Pick a favorite photoshoot? As a photographer, that’s difficult. Each and every shoot has its own moments that stick out, causing me to look back fondly on that adventure. But if I must narrow it down, I would pick a shoot that I did by a lake while visiting Idaho. It was a perfect, blissful summer evening. I don’t know if you have ever experienced an Idaho summer, but the evening of this photoshoot sums it up. Perfect weather; warm with a subtle breeze, the sun shining amidst a blue sky, mountains peeking out in the far distance with a slight smell of crops floating through the breeze. And when the sun sets, the whole sky lights up like the color of cotton candy. That was our setting!

Lately I have been thinking hard about putting together a style guide for my clients.  The first thing I always ask clients when they want to schedule a shoot is where would you like to do it at? A simple question but yet so complex at the same time.  Narrowing down the perfect location for your photo shoot. Being new to the area I have not gotten to explore the Treasure Valley as much as I want.  Being a mom of three littles when I am having a hard day I load the kids up and off we go! They watch a movie and I scout location after location so that when my clients ask where is good I have some sort of suggestions. Being fairly new to the area I love it when Clients have an idea of the type of photos they are wanting. It is so so very helpful.  I usually ask them help me narrow the type of photo they are looking for.  Some people may want that country feel while others might want an urban feel.  Those are two very different types of locations as a photographer it is good to get a feel for what your clients are looking for. If they have absolutely no idea it helps get them thinking about it. That being said I have come up with a list I thought I would share to help those struggling choosing a location.

Nature feel:

Are you looking for an empty field with long grass that has a lighter and warmer tone?

Are you wanting alongside water?

Are you looking for snow photos if it is that time of year?

Are you wanting a forest look with rich green tones?

Are you wanting a desert sagebrush with greenish blue tones?

What about Urban photos? They are so very different from nature photos.

Are you looking for a city buildings and cars in the background?

Photos with a bridge?

A landmark that may hold meaning to you?

A local city park?

A favorite coffee shop?

narrowing down the perfect location for your photo shoot.

Once you narrow down a location then it is time to choose outfits.  I think sessions where the outfits are planned turn out very nice.  For example if you are taking photos in the snow you most likely are not going to be wearing all white as you want to standout not blend into the background. If you are a family of 5 and you all wear black pants and a white shirts it’s hard to make you pop out as you are all dressed exactly the same.  If you are needed inspiration for outfits and what colors complement one another Pinterest is a very great resource that always comes to my rescue.  I will link my outfit planning board for reference.  I love helping my clients with outfit choices for the location they choose as I feel it really does make the photograph! Hopefully these tips help you when you are narrowing down the perfect location for your photo shoot!!!

Happy location hunting!!!

Jacque S. Photography

www.jacquesudbrock.com

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https://www.instagram.com/photosbyjacque/

Pinterest board

https://www.pinterest.com/jacquesudbrock/family-outfits/

From the time I first picked up a camera and started shooting photos, my goal was to be a photojournalist. Weddings weren't even on my radar. Of course, marriage was something I viewed with a typical teenaged male "Uggggh!".

So began a love affair with journalism that began at the age of 16 as a freelancer for a local daily newspaper.

Fast forward through a career in newspaper photography, from the glory days, into the digital age and the decline of print and here I am, photographing weddings.

And you know what? I love doing it. I love seeing people happy, hopeful and in love. I love seeing brides nervously moving a strand of hair, twisting a ring or trying to catch a glimpse of their beloved before the ceremony. I enjoy seeing the love in the eyes of a couple as I'm photographing them, it's that love that I try to capture.

Many photographers say they have a photojournalistic "style", for me photojournalism is what I know, what I lived, it's not a style, it's a deep part of who I am and I try to give a part of that to every couple I photograph through my work as I document their day. I am always looking for that perfect angle, that spot no one has thought of, heck, I'll even lay down in the dirt for a shot. Clothes will wash, once in a lifetime memories can't be recaptured!

I've had people ask if it was difficult to go from journalism to wedding photography. The short answer is no, and yes. No because I was already used to working under pressure and getting "must have" shots and telling stories with pictures, whether using natural light, flash or off camera lights. Yes because I had to learn to direct groups of people in order to get the best group portraits possible, and quickly. I'm not normally loud, nor particularly bossy, but I have a shtick that seems to work and keeps people in a good mood and allows me to get what I need.

As I've grown in this business, my style has evolved, as well. The storytelling is still there, but I've become more comfortable exploring my more creative side as I'm shooting and editing. I still try to create images that will stand the test of time, in other words, I'm not going to jump on every new fad, but I'm not afraid to try something new or different. The last thing I want is for my work to become stale. I want my clients to be just as proud to show off their photos at their golden anniversary as they were at their first.

I've been asked if I have a favorite wedding. Of course I do. All of them. Really. Each one is unique. The couples are different, each had a different atmosphere, vibe if you will, and each presented me with unique challenges and opportunities. They've all been, and still are, favorites in different ways and have become part of who I am, both personally and professionally and I'm honored to have been part of their day.

Visit me at: www.ezizpix.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kai-Eiselein-Photography-163546837053044/