STAYING UP PAST MIDNIGHT….

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“We can still make the 11pm show…. I’m up for it if you are….”

“Let’s go…. we’re only young once!”

If I were ridiculously cool this would be the opening to a conversation ending in a spur of the moment trip to Vegas. To sing and rock out among the crowd at a secret Florence and The Machine concert. With glow sticks.

Sadly, this was the conversation leading to a late night trip to the movie theater to watch The Great Gatsby. Yes, the movie theater. 

Last Friday I met up with my BFFs for some girl time (people still say that right, “BFFs”?) and we couldn’t help but notice how much our “nights out” have turned into “nights in.” And maybe we’ve taken a liking to Bingo. Case in point: a few months back my friend Naomi actually started a sentence with “The other day while I was at the Bingo Store….” True. Story. Who goes to a Bingo Store? Naomi does…. and that’s why we’re friends ;)

I’ll blame it on being in that “in between” phase – you know, not 21 years old anymore, but not yet ready to hang up our high heels - somewhere in there. I’m embracing it…. and my DVR is proof of it. Staying in to watch back to back episodes of Say Yes To The Dress and every show on the Bravo Channel never sounded better…. and maybe an occasional Lifetime movie. Maybe ;)

Adding to my new adventure as a Wedding Photographer is this new life transition into the late 20′s version of me…. we’ll call her Crystal 2.0! City nights are becoming Red Box nights, Dance Parties are becoming Quiet Dinner Parties and Full Hair and Makeup is becoming Lipgloss and Updos. Is it weird that I’m totally okay with it? With the occasional midnight movie theater trip it pretty much all levels out…. Really.

So, according to everyone (and by everyone, I mean my family) the next phase for me is marriage and children. That right there? Well there’s no rush for all that…. for now, I’m perfectly fine with documenting gorgeous weddings and take notes for my own ;)

Word!  

Follow CRYSTAL NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY on Facebook to view the galleries & get all the latest details. Visit Crystal-Nicole.com or contact crystal@crystal-nicole.com for booking & pricing information.

GRADUATING AND MOVING FORWARD….

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You know that feeling you get, let’s say, a few months after High School graduation? You’re excited about the road ahead and feel ready to experience the adventures to come…. but you just can’t help but miss it.  Wish you could stay just a little longer. What if you missed learning something? What if you weren’t as prepared as you thought you were?! [Que freak out] It’s inevitable though. At some point you have to move forward and keep growing. Because really, who wants to be a 26yr old High School Senior?! Exactly….

I’ve hit this point in my photography “schooling.” [Que 2nd Freak Out, followed by Jazz Hands]

Second shooting for Jaime (Jaime Davis Photography) since last year has been more than I can Blog, Facebook or even Instagram about. I’ve learned so much and made a life-long friend in the process. To say that I am grateful is an understatement. The fact that this year is accompanied with a busy schedule for both of us in our individual businesses means that our time to work together is cut short. As excited as I am for both mine and Jaime’s accomplishments as Wedding Photographers and what the future holds for us I can’t help but feel like the graduated High School student…. Can I get a little more Crystal & Jaime time??!! ;)

Although we still have a few weddings coming up this year in which we will be 2nd shooting for each other [Yes, Jaime will be 2nd shooting for me.... Que freak out #3] Both of us will be expanding our photography circles and working with new amazing 2nd shooters and assistants. This is an exciting time and I can’t wait for both of us to build the same relationships with others as we have for each other. We’ve been lucky enough to get each other’s weirdness… hopefully everyone else will get our sense of humor also ;)

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to 2nd Shoot a Wedding with Jaime and it was hands down the most fun we’ve had…. there may or may not be a video floating around the internet of us lip-synching to Taylor Swift. We’ll just blame that on our need to “document life’s special moments”…. duh ;)

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So…. I’m completely okay with Jaime having other 2nd shooters and assistants. Let’s get a few things straight though:

1. I will ALWAYS be the favorite

2. Super Mario Kart driving skills will only be used with me

3. No one will ever sing Taylor Swift like I do

Holla! ;)

Happy Tuesday!

