5 Tips for Gorgeous Getting-Ready Photographs

“A Room Should Never Allow the Eye to Settle in One Place. It Should Smile at You and Create Fantasy.”

-Juan Montoya

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Getting-ready photo’s can be some the most beautiful to capture on a wedding day. It’s a pre-party of sorts, with family and bridal parties catching up and connecting before the day begins. With everyone together, relaxed, looking beautiful, and anticipating the day to come, sometimes details get overlooked. So, here are my top 5 tips to make the most of you getting ready coverage.

01. LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Like most situations when it comes to photography, lighting is the number one priority. There’s a reason it’s first in the list above! Wherever you decide to get dressed just make sure there are large windows to let in a lot of natural light. Not only do you want the space to be light and bright to match your mood, but for natural light photographers like myself it makes our jobs much easier and can focus more on capturing the moments happening, rather than looking for the best light.

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02. STRETCH OUT

If lighting is everything, space is everything’s best friend. So, now that we’ve taken care of lighting, let’s be sure to have enough space to spread out. There are a lot of loved ones involved during the getting ready process, but let’s be real, nobody wants to be tripping over each other while you’re trying to get dressed.

If you’re getting ready in a hotel room, maybe book two rooms side by side so everyone has enough space. And, don’t forget about the dream team either! Make sure you know how many vendors will be there as well. The headcount will add up with hair, makeup, photographers, florists, and videographers.

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03. PULL IT TOGETHER!

I’m not talking about your emotions, I’m talking about your house, your room, and all of that stuff that came with your guests. I know, this sounds pretty straight forward, but with all the moving parts of the day, cleaning up can quickly escape your mind.

Let’s be honest, those leftover pizza boxes, Starbucks cups, or your overflowing suitcase isn’t what you want to remember in the background of your wedding day photos, so allow yourself time for a quick tidy up before your vendors arrive. If you’re in a hotel room, go ahead and ask for turn-down service. They’ll come make the beds and get rid of any trash, saving you the time to maximize your day. If you’re in an a home or and AirBnB, dedicate a room or two to “getting ready,” allowing “messes” to take place outside that space.

Having a clean space can make a huge difference in allowing for a more natural and candid environment, with you, your loved ones and your party enjoying each other, laughing and prepping for the rest of the day to come.

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04. THE LITTLE THINGS ADD UP

Okay, okay! So the place is looking bright, spacious and clean. You’ve crushed it! Now, for the little nitty gritty details. Here are few tricks to make your getting ready photos even more gorgeous and unique:

-Find a cute hanger for your gown; It’s probably one of the most important pieces of clothing you’ve ever purchased yourself, so ditch the plastic hanger. Wedding hangers come in all shapes, typography, colors and styles, so finding a hanger that you love can add that personal touch to your day.

-Purchase a ring box! A lot of couples will choose something that helps tell a personal or family story. This detail can help to give dimension to your photographs and, more importantly, a proper place to store your wedding bands, so they’re right where you left them, for the day to come.

-Last but not least, ask the florist for a few extra flowers. Adding a touch of your bouquet to your ring shots, invitations, etc will help tie in your color scheme and add a little depth to the images. This is my favorite addition to pull all the details together!

All these little details really do add up to make your photos the best they can be. So, take your time and add these custom elements in to tell the best version of your story in your getting ready photos and throughout the rest of your wedding gallery.

P.s I’ve linked a few different places where you can find these items below.

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05. MUSIC MAKES THE PEOPLE COME TOGETHER

Above all on your wedding day, have fun with it! Go ahead, play the soundtrack to your life! I believe all big moments deserve the best energy and music can be a game changer in that department. If you’re not into making a playlist, ask a bridesmaid or groomsmen to put a themed playlist (without ads) together; setting the mood and reminding you of all those little moments you and your loved one shared to get here.

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All in all, this is your day. And it’s one you want to remember. So, take the time to have a clean, well lit and spacious room for all of your little details and some upbeat tunes! Don’t try to do it all on your own, you have your best friends and loving family all around you. Ask for help, it takes a team and we all have your back! Ultimately your job is to relax and enjoy the day.

