Bad feelings are a feature, not a bug

 
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Why positive thinking isn't always helpful or necessary

Anyone else get annoyed when someone tells you to "cheer up" when you're feeling down, or going through a rough time? 

Stop me if you've heard these ones before (or said them, we're not judging here): 

  • "There's always a silver lining"
  • "Everything happens for a reason"
  • "It could always be worse"
  • "Snap out of it" 
  • "You'd feel better if you just exercised/meditated/did yoga/ate better/prayed/etc."

It can be frustrating to hear these things even if some of them may be kind of true, because it feels like the person saying them is minimizing whatever it is you're feeling. Whether that's grief, sadness, anxiety, illness, you name it. When the folks you love (or random people who talk to you at Target) tell you some version of "Think positively!" it can be hard not to roll your eyes or maybe cry a little because all you want is for someone to really get what you're going through, or at least give you the space you need to feel the f*ck out of your feelings. 

'Bad' feelings, like anger, sadness, anxiety, grief, etc. are all totally normal feelings, that serve an important purpose for human beings moving about in the world. One of the many important functions these feelings serve is as a contrast to what we think of as pleasant feelings like love, happiness, joy, and so on. You don't know how wonderful joy can be if you've never experienced sorrow. Negative feelings also allow us an important opportunity (should we choose to accept it) to really process what's going on in our heads and hearts, and work through some shit. Lord knows we all have some to work through. These feelings are a part of the human condition, not a hindrance to it. Stuffing those feelings down and pretending they don't exist, or someone asking you to do that, is not only unnecessary, but also unhelpful in the long run, and liable to backfire. 

So that's good news, but it's also a mixed bag (see me not putting a 100% positive spin on this?). It's a mixed bag because you can let yourself off the hook from basically just needing to pretend you're fine all the time (spoiler alert: you're not), but now what the heck are you supposed to do? You've been told since forever that to feel better, you needed to think positively, and eventually you'd be happier (magically, like you're a wizard). Sometimes it might have even worked. But if you know deep down it mostly doesn't work, and you're trying to be better about acknowledging and respecting your own feelings and working through them, now what are you supposed to do to feel better when you're having a tough time? 

Try gratitude and gentleness (with yourself). 

You know what's cool about being grateful? Gratitude doesn't require that you pretend everything is super great to be able to appreciate it. And no, you don't have to 'be grateful' for things like cancer (which should be a given but some people take even gratitude a bit too far), but you can choose small things to be grateful for, even on some pretty tough days. Sometimes it's just coffee. And sometimes it's that you have a roof over your head and a family who loves you. Sometimes it's how your dog always lets you snuggle with him and call him names other than his actual name. Could be anything. Start with just one thing, then see how many other things you can be grateful for. The nice thing about this approach is that there is no reason that bad feelings and gratitude can't co-exist! You can work through your not-so-great feels in your own time, while you give yourself the leeway to feel good about something. Something big, something small, doesn't matter. Gratitude helps to ground us when the bad seems to outweigh the good. While you're doing all that, be gentle with yourself, even when other people may not understand. Seek out those who are supportive of you and what you're going through.

And most importantly, don't let other people consciously or unconsciously bully you out of your feelings when they preach a 'positive thoughts only' approach. Negative feelings are part of the human experience as well (which is not always easy), and they're a feature, not a bug. 

--Sam

 

Photography 101: 4 Tips to Get You Started

 
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So you want to get into photography, but aren't sure where to start... 

We've been there, believe me! It can be intimidating to love something a ton, but not be 100% sure (or even 50% sure) how to get started! We've put together some tips for beginners that will give you a great jumping off point! 

Tip # 1: Getting Started with Equipment 

Our philosophy on photography equipment for beginners is largely that you should focus on practicing with what you have, rather than falling into the trap of thinking better equipment will automatically make you a better photographer (spoiler alert: it won't). That being said, there are some things to think about when it comes to what equipment you might need, and some questions to ask yourself. 

Are you a Nikon or a Canon person? 

Not sure? That's okay! They're both wonderful! We happen to use Canon, so this post will largely feature Canon recommendations, but both have great starter options! B&H Photo, Amazon, and Best Buy all have periodic sales and specials to look out for when it comes to getting started with a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera! B&H Photo is also a reputable source for used camera equipment, including DSLRs. 

Starter DSLRs for Canon Users: The Canon SL3 / EOS 250D / EOS 200D and up

Starter DLSRs for Nikon Users: The Nikon D3500 and up

Will you be photographing people, landscapes, or close-up macros (flowers, bugs, tiny things, etc.) or a mix of things? 

The answer to this question will determine which type of lens could be right for you. 

For People and Portrait Photography: A 50mm 1.8f lens is a GREAT portrait lens, does well in lower light, and is an affordable prime lens (prime lenses do not zoom, except the old-fashioned way, which involves you moving closer or further away from your subject).

