FAQ of the day
When should we schedule our engagement session?
Answers vary. It really depends on what you are using them for.
For SAVE THE DATES: Save the dates are actually a pre-invitation to your wedding. The fine details may not be in place yet, but you want your guests to block that day off. You wouldn’t want your favorite aunt to miss your wedding day because she had non-refundable tickets to the Rick Springfield cruise. Save the dates usually go out at least 4 months before the wedding. It takes us a couple of weeks to process/edit your images. Then, you may need a couple of weeks to produce the save the dates. So, for this purpose, you should schedule your session at least 5 months from your wedding day.
For Guest Books: For guest books, then you’ll want to schedule your engagement session at least a 5 weeks before your wedding. That way, you have 2 weeks for us to edit and another 3 weeks to order your guest book (if you’re ordering the guest book from us, we usually have it to you within 10 business days).
Just because: If you have your save the dates and guest book covered (or aren’t doing them at all), then you can schedule your engagement session whenever you are ready.
Remember, it’s never too early to schedule your engagement session. But, there is one pre-requisite we do have. You have to be ready. Mentally ready. Don’t be rushed to do an engagement session. We want you looking and feeling your best. I know a lot of people wait for specific weather (fall, summer, or spring)…or for things to settle down at work…or are maybe waiting to look their best (we’ve personally postponed our own holiday session 3x already because Alfred and I are trying to lose some weight…I just hope we get them done before Ella moves out for college). Whatever the case may be, whenever you are ready…we’ll be here. Cameras loaded and ready.
Amy and Josh were my second mini session of the day. When Amy introduced me to their kids, I had to do a double take.
“Hannah and Ethan, really?”
Trinh and Sang’s kids, just moments before, were also Hannah and Ethan. What a coincidence!
This was my first time working with this family, and if you photograph kids, you know that there’s an introductory period. A time when you have to get the kids on your side. There’s no better way to get kids on your side then to have them jump up onto their parents shoulders and …. pick their parents noses.
Can’t wait to work with these guys again!
We’ve had the pleasure of watching Trinh’s family grow over the past couple of years. When we first met them, Hannah was just a tiny baby. Now she’s walking and making faces at the camera. When I announced this year’s round of mini sessions, I was pleasantly surprised to see that I’d be working with this family again.
I have to admit, this post is a little Hannah heavy. It’s Emma’s fault. She said Hannah made her uterus flip with the curls and cutey faces.
I’m also giving props to Trinh for the nicely coordinated outfits. You guys rocked it!
We recently had a Saturday off, so we took Ella out on a mini adventure. We drove up to the Stanford campus, cameras in tow, and picnicked on a bench and Al helped me practice the art of capturing sun flare.
Him, “I’m going to walk away all cool like…take the shot.”
Me, “‘Bring on the coolness.”
I have to admit…capturing sunflare isn’t as easy as it seems. I find myself wiggling around until I hit the creaminess. This was captured on our 30d, which is actually our backup camera’s backup. Basically, it’s in the OMG bag. The emergency bag that we hope we never have to touch. This is also the camera we take with us when we’re practicing. Al likes me practicing with the 30d. Practice with the oldest camera in your bag. Don’t rely on the yumminess of the newer ones. Rolling eyes. Okay, sensei.
f/5.6 at 1/100th ISO800
Me, “I’m going to kneel down. All serene like.”
Him, “I’m ready for the zen.”
1/160 sec. f/5.6 ISO1250
Him, “Ella…walk over there and strike a pose.”
Ella, “Take it already, daddy.”
Recent lessons learned:
*Never underestimate the power of a Tide to go pen.
*You can never pack enough business cards.
*When your toddler is quiet, she’s probably stuffing hot dogs into the VCR. Yes, we still have a VCR. No, it doesn’t play hot-dog movies.
*Thank your lucky stars every day…because the grass is not always greener on the other side. In fact, when you look over at your neighbors, they are probably looking right back at you.