With love,

Victoria

Ps. Links to the little details
Ring Boxes: Mrs.Box, SaveTheDateDesignsCo
Dress Hangers: Wedding Bells, Macrame, Bride and Bow

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4 Reasons To Take Engagement Photos

“The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do. ”

- Andy Warhol

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When it comes to engagement sessions with my couples, and whether or not they should be captured, I cannot recommend it enough! In a world full of selfies and pretty good iPhone camera’s, I’m sure you have plenty of photos of the two of you, but there’s something truly special about experiencing your engagement with a professional photographer prior to the big day; A chance to put away the phone, nix the timers and stretched out arms, and to celebrate your love!

Without a doubt, you should be excited for your wedding day photo op! But, if you’re still on the fence about booking an engagement photoshoot, follow along for my top 4 reasons to get in front of the camera.


01. GET COMFORTABLE

The number one thing I hear from couples, and just about anyone, before our photoshoots is how uncomfortable they feel in front of the camera. So, trust me when I say, you’re not alone! It’s totally natural. Everyone feels that way at some point, myself included. If you’re feeling like this, then an engagement session will be super helpful for you! and here’s why:

Just like anything; the more you do it, the more natural it will feel. The engagement is such an exciting time for you and your fiancé, and the engagement session is the perfect setting to conquer that fear of being “awkward” long before your wedding day. Now, a good photographer will definitely help you feel more comfortable and find a way to get those natural moments between you and your love, but this warm-up before the big game will shake out any of those fears and insecurities so you can walk into your wedding day feeling like a pro.

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02. CREATE A CONNECTION

Alright, we’re getting in front of the camera more! We’re feeling a bit more natural, but something is still missing. As a photographer, I find it super important to connect deeper with my couples, get to know more about them and to create a connection. My passion starts with the people who welcome me into their lives and trust me to capture their story; This connection is something that translates through the lens and into each and every photograph.

Creating time for an engagement session with your wedding photographer allows us to get to know each other and experience how we work together. It’s an opportunity for you to be real with me, to create more openly together and to know you’re preferences so we can crush it together on the big day!

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03. THE MORE THE MERRIER

Let’s be real, who doesn’t love amazing photo’s of themselves…and honestly, your family and friends love them even more!

Engagement sessions are a great way to celebrate with everyone you love. It’s so nice to have a day to shoot separate from all the other pressures of a wedding day; Time to have fun, have multiple outfits and to create a variety of memories to print for yourself or to give to grandma. Without a doubt, your wedding day photos will be beautiful and cherished forever, but engagement photos can offer a much more relaxed and natural variety to share your announcement with everyone you love.

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04. IT’S FUN!

Thats right, it’s fun!

The best thing about your engagement photoshoot is that you’re not alone. You have your partner there to lean on, dance with and be yourself. We’ll listen to your favorite music, get to know each other and maybe pop a bottle of champagne! Of course, I'm there to give you guidance on posing along the way, but really I’m just capturing your love unfold each and every moment of the day.

I promise I have your best interest at heart, so take this time to be yourself, try some things out and most importantly have fun with it! There are no traditions or formalities with engagement shoots, so let’s put a new spin on it and show everyone what makes you you!

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If you still don’t believe me, here’s what my couples have to say,

“Victoria is absolutely AMAZING!!! Not only did she make my fiance and I's engagement photoshoot an absolute blast but she really made us feel calm and comfortable so we could really be ourselves! The pictures came out exactly how I dreamed they would, she really captured our personalities and is so extremely gifted! As an artist myself my biggest priority for our wedding is the visual tone of everything and Victoria's talents and thoughtful personality went above and beyond any expectations I could have had! We cannot wait for her to capture our big day!!” - Hiliary


“Victoria’s personality is EXACTLY what we needed for being new to this. She made us feel so relaxed with her professional guidance and positive affirmations, I’d recommend her to anyone.”- Sophia


“Victoria made us feel so comfortable and the pictures came out unbelievable amazing. Wedding planning in 2020 has been extremely stressful but our engagement shoot was by far the best experience of the whole process. We can't wait for wedding photos!”- Cristina


Now that you’ve decided on taking engagement photos, head over to my 5 Tips for Stunning Engagement Photos to help you prepare for your photoshoot!

With love,

Victoria

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5 Tips for Stunning Engagement Photos

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.”

- Gore Vidal

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Before we get down and dirty in these tips, I want to make sure you remember that these tips are here to enhance the beauty of your photos; there is no replacement for the love, laughter, and confidence you bring as the foundation.

