Features + Embarrassment: The Tidewater and Tulle Journal | Business

Features + Embarrassment: The Tidewater and Tulle Journal | Business

A few weeks ago I shared on social media that I had my second ever print feature (click here to see my first one) in the inaugural edition of the Tidewater and Tulle Journal. It was a hugely exciting day for me (and this amazing wedding blog!) and I was so proud to shout it from the rooftops. The reality, however, is a little different, so while I want you to share in the excitement of this moment, I also want to peel back the layers for a more behind-the-scenes look at what actually happens to get to a wedding feature.

I submit nearly every single wedding I photograph - some to national publications, some to local, and some to both...and honestly, the success is varied. I wrote about how often the features depend more on seasons and trends than the beauty of a wedding or its photography, and so it's somewhat rare to get featured on my first submission. For this particular wedding, I just knew I could find somewhere HUGE for it, so I submitted with great confidence and hope to a national wedding blog...

A Day to Retreat | Business

A Day to Retreat | Business

It's something I've thought about over and again but I've never actually done: a personal retreat day. In the business of life I often realize how much I need to slow down and take some time to remember why I'm doing what I'm doing, re-prioritize, and refocus on the things that matter most. With my mother-in-law on spring break from school and more than willing to watch Willow for the day, I took the opportunity to plan it out - and oh am I so grateful that I did!

As I thought about the day, I knew I needed a solid plan. If I had at least a rough schedule I would be far more productive than if I just went to sit outside and think or pray. With that in mind, I wrote down what I thought my day would look like...

I Got Hired for a Wedding...Now What??? | Business

I Got Hired for a Wedding...Now What??? | Business

In the span of just a couple days, I had multiple photographers ask me - separately! - the same question. These ladies have taken senior and family portraits here and there, but have never dived deep into the world of wedding photography. They were nervous about the pressure but excited about the prospect of trying a brand new aspect of their art. I sat down with one and chatted with another about the next steps, and after having several conversations in one week, I decided this could be a great topic for the blog. So, if you are thinking about photographing a wedding, or if you’ve already been hired to do so and you aren’t sure where to begin, this one’s for you!