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You want to look back at your photos and remember how beautiful your dress was (or how handsome his tuxedo looked). A professional photographer will know how to frame you so that your dress appears as full as possible and crops out any parts that detract from its beauty.
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It can't be overstated how important photos are for looking back on a special occasion—but if the pictures don't turn out well, they won't serve their purpose. A professional photographer will have top-quality equipment and know what settings work best in different situations.
You want a photographer that is experienced in prom photography
It’s easy to forget about the myriad of little details that make up an amazing prom photo, and it’s even easier for those same details to be forgotten by an unseasoned photographer. You don’t have time to waste on someone who will show up late or miss in-the-moment shots, so choose one that has been there and done that before.
You want a photographer who can provide you with options
Your photos should be all about you—your style, your personality, your vision. The last thing you need is a photographer forcing you into awkward poses or telling you what kind of pictures they think would look best. The right prom photographer will give you different choices and work with you to make sure they are bringing your vision to life exactly how you dreamed it—and not how they want it.
You want a photographer who can provide add-on options
Don’t let your perfect prom photos end at just the dress! A good prom photographer will offer add-ons such as makeup artists, hairstylists, spray tanning services, tux rental offerings, and more. That way, both your inner beauty (and outer!) will really shine through in these once-in-a-lifetime photos! You also deserve the peace of mind knowing there are no limitations or restrictions on the types of images captured or where the shoot takes place... which brings us to our final secret for finding the best OKC prom photography!
A professional prom photographer can help you capture the experience, allowing you to enjoy it more.
Here are some tips for getting good prom photos:
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Wear your most comfortable shoes. Dressy pumps may not cut it. If your feet start hurting, you'll show it in the photos. To avoid this, wear a pair of flats or low-heeled shoes and change into heels once you get to the venue. While we're talking about shoes, make sure that they match! This might seem like a no-brainer, but lots of people have had their prom night ruined by mismatched footwear.
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Be on time! Some photographers charge by the hour, so if you book too close to midnight (or even worse—make them wait past midnight), they may charge extra fees because they had other things planned for after your shoot time was scheduled to end.
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Don't take pictures while driving or riding in a car at night; this is dangerous and illegal in many states (as well as impractical since the light from street lamps makes it almost impossible to see). A better option would be taking pictures from the passenger's seat with someone else driving—you won't risk your safety or break any laws either way!
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When planning your senior photo session, one question you might have is what props to bring with you to make your photos extra special. Photographers love when their clients bring in props because it helps them get creative and often takes their photography to the next level, allowing the seniors to showcase themselves in ways they wouldn’t be able to otherwise. Here are 10 simple yet beautiful props that you can bring with you on your photo shoot.
1) SPORTS JERSEY AND EQUIPMENT
This is a classic prop and one of my favorites. You can use pretty much any type of sports equipment like: baseball bats, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls and anything else you want to bring along that will make your senior portrait look more authentic.
2) MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
Whether you’re into rock or classical, a piano is a must for any senior who wants to look hip on their yearbook page. And yes, some schools may not allow it, but if you want to be remembered as The Dude with a piano in his photos, it’s worth trying. If your school does allow instruments, don’t bring an electric guitar — that just screams hard rocker — and don’t forget to put your name on it.
3)Pets
If you want to show off your four-legged best friend, bring him or her along. Animals are naturally photogenic, and will provide a lovely touch of whimsy to your session. Just make sure that any pets are well-behaved and accustomed to being around lots of people (and cameras!). Don’t have a pet? There’s nothing wrong with bringing in an adorable stuffed animal instead! Extra points if you incorporate it into one of your poses. Double points if you ride horses, always wanted to do senior pictures with horses.
4) Accessories: Shoes, Hats, Bags & Belts
Accessories are a great way to show your personality in pictures. Even if you feel like a simple sundress with some sandals is all you need, try adding accessories like hats or scarves to change up your style! If you want something more casual, bring along your favorite baseball cap and don’t forget a cute pair of sneakers or flip flops for pictures by your favorite lake. And don’t forget that you can also accessorize within outfits! In the winter, don't forget coats, scarfs, gloves, and sweaters and also great modifiers.
5) BALLOONS OR CONFETTI
PARTY TIME! Balloons and confetti are fun props that you can use to add color to your photos. It’s easy to use balloons or confetti as props, especially if you live in a warm climate where it won’t get ruined by water droplets. A piece of ribbon around your wrist and some balloons or confetti in your hand is a simple but great way to show off your senior style.
6) Iconic Car
Most high school seniors these days have their picture taken in a car. The truth is, it’s not just any car—it’s his or her senior pictures car. Make sure your son or daughter brings his or her favorite ride to pose in. It’s what many of us will remember most when looking back at their photos years from now. At a minimum make sure the car is clean from top to bottom before pictures. What a great job for a would be graduate. Save up a bit of money, why not rent something that will be remembered for the ages.
7) PERSONALIZED SIGNS
Whether it’s a sign with your senior’s name, a quote, or even something silly like I love you Mom and Dad, personalized signs give added meaning to senior photos and make them unique. This is such a simple prop that can transform pictures into truly memorable keepsakes!
8) Flowers
Pick up some colorful blooms to stage against your senior’s outfits, or use them as a prop in their hands. They are especially perfect for outdoor portraits and springtime shots, when you’re trying to showcase your teen amidst nature’s glory.
