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Portraits // Carolyn’s Professional Headshots

I am sorry Blog Tuesday is late this week, but how about a YAY for Blog Wednesday?! I was attending a business webinar yesterday hosted by my fave, Katelyn James. But it set me behind on giving you guys a new blog post. Hope you don’t mind!

I think this one will be worth the wait though, because I have something deeper to share in this portfolio post. I want to show you all Carolyn’s professional headshots from her session two weeks ago! But I also want to address something I have been dealing with these last two weeks that maybe some of you can relate to — fear.

Friday, October 4th, I was in Old Town photographing sweet Carolyn for her professional headshots. I was sent Carolyn’s info from a coworker who saw her request for photographer recommendations via Twitter. This isn’t my first time doing pro headshots, but it IS my first time offering them as a paid session. All of my other experiences doing headshots were done for free to gain experience with single-person posing.

Fear nearly stopped me from reaching out. “She wants a REAL professional headshot photographer — someone with a studio, lighting, vinyl backdrop, and advanced editing softwares,” I told myself. But my coworker pushed me to contact her regardless. And I’m so glad I did!!

I didn’t send her a sales pitch. I probably even sounded unsure of myself in my e-mail. I basically offered it with an open hand *if she wanted me* and didn’t give my full story and info like I normally do for leads. Little did I know, my website sold me anyway. She looked through and something in the website spoke to her and made her feel like she could relate to me. (I know, because we talked about this in person at her shoot).

She booked and we had a really great session! She was so much like my ideal client: sweet, bubbly, hospitable, humble, down-to-earth, trusting, and not to mention GORGEOUS! What was I so scared of? I know I take great photos, and I serve my clients with love and respect. Why did fear almost keep me from believing in myself?

Believe it or not, nearly every photographer struggles with this. It’s why we have a hard time raising our prices. It’s why we don’t like to advertise. It’s why we don’t post more about ourselves and our lives. We get in the mindset that people don’t care and we’re just a vehicle for people to get nice photos. But we’re not! We’re more. Photographers… listen to me: we are more.

Anybody can take a photo. Anybody, if they really wanted to and gave it effort, can take a GREAT photo. But not just anyone can make a client feel beautiful in front of a lens. Not just anyone can be a photographer that treats people like more than a customer. That takes compassion, confidence, and character. It takes a lover of people to provide a service that is built around the client’s EXPERIENCE.

The experience you provide your client IS your value. You can have the most awarded photos in the world, but if you meet with clients and they don’t enjoy being around you or feel confident in front of your camera, you won’t see them again. It’s up to you to make clients feel loved, valued, worth taking pictures of. And every single one of my clients are all that and more, so I commit to treating them as such.

This matters more than getting that portfolio-worthy image. It matters more than having the best equipment or the perfect studio. It even matters more than making a profit. Put people first, and you will see your business flourish and your joy increase.

In Carolyn’s case, I knew very little about her. But after spending time together at her session, I learned that she is in a season of life where she is celebrating the now. Her “now” may not look like other young women’s “now,” but it doesn’t have to. Your “now” may not look like Carolyn’s. It doesn’t have to. My business is here to help you celebrate whatever season you’re currently in. I believe in living in the present and giving God praise for the faithfulness He’s already shown you. So whether your present means you’re engaged and planning a wedding, raising your first child, graduating college soon, or maybe you’re in a career and rocking it — my service is here to help you celebrate those wins, big or small.

So back to that fear topic…

Just like fear nearly cost me the awesome experience of serving Carolyn, think about what it may be costing you. What would it look like if you believed in yourself more? If you celebrated who you are today and how far you’ve already come? I could have said, “Maybe one day in the future, when I have a studio and all this extra equipment, I can charge for professional headshots.” Well, what if that’s not the photographer I’m meant to be? What if I’m meant to be different, not like everyone else? What if natural light, a great park location, and my trusty Canon DSLR are all I need to serve my clients just as well as the studio photographer down the street? And what if combining all of that with my love for people and how I champion them in their current season is all I need to stand out?

What about you…? What if you stopped looking at everyone else’s season and started celebrating your own? Are you the bridesmaid from 27 Dresses just hoping your day comes soon? Are you a couple that is watching your friends have children, wondering why you don’t feel ready for kids yet? Are you a Junior in college, struggling through school and feeling like Senior year will NEVER come?

Stop looking ahead at what hasn’t even happened yet. What do you have to celebrate TODAY? You might be single, but look at how well you’re doing in your job or at all the extra activities you get to be involved in because of your free time! You might not be ready for kids yet, but you are almost ready to buy your first house or a new car!! Maybe you’re hustling through mid-terms right now, but can we go back and celebrate for just a minute that you got accepted to the school of your dreams?! I’m giving examples, but I hope they help you apply your own story and find things to be able to celebrate.

And if you need someone who can champion those wins and mark this season in your life with some images, you know who to call! 🙂

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Planning your wedding in Savannah, Georgia, provides you with so many options in a city full of Southern charm, historic elegance, and breathtaking low-country beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic garden ceremony, a grand ballroom reception, or something in between, Savannah seems to have wedding venues for every taste. As a Georgia wedding photographer, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | side by side images of Spanish moss at a Savannah wedding venue

Why You Should Consider Savannah Wedding Venues

Savannah is a city unlike any other. With its oak-lined streets, historic homes, and timeless coastal views, it’s no surprise that couples flock here to tie the knot. Savannah wedding venues offer something for everyone—from intimate settings surrounded by nature to grand estates steeped in history. Plus, its mild climate makes it a perfect choice for weddings year-round.