Follow CRYSTAL NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHYon Facebook to view the galleries & get all the latest details. Visit Crystal-Nicole.com or contact crystal@crystal-nicole.com for booking & pricing information.

WEDDING WEDNESDAY: Don’t Skip The Couple’s Session….

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This happens more often than not…. a couple thinks that they aren’t photogenic.

Actually this may be a bit of a stretch. I should rephrase that to say that Brides often believe that they aren’t photogenic or they simply don’t like to take photos. Believe me, I get it! We ladies take our photo-taking seriously. Don’t you dare tag us in a photo on Facebook unless we have reviewed our options, selected the most flattering and given approval to publish. No, that isn’t demanding…. it’s simply wanting to present ourselves properly ;)

This mind frame can sometimes be carried over to the Wedding Day and make a Bride a little nervous of taking those gorgeous couple shots with her new husband. However…. to all my ladies out there…. do not let this get in the way of setting time with your photographer on your Wedding Day  to enjoy being newlyweds and take your couple’s portraits.

Yes, this is easier said than done but never underestimate the “look of love”…. really, every bride should get to see the look on her Groom’s face while seeing her in her wedding dress. The sparkle in the eyes, the grin and undeniable sense of pride and joy… you will want to remember it all. You will want photos of it all. 

My personal mission is to coax, persuade, kindly ask every couple to allow me to pull them aside on their Wedding Day for a more intimate photography time. This is actually my favorite part of the day because this is the very reason I love photography; getting to capture love. It’s a beautiful, romantic moment that should not be hindered by worries or fear of being in front of the camera.

If you’re like me and need further proof to ease your mind, here is sneak peek of last Saturday’s beautiful intimate wedding. This gorgeous bride was shy to take photos and worried she wouldn’t do well with them….. and I can gladly say that I proved her wrong! They are such a stunning couple and she looked amazing….

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I can’t wait to share more of Mike and Sonia’s Wedding Day… they are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside.

Happy Wednesday!

Follow CRYSTAL NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY on Facebook to view the galleries & get all the latest details. Visit Crystal-Nicole.com or contact crystal@crystal-nicole.com for booking & pricing information.

WEDDING CONSULTATIONS (a.k.a. Pre-Gaming)

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Once I was sure that Wedding Photography was the Nutella to my peanut butter, the Edward to my Bella and basically the Justin Timerberlake to my N’Sync, I was immediately hit with the harsh reality of what is known as the “Wedding Consultation.”  This, my dears, was the proverbial Doctor’s appointment that I wished I could skip….

I love meeting and getting to know wonderful people but the thought of having to sit in front of them and explain why I would be a good fit to capture their special day was enough to make my speech slur - and nobody wants to be the girl with slurry speech ;) Plus my proneness to “you have got to be kidding me” moments was also a thought for worry. Of course I would be that awkward person with cappuccino foam on my nose, talking for 20 minutes before realizing it. PS- I’m totally not a hot mess….. those sort of things just happen occasionally with coffee drinks. I’m fine, really ;)

Now, not that I’m an advocate for showing favoritism or anything (well, maybe a little bit) but I’ve been fortunate enough to meet with Ah-Mazing couples who have completely changed my view of Wedding Consultations and have made it seem more like a “Pre-Game” event of how we’ll be getting along and working together on their wedding day. The idea of being myself, knocking down that wall of intimidation and showing them exactly who will be by their side on that day is a life saver. I’m not a salesperson, I simply want to be myself and pray that aside from my photography, that is the reason a couple will choose me. Blogging and Facebook updates help, but a live version of myself is so much better…. plus I get to use my hand gestures as I speak… and whip my hair back and forth as I let out a HOLLA!  ;)

My love for all things coffee has made coffee shops an ideal place for said Wedding Consultations (FYI- Starbucks is usually every photographers first “studio” and place of work…. those aren’t too shabby working conditions if you ask me ;) ) However, with this “Pre-Game” idea and the fact that I was neither joking nor exaggerating of the fact that the couple’s I get to work with are the coolest people ever and part of the in-crowd, I’ve had the opportunity to meet them at less conventional locations….

