It’s time I gave you a taste of Megan and Nick’s beautiful wedding last weekend at Chateau Sante and First United Methodist Church in Warren, Arkansas. I picked just three photos from the day to share with you. I’m still editing these, so count on seeing lots more of Megan and Nick’s beautiful wedding here soon!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Holloway! Wishing you many, many years of joy together!

Little Rock Arkansas Wedding Photographer - Michelle Posey Photography

It has been a distressing week for a lot of wedding photographers in Arkansas, and for a lot of Arkansas brides.

With the discovery that a wedding photographer in central Arkansas was stealing images from other photographers and representing them as her own work, many people involved in the photography and wedding worlds in Arkansas have been affected. I’m not going to go further into what she did, because that’s best left alone at this point. If you need to know more you can read the story here. The story has been thrashed, ground up, chopped up and rehashed in the Cuisinart of social media … it doesn’t need another telling.

Moving on.

Here is how things stand now:

• Some of the brides who had hired her as a photographer no longer want to remain her clients, and are looking for another photographer to work with.
• Some of the people she worked with as a second photographer have found themselves tarnished by their association with her.
• Couples are wondering who they can trust.
• Photographers are feeling that we have been tarred with the same brush — that we are all suspect.

In the past few months I have done a number of blog posts about things like How to Hire a Cheap Wedding Photographer, Five Common Mistakes Couples Make When Selecting a Wedding Photographer, and this great advice from a past bride. I’ve covered pretty thoroughly the ways something like this can happen. It’s so easy to set yourself up in business as a photographer these days, and there is no required credentialing for photographers. You can set up a beautiful website, and no one at the web hosting service will ever ask if the images are your own.

I have told you what to avoid, and what to question, and what to watch out for. Now I want to tell you this:

Most of the people in my industry are wonderful human beings.

This is where I have formed my closest friendships … sometimes lifetime friendships … and sometimes in a matter of days or even hours. My colleagues in photography are the most honest, hardest working people you will ever meet. We are willing to put in 12 hour days at weddings, sit in front of a computer until our eyes are bleary, stay up late to answer your emails, skip dinner with our family to get beautiful engagement photos, and take our computer on vacation so we aren’t slow getting back to you if you have a question. We work hard to build trusting relationships with clients, because we know that is the basis on which great wedding photos are built. We know you are entrusting us with your most precious memories, and we are at once proud and delighted and very, very serious about that trust.

Is it any wonder that we are distressed by seeing someone in our industry abuse that trust?

I want to do what small part I can to try to rebuild trust for those affected by this event.

I will talk to anyone … anyone at all, whether they are considering me as their photographer or not, who wants to know more about either hiring a wedding photographer, or becoming a photographer.

If you know someone who has been affected by this tragedy, they are welcome to contact me, if only to ask questions and get referrals to photographers who I know to be trustworthy. Although I do not by any means know all the photographers in Arkansas, I can direct couples to resources where they can find someone trustworthy.

I am providing a discount to couples who are looking to cancel their contract with this photographer, and engage the services of another photographer. Couples will need to cancel their contract with her studio before meeting with me (she has offered to release current couples from their contracts) and bring a copy of the contract to the meeting. I will credit any amount paid to her as a deposit, and it will count as a deposit towards one of my wedding packages. This discount will be in addition to any other discount offered.

I also want to encourage engaged couples, when they are researching photographers, to look for online reviews such as those at Wedding Wire, to consider talking to past brides, to check out the Professional Photographers of America’s Find a Photographer database, and to consider photographers who are members of local professional associations such as the Arkansas Professional Photographers Association. Photography organizations exist for photographers to educate and encourage each other, and to weed out the non-professional and non-ethical, so they can be a very good place to start.

Remember that beginning photographers rarely have portfolios that are equivalent to the higher-end photographers, and be suspicious if you see Style Me Pretty quality work from a low-priced photographer. Use common sense and good instincts, like you would do for any large purchase.

