Blog
It's not en vogue for photographers to talk politics. Frankly, we don't care. In today's political climate, where entire ethnic groups are derided by people we'd elected to represent us, it's upon us to show that we have an excellent community because of wonderful people like Ana.
Ana is a DREAMER.
It was our honor to sponsor this project for Mid-Columbia Libraries. Please enjoy learning about Ana — a truly valued part of our community.
Sometimes, a couple comes along that provides inspiration throughout the year.
Miranda & Zachary is that couple.
The Red Barn Farm in Redmond, WA was a new venue to us. (We love shooting at new locations.) It was November west of the mountains, so we were nervous we'd be stuck inside all day. Nope! We were treated to awesome light throughout the day.
But ultimately, it's about the couple. When people relax and are themselves — it really shines through. Enjoy!
Mid-Columbia Libraries somehow managed to bring in Alexander McCall Smith — author of best-selling book series like The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. They hosted him at Columbia Basin College, and it was packed — it seemed like every Tri-Citian showed up.
And we got to film it!
by Ryan Scott, owner of Firefly photography and cinematography
You're not buying a house, but some research will go a long way. Here are 11 tips to finding great photographers (and cinematographers).
“The photos are amazing! It’s been so fun to relive the day. Thank you for capturing so many special moments and helping to make our day so special.”
“We watch our wedding movie on every anniversary — and anytime I need to be cheered up.”
Are their clients happy? Look for quotes on photographers’ web sites — experienced photographers will have loads of shiny quotes. And here’s a tip — ask other professionals what they think of the photographer. If you don’t hear glowing reviews, there’s a reason.
2. Check their Results
Do you like their online portfolio? If you’re not immediately impressed, move on. But be sure to check out lots of their photos before making your final decision. Ask to see what a full wedding delivery looks like — there should be hundreds and hundreds of photos. Some should be documentary (family photos), some should be candids of guests smiling naturally, some should include just details (shoes, rings), and some should knock your socks off!
Do they return your emails/texts/calls right away? Expect to hear back the same day if it’s during normal work hours. If they take more than a day to answer back, they don’t care enough about getting your business, and it’s a red flag for problems to come. (We know a couple whose photographer took a year to get them their photos. Ouch! And their cinematographer took two years to get them their video. Double Ouch!)
I’ve spoken to other photographers who charge $1500 just for the “CD of photos.” Why do they charge so much? Because then they’ll have to edit way more photos. If you come across a photographer who does this practice — holding your photos hostage for more payment — move along. Don’t you want all your photos? Getting the Artistic Release means you can post them on facebook, create your own prints, canvases, thank-you cards, etc. It’s very important.
Editing is intensely time-consuming, and not all photographers choose to edit as much as they should. Do they whiten teeth? If a bridesmaid has a bad blemish day, will they fix it? Color corrections? Good photographers will edit every photo in some way. Over half the work is in the editing room…or at least it should be. Ask your potential photographer how much editing they’ll do for you.
We’ve used two photographers at every wedding since day one. Why? So many reasons! You get more photos. It goes faster — one photographer poses people while the other gets the shots. They don’t have to move around as much during the ceremony. You get better photos — photography is an art as much as science, and it’s easier to create art when we’re relaxed; having two photographers puts both photographers more at ease knowing that everything will be captured. They can divide and conquer — while the bride and groom are getting ready, one can be with each. And my favorite — you get much better candid photos — people find it’s easy to hide from one photographer; when they see two, they give up and have a good time!
7. Check out their style — and make a request
If you like a photographer’s style, great! But did you know you can ask photographers for a different look? You may request a “vintage style,” more photos in black and white, eye-popping color, and more. (Most of this happens in the editing room.) The photographer can tell you if they have experience with various styles — and good photographers will provide examples.
I’ve shot hundreds of weddings, and can say we’ve had only one bad incident. (We shot video while working with an unknown photographer. I wanted that day over as soon as we met her. She felt clearly threatened by having other photographers in her presence.)