True story: I once posted on Facebook that Wedding Consultations at Chipotle were acceptable in my book. 

Was I joking? A little, but secretly I was game.  A few weeks later I received an email from Ericka, wanting to meet to discuss her wedding. We set the time and date….. and then her next message stole my heart – When it came time to choose our meeting location she asked “How’s Chipotle?” What I wanted to respond was “Do you want to be my BFF and wear matching friendship bracelets?” But considering that we had never met and I wanted to seem normal I replied with an easy-breezy “Chipotle would be good!” I mean, way to keep it cool, right? ;)

Meeting with couples has gotten a little easier but I know that the nerves may never fully subside. There will always be that vision of cappuccino foam on my nose in the back of my mind, but hey, better that it happens during the Pre-Game than the actual event!

See? Totally nonchalant. Just saying ;)

Follow CRYSTAL NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY on Facebook to view the galleries & get all the latest details. Visit Crystal-Nicole.com or contact crystal@crystal-nicole.com for booking & pricing information.

ABOUT ME: 10 Facts You {Maybe} Didn’t Know…..

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I’ll say it.

I have a thing for reading about other people’s personal lives. Not to judge them or anything negative like that, but simply to assure myself that  we all have a little oddness in us. Surely I can’t be the only one who has to have 8 ice cubes in her drink or has a nightly routine of setting up her pillows and blankets in linear positions before going to bed. These of course are completely normal habits. Completely! 

Over the past year I’ve tried incorporate a few personal stories here and there…. but here are a few that I may not have mentioned. Most are way normal so don’t judge the “unique” ones ;)

1. In my family I am the oldest of three…. I am 26yrs old, my brother Marvin is 24yrs old and Julian (the 6ft baby) is 22yrs old. Being the only girl sure came in handy when it came time to deciding who shared rooms! Sorry boys…. 

2. I am Hispanic, part Central American and part Mexican but born & raised in Southern California.  If anyone would like to refer to me as JLo or Shakira I’m completely okay with that ;)

3. I am deathly afraid of ferris wheels. Like, break out in hysterical crying simply by sitting in a cart type of scared. Roller coasters and free-falls I can handle…. but ferris wheels? Totally the enemy!

4. My family and I lived in Guatemala for one year when I was 12yrs old. A vacation to my dad’s homeland extended just a tad longer than planned ;) Attending your first year of Junior High School in a foreign country & in another language is crazy…. I failed every subject, but totally aced English class :)

5. At 17yrs old my dad strictly told me to not use his car. Surely I must have misheard him because I took it anyway… and was hit by another car while at the drive-thru of a local food joint.

6.  I wanted to pursue a career as a lawyer and was accepted into New York University (NYU) as a Political Science major after high school, but never attended. In fact, I skipped college all together (unless Real Estate classes count as “college”).

7. As a kid I had a tendency of getting lost. Luckily I was smart enough to turn myself into the lost and found whenever that happened….. during a family trip to Las Vegas at the MGM Grand, while shopping at Lucky’s  grocery store, basically anywhere.

8. Navigation systems have saved my life! I am horrible at directions and will pass a location 4 times before finding it. Sidenote: Anyone who gives directions by saying to “head North on so and so street” is clearly showing off. I get it, you have a sense of direction  ;)    

9. I’ve been singing since I learned to speak. Whether it was in the school choir, with the church worship team, at an open mic night, in my car (with the windows up of course) I’ve had a passion for singing. I’m no Adele, but I can carry a note here and there.

10. No matter how many times I say that I want to try something new, I always end up ordering the same thing at a restaurant. It’s safe and I know I like it, so why mess with that right? Right!

So… do we have one of these in common? Let a girl know that I’m not the only one with some weirdness going on. Holla! ;)

Follow CRYSTAL NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY on Facebook to view the galleries & get all the latest details. Visit Crystal-Nicole.com or contact crystal@crystal-nicole.com for booking & pricing

STARTING A BUSINESS: Booking Weddings During My First Year….

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Sweaty palms and butterflies in my stomach. No, not fluttering butterflies but more like butterflies on a rampage…. and dizziness. Definitely felt some dizziness.