If I don’t have the pleasure of working with you, then I hope you are blessed to have one of my amazing (and hardworking and honest) colleagues to work with on your wedding day!

To contact me, just email mposey@michelleposeyphoto.com, go here to fill out the contact form, or call me at 501-517-0962.

Little Rock Arkansas Wedding Photographer - Michelle Posey Photography

It’s Favorite Things Friday, and time for me to highlight something cool I’ve seen at a recent wedding!

There were plenty of “happy tears” at Alicia and Korey’s wedding, and they were all taken care of, too:

In the foyer of the church, a box held packages of tissues labeled, “For Your Tears of Joy” and personalized with the couples’ names.

Alicia also received a beautiful heirloom handkerchief labeled “Happy Tears.”

What a great gift, and what a great way to personalize your wedding!

Little Rock Arkansas Wedding Photographer - Michelle Posey Photography

Read this:

“Matthew had his proposal planned for two months and I had no idea! He collected pieces of old wood from my grandfather’s 60 year old barn that we had recently remodeled. With that wood he made a box with leather hinges and burned our names and a heart on the top of it. Inside was all the little love notes we had written each other that he had kept all 3 1/2 years we have been together! He proposed on Dec. 23 at his home in front of the fire in our favorite chair in the living room! I unwrapped the box and was in amazement at how awesome the box was! I looked inside and saw all the love notes but still had no idea what he was about to ask! As I started thumbing through the notes I felt the ring box…he got down on his knees and popped the question and  I said YES!”

This was one of the entries in my 2012 “She Said Yes!” Contest.

That was the first time I heard of Lauren and Matthew, but it wasn’t long before I heard from them again. Ashley Carson, one of my 2011 brides, came by to pick up her wedding book and mentioned that she knew them. Ashley and her husband Jake won a close 2nd in the 2011 contest.

Shortly after that, Lauren and Matthew asked to meet with me to talk about having me photograph their wedding. Of course, I was delighted! They also won the contest, and were able to add a bridal session and a custom designed guest book to their wedding coverage.

They will be getting married in one of my favorite months (I love October weddings!) They are such a sweet couple, and as the story above shows, very creative!

Also, I love when pets get to be included in the engagement session!

Little Rock Arkansas Wedding Photographer - Michelle Posey Photography

When you’re about to go off on a wild hair, there’s a very fast risk-reward assessment. With some couples, I would never throw something new at them in the middle of an engagement session. For some reason, with Tomeca and Dana, it seemed okay. It wasn’t that I knew them well … in fact, since they both now live in Atlanta, we never met in person until the engagement session. But I immediately felt comfortable with them. Maybe it’s that they are in journalism, so we had something in common right away.

Anyway, as we were moving from our first planned location (the Clinton Library) to our second planned location (South Main Street) I threw them a curve ball. I called Tomeca on her cell phone and asked them to meet me at Capitol and Main Streets.

Previously, Tomeca had asked if they could get some photos somewhere on Main Street. They had actually met while working at KATV at Fourth and Main. What they didn’t know, and I had forgotten, was that one of Little Rock’s most fun features — The Little Rock Bucket List — is only a block from their old workplace.

I just love this couple, and can barely wait for Tomeca’s bridal session this summer, and their September wedding!

Tomeca and Dana also granted one of my personal “Little Rock photo bucket list” wishes … I love the iconic Cave’s clock and have been trying to work it into a photo since I got here in 1999!

Little Rock Arkansas Wedding Photographer - Michelle Posey Photography

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When you are planning the wedding photo list for the group, or formal, photos for your wedding, it can be hard to know how to begin.

Usually the photographer will ask for a list of groups that you want as part of your wedding day coverage.

The photographer may have a basic list they go through — or even an extensive list, depending on the photographer. However, making your own list will make sure the essential photos are covered, while avoiding wasting time on photos you may not consider essential.