For Landscape Photography: A wide angle lens is going to work best, generally anything 24mm or wider, with a 2.8f or lower capability.

For Macro/Close-Up Photography: A 60mm or 65mm 2.8f macro lens is a great introduction to macro/close-up photography! I would definitely recommend going used on this one, from a reputable source, such as B&H Photo, and if you're purchasing the Canon 60mm 2.8f macro lens, please note that this lens is only compatible with Canon's crop-sensor camera bodies, and is not compatible with full-frame canon cameras (such as the 1D, 5D, or 6D). 

For Mixed-Use Photography: Just can't decide between what type of photography you like? Something like a prime lens 35mm or a zoom lens that can maintain a consistent fstop (aperture) throughout the zoom are great 'all-around' options! We would generally recommend avoiding zoom lenses where the aperture changes depending on how far in or out you are zoomed. 

Will you be primarily photographing indoors or outdoors? 

This will determine if you might need to invest in something like a simple speed-lite or can go without. If you're primarily photographing outdoors, don't worry about off-camera flash for now! If you're primarily photographing indoors, a small speed-lite flash that you can use to bounce flash off of ceilings, and maybe a diffuser could be a good investment. Godox is a great brand for speedlites and the batteries are rechargeable lithium ion batters!

What is your equipment budget? 

If you're a beginner, it may be on the smaller side, and that's okay. What that means is you'll want the best lens for your intended use that fits within your budget. We do not recommend going into debt for your photography equipment. A great way to save is to purchase used equipment from reputable sources. It's a win/win! You can potentially afford "nicer" gear for less money by buying used. A great source for used equipment is the used section at B&H Photo! Check it out here. 

Once you know the answers to these questions, you'll be well on your way to determining what gear you need to get started, and how to budget accordingly. Just remember, just like buying a guitar doesn't make you a great musician, buying all the great gear in the world doesn't make you a photographer if you don't put in the hours and work necessary to hone your craft. There are no shortcuts with art, just passion. 

Tip # 2: Getting Started with Editing

Hey, we get it, editing software is not cheap, and a lot of it, even the professional stuff, isn't all that user-friendly. But editing is a great way to really make your images stand out, and to take your photography to the next level. Our first tip for editing greatness? Shoot in RAW! Then, if you can swing it, Adobe's Creative Cloud offers a subscription that includes Photoshop (not particularly user-friendly if I'm being honest) and Lightroom (freaking amazing, super biased) for under $11 a month. This is a great deal, but it is a subscription model, so if you aren't ready to commit to another monthly bill, then check out free RAW editing software, such as Darktable, which is a great, and free opensource alternative. Last editing-related tip; Try not to go too nuts on filters (But if you do, it's okay. We've all done it). 

Tip # 3: Getting Started with Community

Since we recently did a post on how to connect with other creatives (check it out here), I won't reinvent the wheel here, but suffice it to say that it's easier to stay engaged and enthusiastic about your craft if you've got a good creative community around you! Word of caution though, comparison is the thief of joy, so definitely do surround yourself with an awesome creative community and definitely don't do too much comparison, lest you accidentally discourage yourself. 

Tip # 4: Getting Started with PRACTICE! 

Okay, so, this isn't a sexy tip. I get it. I, too, want to be an awesome rock star without practicing. BUT... That's not how reality works. Or dreams, that's also not how dreams work. And the truth is that you don't get better at something without practicing, and as I mentioned above, having the best gear in the world doesn't mean anything at all if you're not using it. Having the best editing software in the world doesn't matter if you're not figuring out how to use it and experimenting with it, and having a love of photography without actually taking photos makes you a fan (which is also cool), not a photographer. If you want to be a photographer, go photograph stuff. Seriously, it's that simple. Photograph things every day. Find beauty in the overlooked. Figure out what you most love to take photos of, and take more of those kinds of photos. Figure out what scares  you to take photos of, and then take more of those kinds of photos. Take photos of EVERYTHING, and then take some more. You got this! 

 

Hopefully that gives you a good place to start! These tips are (obviously) not all-inclusive, but stay tuned because we are working on a 'leveling up' version of this post to talk through next steps once you've worked on the items above, and if there is anything at all that you'd love to see us write a future post about, please email us at robandsamphoto@gmail.com and let us know! 

--Sam 

 

 

Come In From The Cold

 

Do you ever feel like a tourist in your own life? 

And not in a fun "Oh isn't my life exciting?!" kind of way. More like a feeling of maybe not quite fitting in, or just being on the outside looking in. 

I have a particular affinity for a Joni Mitchell song called "Come in From the Cold", and of course the lyrics are amazing, because Joni Mitchell is a ridiculously talented artist, but also because a chorus proclaiming "All I ever wanted was just to come in from the cold..." really speaks to me in a way I can't quite put my finger on. 

