I took this image with my cell phone immediately upon receiving the printed copy of the magazine, so the quality isn’t the greatest.

Later I received a PDF version of the page in which my image appeared. Yay for photo credit!

Kelly (the bride) always wanted to be in a magazine – well, your wish has been granted Kelly!

The [B] School Interview with member of the month PhotoKisses

If you are a professional photographer and would like to enroll, just click the banner below:

Rochester photography: weekend freebie #1 – PETS.

Just a few ground rules:

1. All photoshoots will be mini, meaning less than an hour long. Saturday/Sunday/Monday afternoon only.
2. On location only (meaning outdoors or at your house) in Rochester NY
3. Free actually means free. No strings attached. I will photograph, I will edit, and I will post ~20 images on Facebook (just like I did for Shadow). Oh, and you will get a free 5×7 print, too.
4. If you feel like spending money, I won’t stop you. For only $100, you may have all 20 images on disc with a print release.
5. Don’t be sad if I didn’t pick you for the weekend freebie. I will likely post the same kind of freebie in another few weeks, and you’re welcome to inquire again.
6. If you really really really want me to pick you (or your pet, or baby, or grandma, or whatever) for the weekend freebie photoshoot, you may want to tell me a few details or a cute story about your pet or baby or yourself. I love stories!

Finally, to all my wedding clients – I haven’t forgotten you, I’m preparing new blog posts about the rest of all the Rochester weddings and they will be coming soon!

WHEC article on delinquent Rochester photographer Gary Ventura

Gary has the BBB rating of “F” and more than 20 clients are still waiting for albums and other products he promised over 2 years ago. The worst part is – HE IS STILL BOOKING WEDDINGS!!!! I can’t believe this. One of our own, a bad apple in the bunch. It leaves a sour taste in my mouth – his behavior is tarnishing all of our reputations.  Please, if you are a current bride looking to book a wedding photographer, do not book with Gary!!!  Or if you are a past bride of Gary Ventura, do all that you can to get files with usage rights from Gary, because that may be the only product you will ever receive.    I sincerely hope that Gary finds a way out of his troubles, because his past work has been absolutely stunning, his website is immaculate, and it’s no wonder that brides are still interested in booking him. He does not have a blog or a real-time online presence, so if you don’t know to search, it’s hard to tell that he’s been in trouble for a while now.

I am making this post as a warning, a word of caution, and some advice:

1) Always make sure you meet with your photographer in person. If you can’t, then keep in touch via calling and emailing, or arrange a video conversation via Skype or AIM.

2) Make sure that your photographer is producing strong and consistent work that is CURRENT. As in, updating their website, Facebook, blog, etc. Ask your photographer how you can see their most recent wedding (mine are posted in my online proof galleries)

3) Ask your photographer what the turn around time for products is. Whatever time they say is fine, but there needs to be an established timeline. I deliver proofs within a month of a wedding, and albums within the year. Don’t be afraid to prod the photographer every once in a while, gently remind them that you’re patiently waiting.

4) If Rochester NY is your destination location, and you’re booking photographers online, send a quick email to GRPP (Greater Rochester Professional Photographers) – membership@grpp.org  and ask if your photographer is a member in good standing.

5) If you question the photographer’s reputation, ask for references. Good photographers will have lots of happy brides, and will be glad to provide references right away. You don’t have to even check the references, just the fact that the photographer is willing to give the most recent brides’ contact to you should tell you something about their current status.

6) Finally, make sure you have a contract. The contract should have the package details outlined, and terms that are favorable to both parties, not just the photographer.

Best of luck to all the past and future brides! I hope you make the right choices and that your wedding day is spectacular!

I am very happy to report that my new online presence at Wedding Wire is taking hold, and I’m already getting some AWESOME reviews! There’s nothing better than a little pat on the back – makes me feel like I must be doing something right! I couldn’t ask for better brides – thank you so much for all the good words ladies!

If you’d like to participate, you may review my services HERE. Thanks in advance!

We had fun on a Friday afternoon, walking around my neighborhood and photographing her for her portfolio and website.  I’m so glad I was able to capture her expressive personality.

If you are a bride looking for someone who will make your life MUCH easier and not only help you plan your wedding but also do little things like place cards or calligraphy, Laura is your gal. I’m so lucky to have a new friend who’s also such a fabulous Rochester wedding vendor! For more pictures, you can take a peek at Laura’s blog post about me.

This year my associate photographer Will got to come along. And I got to take pictures of his beautiful Mazda Speed 3 in motion. I wouldn’t suggest sticking your expensive camera out the window of a moving vehicle unless you’re completely sure you’ve secured it in your hand and around your neck!  =)

My awesome assistant Ben got this image of the cool breezy evening just as the clouds parted and rain decided to skip us this time.

Yay fireworks!

Happy July 4th everyone! Hope you have a nice day off, time to spend with your families and loved ones, and maybe even forget about wedding planning for just one day. And if you ever decide to have fireworks at your wedding – I’m there!