I know how overwhelming it can be to prepare for your photoshoot, trust me, I’ve been there. So whether it’s your first time in front of the camera or you’re a seasoned veteran, here are my top 5 tips for getting photoshoot ready and bringing your vision to life.

01. WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

Location, Location, Location!

I know, we’re not real estate agents here, but let’s be honest nailing your location and season are going to set the stage for the rest of the photoshoot. When working with your photographer, think about places that are special to you and your relationship; Whether it be where you first met, your hometown or an adventure deep into nature, choose a place that resonates with you and your love for one another.

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02. PLAN ACCORDINGLY

Okay, so you’ve picked the perfect location! Awesome, now what?

Well, as far as outfits go, it may seem like a no brainer, but think first about the weather and terrain of this location of your dreams. If you’re comfortable and feel good in your clothes, then that’s going to help you bring your modeling a-game! So, just remember, whether you’re hiking up trails, barefoot on the beach or venturing into the snow, be realistic about your environment and ensure comfort without sacrificing your vision.

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03. STOP, COORDINATE AND LISTEN…

Yeah…yeah, I know, bad Vanilla Ice reference, but on a serious note coordination doesn’t mean matchy-matchy! I know, this may sound pretty straight forward, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen matching white t’s and denim take over a portrait session.

Talk to your Photographer if you need help finding your style; Together you can create a vision for everything from colors and patterns to skin tones and everything in between. When you’ve fallen in love with a color palette, take a step back, and choose your pieces to compliment one another; Think about how this will look and function with the location you’ve picked out. I can’t recommend enough to have fun with this process, try things out and be open to what you might discover.

ProTip: Mixing patterns can get messy quickly. A great rule of thumb when considering patterns is, if one person is going to wear a print the other will wear solid colors that support and ground the boldness of their partner.

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04. MAKE A DAY OF IT

Now that you’ve got your location and the perfect style to match, I typically recommend scheduling your hair and makeup trials for the same day as the photoshoot; This will allow you to have a full day of pampering and to see how everything will photograph before the big day. Again, I can’t stress enough that you be yourself though! You’re going to get the best photographs when you’re most comfortable, so go ahead and skip all the bells and whistles if that’s just not you!


ProTip: There’s a 99% chance that there will be a close up shot of your new bling, so maybe you’ll want to get your nails done and drop the ring off for a cleaning.

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05. PROPS OR NOT

In my opinion, props can really go one way or another. They are either going to add to your story or just become a big distraction… so, if you want to incorporate additional elements into the shoot, be mindful of what you want the focal point of your story to be.

I like to recommend that my couples bring things that are meaningful or that can create special moments in the day; Maybe you bring your dog, a blanket to cozy up in together, or a bottle of champagne. Remember, this is your time and moment to celebrate. Adding a personal touch can be tough, so don’t be afraid to talk with your photographer. Allow them in to listen to your story so that they can help you share your best self and bring your vision to life.

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All in all, I hope these tips to be a small guiding light in your photoshoot preparations. Remember, I’m there to capture your love for one another and bring your best vision to light; As long as you’re having a good time your photos will reflect that. So please, use these tips to help guide you, tell your story, and have as much fun as possible in your next photoshoot.

With love,

Victoria

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3 Things to Know About First Looks

“Two people in love, alone, isolated from the world, that's beautiful.”

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You may not know who wrote this, but you certainly have felt what they’re talking about. The love you and your partner in crime have can seemingly take you away into la la land where it feels like only the two of you exist. When it comes to your wedding day, there’s an opportunity for you to make that dreamland a reality.

One of the questions that always comes up when I talk with my couples is, “What’s a first look, and do you recommend it?” so, don’t worry I’m here to break it all down for you.

01. HIT ME WITH SOME KNOWLEDGE

First things first, what the heck is a First Look?

I know, it might sound obvious, but a first look is simply when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. It’s an opportunity, like the quote says, to be in love, alone and isolated from the world before being amongst all your friends, family and guests.

Traditionally, the first time the groom sees his bride on their wedding day is when she’s walking down the aisle during the ceremony. This is a beautiful moment and I love capturing the groom’s reaction, but it might not be for every couple. So, the “first look” was created to take a little pressure off of the ceremony and allows for a more intimate moment between the couple.