All group photos don't have to be stodgy and boring. A fun group photo can provide welcome relief from the tedium of formal shots.

One bride told me the story of her brother’s wedding, where the photographer spent five hours on group photos! She wanted to avoid that at all costs (naturally enough). Group photos can take a while, but they don’t have to take forever.

Okay let’s just be honest: your guests and attendants don’t want them to last forever. Your guests want to see you at the reception without having to wait hours and hours. Your family wants to get done and go to the reception (especially if some of them have small children). Your attendants want to go with you to the fun part of the day, the part where you get to socialize and dance and joke and have cake!

Here are some tips to help you get those photos done and get moving with the party!

1. Stick to the “Eight Great” when planning your photo list.

What is the “Eight Great?” It’s what I call the eight essential formal photos. They are:

• Bride with Bridesmaids
• Groom with Groomsmen
• Bride and Groom with Wedding Party
• Bride with her immediate Family
• Groom with his immediate Family
• Bride and Groom with his Family
• Bride and Groom with her Family
• Bride and Groom with Both Families

The first three are essential reminders of your best friends and those who supported you on your wedding day. The second are precious family mementos at a turning point in family life. The sixth and seventh photos are a family record of a new member joining the family, and the eighth is a family record of the two families being joined together by your union as a couple.

For the last three shots above, you will want to decide whether you include immediate family or extended family, and that should be completely your call. Only you know how important you consider it to have extended family members in these photos.

2. When planning other photos, plan them around the “Eight Great.”

Some couples like to add photos like the bride with the groomsmen, the groom with the bridesmaids, the bride and/or groom with grandparents. These can be easily achieved while shooting the main photos by simply creating smaller groups from larger groups.

3. Once you have made your list, don’t shop it around to other family members.

The list should be a list of photos that are important to you and your fiance, not photos that are important to your mom, dad, great-aunt or second cousin. Getting input from too many people usually results in a list that is unmanageable and will keep you from your guests for hours if you even get through it at all! This is one case where your wishes should prevail.

4. Have a copy of the list for your wedding coordinator.

If you don’t have a wedding coordinator, try to find someone you can designate to help get the photos together (ideally not a wedding party member or family member, since they will need to be in the photos).

If you don’t have a stated list, and have someone in charge of it, you’d be surprised how many people will try to push their own agenda on the photographers! One family even asked for a photo, and when I told them “Okay, go over there with the bride and groom,” they said, “Oh, we don’t want the bride and groom in it! Just our family!”

That’s a little extreme, but having several people standing around trying to urge you to have photos of every possible combination they have ever seen at a wedding — that can really mess up your timeline for the day!

5. Go over the list with your wedding photographer.

The photographer will be able to make suggestions on the order of the list, and help you make decisions. You will need to find out from them the minimum amount of time needed for the photos you want. If you find that your list is too comprehensive, then ask the photographer if they have suggestions. They may be able to have an assistant take some of the less important photos, or they may be able to pull aside some groups during the reception for more casual photos.

Little Rock Arkansas Wedding Photographer - Michelle Posey Photography

Alicia chose the beautiful Capital Hotel for her bridal session. Since I had photographed Katherine’s bridal session there just a few weeks earlier, I knew just the time of day that would have the most beautiful light. When I saw the hot pink petticoat Alicia’s mom had made, I knew this was going to be a fun session! Alicia’s wedding dress came from the now-closed Alfred Angelo store in Little Rock. Since their alterations department was no longer available, I encouraged Alicia to go to my friend Tina Brown at Custom Designs in Sherwood. Tina did a wonderful job on the dress!

See the hot pink petticoat peeking out?

Little Rock Arkansas Wedding Photographer - Michelle Posey Photography

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Here’s the post that’s been looking over my shoulder trying to get written since the day I became a wedding photographer.

It’s my confession. It’s the wedding I ruined. It’s the photos that the bride will never get. Do you want to know the worst part?