9) College apparel
Show off your college pride with hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweatshorts. These are great for outdoor photo shoots as they’re weather-appropriate and can help set a tone for some unique portraits!
10) Personal Items
It’s important to be yourself on your senior photo shoot. Bring along any items that have special meaning to you so that you can incorporate them into your photos. If you play sports, bring your favorite team jersey, or if you play an instrument, bring it with you! When it comes to props for seniors, think outside of traditional boundaries. Feel free to bring along a fun pair of sunglasses or even a skateboard! Whatever item represents who you are is perfect for bringing on your senior photo shoot.
You want your wedding day to be perfect, and you’ve spared no expense to make it just that way. But as you make your way through the long list of vendors, one question keeps coming up: What kind of pictures should I get? For many couples, the answer lies in hiring an Oklahoma wedding photographer who will capture the full story of your day from beginning to end, from the bridal preparations to the family portraits and the grand exit. Even better, with the help of such a talented team of Oklahoma wedding photographers and videographers, you can experience this event again and again.
The Wedding Day
The day of your wedding will go by quickly and chances are you’ll have little time to sit back and take it all in. As you prepare for the big day, be sure to enjoy yourself. The photos from your wedding day will serve as a memory—not just of how beautiful you looked or how many relatives showed up, but of that feeling—and that’s what we want to capture.
The Venue
While some locations lend themselves better to certain types of weddings than others, ultimately it’s your big day and you should choose a location that is perfect for you. As well as being in a beautiful setting, both inside and out, Woods Edmond was also very reasonably priced compared to other venues we looked at. The barn on site is wonderful – rustic but with all of today’s modern conveniences; plus there are indoor and outdoor space options depending on how much rain you want (or don’t want) to deal with. The owners were so accommodating; they even allowed us to get ready on site after our first look pictures had been taken!
Getting Dressed for the ceremony
We first made our way to Katelyn’s room, where she was getting ready with her bridesmaids. She looked stunning in her simple but elegant wedding dress. When it came time for me to take portraits of her alone, I took full advantage of being in a rustic barn by placing her on top of old wooden crates and hay bales. The soft glow of natural light streaming through large windows created a beautiful ambiance and really brought out every detail on Katelyn’s dress—and skin! One of my favorite images from that set is when she was looking over one shoulder with an absolutely radiant smile on her face... It was certainly one of those moments that only comes once in a lifetime! There were so many beautiful moments during their wedding day, like when Katelyn entered with her father and saw Brett standing at the end of a long aisle; or just before their ceremony started, as they were posing together outside under a tree (also overlooking some gorgeous Oklahoma farmland). You can see how incredibly happy they both were throughout everything! Wedding days are truly amazing events to photograph because you get to capture those unforgettable moments between two people who are committing their lives to each other. My job here was just as much about capturing as many details and emotions of their day as possible, while still finding artistic photos that wouldn't appear posed. I'm extremely happy with how all these shots turned out; knowing how much emotion went into them makes them even more special!
First Look
One of my favorite parts of any wedding is when I’m given a sneak peek into it before the big day. Weddings are always fun to shoot, but getting to see them before everyone else means I can plan where I set up and prepare for all kind
s of shots. It also means that I get to know more about both couples as they begin their marriage journey together. One such couple was Ashley and Jason; they got married outside of Edmond, Oklahoma on April 26th with both families present and friends galore. The two were joined by what seemed like hundreds of people that wanted to help celebrate their union—and boy did they!
Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony took place on a small hill right next to some trees, with an absolutely gorgeous view of flowers. It was a small wedding—I’d say around 50 people attended—but it was one of those perfect spring days where everyone just felt good and got along famously. One of my favorite moments came before I started taking pictures when I saw all their friends and family standing behind them, shaking hands and exchanging hugs.
Family Pictures
When it comes to weddings, most people have preconceived ideas about what they're going to see and how things are going to go. It's always fun to challenge their perceptions by doing something different from what they expect. When we photographed Molly and Ryan's wedding, it was held outside at a barn on her parent's property. On our walk over, we could hear live music playing inside—and as soon as we walked into that space, we knew it was going to be an amazing day. They told us about how much of their family (and friends) would be attending because of where it was being held; but there were still no more than 50 people present when all was said and done.
Reception
A reception was held in the barn, so guests were able to mingle and talk during pictures. I was careful to make sure no one walked into a shot and overall, they were very respectful of us while we worked. Receptions are always fun because of all of our bright backdrops (white chairs, white napkins and tablecloths). Also, we typically play The Shoe Game or some other form of silly wedding game during receptions to make sure that everyone is having fun. Wedding photography doesn't always have to be serious! And lastly, we really like when couples bring props for photos. We had never seen anyone use basketballs as props before -it was an awesome idea!
Sendoff: Fireworks
The finale of any wedding is its sendoff—and what better way to close out your nuptials than with fireworks? Nothing says, It’s a new chapter like loud explosions and showers of sparkly light. Make it a grand finale by hiring professional fireworks companies to create custom displays for you. You can also do an encore—if you want to extend your celebration into another night, or if you just love fireworks (we don’t blame you).
