REAL ADVICE FROM A REAL INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALWe had the pleasure of meeting husband-and-wife photography duo Karina & Michael Metts of Metts Photo at a Therapy Thursday meeting a couple weeks ago. Aside from their clear business savvy, and passion for meaningful interactions with their clients, the sheer love and admiration between the two really set them apart, and well, in the spirit of Green Line Talent, make them the kind of people you'd like to share a cheese platter with, or dare we say, have around at your own wedding! Karina was kind enough to let us pick her brain a little bit about how to create a photo album that will truly capture the narrative of your big day. Can you tell us a little bit about your personal philosophy when it comes to telling a story with your photos? We think that value of memories can’t be measured. We want our couples to be able to look back on their wedding day years from now and experience the same laughter and tears they felt on the day itself. That's why we take photography so seriously. When we photograph a wedding, we're focused on the key moments. These moments are distinct for each couple, which is why we really take the time to build a relationship with them. By the time the wedding day arrives we are already aware of the little details they’re excited about and what moments are most important to them. We don’t do a lot of posing during portraits. Instead, we set up the scene, then allow the couple to be themselves while we capture their laughter, excitement, and joy. Michael and I photograph each wedding together because two perspectives tell a more complete story. We also have no time limits for our coverage, because we don’t want our couples to be stressed about time or try to cram everything into a specific number of hours. What do you suggest to couples who aren't sure where to begin when it comes to making their list of key shots for their wedding day? Is there a general rule of thumb when it comes to the number and type of shots added to this list? Is a list definitely necessary? We do an engagement session with all of our couples. During that time we can talk about the types of pictures they really like and the locations they are thinking about for their wedding photos. We also take time to walk through the wedding day schedule and find out how much of their time they want to spend on photos. Since communication between us and our couples is very open, there generally isn’t a need for a shot list. The only list we do ask for is a list of family photos they would like to get. We ask for a list before the wedding day so we can get through the family photos quickly and everyone can get back to celebrating. This past weekend we worked at a wedding that had a last-minute scramble to secure rainy-weather photo locations. Is there anything else along these lines that couples might want to consider when preparing the photo gameplan for their wedding? Something to consider when thinking about wedding pictures, is making sure the room the bride and bridesmaids are getting ready is tidy. Whether you are getting ready at home or at a hotel suite, the prep shots of everyone getting ready will be taken in that room. To make the images nicer if would be great if the background was cleaned up so it doesn't look messy with everyone's suitcases, shoes, and clothes on the floor in the background. I once had a photographer tell me that giving your toast next to the couple makes for much better speech photos than giving it next to the DJ table. Do you have any other suggestions similar to this, regarding placement of certain activities? I agree that having the person giving the toast to stand near the couple is more visually pleasing when it comes the photos since you are able to get the couple’s reaction and the speech being given in the same shot. One thing I do love is when the couple’s family and friends are around the dance floor as the first dance is happening. While it usually doesn’t happen that way, it is really nice to have everyone in the background admiring the lovely couple as they share this special moment. (See Karina's stunning photo below). Want to work with Metts Photo? Read more HERE!
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REAL ADVICE FROM A REAL INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALWe recently had the pleasure of meeting Jeffery, the venue manager running the show over at the modern and rustic loft space, Gallery 1028. As two girls raised in a loft in Printer's Row, this space made us feel right at home, with its gorgeous exposed brick, original wood floors, and soaring ceilings. If you're looking for character, and venue to make truly your own, then Gallery 1028 may definitely be a fit for you. Read on to catch a few glimpse's of this space's potential, along with a few "Venue-Shopping" tips from our expert, Jeffery. In a nutshell, what type of clientele would you say that Gallery 1028 typically attracts? Gallery 1028 attracts both social and corporate clientele. Primarily though, we do many, many weddings. Our couples tend to respond to Gallery 1028 because we are an edgy, loft-like space. We are very different than a traditional hotel ballroom, and no two events ever look the same with us. What type of questions do you think it's important for couples to ask of a potential venue when selecting their reception location? Capacities, rental fees, required insurance and paperwork information as well as approved vendors are always good to ask your venue sales representative. Can you tell us about a really fun or unique theme that a client used to plan an event at Gallery 1028? We have had so many! One that particularly stands out in my mind though was the South Beach themed wedding reception that we held for a client. Palm trees, neon lighting, bright white futuristic table tops, and tropical flowers all made for a very impressive aesthetic. What's the common thread you've noticed between people who actually end up feeling prepared, relaxed, and able to have fun and their weddings? I always recommend not biting off more than you can chew. Setting a realistic time table to finish projects is so important. Fittings, engagement parties, showers, invitations; there is always something to do. If a couple needs help organizing, don't be afraid to hire a wedding coordinator to help with the process. Sometimes it just brings some peace of mind delegating out some of those responsibilities. Pass the baton! Can you name one of your favorite vendors to work with? Misse Daniel of Honey Bee Weddings. She does an amazing job as an event/wedding coordinator! Want to book an event at Gallery 1028? Read more HERE! |