This vague 'outside looking in' feeling persists in most situations, and has, for most of my life. Feeling like a guest instead of at ease when visiting family in states I no longer call home. Not feeling queer enough in LGBTQ spaces because I'm married to a man and so it isn't apparently obvious that I'm not straight. Feeling a little out of place in the leadership team at my 9-5 work because I don't have a college degree, don't own a single power suit, and am not particularly good at networking. Feeling like an outsider in creative circles because I get nervous around large groups of people, particularly people I feel are considerably more talented and successful than I am, and so have a hard time not just reverting to quiet observation instead of interaction.

I don't know what makes that feeling go away. I thought it would be achieving some measure of success, so I would feel "legitimate", but, unless I just haven't hit the right level of success yet, I don't think that's it. So, if it's not success that makes imposter syndrome go away, then how does one overcome that uncomfortable feeling of not belonging? Asking for a friend. (Just kidding, all my friends have their shit together way more than I do, or at least are very confident in not having their shit together). 

I wish I knew what the magic combination of success, confidence, talent, and stick-to-itiveness is that makes one feel like they have a definitive right to take up space in circles they would be otherwise welcome in, save for their own inhibitions and fears. Since I don't have that recipe yet, I'm just taking it one step at a time. I'm attending regular creative entrepreneur meetings, I'm having fun with our photography clients and continually learning better ways to serve them, I'm attending Pride parades and equality marches, I'm doing my best at my daytime work to not feel like a fraud, though I draw the line at purchasing un-ironic power suits. And what else can one do really, besides keep moving forward? 

What do you do that helps you when imposter syndrome comes on strong or when you feel like an outsider? If you do nothing else, just remember that you're not alone. 

--Sam 

 

Top 5 Recommended Portrait Locations in Madison, WI

 

When it comes to any kind of portraits, one of our most frequently asked questions (besides "What do we wear?!", which we cover here) is how to choose a portrait location. In no particular order, here are our top 5 recommendations for portrait locations in and around Madison, WI, with some helpful information about each choice. As always, if you have a spot that is special to you, that is a great choice for portraits! 

1. The UW Arboretum

The UW Arboretum is an amazing gift to the Madison area, and a wonderful place to have photos taken! The expanse of the property has many photo settings to offer, from wide open prairies, to evergreens, to densely wooded areas to lake views. This is one of our all-time favorite spots! We love it so much we pay for the annual photography pass so you don’t need to worry about any additional fees.

 

2. The Willy Street Neighborhood 

Just as the UW Arboretum offers a wide variety of natural settings, the Willy Street area offers a great variety of more eclectic urban settings, all within short walking distance, including loads of beautiful murals! If you're looking for something a little more offbeat and quirky, the Willy Street area probably has just the place for you! Just make sure you're not planning portraits on festival days! 

 

3. A Favorite Coffee shop, Restaurant, or Pub

Okay, so this recommendation is a little more personal, because the where is really up to you. Do you have a favorite hangout with your person? Same coffee shop every Saturday or same neighborhood dive bar every Friday? Why not work some of your personal story into your portraits and go to a cherished place for photos, and hey, it's always a great idea to have an inclement weather backup plan in Wiscosnin! 

 

4. Downtown Madison

It may be obvious from our choices that we like the option for variety! So if you want some variety, there isn't a better place to go than Downtown Madison. The options are practically limitless in the Downtown area; You've got the iconic Capital building, the hustle and bustle of State Street, the classic lake front views of the Memorial Union Terrace, the magic of the Allen Centennial Gardens, and after you're all done, why not get some ice cream from Babcock hall? Just bring your walking shoes!

 

5. Your Place 

Sure, why not? I know no one really likes cleaning their place before folks come over, but Lifestyle sessions are all the rage, and they're comfortable and meaningful. You don't have to leave your house, you get to hang out with your sweetie or your family and just chill and have fun! You can play board games, you can play Mario Kart, you can snuggle in bed, you can dance around your living room; Whatever you want to do! It's a great way to have more intimate portraits and save yourself some drive time. 

Hopefully this helps gives you some ideas for where you might have your next portrait session, and if you need more ideas, feel free to reach out to us! We love helping folks plan their photographic adventures! 

--Sam 

 

Some Days You Just Don't Have It

 
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Like Today, For instance. 

Today I don't have it. To be honest, I didn't really have it yesterday either. I'm not 100% sure what it is, but likely, it's some combination of patience, energy to do things, and time to do them.

My celebration of Mother's Day was largely the receiving of the sweetest Mother's Day card known to mom-kind from my amazing kiddo, Ben, and then building a fort outside in the hammock using blankets and pillows and then snuggling in said fort for a ridiculously long portion of the day, shirking my responsibilities (like blog writing and laundry folding). I didn't have it that day either, and felt guilty about not doing much of anything, even though it was Mother's Day, and even though I finished editing a wedding for a wonderful couple!

The mother of a friend of Ben's messaged me the other day to apologize for missing Ben's birthday party. Her excuse? The had a house fire and are currently living in a hotel. A freaking house fire. And she's apologizing to me about missing Ben's birthday party. 

