2012 Pricing Guide

1. Your photographer needs to eat. This is not a big deal if you’re having a buffet style meal, but if you’re having a plated service you need to make sure that you count the photographer (and any other professionals you’ve hired for the big day) when you’re giving your caterer numbers. The photographer should eat at the same time as the head table so that they’re not trying to eat and take pictures of the speeches etc. at the same time.

2. Don’t hide your photographer in the corner. If you have assigned seating for the meal do not jam the photographer in the corner where they will have to squeeze past 30 or 40 guests to get the shot. Chances are by they time the wade through all the elbows and chairs they’ll miss their chance entirely.

3. Have the MC ask your guests to give you and the photographer a bit of time for photos before they all come swarming up for things like the first dance and cake cutting. I’m sure your Aunt June is a lovely person, but do you really want her in all of your first dance pictures?

4. Consider asking your guests to not use flash photography during the ceremony. The pictures your photographer takes will turn out 100 times better without weird light from all of the cameras your guests are toting.

5. Leave plenty of time between the ceremony and the reception for photos. Not only will you get better results, but you’ll enjoy the experience so much more if it’s not rushed. Plus, if you have extra time left over you can relax and recharge before the reception.

6. Better yet… Consider taking your photos before the ceremony when everyone is looking fresh and lovely. I think the idea of it being bad luck for the Groom to see the Bride before the wedding is a little out dated in today’s society. Over 70% of couples are living together before they get married now.

7. If you decide to take your photos before the wedding plan a special moment for you and your future Mr. / Mrs. to have that “first look”. Take a few minutes to get ready to face your big day together.

8. Bring someone along to mind the flower girl/ring bearer during photos. This is especially true if their parents are part of the wedding party. They might be the sweetest, most well-mannered kids in the whole world but all of the action will eventually get to them. Bring snacks and drinks for the kiddos too. It’s a long, long day for any adult. Imagine how hard it must be for a three-year old.

9. Speak your mind. If you have something specific in mind tell your photographer. Do not assume that they’ll think of it too.

10. Have fun!

Since I’m a photographer these are mainly photography related but there are tons and tons of other resources out there when it comes to planning your big day.

Here are a few of my favourites:

The Rock N Roll Bride – lots of wedding awesomeness with a bit of an edge all in one place

Pinterest - If you can’t find inspiration on Pinterest you should hire a professional… you need help

Lloydminster Weddings – A local directory that makes your planning super easy, all of your vendors, suppliers, and services in one spot

Keeping this is mind I am very happy to announce that Crescent Moon Photography will now be offering free (sort of) Destination Wedding Photography to anywhere in the world.

Why do I say “sort of”?

Well, here are the details:

You must cover the cost of flights and accommodations for 2 people for a minimum of 4 nights (in most cases) in destination as well as any other fees related to working abroad i.e. visas and work permits.

Typically if you have a large group booking the most cost effective way is to book the same all inclusive package that your guests will be booking.

What you receive:

 1 talented photographer

1 equally talented assistant

High res. DVD(s) of at least 100 fully edited images and all your unedited images

A day after session (this can be trash the dress, breakfast in bed, a jungle adventure, anything you can think of)

So now you’re thinking “Don’t they have photographers at the resort? Why should I bring one with me?”

 You will be bringing along a photographer whom you know you can trust with capturing the unique feel of your very special day. I can guarantee that on your wedding day I am 100% devoted to capturing the most beautiful pictures that I can. I will work closely with you to capture exactly what you want. No matter how many meetings, phone calls, or e-mails it takes.

Presuming that you’ve done your homework you know what to expect from my work in terms of quality and style. (If you haven’t yet please view my portfolio.)  Can you say the same for the resort photographer? Can you even look at their portfolio ahead of time?

Delivery of your final product will be seamless (I hand deliver as often as possible). And I am always available to answer questions, order prints, or make corrections.

So, if this sounds like the missing piece to your wedding in paradise please contact me. I would love to make your dream day complete.

]]> http://crescentmoonphotography.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/free-destination-weddings/feed/ 0 fawna01 _MG_3060_no fence http://crescentmoonphotography.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/remember-that-time-the-miracle-baby-came-to-visit/ http://crescentmoonphotography.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/remember-that-time-the-miracle-baby-came-to-visit/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:59:30 +0000 Fawna http://crescentmoonphotography.wordpress.com/?p=186 ]]> Before christmas I was lucky enough to meet this beautiful little miracle baby… Yes, I know that phrase get’s tossed around pretty casually but I’m serious!

This little pumpkin was born at 25 weeks (just over half the normal gestation period) and weighed less than 2 pounds. Look at her now!

Gotta love the matching rubber boots! I had a ton of fun with this couple. I even managed to get completely soaked without a cloud in the sky. Am I dedicated, or just plain crazy? You tell me!

On a side note… I should really look into my own pair of rubbers.

I would much rather be completely broke than chained to a desk hemoraging creativity by the minute. That’s right, I said it, my day job was sucking the life out of me!

I’m very excited to be able to devote my energy to what I love again. I look forward to providing you with many more beautiful images!

I often wonder what it would be like if I were still in school, still childless, still single even. And I must admit the picture that I build in my mind is pretty darned appealing.

Imagination me doesn’t have to worry about things like mortgage payments, starting a day job because her dream isn’t working out quite like she planned, how expensive a case of formula is, or where she’ll come up with the scratch to pay for child care.

Quite frankly imagination me has it made… she’s care free, baby free, and in my darkest moments husband free. Her stresses are minimal and she loves it!

But the funny thing is… no matter how nice imagination me’s life is I wouldn’t trade it if you paid me. My road to a carefree life might be a heck of a lot longer… but I’ll get there. And when I do I’ll look back on these time and smile.

And you know what? Your grass might be greener. But I like mine just fine! In the end the mortgage always gets paid, and I’ll make my dream work… it just might take a little longer than I’d hoped.