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it true. "Give a girl the right shoes, fantastic hair, and impeccable outfit, and she can conquer the world." Unlike most senior photographers, I’m here to create with you a collection of photos that inspire and encourage you to live your life with confidence, love, and a little bit of mischief. Your session will consist of a one-on-one session in the comfort of your own home and/or in a location of your choice. We will work together to discuss a plan for our senior photos – where we will go, what kind of vibe we want for our shoot – but ultimately you choose the shots that you absolutely need to see in print.
Love Big Senior Pictures is the senior picture studio that does one thing and does it best – Express who you are! How? By giving you a dedicated photographer who knows that seniors are more than just pictures; they’re complex people with unique stories. Love Big Senior Pictures provides a time and place to tell your story in a casual, stress-free atmosphere. We offer quality custom portrait products at great prices because we care about who you are, not just how you look. Portraits don’t have to be all business; leave the boring stuff (like headshots) to other studios, and celebrate everything that makes YOU! –– so let them know there’s no place better for a teenager to take their senior pictures than Love Big.
Love Big Seniors is one of the few high end studios that gives edited digital negatives standard as part of every package. Other studios change for the session independent of pints and digital negatives. Although we give a set limit of digital negatives, we give you the flexibility to scale based on your needs with no pressure beyond your initial package purchase. This on top of reasonable pricing if you do decide to buy more.
Find out if the photographer is experienced with what they do:
Ask if they have experience photographing engagements. If not, ask them how many weddings or other types of events they've photographed.
- Do they specialize in photography?
- Do they offer any wedding packages?
- Do they offer any engagement sessions?
What to ask a photographer before booking an appointment
Ask these questions to help you find the perfect photographer for your engagement session.
- What is the engagement session like?
- What time of day do you prefer to shoot engagements?
- How many outfits should I bring to my engagement session?
- Can I take pictures with my fiancé's pets?
- Do you have any tips on posing for engagement photos?
- How much do you charge per hour?
- Do you charge per hour or per photo without a package or discount code?
- What are the costs associated with getting prints or albums?
- Can an engagement session be booked independently or is it only available as part of a package deal with other services, like wedding photography?
Types of Engagement Photo Sessions
Engagement sessions can vary in a variety of ways. Some photographers offer a styled shoot while others offer photojournalistic-style sessions. Styled shoots are often more involved than photojournalism and produce more formal photos. They're also best when paired with engagement session packages that include an album or prints. Photojournalism is perfect for capturing candid moments, like the couple's reactions when they see each other for the first time on their wedding day. It's best for couples who don't want posed photos but want to ensure they get some good shots of the two of them together.
Types of Engagements Photography Approaches
There are many different approaches to engagement photos. If you're not sure what style of photography is right for you, then it's important to know that there are four main types of photography:
Photojournalism vs Candid vs Photographing the couple apart vs Posing
Photojournalism
is a technique in which the photographer documents everything around them. This type of engagement photography approach captures candid moments and has no direction or posing involved.
Candid engagement photography
is when the photographer photographs the couple without direction or posing. The focus is on capturing natural moments and expressions.
Photographing the couple apart
is when the photographer documents one person at a time, rather than both people together like in candid engagement photos. The focus is on capturing moments in which the connected partner only plays a secondary role in the photo.
Posing engagement
photos are when the photographer directs each person in poses or actions they want them to do, usually with both people together. The focus is on creating interesting photographs by directing poses and actions for each individual.
You’ve found the perfect photographer, but what’s next?
Once you’ve booked your photographer, you need to get on the phone and start planning! In order to have a successful, stress-free day, be sure to start with a phone call to your photographer. He or she will be able to understand exactly what you want from your session, and can even give you tips on how to set up for your photo shoot. Your photographer will also be able to answer any of your last minute questions and help you plan a timeline for the day. Planning a timeline is key to making sure everyone knows where they need to be and when they need to be there. You’ll have a more enjoyable day and you will get better photos if you talk through your plan in advance. What are you waiting for, call me already!!
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Preparing your skin, hair, and makeup the day of your wedding is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your photos come out looking as beautiful as you do on your big day. Wedding makeup should be airbrush based, which allows for a lightweight application that won’t interfere with wearing your wedding dress and keeps makeup from being visible in photos. At M Salon in Edmond OK, they offer bridal hair and makeup preparation packages that take care of everything you need to look gorgeous on your wedding day, right down to the eyelashes and eyebrows!
What they Do
at Love Big Photography, want you to look your best. That’s why we recommend professional bridal hairstyling for your big day. We recommend reaching out to a hair and makeup artist about your needs towards the end of your wedding planning checklist. We have worked with M Salon in Edmond OK and the pictures turned out phenomenal. Check out their Instagram page M-Studio Instagram.
How To Prepare For A Big Day
Before You Say I Do: With so much to do on your wedding day, it’s hard to imagine making time for a grooming session as well. Bridal hair can take anywhere from a few hours to all day depending on how elaborate you want to get with all of your ornaments. One of our most popular services is airbrush makeup, which works really well for brides who have beautiful skin but still want a more dramatic look for their big day. Trust me, you want this for every session!!!
Best makeup for wedding pictures
Bridal makeup is perhaps one of the most important aspects of your wedding day. You want to look your best for all those special photographs that you’ll cherish for years to come. It’s okay if you don’t know how to apply makeup like a professional. M Salon in Edmond, OK uses an airbrush technique that looks fantastic under any lighting conditions so whether you are having an outdoor or indoor wedding photos will turn out beautifully! It also allows us to quickly adjust any blemishes or imperfections on your face so they are not visible during pictures.
