There are many things that I absolutely love about photographing newborns…from the posing and style to comforting each little bundle so they know their time with me will be a safe and calm adventure.  Every session can vary depending on the newborn so don’t expect a rushed session.

Jars are awesome because they can be used in the most obvious ways and you can really change the look of the jar depending on what you use to decorate or fill it with.  They are great for vintage weddings, filling with flowers, using as candle holders, sand even acorns for fall weddings.  They can be used as center pieces, isle runners, beverage glasses and the list goes on.

all pictures by Jennifer Bullock Photography and AJM Photography

used by permission.  (all images and text on this entire blog are copyright protected)

First, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.  Spend some quiet time with just you and your fiance.  And then take another deep breath and process everything again.

When you start to plan, remember this one thing–Don’t plan so fast.  I have heard so many sad stories from  brides that got caught up in a whirlwind of excitement, didn’t do their homework and had already put down a non-refundable retainer/deposit for a vendor  that they now have to settle for that they wish they had never booked.   So please, please, please slow down and think before paying that deposit.

However, Do not hesitate if you know that you just have to have a certain  vendor or two. Be sure to book those vendors that you just cannot imagine having   your wedding without.  If there is a  certain photographer, videographer, DJ or musician,  be sure to retain them early because those vendors are the ones who’s calendars fill up fast, sometimes six months to a year in advance.

If you are planning a destination wedding it can sometimes be scary because your main communication will be over the internet via email and you may never meet your vendor until the day of your wedding.  I’m here to give you some tips on how to ask the right questions and how to know you are getting top quality.  Beings I am a photographer, my main focus is, of course, going to be on photography but the questions and steps can also be applied to other vendors as well.

The most important thing I can’t stress enough is to do your research and choose wisely.   Ask questions before choosing and don’t choose based on who gives you the most hours for the cheapest price, there is always a reason for that price.  Ask questions like:

• Do you have backup equipment
• Do you have a business license (don’t be afraid to ask to see it!)
• Do you take other photos in addition to your style
• Who will be the lead photographer (if there is more than 1 shooter)
• How do you prepare for the day of the wedding
• How long have you been in business
• Whats the possibility of my prints fading if I order from you
• If my package comes with digital files, how do I print them
• What is your time frame for completed pictures
• What is your overtime rate
• What about extra items like albums and prints (if they aren’t included in the package you choose)
• Are you opposed to requests for certain shots I may want

Don’t be shy… tell the photographer what you want.

Make sure the photographer you choose  meets the following criteria that you want:

• Personality  (after all you will be working with this photographer all day)
• Style
• Packages
• Price
• Testimonials
• Flexibility

]]> http://ajmphotography.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/just-engaged-now-what-ajm-photography-gulf-shores-al-wedding-photographer/feed/ 0 ajmphotography jj1110137db http://ajmphotography.wordpress.com/2012/01/03/a-little-about-us-andrea-mcdaniel-photography/ http://ajmphotography.wordpress.com/2012/01/03/a-little-about-us-andrea-mcdaniel-photography/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:30:57 +0000 AJM Photography http://ajmphotography.wordpress.com/?p=937 Continue reading →]]>

As I had promised in my previous post I would start introducing more personal posts into my blog and what better way to do so than with a little bit of info about who we are.

My husband, Allan, and I specialize as  engagement, wedding and family beach photographers here in the Gulf Shores  area of Alabama, but also travel  all over the coast from Destin Florida to Mississippi and all points in between.

We have four beautiful girls that are everything to us. They range in age from 3 1/2 to 14.   I started taking pictures shortly after the birth of my last little girl in 2008 and quickly realized that beach and wedding photography were my passion. Allan started in 2010 when I became too busy to handle all the weddings on my own. I went from small weddings to elaborate 8 plus hour weddings that required more than one photographer, and who better to bring aboard than my wonderful husband.  I am that fun, energetic, easy going person that loves a challenge when it comes to capturing memories.  You will find me on the floor in that awkward position capturing the perfect angle for the moment.  I don’t force my clients to be stiff and smile on command, I let them be themselves which, in return, brings out their true personalities and is reflected in all the images you see in my blogs and on my website.

One thing that we love to do as a couple is, honestly, shoot a wedding together.  Every wedding is unique and while I’m capturing all the important details of the wedding party, my husband is silently capturing shots of Uncle Fred on the dance floor over there.  We work extremely hard to stay current with the latest technology and techniques of photography.  After all, we want your portraits to be masterpieces when you display them on your wall.

When we aren’t photographing weddings we stay super busy with our 4 girls.  The two middle girls play soccer, so during soccer season your will find us on the soccer field almost ever day of the week.  Our oldest is in Color Guard and we juggle our schedule to make sure she makes it to practice and tournaments on time.  And our sweet baby is the boss of the house.  She really does keep us busy.  She loves to swing, so a lot of my mornings are spent outside with her.  As a family we enjoy going to movies together or simply renting a movie through iTunes and relaxing at home all cuddled up on the sofa for a nice family night in.  And, we are that traditional family who always has dinner at the same time every night and we are all present.    If you’d like to know more simply email me at andrea@ajmphotography.net and I will be more than happy to share the answers on this blog.

just a quick picture of the boss of our home:

I felt so blessed to see this couple unite in marriage and meet so many wonderful people from all over the nation.  People flew in from all over the US and places like Papua New Guinea to take part in their special day.  It was what I call absolutely remarkable.    Below is just a small preview of their day…more to come in another post.