5 Benefits Of Drone Photography At Your Wedding | New Jersey Photographer

Drones are as popular in travel photography…

as they are often used to take captivating 360-degree shots of beaches, hilltops, and more. However, drones are fast becoming a staple in commemorating modern celebrations too. Picture drone footage of the entire wedding venue while guests start pouring in, or the bride making her way down the aisle. Stunning, right? It certainly elevates traditional wedding photography and makes your special day that much more memorable.

If you’ve been considering drone photography at your wedding, here are some more benefits to keep in mind.

Drones showcase the wedding venue

The venue is a major consideration when planning a wedding, so it would be a shame not to capture its entire splendor. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about that if you hire a drone photographer. Whether it’s a beach wedding or a garden wedding, drones can capture breathtaking visuals to clearly showcase the grandeur of your wedding’s location. These shots also work quite well for the videography, as they show an overview of the day’s proceedings.

Drones complement traditional photography

There are shots that can only be taken via drone and vice-versa. Drones are ideal for wide aerial shots — especially since most of them are equipped with GPS-controlled accuracy for precision and stability in the air. However, traditional cameras are more useful for capturing close-ups and intimate moments — which are incredibly important in a wedding shoot. So, if you want to cover all your bases, it’s wise to have both a traditional camera setup and a drone camera for your wedding. That way, you get the best of both worlds.

Drones capture stunning and creative angles

One advantage of drones is that they can shoot from angles that are unreachable through normal camera setups. This allows photographers to be more creative and playful with their shots. For those looking to take gorgeous slow-motion clips and breathtaking panoramas, the high-end DJI Mavic 3 featured on Amazon can offer just that. Thanks to its SmartPhoto feature and advanced panorama mode, it can capture vivid colors in dynamic high definition. On the other hand, some drones like the Yuneec Typhoon H Plus are built to withstand strong winds. Its 3-axis gimbal-mounted camera offers excellent stability, all while shooting high-quality photos of your wedding day. With these advanced features, drones are well-equipped to cover your wedding day.

Drones give your wedding some flair

Hiring a drone photographer shows guests that you’re going all out on your big day. Aside from that, drones can also serve as a form of entertainment because of their novelty; it’s not every day you get to see a high-end drone covering a big event. Of course, drones should be interesting, but not enough to be a distraction from your big day. Thankfully, drones are constantly undergoing redesigns to make them quieter and more unobtrusive, like the DJI Mini 3 Pro.

Drones are excellent for group shots

It’s sometimes frustrating to find the perfect angle for a group shot. This is especially true if you have a large crowd — such as wedding guests — posing for the photo. However, the solution can be as simple as using a drone to take an overhead shot. This removes the need to crouch down or stand on tiptoe just to get everyone in the frame. As you can see, there are many advantages to getting a drone for your wedding.

5 Tips For Couples Who Hate Taking Photos | New Jersey Photographer

I’ve met with couples before who let me know right of the bat that they weren’t crazy about taking photos but wanted beautiful photos to represent their big day. I told them that's totally natural and that it's something that I hear all the time from my clients. So much in fact, that I have started to specialize in making couples feel comfortable with their photographer so that they can shine through as their true selves. We're not all models or even comfortable being in front of someone else's lens. So, I wanted to list out a few tips for couples (and wedding photographers) to help you get those lovingly natural shots that couples love to see in their gallery!

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 HAVE AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

I always say this, but I always, always recommend that couples have an engagement session to get to work with your photographer before your big day. This will give you some practical one on one time with them and will help you get comfortable in front of their lens.

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 DON'T LOOK AT THE CAMERA

Sometimes it feels awkward staring directly into a lens. Don’t be afraid to not make eye contact with the lens 100% of the time. Hey, if it feels better to look to your side or even straight pass the camera then do that. You look better when you feel better and after a little while your photographer will pick up on what makes you look (and feel better).

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 ROLE PLAY

HAVE SOME FUN. Nothing gets your mind off an uneasy task more than playing with your significant other. I give my couples “exercises” to keep them busy being connected - “whisper seductively into her ear what you had for breakfast.” These turn out to be some of our favorite images.