It was my sister’s wedding.

Why Now?

Why am I sharing this now? Because my photographer friends and I have heard it so much — where a bride says “My aunt/cousin/friend/uncle is a photographer. He/she is going to shoot the wedding.”

We keep urging you to hire a pro, and every bit of it sounds pretty self-serving, doesn’t it? It sounds like we are bitter about losing the business. Well to tell the absolute honest truth, we kind of are! But that’s not why we keep urging you to hire a pro.

Now maybe aunt/uncle/cousin/best friend is a fabulous professional wedding photographer. In that case you should offer — NO, DEMAND — to pay them. Not only are they giving you a wedding gift worth thousands of dollars, they are likely giving up the opportunity to earn thousands of dollars at the same time.

But that’s usually not who offers to shoot weddings for free. The people who offer to shoot weddings for free are those who are trying to gain experience, who are shy about asking to second shoot for other photographers, or who have new gear that they want to try out. They are the people who think shooting a wedding is easy, and anyone ought to be able to do it.

Here’s the deal: when I urge couples to hire a pro, it’s not for the couple’s sake at all. It’s for the sake of the would-be wedding photographer.

My Story

It was 1998. I had just begun my first “real” job as a photographer for the Pine Bluff Commercial. The truth is, I knew what I was doing as a photographer! Not as a wedding photographer, but I was fully qualified to work for a newspaper. I had a degree in photography from a four-year university. I could develop my own film consistently, and even do some exceptional quality black and white prints. I made fun of my fellow students who lost images! In fact, I was better qualified to shoot someone’s wedding than 99.99% of people who offer to shoot weddings for free these days.

But something went wrong. Horribly wrong.

I was shooting (very low-quality) digital for the newspaper, so I grabbed my film camera for the wedding. I got the appropriate type of film, enough to get me through the day. I tested the light and made the correct exposures. I used my flash efficiently.

I developed the film, and … nothing.

I exaggerate. There were two photos that were usable. One photo was the couple coming down the aisle — it was a little blurry, but you could tell what it was. The other was my sister and her new husband cutting the cake. That’s the one my mom has on her dresser with all the wedding photos from the other kids. Yeah, it breaks my heart every time I see it.

What did I do wrong?

I didn’t know that a professional wedding photographer MUST have more than one camera. Actually, for that matter, they must have a backup for every piece of essential gear in their bag. My camera shutter broke at the wedding, maybe even before the wedding, and thus every photo that even looked like anything was overexposed and had motion blur.

In addition, I didn’t have any kind of grasp on the kinds of photos professional wedding photographers take. If I had attempted more photos, I probably would have gotten more photos … like maybe a portrait of the couple on their happy day. That would have been nice.

In short, I came to the wedding ill-prepared and ill-equipped. Now maybe you’re saying, “That was film days. Nowadays you would see the photos on the back of the camera and know something was wrong.”

That’s right. And then what? The camera had to be sent back to Nikon before it ever worked again. I had no other camera. Not only would there have been no photos, but I would have spent the wedding day feeling rotten, knowing I was letting my sister down.

What Can Go Wrong?

A broken camera is not by any means the only thing that can go wrong with your wedding photography. Here are only a few of the things that can happen without (or sometimes even with) the safeguards professional photographers have in place:

1. They could become ill on the day of your wedding. Pros have a network of photographers they can rely on, usually who have similar rates and abilities. Who will you fall back on if your free photographer is unavailable?

2. They could break something. What if your photographer’s swinging camera takes out a priceless work of art, or does some other kind of damage? Pros have liability insurance. If your photographer doesn’t, it’s likely you will be paying the bill for the damage.

3. Data loss — in other words, they lose your photos. There are so many ways photos can be lost … from the camera’s memory card, during the download process, when a computer crashes, or even in some awful disaster like a house fire. Pros have backup systems at every step to minimize data loss.