Why Choose M Salon?
When you’re choosing where to get your bridal hair and makeup done, it can be a difficult decision. There are several factors to consider, including price point, the experience of stylists and overall aesthetics. With M Salon as your choice for wedding prep, you can rest assured that they can provide all of these services with top-notch talent. Personally, I thought it great that they had plenty of staff to support large wedding parties without waiting on one person.
And Some Frequently Asked Questions About Bridal Services
How far in advance should I book my wedding hair? How much does it cost? These are questions you may have about your upcoming big day. Read on to get answers from M Salon.
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Senior pictures are just around the corner, and you don’t want to miss out on the chance to have some amazing photographs taken! In addition to using your OKC senior photographer for these photos, it’s also important to choose the perfect location for them. Some locations are better than others, so take some time to search through this list of the best locations in Oklahoma City to take your senior photos at!
Oklahoma City is one of those cities where there are always tons of things to do, whether you’re a senior or not. Whether you live in OKC or are just visiting for senior pictures, here’s a list of what we consider to be some of best locations for senior pictures in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma city offers a great variety of photo locations for senior pictures. Whether you want to get outside with nature, show off your horseback riding skills, or even dress up in formal attire and shoot in front of a castle, Oklahoma city has it all.
Downtown Oklahoma City- Automobile Alley & Bricktown
Automobile Alley is a collection of old, industrial buildings that have been converted into apartments and business offices. With large windows and high ceilings, they offer a great backdrop for senior pictures. This place has it all and is one of my most requested locations. I always seem to find a new hidden gem within this 2 mile radius. From amazing graffiti walls at Factory Obscura to a white picket fence at Katie bugs, this place has it all. This is just a small sample below.
Devon Tower - Glass Walls
If you’re interested in doing some shopping while you’re at Devon Tower, it may be worth your time to visit its glass-walled floors. You can get some unique shots of downtown Oklahoma City with little effort if you take advantage of these walls, and they may help set your senior pictures apart from others. When looking for a memorable location for my senior pictures, I knew that I wanted to do something interesting and different than anyone else.
Myriad Gardens
We know senior pictures aren’t just about standing in front of an OKC photographer and smiling pretty. Instead, senior pictures should reflect your personality, interests and hobbies. If you love flowers, try taking your photos at Myriad Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City. Whether you want to play around with some flowers or just hang out and enjoy a nice view of Oklahoma City, there are plenty of beautiful backdrops for you! Not only that, but it’s free to get into Myriad Gardens, so why not save yourself some money by taking your senior pictures here? Plus, being able to incorporate one of Oklahoma City’s best landmarks into your photos is something you’ll cherish forever. So what are you waiting for? Head over to Myriad Gardens today and take those awesome floral-inspired photographs that will show off who you really are! Don't forget scissortail park across the street...should this be a honorable mention? Let me know what you think?
Downtown OKC - Rooftops
There are a ton of great Oklahoma City downtown locations for senior pictures. The best? Rooftops. There are several rooftops that provide some spectacular views of downtown. One fun option is to take photos at one of these places then head down to Penn Square in front of the First National Bank Tower and snap some shots there as well. If you’re looking for more specific locations, just leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help!
Boathouse Distric
When you think of Oklahoma City, what comes to mind? That’s right...the lake. The Boathouse District has a picturesque view of Lake Hefner and is a great place for your senior pictures. With modern architecture surrounding you, it’s like walking into a postcard. Plus, if you want more incredible scenery in your photos, go ahead and walk over to Heritage Park! There are so many amazing places for senior pictures in OKC.
Honorable mentions
Plaza District - Plaza Walls
Lake Overholser Bridge Route 66
Cargo Room
14 NW 9th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Martin Nature Park (Fall Pictures)
5000 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142
With a lot of tall trees and beautiful greens, Martin Nature Park is one of my favorite locations for senior pictures in Oklahoma City. Nestled just off N.W. 23rd Street, between Western and May Avenue, you’ll find a small gem of nature right in downtown OKC! The park features plenty of walking trails that lead to large boulders and smaller rocks perfect for posing against.
Classen Inn Motel
820 N Classen Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Scissortail Park
Wheeler District
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Will you make any changes going into 2019? Is Facebook still providing a majority of your leads? What about Google Ranking?
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100+ Engagement Pictures Ideas for Inspiration
yay! Your engaged!
it’s time to celebrate the momentous occasion with an amazing photoshoot you will remember for years to come. Easy right? But where do you start? Many examples show cheesy couples' photos, impossible pictures off a cliff, and countless dull shots that leave you wondering if you are better off with just an iPhone selfie. Hopefully, you can find practical engagement picture inspiration that works at any location. We also hope that we can provide some time to make the best out of your session.
Engagement Locations
Location can be an extension of your relationship, reflecting who you are as a couple. Do you travel the world or chill on the couch and watch a movie. What about a symbolic location such as a first date or the place you first said: "I love you."
What if you want color, want to explore, or just want great-looking pictures. Location can make or break pictures but it does not need to be the sole focus of things. Your relationship should be front and center, and that should be reflected first in your pictures. A good photographer should help uncover this regardless of location.
Favorite Location Spots:
coffee shop, brewery, botanical garden, vacation location, college/high school grounds, downtown, museum, patio, park, theme park, or restaurant.
