DESIGN NOTE:

Don't worry, this is a hidden canvas. You can delete it after you read this.

To learn how to showcase Trending / Featured posts and your blog categories on this page, don't forget to also watch our video tutorials on the Learn page! — Jen

back

Uncategorized

Real Talk: Choosing a Photographer Based On Editing Styles

horse-photography-senior-session

Have you ever noticed how different photographers tend to devote loyalty to vastly different image styles? Trends in photography styles come and go so quickly, it seems. Right now, you have styles that are as different as day and night (quite literally). Dark and moody style vs. light and airy style is the most popular debate amongst photography lovers today.

To Photographers:

I personally believe there is no right or wrong way to create artistic images for clients. As long as the client loves your style, it does not matter what other photographers say or think about it!

We are in an industry that lends to a lot of comparison temptation. But that is honestly the quickest way to burnout and discouragement! If you find you struggle a lot with comparison in your art, I encourage you to unfollow all photography accounts on social media, and instead begin following your clients/potential clients.

Focus on them, and what they love about their lives. What is important to them? How does your photography service fulfill that need or cater to that value? Is your brand serving your ideal client? And do your clients love your work as is, or do you find yourself becoming a style chameleon just to book people?

horse-photography-senior-session

To Clients/Potential Clients:

Book photographers whose work you already love! Aim for the ability to picture yourself in their images and their Instagram feed. If you prefer a photographer shoots light and airy, then find a light and airy photographer. If you like the earthy tones of dark and moody, book that photographer.

Don’t go to your friend building his/her business and ask them to shoot in a style you prefer, while they are still trying to find their unique style.

I had a client inquiry this past spring for an engagement session. I had not yet booked an engagement session, and I was at a point in my business where I wondered if anyone ever would book me that year! Things were SUPER slow. So when this lead came in, I jumped through hoops to make it happen.

I got as far as requesting the retainer fee for their date, when they asked the question that made my heart sink… “Oh… you don’t shoot light and airy?”

I had so many thoughts swirling before I could answer. How are they only now finding out what my style looks like? Did they even see my work before booking me? I thought my work was light and airy. If it’s not, what is my style really like? How do people see my work? Does anyone like my style? Am I failing at this? Is my work even good? Should I change? How do I change?

That lead turned into a dropped booking, but by the time I was able to stop myself from the endless cycle of insecure thoughts, I was happy to let that one go. I want my clients to love my work, the way it is right when they decide to book. Not how it used to look, or how it could look in the future, or how it looks for other photographers.

I want to be booked for ME. For my skills and for my personality. I want to connect with my clients, and the things I connect most with my clients over are the things we are passionate about. For me, that’s my photography business and the life I am trying to build with it — the dream I have of sitting in a home office working on a gallery edit until kids are home from school and a husband comes home from work. For my clients, it’s usually their own families… the new chapters of life that excite them and get them out of bed in the morning.

I love working with those clients because they are living the life I look forward to! They get me excited about where this business could take me, and they get excited that my business helps them document their sweet storybook chapters.

When clients are the cheerleaders and motivators of my dream, then my business thrives and my service and skill improves for them. So, you clients and potential clients out there… keep booking those photographers whose work you fell in love with. You are an essential part of the ecosystem, feeding into their creativity by lifting them up and allowing them to serve the people they love to work with.

My Style

My style is still evolving as I gain experience. There are certain goals I shoot for in my shooting and editing.

  • I want it to look realistic. That means colors are not too extreme or neon. I aim for natural skin tones and bright colors that look similar to how they did the day of the shoot.
  • I want it to evoke happiness. I shoot a little brighter, sometimes warmer temperatures to feel like you can feel the sunshine of that scene. I want it to give my clients a warm, fuzzy feeling when they look at those images.
  • I want my subjects to be the main focus. I use a little more contrast than most light and airy photographers because I don’t want my clients to blend into a matte background. This is about their story, so they should pop out of the image, as though they could close their eyes and relive the moment all over again.
  • I want to shoot authentically. I try to create duplicate experiences to what they felt when we had our session. If my clients were feeling goofy and giggly during their session, I want to make sure to capture them laughing and have images with plenty of movement, so they feel and remember that joyful feeling every time they look back at the photos. I’m not going to try to get them to give me too many soft, romantic poses to calm them down. Vice versa, if a couple is more shy and quiet, I’ll emphasize the softer, still poses.

My images will improve with time, and my editing process will always be changing incrementally to achieve the look I want and my clients love. But those four goals will always be the same in my style. How I achieve them may look different, but the important thing for me is that I DO achieve them.

As photographers, be sure to find the core values that you want your brand to communicate and provide for your clients, then edit in such a way that aligns with that. Clients, if a photographer’s images make you feel happy and excited for your session, that’s a great sign that you’re the right fit for them, as much as they are for you.

+ view the comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This Wilbur Mansion wedding could not have been more perfect and picturesque for two longtime sweethearts. Journeying through the previous year with Andrew and Rachel has been a true privilege. From photographing the moment Rachel said “yes” to Andrew’s proposal at National Cathedral, to their picture-perfect snowy engagement session at the DAR Headquarters, to a […]

When Taylor reached out about having me photograph her Hilton Head Island wedding, I could hardly believe it. Since marrying my husband, I’ve enjoyed annual trips to Hilton Head with my in-laws, who have been visiting for years. I’m not much of a beach person (love my lake life!) but the beauty of the low […]

Brandon and Sadie tied the knot in an intimate Alexandria elopement, with a special ceremony at their home church on August 28, 2024. That day was such a sweet culmination of their beautiful love story. Though I’m on maternity leave after welcoming my first baby home, I was so honored that Brandon & Sadie chose […]

featured

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.

Inspiration & Photo Prep tips, Straight to your inbox

First Name

Email Address

Subscribe

MORE TO EXPLORE