Women do this to themselves Every. Damn. Day. Every day, we feel guilty for not doing more, not being more, not having unlimited emotional and physical resources to give to our loved ones, our friends, or hell, even strangers. We exhaust ourselves with a laundry list of expectations (pun intended) and work ourselves practically to death, or at least to illness. Speaking of illness, we secretly don't mind getting sick because it's the only time we can rest at least a little guilt free (maybe). 

Recognizing this, I'd still be lying if I said I was going to stop. I'm probably not. And neither are you. But I can get a little more honest about it. Try to catch myself doing it a little more. Give myself a little more grace to have off days (yes days, plural). And I hope you will too. 

And I know this isn't the world's best blog post, but hey, some days you just don't have it. And that's okay. 

--Sam 

 

 

The Wedding Reception: How to Set Your Photographer Up for Success

 

You want amazing wedding reception photos, and your photographers want to provide them to you! 

Here are some ways you can help your photographer out, giving them the setup they need to wow you with reception photos! 

Tip # 1: Reserve Seats for Your Photographers

Reserving a seat for your photographers, preferably near the head table, gives them space to set down their heavy equipment, grab drinks of water, and eat a quick meal before the toasts, all within easy line of sight to the head table so that no important impromptu moments are missed! A special vendor table is fine, as long as it's still close to all the action! Even if you aren't assigning seats at your reception, we strongly recommend  you specifically reserve seats for your photographers. 

Tip # 2: Have Your Photographers Eat at the Same Time You Do

Let's face it, no one wants pictures of themselves eating. Having your photographers eat at the same time as you makes certain that there are no pictures of you eating (except at cake cutting time!) and that your photographers are done with their meals well before the toasts begin, so they can be ready to snap away. On that note, please know that every photographer I've ever talked with sure does appreciate the courtesy of a meal on a long work day (remember, there will be no other opportunities for your photographer to eat). It's also a good idea to check with your photographers to see if they have any special dietary needs (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, etc.) so that they can actually eat the meal you're providing them with. They will absolutely appreciate the courtesy! 

Tip # 3: Follow the Light

Nearly all photographers prefer to shoot by natural light when possible, so if any part of your reception will be during daylight hours, you can take advantage by doing things like setting up the head table across from (not in front of) a window (so that you're well lit, not back-lit), setting up your dessert table in an area that has some pretty natural light, and making sure that all of your family and couples portraits are completed while there is still light to spare! 

Tip # 4: Don't Surprise Your Photographer

If you're, say, having Bucky Badger come and surprise your wedding guests, or having someone jump out of a giant cake, or any number of fun and awesome surprise wedding reception events, just make sure that your photographer is in the loop on what's happening, and when it's happening, so they can best position themselves to get great photos. 

Tip # 5: Designate a Go-To Person

This could be the Best Man, the Maid of Honor, the DJ, the Wedding Planner/Event Coordinator, or just some nice friend, but the person you designate as the go-to person for your photographers should be in know on reception timing and events, and be able to answer questions that arise, so that you can just sit back and relax, and your designated person can answer any questions that arise for your photographers on timing, events, etc. 

 

If you follow these tips, your photographer will thank you, and you'll also get more amazing photos because of it! 

--Sam 

 

How to Connect with Other Creatives

 
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Where to get started

When you're a creative and a small business owner, or looking to move into one or more of those categories, it can feel a little isolating. Doubly so if you're in a season of your entrepreneurial journey where you're struggling or unsure of the next stage in your business. 

Reaching out to other creative entrepreneurs can help you to feel less alone, and like there are folks out there who understand the unique struggles you're going through, and who can celebrate successes with you! 

Here are a few ideas on how to get started: 

The Rising Tide Society

The Rising Tide Society provides affordable small business education opportunities, support for small business owners, and a sense of community the size of an ocean! The mantra of The Rising Tide Society is #CommunityOverCompetition based on the idea that a rising tide lifts all boats. If that weren't enough, their organization facilitates hundreds of Tuesdays Together meetings across the country, which is a chance for you to meet up with local entrepreneurs, talk shop, network, and most importantly, be around other folks who really get what you're going through. Check out both The Rising Tide Society and your local Tuesdays Together meeting, and start connecting with a supportive community of creatives! 

Workshops and Retreats

Having only been to one, I certainly can't speak to all workshops and retreats out there (and I'm willing to bet they're not all as amazing as the one I went to), but I can say that the experience was such an amazing way for me to connect with a group of like-minded badass ladies, and I think making a commitment to dedicating time to your craft, and to connection, can do wonders for your business (and mental) outlook! 

Co-Working Spaces and DIY Clubs

While this might be harder to come by in rural areas, most mid to large sized cities have co-working spaces where you can rent a desk or office space, even as a solo entrepreneur or at-home worker, and get some valuable human interaction time with similarly situated individuals! Or there are also places that are geared towards the maker-scene. In Madison, we've got Sector 67 and the Bodgery as two amazing places for makers looking to connect, and have access to awesome tools and work spaces! 