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 BE HONEST WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

It's ok to tell them your insecurities. If you're a photographer, instead of asking them what are they insecure about, ask them what they love about themselves and accentuate that. You can also ask their significant other what they love most about the other and play off of that. When client's see more of what they love, the more they will trust you in the future.

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 HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU FEEL A CONNECTION WITH

I’ll be honest with you here… find a photographer who you can identify with. Of course, you want an artist whose photographs you enjoy but also a person who you feel you can be yourself around. When you hire a photographer who you feel connected with, not only will you your images come out more authentic, but you will have the ability to trust them and their process just a little more and that’s ideal for clients and photographers alike.

I hope that these tips help you out and if you would like to learn more tips, feel free to check out more of the blog under the category “Photography”!

Helpful Tips For The Perfect Photoshoot With Your Kid | New Jersey Photographer

It is so much fun to photograph and work with these little ones and we have some beautiful photos to share with their parents and family! I try to capture an array of emotions with each shoot; from laughs, smiles, and giggles to tears, screaming, and being shy. Or all of them in one shoot! One theme became apparent, and it hit me that I needed to blog about this. Many parents had tons of anxiety about this and even felt that one small meltdown ruined their entire shoot, absolutely not! I wanted to share a few tips to help prepare you and your family and wanted to be the reassurance you need!

• Dress for the weather. It seems simple, but extra layers on a warm day or too little clothing mixed with a cool breeze can be the first problem of a shoot that can lead it down a rough path.

•  Reel in your expectations. We totally understand you booked your session and have a fantastic idea in mind or a pose you so desperately want. We love to do our best to make that happen! But, the more expectation, pressure, and direction we start giving to young ones can easily frustrate them. Especially when in a different environment and having a camera clicking away at you. Give us ideas of things you have seen and would love, we can create situations and place you in positions to be ready to capture those special moments!

•  Don’t freak out if they begin to cry or become fussy. We know you don’t want teary eyed photos, but trust us when we say you definitely don’t want photos of you looking upset or frustrated either. Many times, mom or dad can be consoling their little one and those make some of the best shots. It’s genuine and real, but most importantly it is your life and those little moments are something to certainly treasure years from now.

•  Plan a day and time that works for your schedule. We try to be as flexible as we can, but if you know nap time is always between 1-3 please don’t schedule an early afternoon session. Even if you feel you can lay them down earlier or later, it almost never works out. Also, keep it relaxed that day. If they had school or events going on, maybe schedule your session for another day when there is less going on. And another big tip – give them a little snack to avoid that hangriness feeling we all get! As my wife can attest, sometimes even I need a Snickers!

•  Rewards do help. This is totally up to you, but it has worked many times for us. We will never say “if you’re good, mommy and daddy will...”. But, if there is a reward you know they will like that could get some cooperation for 10 minutes, we can bounce off that and it helps!

•  We will do our best to make your child smile, but we can’t guarantee it. As we photograph, we try our best to direct attention to the camera and get those smiling photos for you. We ask for assistance a lot from mom and dad right behind the camera, because who knows what makes your baby laugh more than you do? Even though we have been known to be quite goofy behind the camera ourselves! But unfortunately, sometimes babies and kids know this just isn’t right and they aren’t having it. I was one of those kids! So, there is no reason to be flustered because they won’t. Again, it goes hand in hand with reeling in your expectations. Therefore, we like to do a combination between portraits and lifestyle. With lifestyle, it is much easier to get those genuine reactions and smiles when we can stand on the side lines and capture those special moments! Not to mention, they feel the most real and exactly how your life is.

• Talk to your kids. Let them know they are getting photos done by us. You can show them the About Me page on the website so they can see my face, you can show them our logo, or even show them some other photos we took of other kids and their families! Now is also a good time to mention rewards if you choose to do so. We have allowed kids to help us shoot, they love it. Tell them they can help us out for the day. It is amazing to see the little artists at work!

• Most of all, come to have fun. We have been fortunate enough to photograph many families with children. And like I mentioned earlier, sometimes there is combinations of emotions from hysterical laughs to hysterical crying. Nothing is by the book and cookie cutter; it is simply going with the flow when having young ones. Trust in our ability to make the best out of the situation and create the images you will love and cherish for many years.

