The REAL questions you need to ask a Wedding Photographer to determine if they're Professional or a Red Flag.

Choosing the perfect photographer for your wedding day is one of the most important steps in wedding planning and we know that it can be quite stressful! Besides your marriage, the photos and videos are one of the only things you are able to keep from your Wedding Day.

You go to google thinking it will be as easy as typing into your search bar "Best Memphis Photographer" or "Best Wedding Photographer near me", and then you get hundreds of results with beautiful images. But how do you know which one is right for you?

With websites so easily made and readily available to everyone, how can you weed out who is a weekend hobbyist versus a true wedding professional?

Here are some hard questions to ask a wedding photographer and some 🚩red flags to be aware of. (+ plus our answers)

Q: Can I see a Full (Real) Wedding Gallery?

🚩Your photographer should always be able to supply a full (real) wedding gallery for you to view. There are so many different aspects and lighting scenarios during a wedding day, and some of them can be quite challenging. Beautiful photos can be easy to capture when your outside with nice lighting, but making sure your photographer can handle all of the indoor aspects of your wedding day is a must!

Our Answer: Yes, absolutely! We can send you multiple full galleries, sometimes even from your specific venue and season.

Q: Do you shoot with multiple cameras, and do you shoot with dual card slots?

🚩Your wedding photographer should always shoot with multiple cameras that also have dual card slots. Although technology has come a long way, cameras can still freeze up or die suddenly, and SD cards can corrupt occasionally. Making sure your photographer is backing up your photos to more than one spot, and making sure they have back up equipment, will ensure that all of your precious memories are kept as safe as possible.

Our Answer: Yes and Yes!

Q: Is this your full time job?

🚩While photography being your wedding photographers full time job is not 100% necessary, it is an important thing to note and discuss with your photographer. Especially if your Wedding is on a Friday or other weekday. It's also important to discuss with your photographer, that if Photography is not their full time job, if their other job interferes with them editing and delivering your images on time.

Our Answer: Yes! Photography/Videography is Shelby and Rick's full time and only job.  

Q: Will you be our actual photographer/videographer?

🚩This is an important question to ask! More and more Photo/Video "Teams" are booking weddings and then subcontracting out photographers and videographers to actually shoot the day, or companies will have multiple photographers and videographers. If a company tells you they have more than one ask who SPECIFICALLY will be there on your day and ask to see their work.

Our Answer: Yes! It will always be Shelby and Rick who will be there on your big day to document! The only time it would not be us is if we had an emergency or extenuating circumstance, then we would have a replacement photographer or videographer there who we trusted explicitly. 

Q: How much of your work on your IG and Website are real weddings that you were the lead photographer for (not second shooter) vs Styled Shoots or Second Shot Weddings?

🚩Don't get fooled by the beautiful styled shot images or photos taken as a second shooter. With social media, new technology, and access to great affordable cameras, it's very easy these days to "become a wedding photographer". Being the lead photographer, navigating and posing during a real wedding day, dealing with time constraints and intricate relationships between family members/wedding party members is much harder and takes lots of experience to be able to handle with grace.

Our Answer: 100% of the photos you see on our IG and Website are REAL couples and REAL weddings that we were the main Photo/Video Team for. If we ever post Styled Shoots or photos taken as a second photographer on our IG or Website we always make sure that it is tagged as a Styled Shoot or Second Photographer for so and so.

Q: We're awkward and don't know how to take photos, will you help us/what is your style of posing?

🚩Your Wedding Photographer should be comfortable with posing or prompting you on your Wedding Day, and also groove with your own style and personality. Some photographers have a fun and playful style of posing, while others are complete flys on the wall and other's are dramatic and moody.

Our Answer: Of course! We actually joke that "We're awkward" is our favorite thing to hear! We will give y'all silly prompts to get yall to engage with each other, we will move and play in ways designed to capture authentic but beautiful poses, and Rick will even break out his crappy british accent to make y'all laugh.

We will also do the standard "look at the camera and smile" photos so you have them, but our approach is fun and playful, and you'll never have to ask

"What do I do with my hands?"

Q: How do you handle family group photos, especially with large or blended families?

🚩Your photographer should always have a plan of action in place for family photos, rather than just relying on you to supply a list. Formal Family Photos can be a very stressful time for Brides and Grooms, having a photographer that is confident in this area of your day can relieve a lot of stress especially if you don't have the typical family dynamic.

Our Answer: Before the wedding we send you a Family Questionnaire to fill out. This allows us to know all of the family you'll have attending and who you want photos with, with out you having to spend hours on creating a family shot list and forgetting key groupings. Shelby guides family photos in a very streamline manner starting from big group photos and then breaking down into smaller groupings. Knowing the family dynamic by heart, allows Shelby to go through family photos much quicker than going off of a shotlist.

