Massive Trucks and A Beautiful Wedding | Richard J Nieves Photography
Here’s some edits from a recent wedding I photographed in Pennsylvania.
The edit is warmer than I would normally make it, but the vibe of the day and the couple called for it.
These two were awesome. Everyone was cool. Not a lot of jitters all around, even in the toughest of moments. A solid wedding through and through.
Two Narrators, One Great Tale
Recently, I decided that all of my wedding packages will include two photographers or videographers.
That decision was made because I feel like only 1 person alone couldn’t do justice to the story of a couple. You have your lead who is focused on getting the traditional imagery that tells the broader story of a wedding, but the second is the person who fills in the gaps and gives you a more detailed vision of the day. They’re the ones capturing moments the lead isn’t focused on. They’re the one telling the smaller stories within the grand design.
I wouldn’t want to deliver anything less to my couples.
My First Time Photographing A Wedding At A Castle on Lake George 😄 | Richard J Nieves Photography
The Inn at Erlowest on Lake George.
I recently photographed a wedding of a college friend of mine up at Lake George. Specifically, we were at The inn at Erlowest, a castle build on the edge of the lake.
Checkout their gallery here.
We stayed at one of the townhouses on the left.
My bride Leslie was so gracious and paid for me and my wife, my second photographer, to stay the night. We got in pretty late, but we could still see how beautiful the lake was with the star riddled sky as a night light. It was still beautiful. We had a little patio so I stood in the cool air for a bit and watched the dark lake rest before I did the same.
The day of the wedding was absolutely beautiful, expect for maybe the direct sun that joined us but I wont focus on that too much.
What I will focus on is this couple.
Leslie’s been a friend ever since we met during our first year at SUNY Morrisville. She was part of a gang of architects who I quickly became close with. She has always been focused, driven, and light hearted.
I first met Brian back when I photographed another college friend’s wedding whom me and Leslie and are both friends with. Like Leslie, he is a pretty chill dude.
Leslie and Brian are two peas in a pod. Organized. Detail oriented. Laid back and we’re ready to just enjoy their wedding day, and that they did.
As a wedding photographer, you’re up in the nitty gritty and seeing everything from a closer than bird’s eye view. I can tell you there were absolutely no hiccups during the day. Nothing to trip anybody up. If anything, we sometimes had too much time on our hands, that helped a lot with making sure we got details and candids.
By the way, I love my wife so much as my second. She truly isn’t afraid to ask strangers for photos and to work for my couples. I couldn’t ask for anyone better.
My wife is also my practice subject before I put my couples in place. Thanks, love!
I couldn’t ask for a better coupe either, and I appreciate them for allowing me the honor of being there for their wedding. I always have to give thanks to my couples. It means so much to have them allow us to be a small part of their wedding day and to preserve their special day the way me and my wife do.
Why I Love Being A Wedding Photographer
I love documenting weddings through photography and videography because of the feelings throughout the day that I get to experience as an outside figure that’s closeup to all the events of the day.
It’s all about the emotion. I’m the kind of person that feeds off of emotion surrounding me. If I’m around bridesmaids getting excited after seeing their bride in her dress for the first time or if I’m photographing a father and mother dance during the reception, I’m really in a good space mentally and that allows me to get the shots that matter to my clients and that they’ll love to see in their album.
A wedding is like a dinner recipe. It’s a few spoonfuls of joy, excitement, nervousness, and sentiment.
But with large events, especially a wedding where it’s a once in a lifetime moment, there’s the occasion where the boiling point will hit a high and things may overflow. In that case I, as a photographer and friend to my clients and their families, have to be present and put on my thinking cap to solve issues within my power to resolve. I’m not just a photographer on a wedding day. I am a servant to my couples and I love doing my best to make sure they enjoy their wedding as much as possible.
That aspect of problem solving, including working with the landscape around me as my “photo studio” for the day and working with families that aren’t my own really adds challenge that I thrive on. I also get to close my Apple Watch rings just with all the running around I do during an 8 hour wedding day.
The Mindset You Need To Be A Successful Wedding Photographer
Going into a wedding day, everything you do as a wedding photographer or videographer is in service to your client.
The keyword is service. You must excel as providing optimal service to your clients.
With that mindset, you will give 100% of yourself and then some to making sure your clients have a fantastic day. You are your clients steward from the moment they accept you into their lives till the moment you deliver their gallery.
Going into a wedding day, everything you do as a wedding photographer or videographer is in service to your client. That must be your mindset going into the day.
The keyword is service. You must excel as providing optimal service to your clients.
With that mindset, you will give 100% of yourself and then some to making sure your clients have a fantastic day. You are your client’s guide from the moment they accept you into their lives till the moment you deliver their gallery.
Even then, you’re job isn’t done. Hopefully, you’re relationship moves past the wedding and you become a fixture in your client’s lives. They will call on you not just to take great photos, but to provide an experience like the one they had at their wedding with you.
Being in service to your clients will make that happen.
Here’s 3 ways I make sure I am of service to my clients.
I build a detailed timeline before their wedding, whether I am the photographer or videographer.
I make sure I know how to use light to make them look fantastic.
I make sure I’m a friend before a photographer.
