Website Blog: for Volunteer Memories 2011

There is no greater feeling in the world then being apart of the campaigns to raise funds for
Breast Cancer Research and Awareness. It was an honor to photograph and capture the
hope and spirits of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on October 16th 2011.
The strength and determination of all those who volunteered will forever be etched in my
heart. Every pink ribbon was a simple reminder on how far we have come and will continue
to concur. Looking through the camera lens and capturing this day was very special to
me and I look forward to continue my support by volunteering my services at the future
events as well.



My Nascar Pace Car Replica leads many charity events for Breast cancer and Multiple
Sclerosis. As you may know Multiple Sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between
the brain and body. This crippling disease ultimately stops those from moving. I lead the
MS Walk with my pace car replica which just by being there helped embrace the hope
and potential of the movement toward a world free of MS. This successful MS-Walk
raised $52,000. I look forward to further the momentum in this movement.

Phone interviews
Call or email each photographer on your list. A quick phone call or short email will give you
a number of key pieces of information, such as the photographer’s availability on your wedding
day, type of photography specialties (e.g., candid, traditional, photojournalism, combination,
film or digital, etc.), and a rough idea as to how much they’ll charge you and what you’ll receive
for that fee. It will also tell you a bit about the photographer’s personality. Remember, this person
will be an integral part of the most important day of your life, so be sure you choose someone
you feel good about.

Make appointments
Make appointments with the photographers who sound promising so you can view their
portfolios and discuss details. These meetings should include both the bride and groom as
well as the bride's parents, and anyone else who will either be paying for the work or working
closely with the photographer. Write down all your questions before you meet, and take notes
during the meetings.

Getting Specific
The more questions you ask up front, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel on and after
your wedding day. If in doubt, ask! And remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question!

Here are some questions you may consider to ask:

How will you show me pictures for selection (e.g., electronic, proofs, contact sheets, online
gallery, etc.)?

Will you help me choose the final pictures?

How will you make it easy for friends and family to order reprints?

What are the costs of the various levels of coverage?

Are there different degrees of coverage? How much for the duplicate prints, albums, folios,
enlargements, thank you cards, etc.,? What’s your time frame for preparing the pictures
for my selection?

How about engagement session? How long do I have to make up my mind as to which pictures
I want and how many?

How long have you been in business? Will you have an assistant?

Do you have travel fees?

How much is your overtime fee?

Do you have a backup?

Will you be shooting my pictures personally?

Will you use film or digital?

Who will I be dealing with after the wedding?

What's your payment policy?

Do you give any guarantees on your services and photographs?

When you’ve narrowed your list to one or two photographers, ask each of them to show you
complete coverage of a single wedding. This will give you a much better idea as to what you
can expect than a collection of the best shots from several different weddings. Consider
whether the photographer successfully captures individual characteristics and personalities.

Do the pictures capture people’s feelings, and do they look natural?

Prepare to make a commitment
At this stage, if you've taken the time to ask good questions, you’ll know whether this
photographer is for you. By now you've probably spent a good deal of time communicating
with your photographer. Keep in mind that photographers are trained professionals and that
they deserve to be treated as such.

Go to your meeting prepared to leave a deposit to reserve the date. Before you do, however,
you may want to assure yourself of a few more last-minute details. Ask about the photographer's
policy for wedding-date changes and what happens if he/she is not available on the alternate date.

Ask about their policy for an unforeseen cancellation. If the photographer is right for you, if the
photographer is available, and if you're convinced that it's worth the price, then make the
commitment and relax; this is undoubtedly one of the best and most intelligent decisions you've
made in planning your wedding.

How to choose the perfect wedding venue

You have said “Yes” and you have begun planning your special day of making two hearts one.
Here are some great ideas for finding that perfect wedding venue.

Try to start looking for a venue about a year before the wedding date if possible. You will then
have enough time to make good decisions and alter the venue if anything comes about..

Take your time and be sure to list any particular needs or wishes you have in a venue.

Plan to accommodate the size of your guest list. The venue size is vitally important in your
decision. Although a venue that is too small can be awkward and bothersome, the wedding
will loose its intimacy if the venue is too large. Try to be as accurate as possible.

Be sure to plan for room for a dance floor as well.

If there is going to be any set up outdoors is there a back up plan for chances of bad weather?

Evaluate the parking area keeping your guest count in mind to be sure there is generous
space for parking.

Research if there are any restrictions for the venue such as noise restrictions or decorations.

Ask about overnight plans for the guests; if it is at a hotel is there enough rooms to
accommodate your guests, if it is not at a hotel where the closest lodging for your guests
is? Will there be a shuttle offered?

Create a diagram of your wedding including reception area, dining area, and seating for
guests, etc. Then review whether your venue fits the setup you have in mind.

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