4. How do I put this delicately … you don’t like the photos. The “disaster” here could be something as simple as the photos not looking like you expected them to. You could be disappointed simply because of quality, or because the lighting makes you look bad, or the moments captured look awkward. Will you be able to hide that disappointment from your friend or relative for the rest of your life?

The Aftermath

See, here’s the really important part of my story: what closeness my sister and I had disappeared after that. I don’t know exactly what caused it. Maybe it was just that her new husband claimed her attention. Maybe it was living hundreds of miles away from each other. But on my part, it definitely had something to do with the awkwardness I felt from having ruined her wedding photos. I didn’t talk to her like I used to.

It was 2011 — thirteen long years — before we were even able to utter one sentence to each other about her wedding photos. By that time, I was specializing in weddings and had won my first Arkansas Wedding Photographer of the Year award. But I still felt weird bringing up my job when talking to my sister. That was difficult, because I really do love photography, and it was the main thing I couldn’t talk about with her.

One day I was talking to both sisters, and my other sister brought up my job. We finally discussed it, and were even able to laugh about it a little.

Time has, admittedly, healed the wounds — to an extent. I know she forgives me. But that was after 13 awkward years of silence on the subject. We will never get that time back.

It is really such a nice gesture for someone to offer to shoot your wedding for free. Now it’s time for you to offer a lovely, and loving gesture in return: tell them you would love for them to bring their camera, but you want them to be able to relax and enjoy themselves as a guest.

And then, find a pro.

Little Rock Arkansas Wedding Photographer - Michelle Posey Photography

Planning for fun group photos can keep everyone in a better mood for the "formal" shots. It also makes a great addition to the wedding album!

I remember being in weddings when I was younger, and the universal sentiment seemed to be that taking photos was the worst part of the day! You stood around in uncomfortable groupings, waiting for the photographer to get done so you could go to the good part: the reception!

You want the best photos, and you want to enjoy your wedding day. Are those two goals incompatible? Not at all!

Today many couples are opting for a more documentary approach to their wedding day, which can ease the stress about posing. Most brides still want those group photos, but you should be able to do them with the least amount of suffering on everyone’s part.

Here, in chronological order according to your wedding planning schedule, are some tips to make sure you get the photos you want without sacrificing your sanity.

1. Find out about any rules your church/venue/minister may have when you book them.

This is essential both for group photos and for the ceremony photos. Your church or synagogue may have rules about how photographers can shoot, where they can shoot, and when the photos need to be finished before the ceremony. They may also have an evening service or mass that will require you to be done with photos by a certain time. You will need this information to communicate to your photographer when you interview them.

2. Consider having two photographers.

Especially if there are restrictions on moving around during the ceremony, or if you want a large number of formal (group) photos, consider having a second photographer. Many times with two photographers the ceremony shots can be captured from at least two angles without compromising the sanctity of the service. During the formal photo session, another photographer can proceed to the reception and capture food, detail, and guest shots that might otherwise be missed.

3. Have a plan of attack for your photos.

Decide how you are going to approach the group photos. It’s best to go ahead and have a photo list before the wedding day. Find a trusted friend who knows your family, and entrust the list to them. Their job is to make sure you get all the photos you want, without getting bogged down in shooting photos you don’t really care to have. Ideally this person is not a family member or wedding party member, since those people will need to be in the photos.

4. Consider a “First Look.”

Many couples are choosing to see each other before the wedding. This theoretically enables you to finish most of the group photos before the wedding, thereby reducing the amount of time you have to spend on them between the wedding and reception.

While I don’t push couples one way or another with this, I do tell them this: Though some couples argue that this takes away the thrill of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony, most couples who do this find that the first look is much more emotional for them than seeing each other during the ceremony.

If you elect not to do a first look, then it’s good to plan something that will keep your guests occupied while they wait for you. Some couples plan a cocktail hour. One couple who wished to avoid serving alcohol chose to have a banana split bar (needless to say, very popular!)

