I was in a conversation with a bride the other day as we were talking about all the great things she wanted to do with her wedding, I suddenly realized the conversation had shifted to things she didn’t like about other people’s weddings. There really isn’t anything new about that. Most brides give a list of likes and dislikes, but what struck me was how often I’ve heard some of the same dislikes.

The biggest thing most of the girls tend to focus on when it isn’t their wedding is the reception. Most of the complaints I hear are about how the flow wasn’t right, or the music wasn’t any good. I have to admit, I’ve had those same thoughts while shooting receptions. The truth is while the Bride and Groom will focus on the photography and the little details, the guest will focus on the entertainment.

So here’s the deal. In today economy most brides are looking for ways to save money and DYI weddings are easy solution. However, they almost always come with a hidden price. The first place couples try and save money is on the DJ or Band and instead opt of a fully loaded iPod. It sounds like a good idea, but let me tell you, your guest will know the difference. A really good DJ is able to keep the party going. They are also very important to keeping the flow of the reception and events on time.

So what does the DJ have to do with the photographer?

As the photographer the FIRST thing I do when I get to a wedding or reception is meet up with the DJ. We coordinate what’s going on. I make sure I know what his cues are for the first dance, cutting of the cake, bouquet toss, you name it, the DJ usually is the one to make it happen. An iPod simply can’t do that. It also can’t select the right song at the right time or take request easily. A great DJ also knows when to crank up the music once the grandparents leave and really get the party started.

A great DJ will also keep an eye on the photographer and make sure they are ready before starting a special dance or event. The worst thing in the world is for the photographer to be in the back of the reception changing batteries, lens, or memory cards and here “…and now the bouquet toss”. The best DJs know it’s just as important that the photographer is ready as the rest of the crowd.

I try to not turn my posts into commercials, but in this case I need to make an exception.

If you want a great DJ, call DJ Michael Joye 803-732-2800. or djmichaeljoye@aol.com

Michael is by far the best DJ I’ve worked with. He knows what he’s doing, he’s professional and best of all he isn’t going to break the bank. Michael and I work great together and if you hire both of us together you’re not going to have to worry about a thing. You’ll have more fun and less stress knowing we are working together to make your wedding day unforgettably great!

It's hard to believe that my little girl has turned 3. She's an amazing little girl and such a cutie! I'd been really busy this week, so I didn't get a chance to do her 3 year old portraits until today. She's always such a good sport when it comes to daddy shoving a camera in her face. Though I think the candy bribes help. Child portraits are such a crazy thing. Kids will be kids, which means they tend to look everwhere except where you want them to, and they don't tend to stay in the same place for longer than, oh half a second. It takes a lot of patience and a good bit of talent to get a 3 year old to pose right for you. I have to admit, that it's much harder when it's your own child. She knows all too well that the daddy has the camera and not some stranger she needs to listen to. Oh well. It's worth all of the candy and Dora episodes to takes to get it right. In the end we have the most amazing collection of portraits for her. She may actually be the most photographed child on the planet. Hopefully one day she will appreciate all those pictures and think about how blessed she was to have a photographer daddy! - Here's to wishing! I know it won't be long before she stops allowing me to put a camera in her face....

So to celebrate you making the ultimate plunge, I'm offering a limited time only (until February 28th), an ABSOLUTELY FREE engagement session. That's right, free, nothing, nada, you don't buy squat. The reason I'm doing this is because I know that once you go out shooting with me, you're going to have a ton of fun and you're going to love your engagement pictures. If fact, you're going to like them so much that you'll end up wanting me to shoot your wedding too! However, if for some reason you don't book me for your wedding (maybe I'm already booked) it's still free. All you have to do is call and schedule your appointment. No stings, no pressure to book me for the wedding, no hassles and no surprises (unless you count that ring he just gave you).

OK, free Engagement portraits, but what about the bridal portraits you promised....? Good question. From now until February 28th, if you do book me for a wedding, I'll throw in your bridal portraits. FREE, NO CHARGE, not even for the prints. 

So if you played your cards right you could get a free engagement session, have a great time, book me for your wedding and get the bridal portraits free too! How awesome is that? That's over $300 worth of free portrait sessions! 

Even if you aren't the one getting married, tell your friends! Nothing like a free portrait session as an engagement gift!

Make sure you call soon! 803-386-1513

Once I'm booked, I'm booked!

See you soon!

Luckily, I've got some great gear. I shoot with the Nikon D700 and I had the new 70-200mm 2.8 ED VR2. I was shooting most of the night at ISO 6400, 1/125 @ f2.8. For those non photographers reading this, that's dang near amazing and unheard of just 2 years ago. I was really happy with what I got. Here are a few of my favorites. You can find more on the official flickr page.

The band was the Robby Seay Band. They were really good. I liked listening to them almost as much as I like photographing them and the kids.