The above symptoms were brought on with just the slightest thought of trying to book weddings of my own. I was now 8 months into my photography business and ready to actually begin my business. I had a camera…. I had the capability of renting amazing equipment…. I had taken the time to 2nd Shoot weddings and learn and experience as much as possible…. I had Googled, You-Tubed and Binged until the wee hours of the morning. I mean, in the words of Chandler Bing….. Could I BE anymore ready?! The problem was, where to begin? How would I get my name and work out there for engaged couples to see? Even more, how would I get them to contact me among the hundreds of photographers in my area?

Enter Facebook, Word of Mouth & Blogging. 

Every business is different and the methods that work for some may not work for others. And that’s okay, business owners should definitely use what works for them. Speaking for myself, these are the 3 ways through which I have been able to book 10 weddings during my first year as a lead Wedding Photographer.

1. Facebook-  I’m at the point where I feel like I need to buy Facebook dinner at a swanky restaurant for being oh so good to me. Sure, you can tell people that you are a photographer but there is nothing quite like the power of being able to show them. Facebook allows you to do just that, show your work…. and takes it one step further. It allows others to see the positive feedback and your total  viewer reach expands with every tag, comment and “Like.”  Not only do your friends see the photos you post but now their friends can see them….. and their friends… and their friends…. and so on. That right there explains how I was booked by my friend’s, friend’s, friend from high school ;)

2. Word Of Mouth- I wouldn’t really consider myself a shy person (because I don’t think a shy person would openly admit their lack of cooking skills and of having spent the last two Valentine’s Day watching Twilight movies at home) but when it comes to asking someone if I could be their wedding photographer I choke up and the entire English language escapes me. Like, a 2yr old could communicate better at that point! So being referred by others is a gift from above. I put my heart into my photography and there is no greater compliment than someone acknowledging that and deeming you worthy of telling their family and friends about you. To the amazing friends that sent the fabulous couples I will be working with this year…. trust that they are in good hands and I plan on making their Wedding day sparkle ;)

3. Blogging- Asking me to express myself through a Facebook, Instagram or Twitter status gives me anxiety. As an avid comma, exclamation point, dot dot dot user truly I can’t be expected to narrow down my thoughts into two sentences or less, ergo the blogging. This was the answer to the “how would I get them to contact me among the hundreds of photographers in my area?” question. The only card I have that distinguishes me from any other photographer is my personality card. There’s no escaping the incredible photography talent that is out there and I am years behind most of them…. but the one thing I can own like no one else can is me. The Crystal-ness (that’s totally a thing, ask my friends ;) ). Being able to give a glimpse of what a wedding day would be like with me and who I am outside of photography through blogging has helped give the couples I work with that warm fuzzy feeling. And who doesn’t like to feel that spark? Exactly.

There are plenty of other ways to network and hopefully gain new clients; working with other photographers, connecting with Wedding Coordinators, paying for advertisement, participating in Bridal Shows, etc. I have tried a few of these as well but so far none have been as effective. Again, totally a personal thing as I am sure that many photographers have successfully booked weddings through all of these methods.

Facebook and blogging is not everyone’s cup of tea and I completely get that…. but I do highly recommend being opened to trying it out. Give your clients and future clients a chance to get to know you on a personal level and really just let your fabulousness shine! Believe me, if this shoe-obsessed, Chipotle burrito bowl loving, Twilight addicted, random thought girl can do it….. so can you ;)

Happy Monday!

Follow CRYSTAL NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY on Facebook to view the galleries & get all the latest details. Visit Crystal-Nicole.com or contact crystal@crystal-nicole.com for booking & pricing

APPRECIATING YOUR SUPPORT TEAM….

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“OMG…. he totally looks like McSteamy!” 