Online Communities 

Online communities are an amazingly effective and easy way to seek connection with other creative folks, but become crucial for those in more rural areas, or for those that are just dipping their toe in, and aren't quite sure about in-person meet ups. Though to that I say "Come on in! The water is fine!" Still, online communities, including Facebook groups, etc., allow you to connect easily, and on the go, in whatever way you feel most comfortable, with as little or as much commitment as you are able to do, which is nice for those that might make a habit of telling themselves they don't have the time. 

 

In summary, connecting with other humans is important. And if you're a creative person, and/or a small business owner, it's going to be doubly important for you to connect with folks who really get what you're going through, and the unique challenges that come along with owning a small business or working in a creative field. Do yourself a favor and get out there, even if it's a little out of your comfort zone. I promise it will help you feel more connected not only to a community, but to yourself and your craft. And that's worth leaving the house for! 

 

7 Wedding Day Traditions You Can Skip

 

Do what makes sense for the two of you

When it comes to your wedding day, traditions are all fine and well, but it's important to remember that it is your day, and you want to make it a true representation of your personalities. Sometimes, that means skipping more traditional aspects of a wedding day in favor of something that feels more authentic for you and your partner. And that's okay! 

You hereby have our permission (not that you needed it) to skip any wedding traditions that don't feel good for you, but here is a short list of traditions you may not have thought of as optional! 

Tradition #1: The First Look At the Ceremony

Okay, if you've followed the blog (or Instagram, or Facebook, or basically ever talked with us about weddings), you'll know that we're HUGE fans of doing the first look ahead of the ceremony for sooooooo many reasons. Check out a more in depth blog post on this topic here. In short though, this tradition is one you can totally feel safe skipping. Why spend half the day avoiding the person you're about to spend the rest of your life with? Why not see each other early and have a nice, intimate moment to bask in each other before the hectic nature of the wedding day takes over, and then knock your formal photos out before the ceremony even starts, so you can enjoy cocktail hour with your guests? 

Tradition #2: the WEdding Party

Wedding parties, (a.k.a. your bridesmaids, groomsmen, bridesmen, groomsmaids, or non-binary wedding party pals) are awesome for so many things, including supporting you through wedding planning stress, help with random errands, and generally keeping you sane in the months leading up to the wedding. Here's the thing, I promise, your friends will still help you with wedding stuff, even if you don't have an official wedding party. And here are some great reasons to skip the wedding party concept altogether! 

  • No paying for occasion-specific dresses and rentals that will only be worn once (your friends will thank you!) 
  • Instantly lower your wedding florals budget by cutting down on the number of people who will need flowers! 
  • Less people to plan for equals less wedding plan stress for you overall (you can also then skip things like wedding party transportation logistics!) 

Feel free to skip this one, safe in the knowledge that your friends will love and support you with or without the title. 

Tradition #3: the Receiving Line 

This is probably the easiest tradition (in my personal opinion) to skip! From a purely photographic standpoint, there isn't a lot of visual variety to folks standing in a line getting hugged after the first few pictures, and let's face it, even for something as awesome as congratulating a couple who just got married, people hate standing in line! Here are a few alternatives to the traditional receiving line that will make for better pictures, and less line-waiting for your guests! 

  • The couple can dismiss people from their seats, allowing people congrats and hug time then! 
  • The couple can skip a receiving line and have meaningful interactions with their guests during the cocktail hour! 

There are lots of fun options that get you up, moving about, and having awesome conversations with your family and friends! 

Tradition #4: the Wedding Favors 

Yes, I know these are thought of as absolutely 100% mandatory, but you know, other than the getting married part, nothing about a wedding is mandatory. Some people love the idea of giving favors to their guests, and if that's you, then awesome! But if it's not you, remember that your friends and family came to celebrate with you, not for the chocolates, or cards, or whatever other little trinket you could give them. So do yourself a favor (see what I did there?) and skip this tradition if it doesn't speak to you, especially if you're on a budget. If you like the idea of doing something for your guests, but don't like the favor tradition, you can go outside the box and make a charitable donation in honor of each of your guests instead! 

Tradition #5: the Dinner 

Cake and punch receptions are gaining popularity again for a reason. Dinners are super expensive, and as lovely as they are, if you're on a budget, or wanting a more casual wedding day, don't be afraid to opt for the cake and punch or an hors d'oeuvres only reception. Just make sure to let people know what to expect ahead of time. 

Tradition #6: the Wedding Cake

When we think of weddings, we pretty instinctively think of wedding cakes as being quintessential, but take it from me, a person who doesn't like cake all that much, there are so many other options! There are pies, cookies, brownies, ice cream, and other pastries to choose from. So if you're not a cake person either (hi-five!) you're not alone, and you don't need to suffer through cake at your wedding. Pick your favorite dessert, and have at it! 

