EQUIPMENT

We all know that the world of photography has drastically changed in the last decade.  Instead of shooting with rolls of film, everything is now digital.  Many people assume that equipment and processing costs have gone down since there’s no more rolls of film to process and everything is done on a computer.  Connecticut wedding photographer, Bruce Plotkin says this is a myth because:

“In the “film” days you could buy a professional camera with a few good lenses and if you took good care of them they could last you for ten years or more.  Today, if you’re lucky, the life span of a high end digital professional camera is three years.  And it doesn’t end there…the lenses keep getting better as well and are just as important (and often just as expensive) as the best cameras.  A photographer without the best and most current camera and lenses is simply not able to give the bride and groom the best results possible.”

So exactly how much is a professional camera and lenses going for these days?  Savannah wedding photographer, Scott Hopkins breaks it down for us:

“Professional grade digital cameras begin around $2,000 and go up to about $8,000.  Most professional lenses range in price from $1,200 to $2,500.  There are specialty lenses that a few wedding photographers use that cost upwards of $5,000.”

New Hampshire and Vermont wedding photographer, Paige Hiller also touches on this expense:

“Never the less, most photographers invest $3,000 to purchase a camera body and another $2,000 for a professional level lens.  Then consider, that in most professional wedding photographer’s camera bags you will find at least 2 camera bodies, 3 lens, 2 flash units and a tripod.  On average that little black bag that you see an assistant carrying could be an investment of $15,000.00.”

Unfortunately, a photographer’s costs don’t stop with cameras and lenses.  In addition, they need flashes, batteries, memory cards, backups and repairs; laptops, desktops, external hard drives, computer software, and websites to post proofing galleries, according to New Hampshire wedding photographer, Matthew Lomanno. For some photographers, “It is very rare to find great professional labs throughout the country,” say Paige Hiller.  Furthermore, she explains:

“Yes, they are still there, mostly in cosmopolitan areas, but if you live in Vermont like I do, they are getting harder to find.  Therefore, the majority of photographers do their own post production work. In order to set up a digital darkroom, you need a computer, computer programs to support your processing, and a color calibrator for your monitor, external hard drive to store your images, and a printer.

The costs can range from $10,000 and up to set up your basic digital darkroom.  And depending on if your photographer is set up as an archival studio the numbers will only increase.  For example, most cd/DVD that you buy on the consumer level will last maybe 3 to 5 years and then all those images will disappear.  However, if you purchase gold archival cd/DVD’s they will last at least 100 years.  A gold archival disc is made with a layer of gold that your images are imbedded in; this layer of metal prevents the images from disappearing over time as does the silver in the emulsion of film.”

Finally, Bruce Plotkin says it best as he emphasizes the importance of quality equipment when he says:  “The creative edge that the best equipment gives a talented shooter can make all the difference in the world with the end result.”

image above by Bruce Plotkin

image above by Scott Hopkins Photographer

image above by Paige Hiller Photography

image by Matthew Lomanno Photography

my Kate Parker Wedding is your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

images above by:  Parrott Design Studio | Sharyn Peavey Photography | Something Sweet by Michelle | Kristin Spencer Photography | Apotheca Flower Shoppe, Brea McDonald Photography | MAC Photography | Concept Photography | Panache Weddings & Events

my Kate Parker Wedding is your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

Number of years in business:

I have been a hair stylist & make-up artist for over 20 years. I developed my love for hair in my mother’s hair salon growing up. I developed my love of color also as a child with my paint brushes and pencils. I went to cosmetology school right after high school. I learned my passion for long hair design & make-up at a high end salon that I worked at for a few years before going out on my own.

Preferred wedding styles:
I really don’t have a preference but I’m excited to see vintage back in. Curling the hair, pinning it up in a loose bun or roll with loose curls tumbling down. And finishing off the look with a vintage hair accessories, veil or head band.  It’s the ultimate romantic look.

Pricing Information:
Bridal packages start at $ 250 for hair only & $350 for hair & make-up on location.

What makes you stand out?
My years of experience in the beauty industry and my formal training in Art & Design.  As an artist I look at every angle & little detail when I’m working with a client.

What’s the favorite part of your work?
Being on location with the bride, along with her family & friends and being part of a very sacred moment in a couple’s life.

If you have any spare time, how do you spend it?
My husband, son & I do a lot outdoors activities (camping, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing). I love antiquing with my mom and hanging out with my dad at his lake house. I also love to cook and entertain with family & friends. While my son is at school I like to spend time in my garden or art studio.

Which charity(s) are you donating to and why?
The ASCPA, the JDRF, and The Pink Initiative.  I have had cats & dogs my whole life. My mother and I were always saving cats that were abandoned. We need to be a voice for those who can’t do it for themselves. Cancer has touched my life several times through my husband’s family and through clients of mine. I hope one day soon there will be a cure so no one has to go through the painful ordeal. I chose the Juvenile Diabetes Research, again in hopes for a cure to make life easier for children. It’s harder to understand as a child what is a happening to them, then it is as an adult.