Engagement Poses
Unless you're a model, getting "candid" shots will probably feel anything but natural—but there are a few simple ways to help ease any discomfort. I always tell my couples: if it feels normal it more than likely looks natural. I then work to pose from that snuggle, kiss, or dance.
K-I-S-S-I-N-G: From handholding to sexy, to a full-on kiss. Showing off some public displays of affection is ok during an Engagement Session. Having a great relationship with your photographer will help you feel natural in front of the camera. Let your photographer know what you want and what you are comfortable with. its also good to have a game plan, pin up some boards on Pinterest and share it with your photographer.
What about Props: Hmm, I am not big or PROPS. I do like small simple items that can easily be removed or changed. Think about a book, umbrella, smoke/confetti bomb, environmental (surfboards at the beach), sharing headphones, scarf, hat, matching sneakers, and well you get the point. Don't let my taste get in the way, if you have a grand idea like modeling on top of your '69 Mustang, go for it. If that is who you are as a couple then go for it.
Colors & Theme
Black and White: For a timeless classic photo. In many cases, photographers edit first in color then convert to black and white. Some changes might be needed but it might not hurt to ask for a select few favorite picture in black and white. If you want this while avoiding any extra cost, make this part of your game plan before the session. Ask up-front for any additional cost in doing this.
Dramatic Colors: You have color, then you have color pop. I love color especial when used correctly
Wardrobe: Personally I would recommend avoiding busy prints or strips. I would also stay away from having the exact solid color if possible, sometimes it makes you look like one continuous entity. Depending on the season, complementary colors or analogous colors are always a safe choice.
Picture Timing
Golden Hour/Blue Hour: Sunset is the perfect time to capture a beautiful shot that guarantees great lighting. This might make for a short session so make sure you have a photographer that can take pictures in full sun. What does this mean? Ask your photographer if they have a high powered flash to take pictures in full sun. If they don't know what you are talking about, probably best to stay in the shade or sunset.
Nighttime: What something dark or with colorful city lights as a backdrop. This would be perfect after golden hour is done.
Unexpected Weather: Embrace the weather. Get some rain boots or thrown on a coat and play in the snow. It is always a unique picture experience with a story to tell years after it over.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Shara and Ryan really well over this past year. I took their engagement pictures and then did the wedding later in the year. The engagement session was so much fun and crazy cute. Scissor tail Park and it was a must stop along our engagement photography tour. We started in bricktown, took some down-town pictures, stopped by Katie Bugs, OKC Collective, SkyDance Bridge, and finally Scissor tail park.
Bricktown
Katie Bugs
OKC Collective
Skydance Bridge
OKC Scissor Tail Park
Thomas and Katelyn are an incredibly sweet couple who celebrated their love for each other with a ceremony by renting our an awesome house over seeing the Kansas fields. Their wedding day was full of meaningful people and places!
This was an intimate gathering with friends and family in Lawrence Kansas. We went for a rustic wedding look bring out the teal & orange colors. As you can tell this was an outdoor wedding. I am a Kansas Wedding Photographer and I hope you like this preview.
Thanks for being here and reading a little about what I do. The fact that you’re here tells me you care about your images - and the person you hire to create them. Next, I’d love to invite you over to read my blog where you can check out recent weddings, view portrait sessions, bridal pictures or learn a little more about my life as Wedding Photographer in Kansas though my work.
I proudly provide exceptional wedding, portrait, event and commercial photography services to the Midwest, Kansas City and the surrounding areas, including:
Wichita KS, Kansas City KS, Overland Park KS, Topeka KS, Olathe KS, Lawrence KS, Shawnee KS, Manhattan KS, Oklahoma City OK, Tulsa OK, and Beyond. Let me be you destination photographer or local to Oklahoma or Kansas.
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I wanted to share a preview of a wedding that I photographed at Daffodil Hill Wedding + Events in Bethany, OK. It was a very hot and bright day which is usually a nightmare if you are a photographer but this outdoor venue has plenty of shade. Lets talk about this swing, I absolutely love it. This venue has a checker board patio in the back and tons of greenery in the area. I also like the dancing string of lights in the background and would look great during sunset.
I also had a great time with the bride and groom. The food smelled so good and reminded me of home. mmm. I also had the pleasure of taking engagement pictures of the couple and I will link that here as well.
This blog has been shared on Facebook, Instagram, and google and show up on top spots online. I have had a few couples as questions about this location. Please feel free to ask me any questions related to the photography of this location. No obligations.
My questions: Is a mini session a discount on your work or just a subset from the main session?
Maybe its a bit of both. Customers love discounts and sometimes they dont need a full set of pictures. Lets say they need one good profile picture.
How many full session clients do you book? what, did I really ask this? Ok then, at what price?
If you only limit the number of pictures....then do customers expect them to the BEST YOU HAVE TO OFFER?
Oklahoma Mini Session
example: Avg. session: $100 with an avg. of 6 bookings for portraits ($600 per month)
Each session has around 20 pictures to edit making a total 120 pictures to edit for $600 (making it $5 per picture)
We must also include the session time. Let's say 1 hour per session (6 hours total)
Mini Session Economics
The key if finding the sweet spot for cost without braking your cost per picture rule.
Let's say you have one mini session each lasting 20 mins for $25 with a promise of 3-5 pictures. It should be the same look for each client so your edits should be relatively streamlined.