Top Savannah Wedding Venues to Consider

Hotel Bardo (formerly, The Mansion on Forsyth Park)

For couples seeking a venue that provides a fun vintage aesthetic amidst classic Savannah landmarks, Hotel Bardo is one of Savannah’s crown jewels. This venue combines historic charm with mid-century modern sophistication, offering everything from intimate indoor spaces to a picturesque garden courtyard.

Wormsloe Historic Site

For those who want to embrace Savannah’s natural beauty, Wormsloe Historic Site provides one of the most iconic backdrops in the city. The long driveway lined with towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss is a bride’s dream. It’s a serene, ethereal setting perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony.

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

If waterfront views are your vibe, The Westin Savannah Harbor offers a stunning riverside backdrop. With expansive lawns overlooking the Savannah River, this venue blends elegance and nature seamlessly. Plus, the convenience of on-site accommodations makes it ideal for your out-of-town guests.

The Savannah Yacht Club

Couples who envision a sophisticated coastal wedding will fall in love with The Savannah Yacht Club. This venue offers sweeping views of the water, nautical charm, and an air of exclusivity. It’s perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings or grand celebrations with a coastal flair.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

For history buffs and lovers of unique spaces, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is a standout option. This venue features a lush garden courtyard and historic exhibits that add personality and charm to your wedding. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces offers flexibility for your big day.

Bethesda Academy

Bethesda Academy boasts one of Savannah’s most stunning natural landscapes, featuring majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss and rolling green fields. Its historic chapel and beautiful outdoor spaces create a dreamy, intimate setting perfect for a romantic Low-Country-inspired wedding.

The Mackey House

Tucked away in a private estate surrounded by nature, The Mackey House is a venue straight out of a fairytale. With a grand Southern-style mansion, lush gardens, and a peaceful lake, it’s the perfect place for an outdoor wedding full of whimsy and charm.

The Ford Field & River Club

Located just outside Savannah in Richmond Hill, this venue exudes refined Southern elegance. The sprawling estate features scenic views of the Ogeechee River, romantic oak groves, and luxurious accommodations, making it a perfect choice for an intimate yet grand wedding experience.

The Harper Fowlkes House

The Harper Fowlkes House is a historic and elegant mansion nestled in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. With its Greek Revival architecture, sweeping staircase, and lush gardens, this venue exudes timeless sophistication and charm. The courtyard garden is ideal for an intimate outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour, while the mansion’s interior offers a beautifully preserved space for receptions with intricate details like antique furnishings and grand windows.

The Kehoe House

The Kehoe House is a stunning, historic mansion located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District. Built in 1892, this stately home is an exquisite example of Renaissance Revival architecture. Known for its ornate ironwork, grand interiors, and warm Southern hospitality, the Kehoe House is ideal for couples seeking a venue with timeless elegance and charm.

Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | side by side photos, left side image shows a long rectangle table set for a wedding reception amidst live oak trees draped with Spanish moss; right side photo shows a set of gold wedding rings next to a strand of Spanish moss

Tips for Choosing Between These Savannah Wedding Venues

  1. Consider Your Guest List Size
    Savannah wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes. From intimate gardens to sprawling estates, ensure the venue you choose comfortably accommodates your guest list.
  2. Think About Your Wedding Style
    Your venue should reflect your wedding vision. Are you dreaming of timeless elegance, coastal charm, or a whimsical outdoor affair? Savannah has venues that can bring any aesthetic to life, but the wrong venue can make your details and decor appear out of place. Make the most of that investment (and wedding photos) by choosing a venue that harmonizes with your style!
  3. Factor in Logistics
    From transportation to accommodations, Savannah is known for its hospitality, but it’s wise to consider the proximity of your venue to hotels and local attractions for your guests’ convenience. Consider traffic, city events on or around your wedding day that may cause disruption, and other logistics your guests may face. A wedding planner will help you navigate all the unexpected challenges with ease!
  4. Book Early
    Savannah is a popular wedding destination, especially in spring and fall. To secure your dream venue, book your Savannah wedding venue as early as possible! Then secure primary vendors on your list such as photographer, videographer, planner (if you don’t yet have one) and more.
Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | photo shows a wedding couple kissing under the Spanish moss, wearing a light grey linen suit (groom) and an off-the-shoulder satin wedding gown (bride)

Making the Most of Savannah Wedding Venues

Choosing one of Savannah’s stunning wedding venues is just the beginning. Personalize your celebration with touches that reflect your interests and love story. Whether it’s incorporating local cuisine like shrimp and grits, offering your guests trolley rides through the historic district, or having your photos taken under the iconic Spanish moss, Savannah is full of ways to make your wedding day an unforgettable experience for all.

Planning a wedding is no small task, but having a photographer who knows and loves the charm of Savannah can make all the difference.

I specialize in creating artful images out of your favorite memories. Booking me ensures you’ll have a wedding gallery that represents the essence of your love and legacy in every image. Learn more about my services and approach here.

If you’re considering a wedding in Savannah, I’d love to capture every moment for you. Let’s connect and discuss how I can create timeless art from your most cherished memories.

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