Tradition #7: the First Dances

You don't have to do anything you want on your wedding day, and if you're not a big fan of public dancing, don't feel pressured to have first dances, or any dances at all! First dances are a great opportunity for pictures, but then again, so are wedding trivia games, lip-synch competitions, and lawn games! So if dancing isn't your thing, it's cool! Figure out what your thing is, and celebrate with your sweetheart and your guests the way that makes you feel comfortable. 

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If you take anything away from this post, let it be that it's your party and you can do, or not do, what you want. Make your wedding as unique as the two of you, and you won't be able to help having an amazing and memorable day, that you can take joy in for the rest of your lives! 

--Sam 

 

Five Tips for the Perfect Wedding Day Schedule

 

Wedding Day SCHEDULING 101! 

If you're planning a wedding, creating a wedding day schedule that works well and takes into account all the moving pieces of a wedding day is one of the most important things that you can do to help your day go smoothly. Here are five tips to help you craft the perfect wedding day schedule! 

Tip 1

If you plan on taking any outdoor photos (pretty please take outdoor photos!) then the first thing you want to look at and plan around is sunset. The absolute best time for photos is the hour to hour and a half before sunset. It isn't known as the Magic Hour for nothing! Once you know what time sunset is (and make sure to take Daylight Savings Time into consideration), you know when your most important photo window is and can plan accordingly! The Magic Hour is the best time for formal photos and more intimate couples photos. 

Tip 2

Let your vendors help you! Even if you don't have a wedding planner, I can guarantee that your wedding vendors (photographer, venue, DJ, caterer, etc.) will all have some great advice on how to make the most out of your time. After all, the reason you hired them is that they are experts on weddings, so why not tap into those resources to get advice on your timeline? Your photographer is going to be your go-to person for planning the timeline up through cocktail hour, while your DJ (and your caterer/venue) is going to be your best resource for planning the events and timeline of your reception. 

Tip 3

Do you plan to do a first look? We're BIG fans of first look photos (click here for a more in depth discussion of why we love first look photos!) If you are planning on doing a first look, this frees up your timeline, and allows you more flexibility with your schedule to do things like knock out formal photos before the ceremony so you can enjoy your cocktail hour afterward. Also, you won't have to spend half the day avoiding the person you're about to spend the rest of your life with! 

Tip 4

Consider skipping the traditional receiving line so that you can spend more time mingling with guests in a meaningful way either at the cocktail hour or the reception! Your photos will have more visual variety, and you won't spend a half an hour to an hour standing in one place shaking hands! 

Tip 5

While every photographer is different, we ask our couples to plan for at least 30 minutes for photos of just the two of them, 30 minutes for wedding party shots, and 20 minutes for family shots. (Most couples only include parents, grandparents, and siblings so this is totally feasible within that timeframe!) Mileage will vary depending on each couple's circumstances, wedding party size, and a whole host of other factors. This is where (per tip #2) vendors can really come in handy to make suggestions that are relevant to your unique situation! 

We hope these tips help you as you start looking at your wedding day schedule, and happy planning! 

-- Sam 

 

 

Equipment Review: Canon 24-70 mm 2.8 Lens

 

Equipment Introductions with Rob

Today I'm introducing the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L.  We call it a Walk Around Lens; Walk Around Lenses being our favorite lenses for multiple conditions.  At a little over two pounds, the 24-70 is not our lightest lens, but its versatility makes it worth the haul for weddings.  It syncs well with our Speedlite 600EX-RT flashes (look for a future review), but as a f/2.8 it does well in lower light situations as well, and also has some macro capabilities when at full zoom.

Great For The Following:  

  • Wedding Photography
  • Portraits
  • Family Formals or Large Group Photography
  • Macro Photography (if you can't yet invest in a Macro lens) 

Would Not Recommend For:

  • Street Photography (too bulky) 
  • Sharp Wide Angle Shots
  • Super Low Light 

Outside of the convenience and quality afforded by this zoom lens, it's worth noting that the focus is sharpest when zoomed all the way in.

I took this picture of a dried flower on my Field Notes, zoomed all the way out to 24mm:

 
 

 

However, as shown in the picture below, the sharpness does not lend itself to cropping during editing:

 
 

Keeping all other things the same, I zoomed to 70mm:

 
 

The refinement gained really pays off in editing:

 
 

There's no definition to those hairs at 28mm.  Are tiny hairs on a dried flower often important during a wedding?  No, not really, but you can only edit what you record.  If the subject of photograph is the details, you are better off if you keep in mind to shoot at 70mm with this lens.  Rarely when moving within crowds am I looking for that level of detail; the ability to pull back to 28mm allows me to capture more of the spirit of things without being obtrusive.  The ability to slide back and forth between these strengths is what makes this such a fantastic lens for weddings.

Stay tuned for more equipment reviews from me in the coming weeks, and check out the album below, all taken with the 24-70. 