How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session | New Jersey Photographer

Family photos hold a special place in our lives and in our hearts. These are images we’ll look back on for years to come, images that our children and grandchildren will look at to remind themselves of where they came from and how much their family has changed and grown.

Tracking your family’s growth is a great reason to take annual family photos. But once you’ve booked your session, you may be feeling some trepidation:

• How am I going to get all the kids to behave?

• What should everyone wear?

• What if our pictures turn out terrible because no one will cooperate?

 A family photo session can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent, but the results are well worth the effort. To help you feel a little less stressed about getting everyone dressed and smiling, this handy guide will help you prepare for and make the most of your family session!

Preparing for Your Session

Schedule at the right time of day

When it comes to photographing young children, scheduling is everything. You don’t want to schedule a photo shoot right in the middle of naptime and end up with a cranky toddler. In the same way, if your session runs over into dinnertime, your little one may throw a tantrum. Even if you want “golden hour” images, consider your kids and what time of day they’re most alert, awake, and content. It’s better to have your photos taken in the middle of the day than to struggle with frustrated, grumpy children just to get that gorgeous evening light.

Talk to your kids beforehand

A photo session is not something you want to drag your kids to without warning them. Take time to sit your kids down and explain what they can expect at the family session and how they should behave. Emphasize the fun aspects of a photo shoot: They can pretend to be models and even ham it up a little for the camera. Just remind them the importance of listening to you and the photographer and following instructions.

Get inspired

Think about what kind of images you want and talk to your photographer about your options. Would you prefer a studio session or one outside at a favorite park or spot in your town? Maybe you want an in-home session where the photographer can capture your family in their natural environment. Whatever you choose, be sure to speak with your photographer beforehand about what you’re hoping to achieve, as well as any special requirements you or your family may need.

Choose what to wear

While kids definitely look adorable in their dressiest outfits, you’re better off choosing something they’re comfortable in. That goes for your whole family, including you. Everyone will feel more like themselves in their favorite outfits. Just be sure everyone coordinates well and avoid bright colors or patterns that can be distracting.

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The Day of Your Session

Pack your bag

If you have kids, you’re familiar with how much stuff you need to bring along with you when you go places, and a family photo session is no different. Here are some items we recommend you pack for your photo shoot:

• An old blanket to sit on - perfect for cozy outside images

• Backup outfits - You never know when someone will get a little messy!

• Lint roller - This is a must if you’re including pets in the session

• Favorite toys - A great way to keep little ones happy

• Snacks and water - Nothing boosts a kid’s mood quite like a favorite snack! Just go for something that isn’t too messy

• Tissues - As a parent, you probably always have these on hand, but you’ll need them to wipe messy noses

Keep an eye out for illness

If you or one of your children comes down with the flu the day of your session, talk to us about rescheduling. These things happen, and we’re more than happy to work with you to find a better time to capture your family photos.

UPDATE 2020: Because of COVID-19 concerns, the session will be cancelled if anyone in your party arrives showing symptoms. While we are vaccinated, we will not take the chance of passing it on to someone who may not be. Non-refundable deposits will not be used towards a future date and the session will need to be re-booked.

Remove any unnecessary items

Before your photographer starts snapping pictures, be sure to take any keys, phones, or wallets out of pockets and remove any hair ties or Fitbits from your wrists. All these items can be tucked away into your bag, so you know exactly where they are and don’t have to stress about searching for your keys later.

Make a day of it

While your actual session may only take a few hours, it’s a good idea to make the day a relaxing one. That means no additional activities for the kids (unless you want to take everyone out for a treat after the session) and no work for you. Just spend a relaxing day at home before and after your session.

Give yourself plenty of time

Instead of rushing out the door 15 minutes later than expected, get everyone ready early and give yourself at least 30 minutes to get to your session location. You may even want to look at traffic reports and give yourself even more time if necessary. If you’re in a rush, you’ll feel stressed and anxious, and that’s no way to start a family photo shoot! Be sure to give yourself plenty of breathing room so you can arrive comfortably early to your session.

Stay calm

I know, it’s easier said than done. But if you’re stressed out, your kids will sense it, and suddenly everyone is having a not-fun time. Besides, genuine smiles look so much better than forced ones, and you want your family photos to capture your authentic joy and personalities!