Q: Do you require/work off a shot list? Do you give us a wedding day photo timeline?

🚩In our opinion, your photographer should not be asking you for a shot list. If they are experienced they already know you want shots of you getting ready, that you want photos of you alone, coming down the aisle, the first kiss, etc etc. If you can find it on a Pintrest "wedding photo shot list" they should already know to get these, and if you are confident you are hiring a seasoned professional, you shouldn't feel the need to give one. They also should not be working off a generic shot list either, rather just going with the flow of the day, and focusing on capturing the moments in front of them instead of worrying about the next shot on the "list".

🚩They should however be supplying a detailed photo timeline, so you know generally what times you will be doing key photos, so everyone in your wedding knows where to be and when.

Our Answer: We don't work off a shot list but trust us we will be getting all of the important shots! We do however accept requests for generation photos, recreation photos, or things that are not typical of a typical wedding day.

We also will go over timeline details before the wedding day and create a detailed photo timeline that includes any first looks, times for wedding party photos, family photos and Bride and Groom photos.

We hope that these questions and red flags will help you in choosing the best photographer for your wedding day!

If you would like to inquire about us being a part of your wedding day, we would love to chat and get to know you!

Let's Schedule a FaceTime!

Top 10 Stunning Engagement Session Locations in Memphis, TN

Finding locations for your engagement session doesn't have to be hard! Here are our top 10 locations that we love to shoot engagement sessions at!

-Shelby and Rick

1. Shelby Farms Park

Shelby Farms is one of our favorite places to shoot Engagement Sessions in Memphis! There are a ton of versatile spots within the park. Pictured above is one of our favorite spots in the park. It has a beautiful sunset and is usually pretty secluded. Located beside the dog park, this is also a great spot to bring your furry friend to your engagement session!

Pros:

-Usually pretty secluded (especially on a weekday)

-Beautiful Sunset + Scenery

-Open Field and Lake

-Nature/Outdoorsy Vibes

-Bring your pups! (We just suggest bringing a family member or friend to help with them while we do photos of just y'all)

Cons:

-It is still part of the dog park, although less trafficked, off leash dogs are a possibility as well as doggy landmines. (Aka: Poop, so watch your step!)

-Can be semi-busy on the weekends or on days with really nice weather

-No public restroom for outfit changes

Another spot we like to use at Shelby Farms is over near the Stables. There is a fishing lake with a dock, a woodsy walking path, and a open grassy field with big oak trees.

This spot is nice to use on warmer days or if your engagement session is earlier in the day. Because there are a lot of nice shady areas, and the dock makes for a nice spot as long as no one is fishing there!

2. Your Wedding Venue!

If your wedding venue and scheduling allows, your wedding venue can be a great place to do your engagement photos!

Pros:

-It's private! Typically because you will need to schedule with the venue, it means that we get the place almost all to ourselves during the session! :)

-Your venue building will typically be open, so that means access to a restroom for an easy outfit change!

-Makes for great save the date photos showcasing your venue.

-It matches the vibe of your wedding day

Cons:

-Sometimes scheduling can be hard with venues because they are booked up with tours, rehearsals and weddings.

-Some couples don't want to burn out their venues photo locations before the actual wedding day.

-Usually only available on the Weekdays

3. Brook's Museum/Overton Park

Brook's Museum is a great spot for an engagement session. It's has elegant vibes that make for a great background for more formal outfits, and Overton Park has lots of great landscaping and walking paths to use as well.

Pros:

-Has a lot of great architecture, stairs and landscaping that makes for a lot of great photo backgrounds.

-Cement walking paths, make it easier for outfits with heeled shoes.

-A great location if the grass is wet from recent rain.

Cons:

-This popular spot can be quite crowded on the weekends, especially when events are going on, so we highly suggest using this location during the week.

-Couples who want to do an outfit change, will probably have to change in their car. During the week, the park doesn't always have a public restroom open.

4. Martyr's Park by the River | Downtown Memphis

Martyr's park is a great option for couples who have love for Memphis and it's iconic place on the river, but still want a more natural vibe. Located next to the old bridge, you also get some of that rustic vibe!

Pros:

-River side, Trees, Sidewalks and an epic view of both iconic Memphis Bridges!

-Usually not very crowded

-Free Parking

Cons:

-No restrooms to change outfits

-Can be busy at times

-The sunset can be a little harsh with the glare coming off the water, so we usually recommend using this location no earlier than Golden Hour. ( The hour before sunset)

5. Crosstown Concourse

Crosstown Concourse is a great indoor photoshoot location. It's great for avoiding extreme hot or cold weather + great for engagement session days that get rained out and can't be rescheduled. It's the perfect spot if you love industrial and fun urban vibes. It's also a great spot to stay and have dinner after your session!