While enjoying a little breakfast and therapy session girl talk on Sunday morning at the Blu Jam Cafe with friend Naomi, our outing was made just a little bit sweeter with our server’s undeniable resemblance to Eric Dane. For this very reason I drank 3 cups of coffee and 2 cups of water to ensure frequent refill needs and visits to our table. Sounds crazy, you say? Well any Grey’s Anatomy fan out there would agree that when you come across a Dr. McSteamy look-a-like you pull out all the stops to catch a glimpse ;)

Celebrities aside, having that time to simply be with and appreciate the people who motivate me and devote their time to help me succeed is something that I not only enjoy but really need, be it over a meal at a restaurant or coffee at home. These people are a combination of my family and friends that give me far more than I could ever repay them for; their support. Because not if but when the going gets tough there’s nothing better than knowing that you have someone who stands behind you.

So how has having a support team helped me with beginning a new business? Well, most of the Lifestyle, Engagement & Wedding shoots I’ve done (or will be doing) have come from this very group of people….. so it’s pretty safe to say that they play a MAJOR part in the journey. They take time out of their own lives and very busy schedules to promote me, put my work out for people to see, send my information to anyone looking for a photographer, give me advise on how to make my website better, etc….. all the things that they do not have to do. Really, they don’t have to take the time to do any this for me but they do. So I owe them, big time! I’m thinking a lifetime supply of Photo Shoots? That should even out the score ;)  

All this said, I think we all have our own support teams, whether it’s family or friends. The important thing is to not lose sight of those that have helped us along the way (again, when they don’t have to). Appreciate the referrals, value the time dedicated to helping you but most importantly understand the blessing that these people bring to you. I hold firm to the thought that none of us deserve success or are automatically entitled to it, but that we must earn it. Showing appreciation and counting the blessings are definitely ways to earn it….

…. and free Photo Shoots should help also ;)

Happy Monday!

[ Planning a Wedding or Special Event? Follow CRYSTAL NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY on Facebook to view the galleries & get all the latest details. Visit Crystal-Nicole.com or contact crystal@crystal-nicole.com for booking & pricing ]

WEDDING WEDNESDAY: One Year Later….

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This weekend will mark the one year anniversary of one of the best Saturday’s ever. For real. It was the day I got to 2nd shoot my very first wedding…. and the day I knew that Wedding Photography was like, totally my thing.

Jaime (Jaime Davis Photography) really took a chance by allowing me to shoot alongside with her. Maybe she saw something in me that made her believe…. or maybe it was the annoyingly long message I sent her explaining why I would be a perfect match. I’ll go with Option A….  She believed in me. 

I showed up that day with a beginners camera, rented lenses (I didn’t own any of my own yet) and scared out of my mind. I desperately wanted to be great but just in case I packed a bag of amazing snacks. I mean, who doesn’t like snacks? If I couldn’t win Jaime over with my talent then I was determined on winning her over with food! Even though it’s been a whole year, I still remember every detail of Jeff and Linda’s wedding… the elevator ride up to Linda’s room to photograph her getting ready… holding the dress as Jaime flagged down a manager to hang it from a high-rise window for photos… coordinating Jeff and Linda’s first look….. the bridal party photos… “copying” off of Jaime by asking what her camera settings were to make sure I didn’t mess up during the ceremony…. asking how to use a flash on my camera for the reception photos… (big thanks to Jaime for assuring me the flash wasn’t broken…. I simply needed to hit the power button ;) ) ….. and ending the night by missing my freeway exit as I drove home, from the pure excitement of the day.

This year I find myself just as excited as on that first day…. thankfully the nerves have subsided. A little ;)  But I have confidence now and faith that I can be just as great as the professionals I look up to if I work hard at it. Kind of like Linda’s bridesmaids on that first wedding. They were determined to carry Jeff just as the groomsmen carried Linda…. and they succeeded! Sure, they dropped him shortly after, but for those few seconds they were on top of the world…… and in heels ;)

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A maje anniversary hug to Jeff and Linda on celebrating one awesome year of marriage…. may they have many many blessed years ahead of them! With lots of cute babies ;)

This opportunity meant and still means the world to me and if we’re speaking real here it’s pretty safe to say that it’s mine and Jaime’s anniversary too.  We’ve had an unforgettable first year of not only working together but being friends…. she’s the Monica to my Rachel and the Samantha to my Carrie… and she totally speaks Crystal ;)   You know what they say… those that Instagram, Facebook, rock out to Taylor Swift and shorten their words together, stay together! Yes, people totally say that….