In 1 hour you will make $75 but edit at least 5 pictures less across three sessions. I will assume that the best mini-session date would around 10-12 sessions in a day.
Mini Session cost @ $25 / 3-5 pictures
Time Earned Edits # of Sessions
1 hr $75 15 3
2 hr $150 30 6
4 hr $300 60 12
Mini Session cost @ $35 / 4-6 pictures
Time Earned Edits # of Sessions
1 hr $105 18 3
2 hr $210 36 6
4 hr $410 72 12
It seems that it's possible to make more money on 2 mini-session days then what can be made in a typical month. Finding that right spot with your regular pricing and what's perceived as a value or discount. At $35 you are making $5 more per hour with fewer edits. We all know that edits can be a time killer.
I think its time for me to try this in practice, run the numbers for my current pricing and then report back.
What does everyone think? How do you handle Mini-Sessions?
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Bedré Fine Chocolate
37 North Colbert Road, Davis, OK 73030
If you are coming to or from Texas from Oklahoma, you should stop by Davis, Oklahoma. There you will find Bedré Fine Chocolates. Chocolate has been a cultural legacy for Native Americans dating back to the 1500s. The Chickasaw Nation has continued that cultural legacy of chocolate through at Bedré.
Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center
35 North Colbert Road, Davis, OK 73030
This location is adjacent to Bedre which makes it a must-see in the area. You will have the opportunity to see award-winning art, gift shop, hand made jewelry and cultural relics.
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center & Garis Gallery of the American West
1000 Chisholm Trail Parkway, Duncan, OK 73533
This is a great museum and monument to come to visit. I love all the history and culture at this location. They have two great shows worth the visit alone. One show is a 4D like an experience and the other has animatronics. What a place. Take it from me; it’s worth the visit.
Chickasaw National Capitol Building
411 West 9th Street, Tishomingo, OK 73460
Chickasaw White House
6379 East Mansion Drive, Milburn, OK 73450
Chickasaw Visitor Center
901 West 1st Street, Sulphur, OK 73086
Turner Falls Park
I-35 and Highway 77, Davis, OK 73030
Please please visit all the great locations, explore the rich culture, and learn about the beauty just around the corner. Enjoy your preview!
Review | Example | Compare
**Updated 8/19/19**
I discovered first discovered Vivi while I was visiting the Shoot & Share website. Vivi seems to be a sponsor of the photo-contest website but I found it odd that I have never heard of them before. In fact, it seems google even struggles to share what vivi is. When you click on the link it takes you to page to make a reservation to use the service. I tend to think this is marking hype but I can explain that later. As you scroll down you will also see testimonials of different people who have used this service. I have posted both on Instagram & Facebook so that you can see results for yourself. I would also note that I have over 2K followers on each platform as a baseline. From the examples below, I have seen around 7 likes with claims of bookings.
Before moving on, I will tell you that video has better engagement rates than just pictures. It also helps to post often. I dont do either often so sham on me. I would expect a better than normal engagement rate for the videos. For videos, it can be hard for photographers to create content.
Vivi - Cost
Vivi has a monthly subscription cost of $15 with no obligation. There is no membership levels or discount (*that I can find) for a yearly subscription at the time of this post. This actually seems a bit high for me even with unlimited videos. Under this model I would pay ever other month and just do my backlog of videos. This would make the cost $7 which sounds more reasonable. It also seems to be all in 480p with no quality options. boo. It would also be cool to offer lifetime membership for beta users or not charge at all.
Vivi - Content & Interface
I have included a detailed youtube video below. I would sum it up by saying that the interface is simple and easy to use. The content seems to be limited which is why they might limit the number of people using the platform. Seems less likely to be a marketing ploy and more like beta testing. The app is also easy to use but its kind of hard to install (I think im pretty tech savvy). Why so hard? Its becuase it is a beta. $15 starting to sound like a lot now huh!
Vivi - Results
The last video I posted as of today was on 2/25/2019 on FB/Insta. On instagram I have 225 likes, 1 comment, 1 DM, 2 bookmarks, and 217 views. I also reached 42% of people who were not following me. On FB I have 7 likes, 6 shares, and 473 views. So far no direct bookings that I can say came from a posting of this video. Below is video that I posted. It seems they have made some changes since I last posted. It is in the step in the right direction but still seems like too much for what you get if you go down the paid avenue.
Vivi - Review & Final Thoughts
Vivi will produce better engagement than pictures alone (in many cases). There is lots of reasons for this but that does not mean you need Vivi to do this. On feature that Vivi does do is create weekly videos from your content automatically. I think they could take it to the next level by allowing a one button press post to all your social media accounts. Quality and video formats are lacking. I had some problems with audio on twitter but only when doing on my computer for some reason. huh?
When I first saw what Vivi really was my first thought was this was a Animoto type site. If you are looking to create videos using your photo libary then I think this is your best bet right now. They have membership levels starting at $5 with 720P standard. They also provide more content at the $5 level than vivi. Animoto also lets you add text and short video clips. This option is not available in vivi. The last one is the ability to edit a video. Animoto lets you edit your videos and sadly Vivi does not. Compitition is great and I hope Vivi can get there.
I was not endorsed by anyone to write this review. I hope this helps! Getting Started video Below.
