Another option to the first look on your wedding

On your wedding day, your photographers will want to know if you would like to have a first look. A first look is when the bride and groom see each other for the first time before the wedding ceremony. It goes against tradition, but it also makes for an amazing moment to capture. It also is great for portraits to get done before the ceremony instead of rushing them within an hour after the ceremony. There are a lot of advantages of having a first look on your wedding day. There are also a ton of reasons why people don't want to have first looks. We understand both sides.

A possible alternative idea to the first look is doing a little prayer or saying some words of encouragement behind a door before the ceremony. That will just give you goosebumps to hear each others voice and to touch hands on your wedding day. You won't be able to see each other, but you could hold hands and say a few words before you walk down the aisle.

It has always been an amazing and emotional moment. The anticipation to see each other for the first time is high and the little hints of his voice or his touch will get you both eager to see each other when the ceremony begins.

The images are also amazing that are captured from that moment. If a first look is not in the cards, then this option could be something that you consider.

Tips when having a photographer during your proposal

Where are you going to drop down on a knee and propose to your lady? In San Diego, there are a number of beautiful locations that you can propose and save that magic moment.

If you want a photographer, here are some things that you want to make sure that you keep in mind.

Make sure that there is good light where you want to propose

A lot of times during these proposals the photographer has to be hiding around the corner at some location and won't be able to set up a solid flash to get everything just the way you like.

Make sure that you have a schedule that works out well and are at your location at that exact time. We like to have people schedule out their time right at sunset. Check what time sunset is and have it all scheduled by that time.

Schedule out your plan up to the proposal

The last thing you need is to run over time on your schedule and start rushing as your time gets closer. You don't need to add any more stress to your proposal. Leave extra time on your schedule to make sure that you are not left in a hurry.

Be in solid communication with you photographer before the proposal day

Make sure that the location is clear. Make sure that the time is clear. Make sure that the photographer knows exactly how the plan is going to go and when you are going to drop down on a knee.

If possible, let the photographer know exactly where you will be facing in order for the photographer to get in proper position for the money shot.

Hold the pose on a knee for your proposal

Just hold the pose.  Don't drop down and jump right back up. Stay down there long enough to get a few solid images. We are not saying that you should be down on the knee for a few minutes, just give it a few seconds before you come up to hug and kiss your lady.

Hire a photographer

You will want someone to capture this moment. It is a big day in your life and you will want someone to be there to capture the moment properly. Don't have your friends do it on their phone. Have a pro ready to capture your day.

How do you write a good blog post as a photographer?

How do you write a good blog post as a photographer? I just got done listening to the webcast from Michael Hyatt on writing a good blog post. There were a lot of keys that I am going to put into effect immediately in order to see if they make an impact.

If you didn't know, I am a successful blogger that still has not been able to find my voice in the photography blogging world. It is a different beast in comparison to the sports and news type blogs that I have been doing.

I currently write about the San Diego Chargers on a successful blog called Bolt Beat. The engagement is high there and I helped build that thing from the ground up. The world of photography blogging is different.

First, I still am trying to figure out my audience. I know that I have the content to make the blog spectacular. The content is the photos. That is what we do as photographers. We just need to find a way to reach people and get people to open up our posts. Who is the target audience that I am trying to reach?

I have struggled with that question for a while. Of course I want it to be brides and clients, but I tend to write more to other photographers on the blog. Potentially, this blog will be for both audiences. I will treat it in that manner and see what comes of it.

The generic titles that I had in the past were not grabbing attention, so I am going to have to switch that up. When I want to get the attention of clients, I have to get a title that will get them to click in. All I want is for people to click in and see what we do as photographers. The headline will be the way to do it.

Just as Michael Hyatt said, you can have the fanciest fish pole in the world, but it is the bait that will bring them in. Our bait has to be the headline. Get that headline out there and maybe someone will make their way into the post.

Some of the principles that were taught will be used on my Chargers blog and I will see how the growth works there. I will be also keeping track of what happens around here. I am expecting some big things to open up.

Time to see some explosion in the photography blogging world.

Proposal Photography | Proposal at Stone Brewery

 

San Diego Proposal Photography: Be Still Photog | Ernie Padaon | Fiona Padaon Venue: Stone Brewery | Escondido, CA

We were asked to capture this awesome moment for Jake and Stephanie. Jake had it planned out that he would ask his now fiance to marry him at the location that they spent hours at. They literally shut the place down when they were sitting on this bench talking to each other for hours. They were in the garden at Stone Brewery where the two of them hit it off and Jake wanted to bring her back there a year later to get down on one knee and propose.

Jake had it all planned out and shared with us his vision. He took some candles from Stephanie's house and wanted it set up on the bench. He made a custom-made ring box that matched the candles and he wanted it laid out on the bench.

Jake would lead Stephanie out to a walk in the garden at Stone Brewery and get to the bench. When he comes around she was going to see the bench and he would then ask her.

Everything went according to plan and here are some of the captured moments from the day: