I’ll be honest, when I first started wedding photography I had no clue what I was doing. I just knew I wanted to be a part of that day, when romance is in the air, people are happy, pretty dresses, pretty colors… ahhh, I’m a cornball! I knew photography, but not wedding photography. Trust me, there’s a difference.

My prices were, I think, around $695 for a wedding. All day coverage, as many rolls of film (yes, film) as needed, a very traditional Tap white wedding album holding 200  4×6 slip in images, and the negatives. I did my first wedding show with absolutely no idea what I was in for, having never even attended one as a bride before. I set up my booth with what I thought looked good, and later got compliments on how unique it was (again, because I didn’t know what to do!!) I remember a very well known photographer was introduced to me and immediately said “You need to raise your prices”. I based my prices on my experience. He had waaaay more, along with the fancy books and all, which I had no clue how to make then). I said, ‘I will, when I can do what you do”. I didn’t realize he thought I was good enough and was, indirectly, low balling him or stealing some clients with my $695 price. Heck, I had never even priced out wedding photographers. I did no research. For our own wedding we hired a friend’s uncle because we, like everyone else, wanted to save money and he did some photography ‘on the side’, but not wedding photography. Who cares?? It was next to nothing. And, that’s exactly what I got.

(BTW, this October is our 20 year wedding anniversary and I would LOVE to have a great photo shoot with my husband!)

Since then, I have basically taught myself the art of wedding photography. Of course, I learned lighting and different techniques and all about exposures and shutter speeds and so on from different mentors, like Ty at Ty Photography. Check him out, he’s got the senior market cornered and is phenominal!

But, I can honestly say, I shadowed a wedding photographer for one or two weddings back in 1998 and thought I can do this. And, I believed I could do it even better because this person spent no attention on detail, on learning what the bride and groom wanted, anything. It was like Smile. Okay. Thank you. Next.

I knew I wanted more. I knew they deserved more. I wanted to give them more.

A client sent me this link to    Seattle Bride Magazine with very kind words calling me a “pro” and wanting me to share what I do and why I do it and why I should charge what I do and not feel bad about doing so. (which, is this area, is pretty darn comparable)

I still don’t compare myself with others. To this day I rarely look at other local photog sites in this area. I like to get my inspiration from photographers out of state, like California, North Carolina (hey Millie!) Florida, Atlanta, and from magazines-fashion and wedding. Quite honestly, most of my inspiration comes from YOU, my clients. I swear, I feed off of my clients personalities, clothing, attitudes… that’s what makes the shoots so special, and unique to each.

Now, I am blessed to photograph engagement session, weddings, maternity, the birth, (yes, I am in the delivery room!) newborn, a few seniors by referal or request, families, children, and intimate sessions. Through these sessions, my clients have become my friends, allowing me clients for life <3

Amirah, thanks for sharing this article with me on Facebook and for believing in my abilities enough to trust me with your photography needs, calling me a “pro”. I have the BEST CLIENTS EVER!

And since every post needs a picture, this one from from a Baby Story of Jamie & Jason that will be posted soon!

Late blog