We want to share our commitment to our Military Family by offering 10% off all our services. We are offering 10% off all services for all branches of service. This will include our wedding services as well. Offer is valid to Active Service & Veterans. CAC verification may be required. No Federal Employee discount at this time. Be so close to Tinker AFB, I think its time give back to the community. I have done a few engagements and elopements before deployments and I can see love and heartache before the big day. We try to stay as affordable and flexible on pricing as can be, I hope this can help out just a little bit more.
Affordable Wedding Photographer
No Code required
Clean & Crisp Preset - Etsy Sale
We are so excited to introduce our first Lightroom Mobile Preset on Etsy. The also means its our Grand Opening of our Etsy Store. I want to create an everyday preset that would in most cases without looking like a random filter on Instagram. This preset can be used as a base and still be compatible with other filters on your apps. This Preset base will add Color Pop and Sharpness and best of all, Lightroom is free to install on your phone and the preset cost is under $3. We are also opening up our Photography Mentorship section and have included one service as part of our Etsy Store. Check out a sample of our preset in action below.
This picture was taken at the Boathouse District right before sunset using iPhone X in DNG mode.
This picture was taken during a Kstate Football game using an iPhone 7 Plus in JPEG mode.
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Rose Briar Place
I feel like I know these guys now like FOREVER. It feels like only yesterday that I did Dylan's and Delaney's Engagement Pictures. Check them out because it was a perfect day. They told me that they had Rose Briar Place as their wedding venue. Wow, I love this place. I wanted to try out a few different styled shoots to see how they would turn out. I still keep my traditional clean style for the rest of the set but its nice to have a few unique pictures that stand out.
Lets jump in and see a few bridal pictures as the girls prep before the wedding.
And finally....The Kiss!
WOW, Cant wait to see more right!
Do you need a OKC Wedding Photographer? Top rated photographer in the metro. Contact Now
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As a photographer, we sometimes treat our picture locations as trade secrets. I was like this until recently. A friend asked me a location and I hesitated to respond. You take way better pictures than me, I can't always hire you but it would be cool to take some fun pictures at that location. Somehow I thought that the locations somehow made me a better photographer. The truth is, if you are going to hire a photographer, you will hire them for more than just knowledge of locations. I am an open book now and I am so happy to share my work & locations with you. At least you see my work. So let's get started with my top spots. Want to edit like me? Click Here
Click Here to see my engagement picture ideas ---> 100+ Engagement Pictures Ideas for Inspiration
Automobille Alley | The Womb of Oklahoma
I love this place because it has tones of color and some cool looking graffiti. Make sure you walk around the whole building and beyond. You have everything you will want. You will also see a nice pink trailer that makes for a nice backdrop. Watch out for the railroad tracks, they are live and used often. It is also illegal to walk on live tracks so please don't ask your photographer to take pictures on them.
FARMERS MARKET DISTRICT | Farmer Public Market
You will find a good skyline of the city here as well as some historic backdrops. You can also find a touch of color that will blend in nicely with your surroundings. I would expect to see lots of black and white pictures here. Yay!
Bricktown | Myriad Botanical Gardens
This place has so much to offer. This is OKCs Central Park. You have nature, architecture, tall grass, lights, city scapes, waterfalls, flowers for days, and I can go on and on. If you have not been, plan a trip because its worth it. The pictures should speak for themselves.
Oklahoma Boathouse District
This is a very modern location with neon lights, a park next door, and amazing architecture. There is a small park next to the Chesapeake Boathouse and is definitely worth checking out. This place is iconic and a top list for wedding venues.
Lake Hefner Lighthouse
Something to be said about lighthouse in general. They are simple, elegant, and romantic. Take a stroll, hold hands, and wait for sunset. It will be worth it.
Skydance Bridge
Bricktown Rooftops | Santa Fe Parking Garage | Bricktown Parking Garage | Broadway-Kerr Parking
You just can't beat the views atop some of the parking garages in OKC. I will also say 123 parking is also a good spot if you want a wide view of the city but I like the central location of the once I have provided.
Will Rodgers Park
The green backdrops, water fountains, bridges, and the colors make this a top spot.
O Bar at Ambassador Hotel
Take the top floor at the ambassador hotel to the O bar. It good edict to buy a drink or some food if you wish to take pictures, as it is a business. Take a selfie and post it on Instagram!
Bricktown Oklahoma City
Just walk around Bricktown and Automobile Alley and you will see a picture perfect spot at ever corner. The city looks so different in the winter vs spring. Just look at this amazing backdrop with tons of roots against a building near Santa Fe Parking Garage. Sometimes you can just use the cross walk, turn, kiss, and bamb. Perfect picture. Walk over to a parking lot and start dancing. You can just stroll down the street and find every kind of brick you can imagine. I just love the texture.
Other Great Picture locations in OKC (Honorable Mentions)
- Hafner Park
- Martin Park Nature Center
- Wheeler District (OKC Farris Wheel)
- Plaza District
- Your wedding venue
You really can't go wrong taking pictures an any of these locations, no matter the occasion. If you walk around I am sure you will find even more locations and im always excited when clients suggest a new one. If you decide you like what you see, and a selfie won't cut it, contact me. For that matter, lets build that relationship and maybe you will find a great Wedding Photographer.
