5 Reasons to Have Your Wedding in Italy - Rome, Florence, and Amalfi Coast
Questions you should ask while choosing a wedding photographer | Wilkes-Barre, PA | Cassandra Weber Photo
Portraits in Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Pennsylvania | Cassandra Weber Photography
We can all get anxious when preparing for a photo session. Although some of these tips may be obvious we can easily over look these things and need guidance when it comes to understanding colors, tones, attitude, and light. During a portrait session we want to feel confident, look our best and mostly feel our best. No one wants to receive the final gallery and not feel this way.
I have recently invested in some education that covered some editorial posing and im looking forward to taking this shift in my career to work this more into my work. I did a portrait session in Wilkes-barre Pennsylvania on a rooftop when the sun was setting perfectly over the city and some of the things I considered to add and be helpful to this session, I would like to share.
Clothes. This is a big one. The outfit you pick, the color, patterns and textures contribute big time on how a final image will look. And NO, not everything looks good for photos. This is also a form of expression. What you pick is mostly aimed to reflect you and your personality in the image. My biggest advice is you cant go wrong with solid neutrals. These look great for portrait sessions. I would always pick a minimum of two outfit options to bring to the session.
Makeup. Just because you are getting your photos done doesn’t mean you need to do crazy make up. Sometimes less really is more. Start with a nice natural look and if anything we can add that fresh touch of edgy at the end.
Hair. I love to get some photos of hair movement or when that wind is blowing perfectly bringing the photos to life. I would pack a hair brush for the shoot or any hair product tools to freshen up during your portraits.
Be up front and honest with your photographer if you have a favorite side or a flaw you want to avoid. We want you to feel your absolute best.
Nails. You might not even think about your nails. I know that I don’t. But a huge part of portraits and posing is working your hands in the frame. So be prepared and freshen them up.
Lastly, get some rest. For anyone to preform your best in anything we need to be feeling our best. Drink some water, get some rest and pump yourself up for the shoot. After all we want to have fun with you.
To get more in sight on what to expect or look for during a portrait session check out this article that I found helpful.
To read more on my blog link below.
In Home Engagement Session Northeast Pennsylvania | Cassandra Weber Photography
Being a wedding photographer based out of Northeast Pennsylvania comes with many options for locations. There is no doubt how beautiful NEPA is. We are surrounded by so many options whether its a hidden lake or trip in the trees or maybe a run through a green meadow with wild flowers. But sometimes people forgot of this option. What about an In home session? It can be a spot in your own home or renting a quaint air bnb to share a session with your lover.
Why I think an in home session should be something you should consider.
We go through a period of time in Pennsylvania where the trees are bare and everything is dull, snow and brown. Instead of hoping the weather holds out during this time of year why not find a cute place to get cozy at and save the stress of the weather being unpredictable.
If you just got a new home this would be the perfect time to celebrate that. What about a special moment to share with your pets? I know how special a pet can mean to someone and adding them into your engagement photos is fun and something to always remember.
This can be a chance to take photos in a place you spend the most time together. Getting snuggled on your couch, hanging out in your kitchen making coffee, the place you relax together in a warm bath, or the moments you spend wrapped in each others arms watching movies and reading books in bed. All of these things we do every day, mean something.
Using this style for engagement photos is a chance to document your love and the things you do daily with one another in a comfortable setting.
A few shots of what an in home session could look like.
Bridal portraits in Wilkes-barre, PA | Emily
I spent Thursday doing a mentorship with Brittany Boote as she taught me how to pose for an editorial look. Once a week over the past month we would do a zoom call and go over in depth what to look for through out a wedding day that tells the story as a whole. While expressing yourself creatively and letting yourself be you in this industry. We ended with an in person shoot with Emily at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre, PA that gave the perfect vibes for the editorial look we were going for. I got to put to use all that we have talked about and all that I have learned over the last month and apply it to a bride.
At least once a year if not more, I invest in education for myself. I think It is so important to continue to evolve and grow in this industry. This always makes me feel refreshed and ready to challenge myself for the year to be the best version of myself.
After this mentorship I feel more in touch with my why. The reason I’m doing this is so honest and pure to my heart. This is my happy space. Learning and growing in this business has brought me so much joy being able to express myself creatively through all my clients.
I am so ready to for wedding season to begin to put all that I have learned to practice with all my brides.
Some highlights on why you should do a mentorship if you are a photographer.
Guidance- We all need guidance. Someone who is a good mentor will share experiences and share mistakes long even after the day is wrapped up. There is something to always learn off of someone who has walked down the road longer than you have and is more experienced.
Confidence- I think when you invest in this part of yourself and business a huge part that comes with learning the little things that makes the big changes in business is your confidence. Every time I leave a workshop or mentorship I am feeling so inspired and confident in myself. That makes me perform better and my client trust me more.
Support- One of my biggest takeaway from these experiences are gaining the support from your mentor or fellow photography friends you meet on the same journey.
Wilkes-barre and the surrounding area has so many amazing venues and resources for education. I am planning for more upcoming shoots in the near future and I’m hoping to include some amazing wedding vendors local to NEPA.
If you’re looking to make this stunning and timeless editorial bridal look, check out this blog post.
Here is what the day looked like at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-barre, PA with our beautiful editorial bride Emily.
Tips for choosing the best wedding venues in Northeast, PA | Amanda + Chris
As a wedding photographer the normal for me is getting to experience different venues and the benefits of each of them. I am going to give some tips on what to look for when choosing your venue and list of few of my own personal favorites.
First thing is first, the getting ready location.
This is so important for bridal portraits. When choosing a location the best thing you can do is pick a spot that has beautiful windows with rich natural light to pour into. Also keep in mind the size of the room and the size of your bridal party. Having enough space is essential for setting your story with the loved ones you have there helping you prepare for the day.
When choosing your ceremony location, if it is outside, be sure the venue you choose also has an inside option just in case it pours. You can not predict the weather and being prepared saves all the chaos the day of. If you are planning a ceremony outside think of the lighting situation. Shade is preferable, but if there is no shade I personally would like the sun to be behind both of you.
When choosing a venue for reception think of the space and your guest list. It is so important to have enough space to freely move and dance and not feel packed in with people and tables. This makes it hard to capture what is necessary.
Although like any photographer our first thought is to utilize the venue you’ve chosen for the best portraits for you to have and cherish.
Some of the venues in Northeast, PA that I’ve found to be the best to photograph at and why.
The Barn At Glistening Pond
There is no denying how beautiful this venue is. It showcases all of NEPA landscape and what it has to offer. The barn itself has so much space for a higher end guest list. With the beautiful scenery giving tons of options for bridal portraits.
The Beaumont Inn
Another breathtaking location. This is the perfect spot for any size wedding. With plenty of acres to showcase the beautiful country side of Northeast PA.
The Raddison
One of my all time favorites to shoot at. This incredible space was originally a train station built in 1908 and still holds its charm. The location and venue are breathtaking.
Foxhill Country Club
The staff here is incredible, which is such an important factor when choosing a venue. There was a nice welcoming from everyone and all were very attentive. The getting ready space was more than enough room. The views for the ceremony and portraits were spectacular. Below is what a fall wedding at Foxhill Country Club looked like.