Happy Wedding Wednesday!

[ Planning a Wedding or Special Event? Follow CRYSTAL NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY on Facebook to view the galleries & get all the latest details. Visit Crystal-Nicole.com or contact crystal@crystal-nicole.com for booking & pricing ]

DREAMING OUT LOUD….

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If there was major available in college to obtain a degree to be a professional “Dreamer” with a focus on “Crazy Thoughts”….. well, let’s just say that I would have enrolled straight out of high school and would still be taking classes. Eight years later. For this I blame Cinderella – I mean, thanks a lot for sounding so convincing while singing “A dream is a wish your heart makes….” because I believed it. Not only did I believe it, but I went on with my dreamer self to pursue all the wishes my heart made. All thirty-thousand of them (some were a success, some not so much. Read about them in the blog post here)

At first this whole “dreamer notion” was embarrassing for me and talking about it out loud would have never happened. I simply didn’t want to be seen as a Disney kid wishing for magic fairy dust. I wanted to be taken as a serious adult who was truly trying to find her way and make the right decisions for a successful future. This adult world obviously had no room for Tinkerbell. So I took a shot at all the things that I thought were right but never pushed for the things that I dreamt about…. that moved me…. that kept me up at night with excitement. This was true for the past eight years, up until now.

Photography was the first move into the quest to keep the dream alive but there are so many other things that I yearn to do in life. So many opportunities that I pray come my way. Now I have no trouble talking about the desires of my heart because sharing my aspirations out loud for the past year has opened doors to meet others alike, who are dreamers just like me. This motivates me….. and quite possibly proves that there really is room for Tinkerbell in this adult world ;)

Sure, it’s scary to pour your heart out on the internet because if something doesn’t come to fruition it’s out there in the opened for all to see. But what if it does happen? Even better, what if you inspire someone along the way? Is the fear of not succeeding worth jeopardizing a moment to inspire? Personally, I don’t think so. People are always watching… whether you realize it or not. So why not dream out loud? Yes, it could be a big fat fail, but it could also be the greatest thing ever.

So here comes my next dream. It’s something that I’ve been wanting to do for a few years now but have never dared to speak of: I want to organize and speak at a Young Women’s Conference for our church. Ministry is and has been a major part of my life for over 10 years now and I couldn’t see myself not being involved. The best memories, experiences and friendships have stemmed from this part of my life and I’m thankful for every minute of it (Read more about this experience and of my family’s church in this blog post here). This is a big deal for me because it tugs at my “teacher/motivational speaker” heart-strings. I want to be an example of both what to do and what not to do for the young women of this generation. The terrifying part is that it may put me in a role model position…. and I am far from perfect. Would I be a good role model to these young girls? Am I strong enough to share the difficulties in life, but the joy that has come from it? Most importantly…. am I someone they would want to hear from? This is the part where someone needs to jump in with an upside to this dream!

As nervous as I am just thinking of speaking at an event, I think I owe it to myself to go for it just as I did with photography. If I had let the fear of learning how to use my camera keep me from moving forward I wouldn’t be shooting the wedding I have booked for this year…. and they’re going to be some fabulous weddings ;)

It’s either now or never! Now is looking pretty good so we’ll stick with that. I hope any other dreamers out there will join me and embrace the magic fairy dust. We can be Disney Adults together and start our own cool kids club. Member’s only jackets included!

If anyone needs me….. I have a conference to plan. Holla!   

Happy Tuesday!

[ Planning a Wedding or Special Event? Follow CRYSTAL NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY on Facebook to view the galleries & get all the latest details. Visit Crystal-Nicole.com or contact crystal@crystal-nicole.com for booking & pricing ]

BEHIND THE SCENES: The 2nd Shooting Experience

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Preheat the oven before baking. Study before finals. Wait 30 mins to swim after eating.

