#tanaphotography

 MCWED HOW TO: GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR WINTER WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS

 Photo: Ampersand Studios

Hopefully it goes without saying that under any circumstance and in whichever season you choose to wed- truly wonderful wedding photographs can only be achieved by hiring an experienced and talented professional photographer (be sure to check out our IDoWED Vendor Guide for our carefully curated list of qualified, local photographers.) However in the dead of winter, there are many things that you might not think about while planning that can make even the best of the best wedding photographer's job a nightmare. Trust us, if your photog is so focused on keeping the bridal party happy and manipulating low light there will be little room for any artistic vision- especially in the crammed timeline that is a winter wedding. Here are some tips to be sure the day will go off without a hitch and you'll end up with the beautiful photographs that you envisioned when you thought up the magical (and possibly insane) idea of having a winter wedding!

1. HAVE AN EARLY CEREMONY --AND-- DO A FIRST LOOK

Photo: Two Bird Studio

It gets dark very early and you don't want to be stuck doing your only photos at 5:00 aka pitch dark. After daylight savings in McCall, sunset is around 5:15pm and sometimes even earlier. If you've never heard of the "golden hour" in the photography world, it's referred to as the 1-2 hours before sunset when you have beautiful soft filtered light. It's indirect, it's warm, it's romantic, it's.... ideal (for most photographers) compared to the high-noon direct, harsh sunlight. At a summer wedding, this happens late into the reception around 8-9pm. You'll want to plan for your creamy, intimate photo session at least 2 hours before sunset to be safe. If a storm or a big gray cloud rolls in, you can easily trim an hour off that sunset time- and be careful, don't test that sun! The second it starts going over that mountain peak you better believe it's going to start diving fast. We recommend having an early ceremony- around 3 or 4 o'clock so that you can get all of your photos done before and still have a little light coming in through the windows. Then party into the night when it's dark at your reception.

-Yes, this is a TWO-PART tip. To ensure the best photo outcome, be sure to do a first look-

A first look is the only way to make sure that you have enough time for all of the photos you want. It allows for your photographer to schedule time before the ceremony with the bride and groom alone as well as the bridal party. You can even go off-site and spend quality time getting those perfect artsy shots.

If you are insistent on keeping it traditional, you'd better push that ceremony time up a couple more hours. Go with a 2:00 ceremony so you can have time for photos afterward.

2. STAY WARM... PRETTY AND WARM!

Photo: Two Bird Studio Flowers: Flowers at Will

 Bundling up doesn't mean you have to look like poor little Randy in 3 winter coats, falling over while crying, "I can't put my arms down!" Winter fashion is one of the most fun to take advantage of. Such lush and beautiful textures and colors that you get to play with. Many brides opt for a faux-fur wrap or coat to keep her classy (and warm) while animal friendly! Others, go with a wholesome cardigan or even a print pashmina. Whatever it is,  make sure your bridal party (and especially the bride) are warm enough to go outside for some photos.

3. DON'T FORGET THE PIGGIES!

Photo: Ampersand Studios

Don't get so caught up on shopping Amazon's fur coat collection that you dropped the [snow]ball on your little feeties! Every bride dreams of the perfect pair of Jimmy Choos for her wedding; perfectly arranged in a photo with her jewelry and family heirlooms. Just because you're having a winter wedding, doesn't mean you can't have them-- (seriously, we are advocates for any excuse you have to justify buying designer shoes) but save them for the reception or carry them with you to slip on for a quick photo. In the mean time, throw on some full-on wool-lined, waterproof Sorels! Don't have not shame, girl. And really, they made a comeback if you didn't know, and we're pretty sure it was a style savvy winter bride that we have to thank for this fashion trend. Just be careful not to wear tight socks- there's nothing worse that striped sock-skin-ankles (you know the look) being slipped into those Louboutins. It's pretty much a cardinal sin.

4. DON'T BANK ON THERE BEING SNOW

Photo: Tana Photography

 When you think of winter weddings, you might imagine a beautiful bride in a white gown surrounded by white fluffy snow. You'll need to get more into the mountains and away from the hustle and bustle to find the pristine, untouched snow. Plan for a venue that has photo ops even if there is not snow present. Dead trees can make a great backdrop, but parking lots and houses in the horizon don't. Or plan for enough time to drive somewhere beautiful offsite with your photographer ahead of time. Otherwise, you might be stuck with pollution filled slush and a soaking wet (and black) dress.