Click for award-winning engagement pictures---> Best Engagement Pictures Pose Ideas for couples
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I made this minutes after I received the lens and walked to the local park. The Sigma 105mm f/1.4 was used out of the box with not calibration. It was done around 6:30pm during summer and mostly in the shade. I did not have any AF problems but im sure that can vary based on your camera model.
I call this the Poor Mans Nikon 200mm f/1.4 with the advantage of being closer to your subject.
Before After
By Downloading, you agree to the Common Creative Attribution 4.0 International Public Licence
Download Raw File Here: Child Portrait Nikon D850 Sigma 105mm F/1.4
46mb download
******Low Light Update & Calibration Coming Soon***********
I am a Wedding Photographer & Family Photographer in Oklahoma City.
I just started to document my journey as a photographer.
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Getting the top spot on Google is the holy grail for any photographer. That is because 80% of all clicks come from the first 3 - 4 results. I am sure you will have many questions and ill try my best to answer them all. I am new to video and new to the keywords related to helping other photographers so it might be awhile before this hits the top. You might not want it to get popular.
First Video Below has the 7 Tips to climb the Google Ranking Ladder. Enjoy!
Part 1: Top 10 7 Tips to Claim Page 1 on Google
Part 2: Top 3 Tips To Get Ranked on Google Revealed
I will share 1 Keyword for my site that ranks on Page #1
I want to share as much as possible. This Keyword ranks on page 1 and jumps between the top 5 listings. The keyword is "Photographers near me" as you will see. It really only works if your location is set close to the OKC metro. This should be one of the first things you should rank in. It should be by zip code or start with zip code. As your rank power grows, it will show up by city and state.
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Love Big Photography
Oklahoma Senior photographer
THE ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
There has been a tremendous amount of interest in watching me shoot, cull and edit my client sessions. This video taken from my Point of view (POV).
This is the first behind the scenes of one of my engagement sessions in OKC. They are NOT models and booked with Love Big Photography for the purpose of taking engagement pictures. You will be able to watch a preview of me pose my couples and see what kind of pictures come straight out of the camera (SOOC). I will even include camera settings used during my session.
I will soon add videos of my edits. Please look my finished edits below. Thanks for watching.
I look forward to you joining me.
My Edits
Before/After
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FACEBOOK ENGAGEMENT SPECIAL
What's included $75 mini (click here for example):
1. Up to 45 mins
2. 2 locations
3. 10+ edited pictures
4. No outfit changes
5. Full copyright and digital download
What's included $100 (click here for example):
1. Up to an hour (focus is on quality not time)
2. 3 locations near each other (I have examples)
3. No outfit changes
4. Full copyright and digital download
5. 16+ edited pictures guaranteed
What's included $150 (click here for example):
1. Up to 2 hours
2. 4 locations
3. Up to 2 outfit changes
4. Full copyrights and digital download
5. 25+ edited pictures guaranteed
*Prices are subject to Tax, and credit card fees (if payed with card). Cash, Credit or Debit only. NO Checks
Pictures include copyrights and must be downloaded though our website. Addition fees are included if you want a DVD delivered.
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FACEBOOK ENGAGEMENT SPECIAL
What's included $75 mini (click here for example):
1. Up to 45 mins
2. 2 locations
3. 10+ edited pictures
4. No outfit changes
5. Full copyright and digital download
What's included $100 (click here for example):
1. Up to an hour (focus is on quality not time)
2. 3 locations near each other (I have examples)
3. No outfit changes
4. Full copyright and digital download
5. 16+ edited pictures guaranteed
What's included $150 (click here for example):
1. Up to 2 hours
2. 4 locations
3. Up to 2 outfit changes
4. Full copyrights and digital download
5. 25+ edited pictures guaranteed
*Prices are subject to Tax, and credit card fees (if payed with card). Cash, Credit or Debit only. NO Checks
Pictures include copyrights and must be downloaded though our website. Addition fees are included if you want a DVD delivered.
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Click for award-winning engagement pictures---> Best Engagement Pictures Pose Ideas for couples
Click Here to see my engagement picture ideas ---> 100+ Engagement Pictures Ideas for Inspiration
*Prices are subject to Tax, and credit card fees (if payed with card). Cash, Credit or Debit only. NO Checks
Pictures include copyrights and must be downloaded though our website. Addition fees are included if you want a DVD delivered.
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FACEBOOK ENGAGEMENT SPECIAL
What's included $75 mini (click here for example):
1. Up to 45 mins
2. 2 locations
3. 10+ edited pictures
4. No outfit changes
5. Full copyright and digital download
What's included $100 (click here for example):
1. Up to an hour (focus is on quality not time)
2. 3 locations near each other (I have examples)
3. No outfit changes
4. Full copyright and digital download
5. 16+ edited pictures guaranteed
What's included $150 (click here for example):
1. Up to 2 hours
2. 4 locations
3. Up to 2 outfit changes
4. Full copyrights and digital download
5. 25+ edited pictures guaranteed
*Prices are subject to Tax, and credit card fees (if payed with card). Cash, Credit or Debit only. NO Checks
Pictures include copyrights and must be downloaded though our website. Addition fees are included if you want a DVD delivered.
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Ok, that might be a stretch but this place is really cool. This area has a little splash park for the kiddos to play in and best of all its free. The greenhouse costs a small fee but photographic opportunities are endless. Im excited to take some evening pictures of this place with the city skyline in the background. Click here for prints or for online copyright purchase.
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