Ideally, the company you find shoots photography AND cinematography. At Firefly we have two photographers and two cinematographers shooting simultaneously. We’ve all worked together for years, so there’s no threat of a miscommunication. And we all wear headsets to communicate silently with each other. Think about it — if the cinematographer doesn’t communicate with the photographer, they’ll constantly be in each other’s shots.
Again, ask other professionals what they think of your potential photographer (even other photographers) — it’s a huge indication of what to expect. So when you visit with your caterer, ask them what they think of various photographers.
I recommend you meet with your potential photographer. (We often travel to weddings, so it’s not always possible.) But it’s important to assess whether the photographer is serious about their work, serious about you, and relaxed enough to bring out the best in their subjects.
We had 8 requests for a single date last year. If your date is proper wedding season (May-Oct), book early. If you haven’t set a date, consider a Friday or Sunday wedding. These days are so much less popular that you can essentially choose every vendor you want — photographer, cinematographer, caterer, florist, dj, officiant, wedding planner, etc.
10. How many photos?
We’re often asked how many photos to expect. It depends on how much is going on, of course, but I would expect to get between 40 photos per hour of shooting. If you find a company that provides two photographers, then expect closer to 75 photos per hour of shooting.
We don’t recommend booking us if that means you can’t afford table linens. Don’t book an overly-expensive photographer if it means you can’t get a good location for them to work. Even the best photographer can’t make a dull cafeteria look appealing. But at the wedding’s end, you’ll have just your photos (and movie, if you can afford it), so if you’re going to splurge somewhere, this would be the time.
We were honored to film the vast procession and ceremonies for Sergeant Chris Vowels — a beloved member of the Richland Police Department.
It helps to have a gorgeous backdrop like Tsillan Cellars in Chelan, WA — but this couple would have shone just as brightly without it. Their love, and the love they share with their families, was evident throughout the day.
Check out this adorable couple. We're so glad they chose Firefly to shoot their wedding!
We'd been told that quinceañeras are similar to weddings. We did our research, learning about the traditions and expectations of the day. But we were surprised to find that Sarahi — the newly-minted 15-year-old — was mature beyond her years. Her speech — which she performed without notes — was heartfelt and captivating. You really get the sense that she's surrounded by loving people, and she credits their assistance for her well being.
We got to shoot it at Bennett Botanical Gardens in Hermiston, OR. It's a wonderful venue, and we'd recommend it for weddings of various sizes, too.
So much happens at a quinceañera. The choreographed dance was fun to film and edit. The ceremony was beautiful. Heck, even the chairs were placed to create a "15" as seen from above.
Good thing we got a drone shot!
Would you have guessed that this wedding was in Chehalis, WA?
Amanda & Anthony were fortunate to have a new wedding venue open just in time for their wedding. And it's decked out. (Check out that indoor drone shot!)
Their day was elegant, but that didn't keep them from letting loose. Check out their band — Dance Machine PDX — they were amazing with non-stop energy!
They're such a great couple. We're so glad we got to capture their day!
We love a good country wedding. Brittany & Josh split the distance from their home towns to marry in The Dalles, OR. An overcast day didn't dim their spirits, and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center made for a splendid backdrop for their nuptials.
The staff at the Discover Center were wonderful to work alongside; we'd like to thank them for being inviting and helpful.
And a blindfold for the first look? We love that kind of stuff.
We had the privilege of shooting Cassie & Alex's wedding years ago. And we loved the chance to revisit with them — and revisiting the site of their wedding photos — but this time, with a new addition to the family.
Introducing Clara, now celebrating her first birthday.
No, we didn't just buy and photograph a doll.
This sweet girl did great throughout the shoot. And that's a credit to her parents, who ensured nap time went well beforehand — nap time is the #1 factor in deciding how well a child will do.
