.  And I love to create long lasting images for my clients as they embark on a new journey together.  If you aren't having fun, then I suggest you find something you do have fun photographing.   When you're not having fun, it will show.  And you never want your clients to feel like you're not as excited as they are on their big day.

5.  Make sure your contract covers your butt.

Make sure that you have a solid contract.  One that helps you convey the specifics of your wedding services.  Not all contracts are the same.  My contracts have changed over time and I have added and taken away things that apply to me now.  After some experience, I learned that contracts are important when dealing with such an important events. 

Many photography companies now offer contracts for you to buy.  I know Design Aglow has one for weddings as portraits.  You can also make a solid one by consulting a lawyer and making sure you don't get sued or otherwise because you made an over sight on your contract.

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So there you have it!  5 Tips for Wedding Photographers Starting Out.  What did you think? Do you have any tips to share?  Write them in the comment section below! Share this post with others 

Happy Friday!

This couple was referred to me and since then have become friends.  I was so honored to have photographed their wedding this month!

More to come soon!

Seems like there is an epidemic going around!  Everyone is getting pregnant!  I have had the pleasure of photographing women filled with the miracle of life, and I love it!  It's so fascinating and I can't tell you how many women say it is such a great idea to photograph themselves while pregnant.  It's such a unique moment in their lives and each pregnancy is just as unique.

Jeanette & Michael are going to be great parents!  They couldn't stop smiling and were excited about their little girl coming any day now.  (She's not here yet but soon!)  You two have nothing to worry about, the love that you have for each other will transcend onto your baby girl and I know that she will be as beautiful as the love you have for each other!  I was honored to photograph you

two

three

:).

This infinity charm was from Jeanette and Michael's wedding!  I thought it was so cute how they wanted to incorporate it into the session!

I've photographed clients in various places.  Alley ways, fields off the road, in their homes, in parking garages, hotel rooms, and abandoned buildings.  Each location selected perfectly to compliment the personalities of each and every one of my clients.

This location and this client were meant to be.  This client also happens to be my cousin!  Yes, another senior who will be graduating next  year and is one of my Senior Reps for 2013!  We talked about locations and he wanted something with street art.  Something that had some flavor and personality.  This location was perfect and I had never noticed it before.

Rafita:  You have a big heart and smarts that will propel you in your future endeavors what ever they may be.  Stay true and honest because the world will challenge you.  I know you will be just fine, conquering challenges is your middle name.

I had the great pleasure of photographing my own family again!  My aunt wanted some photos of her one year old and her tall and gorgeous 13 and 15 year old - if I got your ages wrong guys, I'm sorry!  Just remember, I'm getting old ;).  And because Easter was around the corner, she brought a basket with eggs and a bunny!  Get ready for some cute overload!

We had some gorgeous soft light thanks to the rain clouds a few weeks ago.  It makes for great contrast too!  Just thought I'd share that with you all :).

Happy Tuesday!  Stay tuned, I have more sessions to share with you!!!


If you'd like to have Jackie photograph your family, contact her at 951.732.7039 or at jackie@jackielamasphotography.com!  

I'm taking a short break from my bookkeeping disaster to write this blog post.  I know what you're thinking: omg, she waiting until the week before to do her taxes and all of her bookkeeping!  Give a girl a break!  When it comes to the business side of things, I will admit that it's be a long and treacherous up hill battle comparable to Mt. Everest during it's worst snow storm.  Don't roll your eyes, I'm not being dramatic, I'm just keeping it real.   Luckily, I've had lots of help along the way in the form of blog posts and business savvy professionals.  However, it's no excuse and I am publicly promising myself that I will keep up with this years bookkeeping on a month to month basis.  Whew!

Onto more interesting things: Maureen.  Maureen is one of those gals that is full of passion and kindness.  One of those girls you'd love to have a movie night with and share celebrity gossip.  We photographed her session at the LA Union Station.  She was enthusiastic, passionate, and willing to try anything!  My kind of girl!  However, I did not realize how much this session had changed her life.  How it was a stepping stone to finding herself again.  When she told me that, I couldn't help but shed a tear.  I had no idea this fun and adventurous and kind person was even lost!  She even braved wind and rain for this session!  Which makes me feel so blessed to do what I do, even if I don't know it at the time :).

