I’ll be seeing Sex and the City: The Movie this evening in Georgetown. Afterwards, we’ll grab a few cocktails (martinis of course). I’m excited to see the attire Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda will be sporting for the expected wedding. I CAN NOT WAIT! Image from IMDB.
A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet with local photographer, Kate Triano. We had such a good time chatting and enjoying margaritas, chips and salsa! I’m so happy to have met her as I think we’ll become good friends. You last heard of her on this blog when I spoke about brides getting ready. Please find below an interview with Kate. She is awesome, and if you get the chance to meet with her to discuss photography for your wedding, I promise you’ll love her, and her work! Image from Kate Triano.
How did you get started in wedding photography? I got started in wedding photography like many others in this industry – planning my own wedding. I was already skilled in the the technical aspects of photography, and shot frequently, but only as a hobby. I fell in love with wedding photographs throughout my planning process, and my photographer offered an assistant position for a wedding following my honeymoon. I knew after that one wedding that it was what I wanted to do professionally. The rest just fell into place!
What was you first year of business like? My first year of business was really fun. I was still working my day job so I didn’t have an overwhelming stress of needing to book weddings. I offered myself to other DC area photographers as their assistant/2nd photographer. This was crucial in learning the business, how weddings flowed for photographers, and introduced me to many other vendors (caterers, djs, venues, etc.). I also joined a few online photography forums, which really helped answer any questions I had, as well as getting my name out there with other photographers. DC has an amazing referral network. I’ve made a lot of great friends!
What was you first wedding like? My first wedding where I was the main shooter was crazy. I got paid nothing, and shot for 12 hours straight. I had a great time though! Luckily nothing happened that I didn’t know how to take care of.
What was your last wedding like? My last wedding was one of my all time favorites. The bride and groom were incredibly caring and funny. Their theme was “wine”, as they were then planning a move to Napa Valley. The location was the beautiful Rust Manor House in Leesburg, and the bride was stunning. It doesn’t get better than that!
How have you grown as a photographer? I have become consistent in my style. Fresh, modern, real.
How have you grown since you started? I have realized that to stay current in this area you need to network, network, network. There are so many new vendors popping up all the time. I belong to several organizations that keep me involved in the wedding industry. Also constantly submitting work to magazines is very important. Getting my work published keeps my name in the game!
How are you different than other photographers in the area? I think my personality defines my photos. I am able to have fun with my clients and connect with them on a personal level. The relationship that is built from the day we meet until their wedding day is so important. I believe your clients need to trust you. If they do, then your images are going to rock! I used to book anyone who wanted me, whether we meshed or not. Thankfully I am in the position now where if I meet a couple and they want something more traditional, I can refer them to someone else in the area that specializes in traditional photography.
What would past clients say about you? That I am nice, that I provided them with a beautiful memory of their amazing day.
Anything else we should know? Check out my blog regularly to view my most recent work, and lots of pics of my puppy Pancakes!
You do not have to use a silver, intricately engraved cake stand as the base of your cake. They are so out-dated and the floral motif usually does not match the smooth fondant you’ve selected or the mad hatter design. Below are some great ways to use a simple white cake pedestal. You can find these and other unique ones like milk glass and pewter, at estate sales and antique shops. Images from The Knot.
I’m happy to announce that Bash has been invited to join the Grace Ormonde Platinum List! You can find us online now, but not in print until 2009. This is an absolute honor, as the best of the best are asked to be a member of this exclusive list. We had the opportunity to celebrate the occasion with some of DC’s other fine Platinum List vendors, last Thursday at The Mandarin Oriental. We networked while enjoying great food and drinks. Image from Grace Ormonde.
The winner of the signed Martha Stewart’s Wedding Cakes, is Alison Ridley-congratulations! For those of you who did not win or missed the deadline, please check back often as we continue to do more contests! Image from Martha Stewart.
Last week you saw some really fun orange photos from photographer Mary Kate McKenna. MK and I have gotten really close since first working together last year. She is so sweet, great at what she does and we really have fun at our events. I interviewed her, and still found out so much I didn’t know. Enjoy! Image from Mary Kate McKenna.