5. PHOTOSHOP IS NOT FOR FIXING 'RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED BRIDE'

Photo: Tana Photography Makeup Artist: Blush by Jamie Rose

Hire a professional makeup artist (Again- check out our vendor guide!) Wear good concealer and a little extra blush. The color should be in your cheeks and lips- not your nose. Bring powder and lipstick to touch up throughout the day.  There's only so much your photographer can do without making you look over-enhanced. We know that our professional wedding makeup artists know the right tricks. Check back later this week for specific makeup tips from one of our lovely Beauty enthusiasts, Jamie with Blush by Jamie Rose

6. PUT ON YOUR BIG GIRL PANTIES

Photo: Ampersand Studios Venue: Shore Lodge From the photographer, "While making this photograph, our poor groom Alex was battling a horrible flu and he was such a great sport! He trusted us and our crazy idea while they stood there very still and freezing so that we could get the shot that we had planned out."

Actually we're not going to tell you what panties to wear (or to wear panties at all for that matter), but when it comes time to suck it up and tough it out, you'd better be ready to hold your breath and think warm thoughts. We promise it'll be worth it! Actually, who are we kidding- 99% of the time the bride is totally fine and is willing to do anything for the shot and it's the groom who turns on the diva-dial full blast. Well boys, it's time to MAN-UP. If your photographer wants you to trek out onto a cliff in the middle of a snow storm in neg. 7 degrees, just close your eyes, imagine you're on the finale of the bachelor in some wonderfully tropical location and turn on that Channing Tatum charm and just give them something good so you can pack it up and go back inside. The longer you complain, the longer you'll have to stand out there. Then you'll get your photos back and you'll think, "I'm SO glad we toughed out the cold and got this shot." and it just might be your favorite photo for the rest of your lives.

Having a winter wedding can prove to have some challenges, but there is nothing more romantic than snuggling up together in the cold. Your guests will get the vibe that you're going for with the candle-light, winter scented candles, and hot meal- but make sure you think ahead for the things that the camera will pick up on too.

Engaged To The Details

Engaged to the Details

Recently on instagram we had a contest and the photo that won was a very cute engagement photo. 

"We love taking engagement pictures for so many reasons! Número uno is it allows us to really connect with and get to know our clients. We form real relationships with them and then by their wedding day it's like seeing old friends! Our brides and grooms feel at ease and comfortable with us on their big day instead of feeling apprehensive. Another reason for us, is it allows us to really get to know them photographically. Not everyone is naturally photogenic but everyone CAN be photogenic. It's just a matter of finding the best angles, setting and emotions to bring out the best versions of themselves. Engagement sessions allow us to have a practice run that way when the wedding day comes around we are super prepared to photograph you as a unique and beautiful couple! Third reason, while your wedding pictures  will be beautiful and cherished forever, engagement pictures capture you as a couple more realistically. There are many more restrictions when you're in your wedding dress and therefore we may not be able to be quite as adventuresome. Since there are no time restrictions we can add a huge diversity of locations. These photos become something you hold very close to your heart for years to come."  Cimbalik Photography

Engagement sessions are a great way to spend some quality time together before the big day.  Engagement shoots help you and your photographer get to know each other. Engagement shoots allow you to get some stunning images of as a couple saying goodbye to one stage of your relationship before you become "Mr & Mrs."  They allow you to ‘practice’ in front of the camera before your big day helping you  to get rid of any nerves!

Ampersand Studios

www.ampersand-studios.com

208.871.6541

Cimbalik Photography

www.cimbalikphotography.com

208,630,3908

Greg Hoskins Photography

www.greghoskins.com

208.724.8023

Let It Shine Photography

www.letitshinephotography.com

208.703.3732

Lindy Photography

www.lindyphotography.com

208.713.5169

Mayne Frame Photography

www.mayneframephotography.com

208,515.5332

Shutterkey Photography

www.shutterkey.com

208.477.1633

Susannah DeAngelo Photography

www.susannahdeangelo.com

925.389.7854

Tana Photography 

www.tanaphotography.com

208-484-6883

Two Bird Studio

www.twobirdstudio.com

208.863.5896

TIPS FOR ENGAGEMENT 

SESSIONS

#1 Activities 

Activities are fabulous in an engagement shoot. Choose an activity you both enjoy. It will give you something fun and natural to do while making the shoot personal and interesting.  

Do you have a horse and could go horse-back riding?You could visit a farmers' market, rent a tandem bike, or how about a picnic or trip to your favorite winery?Or perhaps an afternoon on the blue turf?

"we couldn’t miss stopping off at the blue turf as a shout out to Aarons’s BSU football days and lucky for us Molly wasn’t about to sit on the sidelines!" Two Bird Studio

Take a picnic to the woods or beach for some really romantic shots.  Any experience you can be seen "sharing" makes the images really romantic. Do the things you love. Camping is the Idaho way of life. Add it to your engagement session. 