To Maureen:  You are amazing girl!  Adventurous, kind, beautiful, fun and passionate!  I am so honored to have been a part of your journey to finding yourself again and I seriously have no words to describe how honored I am.   I love watching your videos and can't wait to see where your next adventure takes you!

When a friend comes to you with an idea, at first you may not want to hear it, for fear that maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't be a good idea.  Yet you listen anyway and after she has poured out her heart to you with all of her ideas and dreams, you realize that it wasn't a good idea... it was a GREAT idea!  Of course, my friend Sophia, being as meticulous as she is, she could never really have a bad idea.

She told me that she wanted to start a fashion blog and that she'd love for me to do a series of photos for her.  And, of course I did!  Can't leave a friend hangin', ya know?!

If anyone ever wrote a blog about fashion, Sophia is the perfect person for the job.  And so, Running In Stilettos was formed.  I'm posting these two here but make sure you check out her blog for more photos!

Happy Wednesday!

I love photographing the milestones of my clients.  What I love even more is photographing the milestones of my family.  From maternity sessions to family sessions to weddings.

I was lucky to photograph my cousin, Elahyna, as she begins her journey from teenager to adult.  She is also one of my Class of 2013 Senior Reps!

To my wonderful cousin:  The future may be uncertain, do not fret.  Uncertainty can sometimes be exciting and full of great surprises.  And lots of lessons to learn along the way.  The future may be frightening, do not fret.  For we are made to over come fear with tenacity and you will conquer it.  No matter what, being your older cousin, I am here for you every step of the way :).  Love you!

Okay, on to the photos!

You still have time to get your senior portraits done!  It is such an exciting time and having it documented can be such a great way to remember it.  I had my portraits taken back in 2009 when I was graduating college and it felt great to have a memory of what I felt.  Of how it marked a pivotal point in my life.  I look at those photos now and remember college, the friendships I made, the professors that influenced me, and how young and promising I looked.

Sure the cap and gown photo is classic, but senior photos are about you and what makes your time in high school or college memorable.  It's a time when you can represent yourself and all that it means to you.  

It's about standing out and being you.

So there is still time to have them done before the big day arrives!  Contact me for more information and available dates 951.732.7039!

If you haven't caught an episode of My Fair Wedding with David Tutera yet and you're a wedding professional... then I am going to assign you one task.  Watch three episodes of this series and then come back and read this blog post.

If you have seen the show, then this will make sense to you.  I am sitting here watching the show in a small corner of the screen as I edit and felt it was necessary to write about it.  As a wedding professional, as a photographer, what you will learn as time goes on is that this profession is all about customer service and serving your clients and really being genuine about it.  

This is where David Tutera comes in.  In every episode, the first question he asks is "what do you see for your wedding?"  Right out of the gate he is focused on getting to know what the bride is envisioning, how she feels, and her personality.  He lets her talk, say all she needs, gets her excited, and builds trust.  He takes what makes them special and what they want and turns it into a dream wedding.  Through out the episode, you'll notice he constantly asks "what do you think?" and "how do you feel?" He nods and takes it all in.  Filing it all away.  

The wedding is usually breathtaking and a complete reflection of the personality of the bride and groom.  But more than that, what you will walk away with is how David really CARES about his couples.  He genuinely and whole heartedly cares.  He's excited for them and never puts on a fake face.  He puts himself into each and every couple.   More importantly, he becomes their trusted friend.  No faking it, no fronting.  He is open and is always smiling.

There is one thing that resonates with brides and speaks volumes is when they know and feel that you are genuine and actually care about them and their wonderful day.  Because for them, this is the beginning of a new life for them.  And when you care about it as much as they do and know how special it is, they appreciate it.  And they appreciate you.  

The show always reminds me of what is important as a wedding professional.  It's not the photography, it's not how many weddings, it's not how big they are, how much brides spend or if they'll refer you.  It's about caring and really serving your couples genuinely, openly, and whole heartedly.  It's about guiding them, educating them, and becoming a real friend.  

"I love making these weddings happy memories for everyone."

 -David Tutera 

Happy Friday!