How did you get started in wedding photography? If you would have told me five years ago I would be a wedding photographer, I would tell you that you were crazy! When I was in college I went on a trip with school to Brazil. Within an hour of getting there, I was mugged- my first digital SLR camera was cut right off my neck. Luckily, when I got back home, insurance reimbursed me and I ended up upgrading my digital camera. I was a poor college student and figured that maybe I could make some money using my new camera. I began second shooting for a local wedding photographer and shooting photos of families and friends. I was sure that I wouldn’t enjoy it, but I fell in love with capturing the special days and moments in the lives of others. After I graduated I decided to pursue it further, and before I knew it I was booking wedding after wedding- it’s been an amazing ride!
What was you first year of business like? Disorganized, chaotic, but really fun. I knew I loved it, but I didn’t have a work flow system, I wasn’t friends with anyone in the industry, and I didn’t know how to market my style of photography. Luckily I met some great people, read a lot of good books, became a member of several professional photography organizations, and came into my own style pretty quickly. I am so grateful to everyone who helped me through that first season! (one of them being you, Terri!)
What was you first wedding like? Looking back on it now, I just have to laugh. I was soooooo nervous! I knew what I wanted to do, but I couldn’t communicate it quite right. That is something that comes with experience, and with many weddings under my belt now, I feel like I can do so much better. That first bride will always be special in my mind, because she took a chance on me and helped me to get to where I am now. Thanks, Lynn!
What was the most memorable experience you shot or encountered at a wedding? Oh wow, that is a really tough question! I don’t think I can pick just one, but one that stands out is a wedding I did last year, Ramona and Jimale. Emotions were high, and mine were no exception. The whole day was filled with laughter and tears, and I laughed and cried along with everyone else. I’m pretty good at keeping my emotions under wraps when I’m behind the lens, but every once in awhile you hear vows that touch your heart, you see the way a mom looks at her daughter when she’s finally in the dress, or you see the bridesmaids tear up at the toasts. Luckily I do have my camera to hide behind, because sometimes I have tears streaming down my face! I’m a total sucker for the father-daughter dance, though. I feel really lucky to be able to see these special moments and capture them for the family to have forever.
How have you grown as a photographer? Well, after so many wedding cakes, I’ve grown a lot!
All joking aside, I really have grown a lot, and am excited to continue to learn more. I’ve grown in my knowledge of photography and learn more everyday from fellow photographers, experimentation, and workshops. I also learn from working with new vendors, other photographers, and all my couples. I love learning, and this is a business where nothing is ever the same, which means I’ll never stop learning.
I also love growing my brand and experimenting with what my couples are interested in getting along with their photos. My blog has been a total hit. which is great, because I love writing it!
How have you grown since you started? When I started, I didn’t have a clear idea of what my couples wanted, what I wanted, or even who I was. After photographing hundreds of events and growing after each one, I know what I want, what my clients want and expect, and who I am.
I’ve also gone full time, which has made all the difference in the world- now I can concentrate on my clients and their needs, and it’s so lovely. I’ve also bought a studio, which will be ready to go at the end of June- hooray!
It might sound silly, but my pink bird logo says it all- I’m a fun girl who loves to travel, meet new people, and experience new places. I know I will continue to grow, and I’m really excited about that.
How are you different than other photographers in the area? The most obvious answer is that I’m pretty young, but I like to think that I’m different because I love the details. I want to know about your first date. I want to know about your pets, why you picked orange for your center pieces, and what part of your wedding day is most important to you. All this information helps me to get a clear picture of who the couple is, and gives me a little window into what you’re looking for with your wedding photography. Learning the details and seeing my couple’s faces light up when they tell me their engagement story is one of the best parts of my job.
What would past clients say about you? I would hope they say that I make their day fun and enjoyable and that I made the “formal” photos fly by. I hope they also say I’m organized, full of creative ideas, and that I roll with the punches. Nothing goes by the book at a wedding- my job is to be flexible and make the couple happy and feel comfortable in front of my lens. Finally, I would also hope that even after the images are delivered, my couples think of me not just as their photographer, but as a friend. The ultimate perk of my job, (aside from eating the best wedding cakes DC has to offer!) is watching a couple grow- from engagement photos, to the wedding, then on to maternity shoots, newborn shoots, and then 1st birthday parties. It’s the ultimate compliment to be able to follow two people from their vows to their babies and beyond.