Pros:

-They don't charge a fee to shoot there or require you to schedule in advance (you just have to check in with security when you arrive.)

-Great option/backup plan for an indoor location on rainy or cold days.

-Public restrooms for easy outfit change

Cons:

-You do have to pay to park for over two hours if your planning on staying for dinner. (Unless you park on one of the top levels of the parking garage.)

-It is busy. The third floor where we shoot the most often is usually pretty quiet so that's typically where we will start/do most of the session.

-The more "fun" area's like the staircases and area's with artwork will be more populated. We usually work very quickly in those areas.

6. Downtown Memphis | Central Station Area

If you like more of an urban downtown vibe, this is one of our favorite spots! It's a nice mix of downtown and midtown vibes, it's usually not too busy and the trolly stops right in front of Central Station Hotel!

Pros:

-Great urban/downtown vibes

-Usually not too busy considering being downtown

-Can use the hotel bathroom for outfit changes

Cons:

-Central Station Hotel doesn't allow photos within the hotel lobby without pre-scheduling and a pretty hefty photo fee, but you can use the sidewalk and areas out front of the hotel.

-You will get whistled and yelled "congratulations!" at by people driving by! 😂 ... A lot.

7. Downtown Memphis | Rooftop, Court Square Park & Courthouse Area

This area of Memphis is fun for couples who really want that rooftop, urban city vibe. We usually start off by parking in a parking garage downtown, using the rooftop of the parking garage to start and then walk towards the Courthouse from there. There are a lot of neat spots along the walk to stop and take photos including Court Square Park.

Pros:

-It's totally a vibe, and a fun high energy area, great for city lovers!

-Parking garage where we like to start is near the Peabody Hotel, so if you would like to step in the Hotel to change outfits and take a few quick photos we can!

(Note: The Peabody doesn't actually "allow" photoshoots, but typically if we are quick and respectful of Hotel guests, the staff doesn't mind us going in for a few quick shots.)

Cons:

-Very, Very busy area! Prepare to work fast and walk a lot!

-Like always with working downtown, prepare for the attention you will receive from passing cars and pedestrians.

-About $15 for Parking at the Parking Garage

8. Herb Parson's Lake near Collierville, TN

Herb Parson's Lake is a fishing lake near Collierville, with pine tree lined Bike/Hiking trails that encompass a lake.

Pros:

-Usually not very busy!

-Beautiful scenery; pine trees, trails, and lake.

-You can bring your pups on a leash.

Cons:

-They do have a restroom, but it is sometimes closed, depending on the season.

9. Shelby Forest

Shelby Forest is a great fall location, with lots of trees and changing leaves, back roads, lake and even campsites!

Pros:

-Lots of photo locations!

-Outdoorsy vibes, trees, and lake.

-Public bathrooms for outfit change.

-Usually not very busy!

Cons:

-...I can't think of any! Well, maybe bugs?

10. Harbor Town Downtown

Harbor Town is a romantic spot in Memphis for a photo session. You can stop by Cordelia's for an ice cream or have dinner at The Terrace after!

Pros:

-Beautiful scenery, bridge, across the street from the river.

-Can use Cordelia's restroom to do an outfit change

Cons:

-Finding a parking spot can sometimes be tricky

-Can be pretty busy, especially on weekends

-It is a residential community, so expect things like people walking their dogs, mowing their lawns etc.

I hope this simple guide helps you choose the vibe that's best for you! We love Memphis and all of its quaint little spots!

Love,

Shelby and Rick

The 6 Pros To Hiring a Photo & Video Team

So, you're getting married, and everything in the world is almost near perfection! You've got the ring, you've picked the date, and maybe even the venue. However, there is something still missing... Oh yeah! The creative team that's going to capture all of your big day's moments! Photo and video are major parts of your wedding planning, and Rick and I (Shelby) want to ask you a question that you may have already asked yourself. Why should I hire a Team that does both Photo and Video for my Big Day?

If you're like most brides-to-be, you've probably been searching for "Memphis Best Wedding Photographer" or "Memphis Best Wedding Videographer". In those searches, you've probably noticed that there's a lot of "Best" photo and video companies. While that's fantastic,   (because let's face it, not one single company could handle ALL the weddings in the Mid-South) it makes your search for the right photographer and videographer a real challenge. To simplify things a little for you, we'd love to tell you what we do differently and how those differences make your wedding planning so much simpler!

THE 6 PROS TO HIRING A PHOTO & VIDEO TEAM:

SIMPLICITY

When hiring a Photo and Video Team, you are finding and selecting one vendor instead of two. You've already booked a caterer, florist, and a venue. Crossing one business with both pros off of the list, instead of two separate businesses, is an absolute relief! Consulting with multiple photographers and videographers can sometimes feel exhausting. Finding one team who can offer a solution that fits your wedding day can save time and mental energy that you should be investing into dreaming of walking down that aisle!