--Rob 

 

9 Things I'm Afraid Of

 

Admitting it is the first step... 

It's easy as a small business owner, a creative, a mom, and a woman to pretend like I have it all together. Some days I might even actually have it all together (or most of it). But other days... Other days it's all I can do to get dressed and not yell at anyone. Some days it's hard not to let my fears win. So, I'm stepping out on a limb here and guessing that many of you have felt the same way from time to time. Afraid, overwhelmed, frustrated. And I want you to know that you're not alone. I'll kick us off with 9 things I personally am really afraid of. 

1. Missing out on my son's childhood 

As any working parent knows, mom (or dad) guilt can creep in at any time, and the hours you spend working, or even desperately trying to catch up on some sleep, can make you feel guilty when you see how quickly your children are growing up. Let alone carving out personal self-care time (ha!). The advice I've been trying to give myself, and that I'll give you here, is to take a deep breath. Recognize that you're doing the best you can. Make little efforts to be more present with your children when you are spending time with them, and that's what they'll remember. At least that's what I'm going to keep telling myself anyway. 

2. Never being good enough

Admittedly, I have classic over-achiever syndrome, which has led me to some really significant accomplishments but also some really neurotic thinking about what "good enough" really means. (Hint: It doesn't mean perfect, even though sometimes that's how it feels.) I have a tendency to never view anything I do as good enough, and that leads me into my next fear...

3. Being Unlovable

There, I said it. Unlovable. That's probably one of my biggest fears right there, maybe at the root of all my other ones to be honest. This fear presents itself in the worry that if I'm not perfect (and of course, no one is), that I won't be lovable. That's it's not who I am that matters, but what I do. This type of thinking is a slippery slope, because if to be loved, one has to be perfect, then  that means there's no hope of being loved. Now, I know that isn't really true, and that feelings aren't facts, but that's a mighty big feeling to just ignore, and it's something I work on constantly. 

4. That I won't be taken seriously as a creative business owner because I still have a full-time job 

This is a tough one. I love my job! I work for an employee-owned benefits administration company that has a strong female leadership team, and a great atmosphere. I have 14 people that work directly for me, and I really appreciate them, and love the opportunity to help them develop professionally! But there's a big stigma for small business owners that you haven't "made it" until you've quit your day job to do your creative pursuits full-time. And honestly, I have bought into that lie in the past, and still do sometimes. But, what that stigma doesn't take into account is the unique circumstances we all find ourselves in. A person might love their creative career as an outlet, but need a more steady income than it can provide on it's own. Why shouldn't they do both? Another creative business owner might have a strong passion for both their day job and their creative work, and if that's the case, why should they have to limit themselves? I used to hide the fact that I had a full-time job and I'm super done with that. I'm going to try to normalize and de-stigmatize creatives who do more than one thing, because if anyone can pull that off, it's small business owners who know how to get creative with their time! 

5. That I won't be able to stop obsessing about my weight 

I have struggled with weight for as long as I can remember, and while I exercise more regularly, and eat more healthily, than I ever have in my life, I'm at one of my highest adult weights right now. I don't hold these types of unrealistic standards for other people, but going back to that 'never good enough' fear, I feel like not being able to lose weight is an outward expression of me failing at... something? Not exercising hard enough or often enough (even though I'm very consistent). Not restricting myself enough (I live in Wisconsin for goodness sake! Do you know how much cheese there is here?!) And while I have struggled with this, and will likely continue to struggle with it, I've been really trying to remind myself that a life well-lived is worth more than a number on the scale. I exercise, I eat healthily most of the time, and I can still enjoy a brownie or a beer and the world isn't going to end. And the world isn't going to end if I can't fit into those jeans again. And on the flip side, my life isn't going to suddenly start just because I lose weight. My life is now, and I'll enjoy it whatever size I am, and hope that my friends and family love me unconditionally enough to support that stance. 

6. Failure

I get it. Most of us are afraid of failure. I mean, it's FAILURE, of course it's scary. I'm afraid that maybe I'm not actually good at anything or maybe I'm not cut out to be a small business owner or a manager or <insert whatever thing I'm currently worried about> and the list goes on and on and on. I don't really have any words of wisdom other than failing doesn't make you a bad person. It doesn't make you unworthy. And if I do fail (as I sometimes will), it's the fact that I can learn from that and move forward that is important, not avoiding failure in the first place, which, as we all well know, isn't always possible. 

7. Success

Yeah, I know. Seems weird to be afraid of success when you're really worried about failure, but hear me out. What if I'm successful and then more people are counting on me and then I mess up?! What if I'm successful and it turns out that all those times I failed before were because I wasn't trying hard enough or I wasn't perfect or because I ate that second (okay, third) cookie. What then? Well... Who cares. It's fine. I'll be as successful as I can be, and accept failure graciously when it happens (probably with some crying because that's how I roll), and then move on about my day. It's the only thing to do really. 