Anything else we should know? Although I love photographing engagements and weddings, I truly have a passion for travel photography with a purpose. Photographing places that many will never see, and showing them the other side of the world is something I really enjoy. Through my images, I can show people how others live, and they then become aware of political and social situations around the world. My latest trip to Burma was such an incredible experience- one that I’ve shared with my of my clients, who now know about the junta government and are looking for ways to help the citizens of Burma. It’s a great feeling to know that I can help, even in some small way, such an amazing group of people.
I also love photographing charity events and have a special rate for non-profits.
Going back to my post on Thomas Pink, they also offer an array of colored, cotton cuff links. Again, there is nothing better than seeing a man in a well fitted suit and shirt, but I also enjoy seeing a pop of color at the wrists. Be warned that these are rather hard to get in once the shirt is on (I’ve been woken up many a morning to assist with this). I recommend putting the cuff links in before getting dressed. These are also a great groomsman gift to go along with the Pink shirt you got them.
“When the dress and veil go on, they are officially brides. It is such a great moment, there is so much emotion!” Kate Triano says it best. There is nothing more official (besides saying “I do”), than when the bride has finished putting on her attire and touching up her make-up, getting ready for the ceremony to begin. At that moment, all the planning has been completed and there is nothing left, but meet your husband to be at the end of the aisle. Here are some photos of the exact moments we are referring to. Images from Kate Triano.
The deadline for the Martha Stewart’s Wedding Cakes contest is this Friday. However, we are opening this contest up to anyone, as we’ve had more inquiries from those who aren’t getting married (and don’t have a Martha idea they are making their own.) While I would not usually change the rules a bit, we have a lot of non-bride readers!. So, if you’d like this book, email contests@bashdc.com with subject header “MS Wedding Cakes”, and your full name in the body of the email. Good luck!
I previously posted about making sure you aren’t wasting time researching or meeting with vendors that aren’t a good match for you. Once you start meeting with vendors who can do amazing things, your eyes start to get big and you soon forget your budget. You may have always wanted pink roses for your bouquet, and then you meet with a florist who shows you a photo of a bouquet made of pink peonies, pink cymbidium orchids and green hydrangea. Or, you had always wanted a really clean, simple table design, and you see in a rental show room, the silk dupioni table linens, tinted water goblets and silver charger plates. All of a sudden, you’ve forgotten about the budget without even realizing that you simply can’t afford this stuff. Here are a few tips on how to not waste your time:
-when speaking with vendors on the phone, ask them what their general pricing starts at. If it’s something you can work with, then talk to them further about getting a proposal. If it’s really not within your range, don’t try to negotiate with them. Unfortunately, pricing sometimes is what it is and some vendors really don’t care to negotiate.
-once you’re on the phone with the vendor and even before asking for a proposal, see if you get a good vibe. If you immediately do not like the receptionist’s mannerism, it’s very likely everyone else in the company is just the same. If you don’t get a good feeling, trust your instinct and move on.
-after receiving a proposal, review it carefully and get back to the vendor with all questions you have. Some good ones to ask are “how final is this, what changes would have to occur in order for this to go up”. If the pricing is really out of your range but you like the ideas, ask how you can have the same look, first course, etc., but on your budget. If they can’t do it, keep looking.
-ask the vendor to revise the proposal per any changes you have.
-if you have not already met with the vendor in person (some vendors ask that you come in and meet them before they offer you a proposal), then now is the time to do it.
-once again, trust your instincts. If you meet with the vendor in person and they are really trying to upsell you, don’t get your vision or just aren’t a good match, let it be known and get in touch with the next vendor on your list.
The vendor research process is the longest and hardest to do. Don’t get too distraught by all the beautiful things we vendors have to offer. If it’s not in your price range or if the vendor isn’t, keep looking as you are sure to find something and/or someone who is.