I learned the value of time after becoming a father. It is precious and finite.
I have taken that appreciation with me and I now not only appreciate my time, but my client’s time. It is just as valuable as my own.
Taking that into account, I make sure our time together is planned out. A great timeline is a well built railroad track leading the most glamorous train off to a destination we’ve only dreamt of before arrival.
After my client’s inquiry and our first call, I’ll start to build out our timeline with as many details of the day as possible. I create shot lists and make notes that will allow moments like family formals to go as smoothly as possible.
Here’s a sample of a timeline I make for every one of my couples.
Lighting is the most useful wrench in my tool box.
Whether it be light pouring through a large window or light bounced off a white wall from my off camera flash, I’ve learned how to utilize that light in order to accentuate emotion in my photos. I’ve learned how to cast that light on my subjects in order to illuminate love and bring intrigue.
Besides being a photographer, I’m a friend.
When my client is in need, I’m there to make sure even the smallest want is met in order to put my client’s mind back in front of the camera rather than in a dark corner fretting over a detail.
That friendship spills over to their family as well. If they need something and I’m able to, I will put my camera down to aid them, then pick right back up to document.
For my couples, I will go above and beyond for them because this is their moment to shine and love. I want them to remember that fondly.
2 Reasons Why You Won’t Regret Hiring Two Photographers For Your Wedding
For me, you and your partner’s story is a page-turner with no end in sight. The chapter that is your wedding must be vivid and full of life.
My second photographer’s role isn’t just to aid me in obtaining your imagery, but to fill in your story with as much lush content as possible. They add the pages of your wedding story that I alone may miss for the sake of another moment. They add an adjoining narrative coinciding with my own that blends into a magical gallery that will make you feel.
They add to your story and build a narrative 1 photographer can’t create alone
They will allow your partner’s story to shine as much as yours
For me, you and your partner’s story is a page-turner with no end in sight. The chapter that is your wedding must be vivid and full of life.
My second photographer’s role isn’t just to aid me in obtaining your imagery, but to fill in your story with as much lush content as possible. They add the pages of your wedding story that I alone may miss for the sake of another moment. They add an adjoining narrative coinciding with my own that blends into a magical gallery that will make you feel.
Where my job is to build the foundation of your narrative, they add the fortification. They’re able to get photos of your parents emotional as they watch their baby walk down the aisle while I photograph you walking to your future spouse, or you emotionally talking with your maid of honor about that moment prior while I am capturing the details most important to you.
I find there’s always one half of my couples who want their partner to have the spotlight in photography. They give up their coverage to make sure their partner shines in our imagery.
With a second photographer, we can have it all. My couples can have one of the most important days of their lives covered without issue.
As I am photographing you and your party, my second can go to your partner and theirs to capture similar moments of emotion and joy.
When I’m photographing you walking down the aisle, my second will get your partner’s reaction as they watch the love of their life head towards them in their stunning wedding outfit for the first time.
My First Jewish Wedding, And I Loved It!
Good afternoon, everyone!
How's your Monday going so far? I hope you're having a great start to your week.
This was a great wedding I shot last year. Truthfully, my first jewish wedding, and I loved it!
Just a quick reminder if you book your engagement photography with me by the end of February, you'll receive 10% off the cost! All the value I provide for just a bit less than usual.
Want to know what I offer? head over to my pricing section to see how I can provide for you.
Take care, ya'll!
How To Pick The Right Wedding Shoes To Pair With Your Wedding Dress
Nail Your Style
As your considering your options, consider the overall aesthetic you’re going for with your wedding. Think about the materials of the shoe that will tie with your dress.
Pick The Dress First
Speaking of the dress, make sure that is the first thing you have before buying a pair of shoes to match. It’ll help pave the way towards the type of shoe you get.
Start The Search
Start your online search for the perfect shoes in places like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom. Their online selection is massive compared to their in store options.
Try Them On
Before you put in your credit card information, make sure you can actually go in store to try on selections before committing. You don’t want to purchase a pair of shoes that look absolutely divine, only to realize the size you need in that particular shoe is a bit on the small side.
Color!
You don’t have to go with the classic, elegenat white shoes for your wedding day. A pop of color really add some flair to your outfit. Feeling bold? Add metalics or a little glitter to the mix.
Consider The Venue
Will your ceremony be on a flat, hard surface, or will it be on a lawn or another large green grass situation? Get the right shoe so you’re not tripping or stuck in the ground as you’re attempting to walk down the aisle.
Comfort Is Key
This is a big tip! Get comfortable shoes! Nothing is worse than standing for 5-6 hours in uncomfortable shoes, especially on your wedding day. A low-to-mid-height hel and even a chunkier heel will make your day so much better. Also consider any shoe that can be adjusted with something like buckles or laces.
Don’t Wait!
Don’t leave this decision to the last minute. After searching and trying on so many shoes, don’t decide to wait for them to go on sale for them to disappear before your wedding date. After testing and trials, once you find your shoe, snatch them up!
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From quiet, emotional morning preparations in Easton to an unforgettable, high-energy reception at Mainline Catering and Events, Caitlin and Dale’s wedding day was filled with unscripted, genuine moments. Take a look inside their full wedding story.