Tracy Hines Studio
my Kate Parker Wedding Directory:  Tracy Hines Studio
my Kate Parker Wedding State & Budget: NH $25-50k

New Hampshire wedding beauty, Tracy Hines Studio, is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.<

Although it is very gracious and generous to splurge on an open bar, where guests have access to unlimited drinks throughout the entire reception, it can also get very pricey. Expect to spend as much as 20% of your total wedding budget (on drinks alone!). There is no shame in offering a limited bar, where you provide a careful selection of drinks (such as, wine, beer and signature cocktails) at the bar during specific times, like cocktail hour and after dinner, then have waiters serve wine or beer during the meal…read more

New Hampshire wedding planner, Diana Ma Weddings & Events is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

Carla Ten Eyck and Candice Dowling Coppola

Collaborate and Create is an intimate and intensive photography and design event. Our goal is to challenge and inspire you to put together your own editorial photo shoot while collaborating with industry experts. We want you to take what you’ve learned over the course of 3 days and become a trendsetter in your market.

Unlike other workshops, this is a 100% hands on experience. We are the kind of people who learn by doing– and want to put together a workshop that allowed you to learn and experience by being physically and mentally engaged, which has proven to be the most powerful method of learning.

Collaborate & Create is an intimate workshop with limited attendee space. We are accepting four (4) photography studios and four (4) planning/design studios to take part in this one-of-a-kind event. To reserve your space, please email us at info@collaborateandcrate.com.

As an attendee of this workshop you will be able to:

• Partner with an event designer and amazing vendors for your own photo shoot at the historic and beautifully renovated Ocean House which has yet to be opened to the public
•Take creative ownership of a shoot: pose your models, light your subjects, and photograph your details until your heart is content
• Photograph for and build relationships with wedding industry vendors
• bring your creativity and photography to new heights
• Photograph beautiful couture gowns from Modern Trousseau
• Collaborate with other professionals in bringing a vision to reality
• Create positive publicity and buzz about your photography business, while building your portfolio

After this workshop, you will be able to:

• Create positive vendor relationships which will enhance your referral network, grow your business and ultimately take your business to the next level
• Easily lead and execute editorial shoots based on your own vision and ideas
• Feel creatively refreshed and inspired serving as a benefit to your current and future clients
• Become a market trendsetter in editorial and conceptual photography
• Return to your community ready to collaborate and create your own editorial projects
• Create positive buzz about your photography
• Boost your online and in-person portfolio

For more information, visit their website:  www.collaborateandcreate.com

Carla Ten Eyck Photography and Jubilee Events are members of my Kate Parker Wedding, your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

See Mark Davidson on WPJA!

WPJA contest :

The 2009 Q4 Contest showcases the wedding photojournalism of WPJA members throughout the year in 16 categories. The WPJA’s quarterly competitions call for the very best in world-class wedding photojournalism, and then reward talent with unparalleled peer review by distinguished photojournalism judges, titles and professional recognition.

Info about WPJA.com :

The Wedding Photojournalist Association is a highly screened, critical organization. Less than %5 of wedding photographers out there qualify for membership.
The WPJA puts the world’s best wedding photography at your fingertips. We offer a new perspective on wedding photography – quietly capturing the real moments as they happen for the bride and groom.
It is our goal to use photography to tell the story of your wedding day, not dictate it for you.

What is some advice you can give couples when choosing a cake vendor, i.e. how to work together to achieve the desired look and taste.

1. Try to anticipate any food allergies that your guests might have.

2. Don’t be afraid to try seasonal flavors and something a little out of the ordinary. You don’t always have to have white cake with white buttercream.

3. Consider your budget and work with a vendor that is used to working within that price range.

4. Consider personalities when choosing your vendor. You will have a much more pleasant experience if you are able to relate and express ideas easily.

5. Taste the fondant! So many people offer what I call, “icky fondant”. Yes, it may have the look that you want but don’t settle for something that doesn’t taste good too.

What are some current trends you are seeing in the wedding cake world, whether it’s particular designs, colors, flavors, ingredients, displays, etc.?

Cupcakes are very popular right now. I do many cupcake towers. In this economy, brides are shifting away from the more elaborate cakes and trying to minimize costs. Cupcakes offer a more economical approach, with no cake cutting fees and they are just plain fun. Cupcakes always bring a smile to your face!

Visit BellaCakes on my Kate Parker Wedding!

Massachusetts wedding cakes, BellaCakes, is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

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Vendors above (from left to right): Dove Photography | Jubilee Events | Dove Photography |

emilie inc. | Maine Seasons Events | Concept Photography | Dove Photography | Jubilee Events

See more Inspiration on my Kate Parker Wedding

All of the vendors above are members of my Kate Parker Wedding, your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

Your outdoor event should be unique and special.  A tented event, dressed with elegant lighting and décor can create a refined outdoor ambiance.  Beyond a high-quality tent, it is important to have premium lighting and flooring options.  Flooring can convert an outdoor venue into an elegant ballroom dining setting.  Creating a magical glow for an evening event, lighting can dress the tent’s interior with elegant ambiance and décor.

See more Expert Advice on my Kate Parker Wedding

New England and NYC/Westchester County wedding tents, Sperry Tents Seacoast, is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

An edited wedding showcase has 30 talented vendors in 1 chic showcase.  It’s not your traditional bridal show, but one for the modern, stylish bride.  Sample delicious food, cakes and wine, check out the Patron Challenge with our amazing culinary experts, plus the Patron Margarita Bar, see gorgeous floral creations, and design your own custom Welcome Baskets.  All of our vendors can be seen on www.engaged2010.com.  Tickets are $100 per pair, but I invite everyone to be our guest with complimentary tickets.  Visit the website, click on Tickets, and enter the code FRESHLIMEEVENTSFLE at check out.

Lindsey Maurath, founder and director of Fresh LiME Events

Connecticut and Rhode Island wedding planner, Fresh LiME Events, is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.