5. Pare down the wedding photo list to essentials.

Here are the essential formal photos:

• Bride and groom together
• Bride with bridesmaids
• Groom with groomsmen (and/or ushers)
• Entire wedding party
• Bride with her family
• Groom with his family
• Bride and groom with both families
• Bride and groom with his family
• Bride and groom with her family

In addition to those, many couples choose to add:

• Bride with groomsmen
• Groom with bridesmaids
• Bride/groom with grandparents

Though I’ll be writing an entire blog post on keeping your photo list manageable, here are some basic rules of thumb:

First, plan for five to eight minutes per photo. This will include the minimum time needed to get everyone together, arranged in a group, and for the photographer to take enough pictures to make sure everyone has their eyes open and a good facial expression. Needless to say, larger groups will take longer and smaller groups will take less time, but five to eight minutes is a good estimate to start with.

Second, you should consult with the groom on this, and the groom only. Photo lists have a way of growing to unmanageable proportions when you submit them to you mom, your fiance’s mom, etc. This is one case where you should use the old standby, “Because I’m the bride, that’s why.”

Third, if you count the items on your photo list, and come up with three hours, then consider seriously whether you want to devote this amount of time to formals on your wedding day. There is no right answer, but if you are planning 25 formal photos, you will need to commit yourself to making sure everyone is there on time and ready to go!

6. Consult with your wedding photographer about your plan.

Your photographer will have additional insight about how long your photos will take. They will also have suggestions about how to approach the photos, taking into account factors like whether you have young children or elderly relatives who may tire easily.

7. Communicate with the bridal party about the time they must be there and ready. Make sure they understand that they must be completely dressed and ready for photos at this time.

This is one case where you should not worry about anyone calling you a “bridezilla” and make sure you tell them to just do it! They will thank you later when they are enjoying themselves at the reception instead of being tied up with photos.

8. Give your hairdresser a “drop dead” deadline that is 30 to 45 minutes before you are to start your wedding photos.

Hairdressers are perfectionists, and thank heaven for that! The problem is, when photos start late, it creates a lot of stress … and a lot of people who you told that they must be there at “X” time are standing around complaining while they wait for you! It’s best to build in some extra time for hair and makeup. Then, if something goes wrong, you aren’t stressed, and if all goes well, you have some time to sit around and just breathe!

9. Start group photos with the bride and bridesmaids, not the groom and groomsmen.

The truth is, it doesn’t matter if your guests see the guys. But if a guest sees you in your dress, it spoils the surprise! We all (well, all girls) know that moment when everyone looks back and sees the bride and goes “aaah!” is huge. The other problem we run into when the bride is out there for everyone to see, is that everyone wants come come up and talk, congratulate her, look at the dress, etc. Of course photos have to stop while all this is going on.

It can be a hassle to have to sit around in your dress while the guys take photos, but it definitely makes the day go more smoothly!

10. Plan for some wedding day photos to be fun and informal.

If you have to pare down your formal photo list, never fear! Photos with individuals, special friends, teams, sorority sisters, etc., can be taken at the reception. Alert your photographer and have someone gather the people for the photo. This allows everyone to have fun, and also makes them feel special and singled out!

Little Rock Arkansas Wedding Photographer - Michelle Posey Photography

Robbie was one of the wonderful donors who contacted me when I had my Images for a Cure promotion last fall. We finally got her engagement session on the schedule, and opted for the beautiful natural setting of Two Rivers Park. I enjoyed working with this sweet couple! They have another fantastic photographer to shoot their nuptials (I’ll be with the sweet Lauren and Matthew, whose engagement photos are coming soon.) But they will be using some of these for Save the Date cards, and I’m proud to have played this small part in recording their happiness!

Little Rock Arkansas Wedding Photographer - Michelle Posey Photography