CONNECTION

You will know the moment that you click with a Photo and Video Artist Team! They're excited to answer all of your biggest questions, learn about your love story and are genuinely excited to capture your day. It's very important to feel comfortable with your Pros, since they're such an integral part of your big day. In saying that, having to learn two separate teams' personalities can get a little tricky. When you're having to divide your attention amongst more than two artists, things can start to get slippery!

Consider this scenario: It's your wedding day, your dress is on, and Mom is buttoning up her little girl's dress to make that march down the aisle. Now add four different people pulling your attention to look into their camera. It can be overwhelming, and honestly, sometimes frustrating, especially when you just want to be living the moment! Rick and I personally take an approach that feels more like two of your friends sharing that moment with you, and never competing for the camera limelight.

LOGISTICS

Raise your hand if you’ve been in or at a wedding and witnessed any of these scenarios:

-Photographer and videographer not getting along/remaining distant/standoffish.

- Competing for the shot.

- Stepping on one another’s toes (literally!)

-Or (my favorite) 4-6 people with cameras hovering around the bride and groom craving their attention.

Well, I'll be fair and say this: these things don't happen all of the time, but they sometimes do. While we’ve never experienced this ourselves and love working together with videographers outside of our company when our couples hire them, we certainly have heard all the horror stories!

When hiring a Photo and Video Team, you're hiring a team who can approach your day with a plan: a comprehensive, prepped plan. This ultimately means that your day will run smoother and will have the best coverage possible.

While it’s entirely possible for a photographer & videographer to coordinate well before a wedding day, and on your Big Day, nothing compares to the level of communication, planning and understanding that comes with a Photo and Video Team.

POSING STYLE

Over the years, Rick and I have developed a unique posing style that allows us to work with each other instead of against. We love movement in our photos and especially in our films. Filmmakers and Photographers alike understand the importance of movement in capturing natural moments. Filmmakers understand that this is absolutely the most important part of filmmaking: capturing motion pictures. But there are times that a disconnect can happen between two separate teams working together.

Still, motionless poses just do not translate well into video. Rick and I have grown so accustomed to the way the other shoots, that we're able to direct natural, authentic and beautiful moments without ever skipping a beat, or having to stop a couple mid laugh to re-pose for each other's work.

When hiring separate photography and videography companies, the likelihood of two totally different posing styles is high, and could leave you feeling, well, flustered. We've honed our unique posing style over the years and we're able to take a couple's camera shyness, and convert that into fun, explosive energy that stays consistent, and never conflicts or leaves you feeling confuzzled.

CONSISTENCY

Let's face it: dark and moody colored photos are gorgeous; bright and airy colored films are soaringly beautiful; yet, mixing the two together can give your mind a good twisting and may leave you to wonder how two artists could possibly see your wedding day so differently! We truly believe that your wedding day photos and films should look and feel like your day felt. Continuity across our Photos and Films is the absolute best way to experience that. Our classic color and moody tones reflect across both mediums to the degree that you may want to try and frame your film on the wall. That was attempted humor... If you’re dreaming of a wedding film and wedding photographs that “match” stylistically, hiring a Photo and Video Team should be hands down the easiest choice in the sea of choices as a bride.

PRICE

Cost is always a major factor in choosing photo and video professionals. What sets the bar for pricing is not equally measured in the wedding industry: some too high here; some too low there. Shopping around may almost seem intimidating when you're looking at all of the varying price tags associated with photography and videography work. Simple solutions make the world go round. Simplicity is finding one team, with one price. No fluff. No bank breaking. Booking a Photo and Video Team is always more likely to be cost effective since you're only paying one small business. Not to mention, when booking a Photo and Video Team, you only have to pay one deposit instead of two.

Over everything else, choosing wedding photo and video pros shouldn't be too tricky.

Just check these boxes:

_You love their work. They love their work.

_You find that your personalities go together like freshly minted Legos.

_You can ensure "Competing for the shot" doesn't happen on your Big Day.

_Their posing style will be natural, and make you feel confident, and never leave you feeling flustered or like you have to divide your attention.

_Your final Photos and Videos will groove and match like the Olsen twins. (oh, the 90's are back that way?...)

_Their price is on par with the industry, but will make even the most frugal say, "That seems fair".

_They are One Team.

_They make the whole process simple.

Teamwork Makes Your Wedding Dreams Work!

Thank you for stopping by and reading. :)

Check out our Photo & Video galleries HERE!

Contact us today to book your wedding!

-Shelby and Rick.