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02. ENJOY YOUR COCKTAIL HOUR

Seeing each other before the ceremony could be one way to make the most out of your day. After you see each other prior to the ceremony, we’re able to capture most, if not all, the photographs of your family and bridal party. So, after the ceremony you, your family and bridal party can enjoy cocktail hour with all the guests without having to worry about stepping away for a lengthy period of time.

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03. MORE PHOTOGRAPHS

With the majority of photographs taken before the ceremony, your photographer can then focus on beautiful portraits of the newlyweds, detailed shots of the reception space, and candid photographs of the guests.

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Seeing the one you want to spend the rest of your life with dressed to the nines on your wedding day is a moment that many of us dream about. The anticipation around this moment can be very emotional and might catch some of us guard, so it’s totally up to you and your fiance if you want to share this moment privately before the ceremony or with your guests. I’m here to offer insight on how it will effect your day from a photographer’s perspective. Whichever you decide on, just remember that lighting is always most important and to ask your photographer for advice while creating your timeline to help ensure you’re set up for the best photos.

With love,

Victoria

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5 Tips for iPhone Photo Perfection

“There are no rules for good photographs,
there are only good photographs”
- Ansel Adams

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Like Ansel said, there are no rules, but that doesn’t mean a few tips couldn’t put you on a better path to get those good photos! These days, our iPhones are not only super convenient, but each and every version comes packed with better camera quality and features; Some of these new features you may have never even known existed! Don’t worry though, That’s why I decided to write this post. 

If you want to be more creative and take control of your images, like the boss you are, check out these tips and tricks that will make all the difference.

01. GET SOME CLARITY

First things first, clean your lens!

I know, it might sound obvious, but think about it! Our phones are constantly in and out of our pockets, on table tops and who knows where else, so get some clarity by taking a moment to clean your lens of any smudges stopping  you from landing your next masterpiece. Personally, I like to keep a microfiber cloth in my bag or gently use my shirt, nothing fancy, but this first step is definitely a must.

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02. GET ON THE GRID

Again, most people might know about Grid Mode, but I’ve found it’s wildly underrated or even forgotten, like tropical starbursts. Getting on the grid will not only help you to create straight and symmetrical photos, thanks to the built in level (great for those overhead shots), but it allows you to keep in mind the rule of thirds and the balance of the content in your photo.

To add Grid Mode to your camera view, go to settings  ‣ camera ‣  grid ‣ turn on.

And, Voila! You’re good to go!

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03. LOCK IT IN

Honestly, this feature is a lifesaver! Yes, the phone will automatically focus and adjust to the lighting on it’s own, but having control over these features will ensure your photos come out the way you want; “Mission control...we have proper exposure.”

To use these tools, tap and hold the area you want in focus until the AE / AF Lock appears. Once you’re there, slide the sun icon up to lighten or down to darken the exposure. This ensures that your exposure locks even as the lighting situation changes around you.

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04. AND...ACTION

Capturing photos as the action unfolds is always more exciting for the viewer, but it can definitely prove to be a challenge when your subject’s in motion. So, instead of asking your friend to keep repeating the action over and over until you get that perfect shot, let me introduce you to Burst Mode...I think you two will really hit it off.

Next time you see the beginning of a movement you want to capture, simply keep holding your finger down on the shutter button to take multiple photos; A burst of 10 photos will be taken every second, so you never miss a moment. Let’s head over to your camera roll and tap on what seems to be just one photo ‣ hit the Select button ‣ scroll all your images ‣ and pick favorite shots as you go ‣ enjoy!

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05. ZOOM WITH YOUR FEET

Okay, so I know it’s easy to pinch the screen to get all up-close and personal, but this can often lead to pixelated and shaky photos (especially in low-light situations). Do yourself a favor and use that beautiful body of yours! Physically moving closer will not only improve the quality and control of your image, but potentially offer a new perspective to frame.

Now sometimes this just isn’t a possibility. So, if you’re unable to get closer, try tapping the 1x circle just above the Shutter button to zoom in. Doing this will get you a little closer while maintaining a higher quality.

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Know there are tons of other features and unique approaches to play with, but I hope these five tips will help you on your path to achieving and sharing the wonders of life while you’re on the go. More importantly, I hope that you try things, see what works for you and have fun with the process! Just remember, there are no rules!

With love,

Victoria

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