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::why you should go pro:: guest post by kaitlyn meeks

July 19, 2012 By mary 2 Comments

You know those people in your life who are just so talented and cool?  My friend, Kaitlyn, is one of those people.  If I could go back ten years, I’d be less alcoholic-hoochie-mama and more Kaitlyn.  But hindsight is 20/20.  I also wouldn’t have gotten my belly button pierced (gross) or dated most of the guys I did, but that’s beside the point.  Back to Kaitlyn, she’s been taking our family photos since Ellie was born and I treasure them so much.  She just has a way with the camera.  She also has a way with words and you get the pleasure of checking those out below.  Enjoy!

Hello Trusty Chuck-ers. I heard your fearless leader was taking a hiatus for a week, so I jumped on the opportunity to invade the Trusty Chucks pages. My name is Kaitlyn Meeks (Kaitlyn Meeks Photography) and I am an amateur-turned-professional photographer. I started photographing friends and families about six years ago as a hobby and creative outlet. Today I photograph everything from family portraits, t-shirt designs, baby births, senior portraits, and my personal favorite…weddings!

I spend a fair amount of my day sifting through photographs, thinking about wedding designs, and perusing my favorite wedding blog (Green Wedding Shoes). To say I am obsessed might be an understatement. You see, if I dare call myself a “professional” in this field, it will be because I have invested each day in growing my understanding of this art form. When I photograph a wedding day, I want to connect with each and every bride in an incredibly unique way.

I am a social work student entering into my first year of grad school in August. In my classes and training, I have learned the importance of creating a comfortable environment for your client so that they are able to feel open and honest. I follow this same concept in my photography. I desire to make my bride and groom feel so comfortable with me that they are able to express their raw and genuine emotion in front of the camera.

I mean, let’s be honest, we all love to have our photograph taken. I’m actually convinced we ALL like it….even those of you who hide your face behind trees and hair and babies to avoid the lens…I KNOW you secretly like it. BUT this isn’t to say that the camera won’t trigger awkward tension. Therefore, it is my goal at each and every shoot to make my clients feel extremely comfortable. In return, we are rewarded with lots of cute cuddly photographs that capture the true emotion of the day.

There are many advantages to choosing a professional photographer.  I know some of you would argue against that statement, but let me explain by responding to some of the most popular excuses.


I have a friend with a fancy camera who can take sweet pics.


My dear friend, I know a girl with a fancy, beautiful ring, but that doesn’t mean I want her to make a ring for me. You see, just because someone holds a fancy camera doesn’t mean they know what they are doing. 1% of the work is clicking a button, 9% of the work is in saying “smile”, 40% of the work is in knowing your camera and all its features, and the other 50% is in post-production. So to this person I will say, tell your friend to bring their fancy camera to your wedding, but hire a professional to do all the work. This way you can get the best of both worlds!

2012 06 27 023 639x1024 Boy Howdy. I went Viral. { Findlay Fostoria Ohio Portrait Photographer }

I don’t have enough money in our budget for a professional.

I do understand the importance of a strict and unforgiving budget, but is the $300 projector really worth it? Or the $2000 DJ? I think these are valuable aspects to a wedding and if you have a large enough budget to afford these parts…spend away! But if you are running on a smaller budget and want to make the most of your day, I suggest investing in DIY projects and an iPod DJ with some speakers borrowed from a friend. This way you can take the money you saved and invest in a professional photographer. I know a handful of extremely good photographers that work in the $1000 to $2000 price range. Preserving the memories of your priceless day is worth the money.

I don’t know where to look.

I have found that most business I receive is via word of mouth. This person was at the wedding of her cousin who met the mother of the best man who had me photograph his wedding six months ago. It’s amazing how we spread information! Simply start asking around. Ask the bride in your newsfeed on Facebook, ask fellow Trusty Chucks readers, ask me! Don’t let finding a photographer for your special day become a burden, but rather shop around and ask as many questions as you can!  This should be one of the most fun parts of your day, it will surprise you how much time you spend with your photographer.  Make sure you pick someone worth spending time with.

Hiring a professional photographer is an important aspect of your big day. Aside from the vows, the rings, the hot man standing at the end of the aisle, and the smokin’ dress you handpicked, the photographer will make or break your experience. Spend time researching the right fit for you because it’s worth it.

 
 
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Comments

  1. Ken.Young3rd says

    July 19, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    I personally am a fan of photography in general. I wish many times that I could take it up as at least a hobby.

    Always have loved the pics of the Graham family. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  2. Ken.Young3rd says

    July 19, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    I personally have always been a fan of photography in general. I wish all the time that I could at least take it up as a hobby.

    I’d also like to say that I’ve always like the pics of the Graham family. Keep up the good work!

    Reply

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