So, here we go.
NEW BLOG! woo hoo!
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Ever since I started photographing weddings, I’ve heard clients say this. And it’s always been true; everyone has a wedding budget, no matter how big or small. Whether your wedding budget is $10K or $100K, you still prioritize certain elements of your wedding over others.
Lately, though, I think a budget might mean something different. With the media constantly hammering about the bad economy, it’s only natural to look at a wedding budget differently.
As a photographer, I do of course love hearing that your wedding photography is a high priority, but I understand that saving for your future might be a higher priority right now.
Most clients come to me looking for a full wedding package that includes coverage, an album, engagement session, and other miscellaneous choices. The easiest way to save money now is to look at the most important part of wedding photography, which is the photos themselves. Everything else can be purchased later, but the photographs created during the coverage time must be there to create other products.
I’ve had this option available for a while, but never blogged about it before. On the same website you’ll later view your wedding photos, I can set up a bridal registry so that your guests can put money toward your wedding album or other products rather than buying you a china place setting.
On a budget describes most people these days. We’re trying to meet you halfway.
(An oldie but goodie)
I leave tomorrow for an extended trip! I’ll be shooting a wedding in Minnesota and then heading to Las Vegas for WPPI, then to California for a few portrait sessions.
If you are a California client interested in meeting with me regarding your wedding or a client interested in booking a portrait session for a reduced session fee of $100, I am available from February 19-21.
If you are a photographer and would like to talk about your album design needs, I’ll be in Vegas from February 15-18.
I got two 10th place images in the ISPWP contest this quarter! I forgot to enter the last time, so this was my first contest with them. I’m happy about the results, and love both images that placed.
For the Bridal Party category:
and the Creative Use of Wide Angle category:
You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.
You know someone. I guarantee it.
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – $1425 worth, to be exact. (This includes their session, an album, and a few 8×10 prints.) It’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.
Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $375 credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?
The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* The nominee must reside in Southern California, or be in the Long Beach for their session. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. It would be great if you could include a photo of them as well. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
* You must e-mail me the full story: britney @ turnloosetheart.com (remove spaces for emailing)
* They must be available between January 5-8 for the session.
The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
With love,
Britney
More information is available here: Giving is Awesome!
For a sale coming up in celebration of my birthday!
Room & Board furniture and home furnishings for every room in your house
While we offer full framing services, I know some people just can’t resist dropping loads of cash at Room and Board. Just in case you’re interested in doing it yourself, i think they have a few good tips to enjoy!
First things first, congratulations to April Ruiz who was the first to comment on the 600th post. As my posting continues, I’ll have more of these contests, because it’s been fun this time around.
Next! I will have a lot of travel coming up, coming back to Southern California after these last 6 weeks in New York, travelling with family around the holidays, and then to Phoenix at the beginning of January for Imaging USA. What does this mean to my clients? It means little in terms of delivery, as all my holiday deadlines were made to work around these travel dates. It does, however mean that new clients wanting to book sessions are encouraged to book early!
Regarding New York, I have been thoroughly enjoying my time here. Starting in 2009, I won’t be charging travel for New York metro area weddings. This means if you’re getting married in either Los Angeles/Orange counties or the NYC metro area, it’s all the same pricing!
I’m going to re-post holiday and Christmas card designs, as I’ve had a few clients unable to find them. These designs are $3/card for 5×7 tent-style cards, and $2 for 4x5ish postcard style cards. Any customization of colors, fonts, or a fully custom design will incur a $100 design fee. Like wedding albums, all changes must be made at the same time to encourage speedy delivery.
This post will remain a sticky at the top of the blog through December 1st.
These are pretty fun posts! I found out this past summer that I won 1st place in the Dancing category of the joint Brides Magazine/WPJA contest.
You can see the winning image in the Nov/Dec issue of Brides magazine (sample of the spread below)
on the wpja website.
here’s the wpja screenshot:
Here I was, trying not to get excited about the new 5D… and then I watch this. Crap.
nickonkenShoptalk: Vincent Laforet’s REVERIE with the new Canon 5DMKII
The beautiful album designs you’ve been seeing on my blog for the last years are now available to other photographers!
And a few spreads from a recent design or two:
With the start of the new school year, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas cards! I know, I know… you’re probably groaning a little, because it may seem so far away.
However, it is time for me to mention Christmas deadlines.
Albums: Final APPROVAL for albums wanted in time for Christmas delivery is November 1st. This means you’ll want to get your revision requests in by October 15.
Sessions: I will be unavailable in Southern California for any portrait sessions during the month of October. This means you want to jump on scheduling your family sessions during September, or schedule your November session NOW as they will fill up very quickly.
Mini-Sessions: I will soon announce a November date for mini-sessions. What is a mini-session? It’s a chance for a shorter session if all you want is a good image for Christmas cards and a few prints to give as gifts. They will be priced at $75 for 20 minutes, and the date will be towards the end of November.
Christmas cards: deadline is December 1st for delivery by Christmas. Please note, you may wish to order early if you want to send your cards earlier in the month.
Prints: December 1st
Rush Fee: There will be a 50% rush fee for all orders placed after the marked deadlines. Depending on the day you place your order, there is no guarantee it will come before Christmas.
I am offering six designs for Christmas cards this year (the front image is the front of the card, the back image is the inside of the card). When you order your cards, please let me know whether you prefer Style A, B, C, D, E, or F. Custom designs will be $100.
Tent cards use both the front and inside designs and are $72 for a set of 24 cards. Postcard style cards use only the front design and are $48 for a set of 24 cards. Both come with envelopes and are available in semigloss, linen, or watercolor finishes.