8. That I will witness or experience something completely wacky and that no one will believe me

Okay, this is a silly fear, admittedly, but seriously! Hasn't anyone else ever worried about this? It used to keep me up at night as a teenager worrying that something really weird would happen, I'd tell someone about it, and they'd have me locked up because they thought I was crazy. This is still an irrational fear that plagues me from time to time, and I just have to acknowledge it, and let it pass, and kind of chuckle at myself for being a little silly. 

9. That people will find out I'm a fraud 

Impostor Syndrome; The struggle is real. I feel like a kid who is playing dress-up like 90% of the time. I didn't feel like a real adult when I started my business or had my kid or bought my house or got a divorce or got a 'real' job or got remarried or any of those things. Which means I'm starting to think there isn't anything I'm going to be able to do to feel legit anytime soon. I constantly worry about people thinking I'm a fraud or that I don't belong <insert some place I totally do probably belong>.  So, since I'm not likely to stop feeling like a fraud or an outsider, the least I can do is be myself, even if I'm sometimes kind of immature, sometimes kind of an old lady (8 PM bedtime anyone?) and sometimes just a weird, goofy person. If I'm as authentic as possible, and people still don't like or respect me, at least they don't like and respect the real me, and I can live with that. 

 

So there, friends. Those are 9 of my biggest fears, some silly, some not, but all a big part of who I am. Be brave today and share one of your fears in the comments section. *solidarity* 

--Sam 

 

The Importance of Photo Editing

 

 

Hint: It's VERY important! 

My current profession, in some ways, is very similar to my old profession as a coffee-slinging Barista. In either of those careers, there is an artist who crafts her masterpiece with love and tailors it to suit the needs of the individual customer. 

I won't go into the complexities of how such a feat is accomplished with coffee, although I could, but I do want to dive into the creative processing that goes into infusing a digital image with enough heart to make people gasp and smile from ear to ear when they see it. 

So let's start at the beginning...

A person paying for photography services often thinks of their interaction with the photographer (emails, phone calls, pre-event consultations, the day of the wedding, the hour long portrait session, etc.) as the bulk of the photographer's working day, and that when they are paying a photographer, they are paying them just for the time they 'show up', but that couldn't be further from the truth. I can't speak for other photographers, but for Rob and I, we expect that for every one hour of photography there will be four to eight hours of editing and post-processing, and other miscellaneous business tasks associated with that event or session.  

So yes, technically I suppose we do get paid to show up. But just showing up, while monumentally important, isn't where the magic happens. Magic happens when you, as the photographer, establish a connection with your customer, and then in turn with any of their friends and family that you interact with. Magic happens when you use that collaborative connection with your customer to influence the way you edit and present your work to them. You take what you've learned about them, their preferences, their motivations, the things that make them excited, to help you present them with a better finished product. One that is uniquely theirs, and completed with their happiness and wonderment in mind. And doing that, being open to the individual needs and desires of each person you work with, is not always easy, but it is rewarding. It is joyful. It is magic! And that is what you're really getting for your investment. 

I've got plenty of other blog posts (both already on this blog and also in my brain) about what the actual wedding or portrait session is like, so I won't spend too much time on that, and I'll skip straight to post-processing, and why it's important to the overall finished product, and how it is an extension of our connection with each customer. 

As a photographer, there is a fine line between presenting things as they happened and presenting things as they felt. We edit pictures for the emotion. For how the moment felt when I was there, and how I imagine, using the superpower of empathy, the moment felt to those who were more actively participating in it. I'll show you an example of what I mean. 

Here is one example of the original, unedited picture of ours (you should feel super special right now because I never show unedited photos to anyone): 

Good picture, even if the shade we were in made it a bit dark. But the title picture for this post, the edited version of the above photo, is the way I remember that moment feeling.

Our goal isn't to be entirely accurate about the way things looked at the time I took the photo, our goal is to capture how things felt. To capture the essence of the moment, of the person, of the day, and distill it into something you will want to look at over and over and over again, because it reminds you of a feeling and because it brings that feeling back. 

The reason post-processing takes so much time, and is so valuable, is that with each photo, we're gauging what subtle adjustments would allow the emotion of the moment to shine through. Things like crop, white balance, brightness, contrast, and color versus black and white all determine how a finished photo feels when you look at it. Rob and I don't do any batch editing. None at all. Zip. We lovingly edit each individual photo that makes the cut, to perfectly capture all of the beautiful things that were happening at the time we took the original photo, both the tangible and the intangible. 

Nearly anyone these days can pick up a camera and snap some pictures. What is valuable and fulfilling about what we do is the artistry and effort that goes into taking those photos and creating something more than just a snapshot. Creating something you will cherish, something that will take you back to that perfect (or wonderfully imperfect) moment and fill you with all the love, hope, and joy of that moment all over again. 

That, right there, is priceless. 

--Sam

p.s. Enjoy a few before/after examples that show the power of editing!