If you can not come up with a mutually agreed upon activity MAKE ONE UP.  Do something fun. Movement is good. Have a paint war, set down and play monopoly, do something. Activities are endless. 

2. LOCATION

LOCATION    LOCATION    Think about your location. It is lovely to go somewhere that is meaningful to you as a couple, but also has a variety of backdrops to make things more exciting and give you a real variety in the images. Skylines, favorite taverns, fields of wildflowers, beaches, farms, lakes, rivers all make fabulous backdrops so think of somewhere unique to you! 

There may be that certain place that is perfect for you to showcase your community. Highlight where you are from.  

Think seasonally, if your shoot is in the autumn why not take advantage of the amazing red and orange trees?  In the summer, the lavender fields of southern Idaho, beautiful Idaho wildflowers or perhaps a beach on one of Idaho's spectacular mountain lakes. Winter you have endless options in the snow. 

Downtown in the more metropolitan areas of Idaho are beautiful old buildings. Older buildings can provide some great quirky backgrounds.  Some great shots are done in alleyways. 

If you have an amazing home or perhaps a cabin up in the mountains this can make a great place for some more intimate shots. Of course the beach is always fantastic especially if there are mountains as an added ingredient. 

Probably the most important part about your engagement shoot will be the location you choose.  If you have a spot that is significant to both of you, whether it be where you met or where he proposed, or a place that you frequent together, that can be a great choice for your engagement session.  Family cabin, parks, where your romance is at it's peak let that be your location. 

#3 PETS

If you have a pet this is something that could be incorporated too. They are; after all part of your little family to be.  Bringing your dog along will be sure to make it a fun experience! Communicate ahead of time with the photographer so that shots can be accommodated first or last to not inconvenience the pet. 

#4 HAIR & MAKE UP

You really want to look and feel your very best on your engagement shoot:HIRE OUT. 

Most of us are a bit of  makeup and hair novices Having hair and makeup professionally done is far easier than many think..  

www.undonesalon.com

www.blush-co.com

Gabby 208.420.2525

M & N Makeup 208.631.7265

www.behrensartistry.com

If you’re doing your hair and make up yourself take a little extra time, remember to wear a little more makeup than usual while still keeping it fairly natural as makeup doesn’t show up as much on the photos. Take some time and read our article called "Camera Ready" in the first edition of mcWED summer  2015.

#5 Styling

This is where you get to bring in the "YOU" factor.  Choose colors that go together and keep the same color palette as this will unify you together in the shots.Bride and groom need to follow same theme. No need to be overly matching, but coordination is best. 

The knot says "Keep your jewelry ultra simple to avoid flashy distractions in your pics. For men, that means leave your watch and your pinky ring on the dresser. Women should stick to unfussy earrings with a simple necklace or bracelet (or one statement piece), and your engagement ring."

Set your own independence style and let your photographer know if you want to dress and be more on the funky side.  

Think about where we are shooting and choose appropriate clothes example on the beach in summer think sun dress and flip flops, winter think warm sweaters and comfy boots. 

Think classic, no big logos or wording on your clothes and nothing too fashionable as this will date your images quickly.

If you are going to an appropriate location why not dress up a bit, a dress and heels looks fabulous. The soon to be groom can clean up nicely with a tie and some encouragement. 

Style it up – this really makes your photos sing. You could dress in a cute vintage way. 

 #6 PROPS

Think about the kind of props that might go with the shoot that you have chosen. Perhaps you have decided on a woodland picnic in which case you could bring a beautiful picnic blanket, , pretty plates, and gorgeous looking food like strawberries, cupcakes, and champagne. 

. You could bring a vintage tea-pot (like the one above) or a posh bottle of lemonade and glasses with crazy fun straws.

www.blushcreek.com

www.iraandlucy.com

If you do decide to bring props make them stylish.Sandwiches in a brown paper bag does not make a stylish picnic. Vintage rentals can up your stylish appeal. The "Casey" chairs from Blush Creek Rentals are pictured above and they are the perfect addition. 

If vintage is not your style, rebel it up with a motorcycle as your prop.

 Props as they can really ‘make’ a photo, they are also fun and make your images unique to you.

What if you want great photos but don't know how to get there??? Have it styled! Wedding coordinators are great at more than just weddings. Styling an engagement shoot is often very cost affordable because they are typically weekdays and not in the peak of wedding season. Ask your coordinator.  If you have not hired a wedding coordinator now is a good time to engage in that discussion. 

www.blissevents.net

www.iraandlucy.com

www.weddingsbysoiree.com

 #7 Consider Video

Wedding videos are becoming increasingly popular. Why not an engagement video? Many use their engagement photos in their save-the-dates think about how fun it would be to send a video. 

#8 BE IN LOVE