Is it me, or do some steps in life feel more like an extra hurdle before the big track race that you shouldn’t have to jump over, in order to conserve energy for the main event? I’m no hurdler (that’s a word, I promise) so my initial thought is to walk around said hurdles…. or hey, maybe even limbo under them if I’m in a happy mood ;) Much to my dismay though, most of these “pre” steps are necessary. So fine! No limboing (again, totally a word)

Being a 2nd shooter (assistant) to the main photographer at a wedding seemed very much like an unwanted hurdle to me. Not because I felt like I didn’t need the practice & experience – I’ll be the first to admit that I was a hot mess when it came to using my camera and needed all the help I could get – but because I was completely intimidated by experienced photographers. It’s like typing an email with someone standing over your shoulder….. usually I type fast & can actually spell, but having someone watch me? Typos galore! So the thought of photographing next to someone who knew what they were doing (and knew what I was doing wrong) made me nauseous. And light-head. Soooo not cute! 

If I could have a conversation with myself a year ago I would tell that girl to pull it together Lasey! 2nd shooting a wedding is pretty darn fun and the experience you gain is out of this world…… but most importantly, you’ll build a PORTFOLIO! Without which, booking weddings of your own probably wouldn’t happen.

So here are 5 personal tips for anyone interested in 2nd shooting:

1. Be A Good Student- Fact; once a 2nd shooting opportunity comes along there is a line out the door of new photographers that want the opportunity. If a photographer reaches out to you to be their 2nd shooter, really bring your A game! Pay attention, listen to their advice and direction. Trust me, there will be at least one occasion that you’ll use something you learned from 2nd shooting during a wedding of your own. You’ll want to hug the photographer that taught you…. not weird at all ;)

2. Be Proactive- You’ll never know the pressure of being the main photographer until you’ve done it yourself so having someone on your team that you can rely on and acts without being told is like scoring a sale at a shoe store aaannnnddd getting an extra discount for being on the store’s mailing list! Truly a gift from above. Review the itinerary, keep your eye out for moments that the main photographer may have missed, etc. Your effort goes a very long way.

3. Don’t Be Invisible- The Bride and Groom are aware that their photographer is bringing a 2nd shooter (maybe even a team) so don’t be afraid to say hello and introduce yourself. There may be times throughout the day when you have to personally interact with them so the more comfortable they feel with you, the better. While 2nd shooting, my job is usually to photograph the groom & groomsmen. If the couple chooses to have a “First Look” then my job is to guard the Groom and make sure he doesn’t get a peek at the Bride beforehand. The first time I waited with a groom I was beyond nervous and completely silent. Kind of awkward. It took me a minute to realize the Groom wasn’t talking because he was nervous…. so I shook my nervous to get over my own insecurity and gushed over how beautiful his Bride looked and of how excited she was to see him. A little comfort was all it took to ease the nerves.

4. Keep Your Eye On The Main Event- Whether you are 2nd shooting for the experience, or to build a portfolio, or simply because you like it…. none of these are the main (and most important) reason for being there. The wedding is the main reason and is and should be the most important thing. This is a real-life couple who is taking a major step in life and entering a new chapter in their love story. A day they have been planning for months and have invested money in. Whatever comes up during the day, move past it! Keep shooting. Not only does the couple mean the world to the main photographer, but they should have the best on their big day. If you can help make it better, do it.  

5. Build A Bond- As much as I treasure the Portfolio building part (as it has helped me launch a business) 2nd shooting has led to life-long friendships with photographers who care about me & want me to succeed just as much as I do for them.  Any field of business can be rough, whether it’s corporate or creative, so having a great group of friends in the same field makes all the difference. Besides, you spend a whole day together while 2nd shooting…. so have fun! Bring snacks, have a sing along to Taylor Swift and record it, enjoy the reception food! I’ve done them all…. and there’s proof on Facebook ;)

See?! 2nd shooting isn’t that scary. Now if you’re worried about it being tiring then that’s a whole other story. I wont say that it is…. just don’t expect for your legs to be fully functional the next day ;)

Happy Monday!

[ Planning a Wedding or Special Event? Follow CRYSTAL NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY on Facebook to view the galleries & get all the latest details. Visit Crystal-Nicole.com or contact crystal@crystal-nicole.com for booking & pricing ]