Award - PDN | "Celebrations"
I was super stoked (and a bit shocked) to receive an e-mail from Photo District News notifying me that I was one of their winners in this year’s “Celebrations” contest! This competition was centered on how we – as humans - celebrate private events, weddings, cultural events, corporate gatherings, and holidays. I took this as an opportunity to consider the work I shoot of my own family (vs. the images I usually take of my clients' families) and submitted a photograph I took of my husband, Jim, sitting at my Grampie’s Christmas dinner table for the first time. Many celebrations have occurred around this table over the years, Birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, Mother's, and Father's Day. It was extra special to introduce Jim to our family’s Christmas dinner tradition.
I was super stoked to receive an e-mail from Photo District News notifying me that I was one of their winners in this year’s “Celebrations” contest! This competition was centered on how we – as humans - celebrate private events, weddings, cultural events, corporate gatherings, and holidays. I took this as an opportunity to submit the work I shoot of my own family (vs. the images I usually take of my clients' families) and sent in a photograph I took of my husband, Jim, sitting at my Grampie’s Christmas dinner table for the first time. Many celebrations have occurred around this table over the years, Birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, Mother's, and Father's Day. It was extra special to introduce Jim to our family’s Christmas dinner tradition.
My grandfather, Leo, lives in Sykesville, Maryland in a house that was built in 1895. My late grandmother’s taste and décor still radiates throughout the home: wallpaper adorned with flowers and birds, lace tablecloths, hand knitted kettle covers, and wooden cabinets with a beautiful collection of bone china and dishware. As we – the “kids” in the family – have grown older and moved further away; our Christmas dinner has scaled down a bit. The time we spend together now is more precious than ever. To get a peak at our full Christmas story, click “here”! (...because… Christmas stories in May – why not, right?)
Bermuda Wedding Expo: Free Photos & Engagement Shoot Winners
I had a great time at the Orchid Spa Wedding Expo in Bermuda at the Fairmont Southampton! Many thanks to everyone who stopped by the Fiander Foto booth! It was fun to speak with folks about their upcoming wedding plans and enjoyed hearing about stories of how a couple met, where they are from, and what brought them to the expo. My assistant, Cathie, and I had an opportunity to chat with folks not only from Bermuda but also from Poland, the USA, the UK, Italy, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and China. Being born and raised in the Washington D.C. area, it was extra special to meet a fellow D.C. Football Fan at the expo! (#HTTR!)
I had a great time at the Orchid Spa Wedding Expo in Bermuda at the Fairmont Southampton! Many thanks to everyone who stopped by the Fiander Foto booth! It was fun to speak with folks about their upcoming wedding plans and enjoyed hearing about stories of how a couple met, where they are from, and what brought them to the expo. My assistant, Cathie, and I had an opportunity to chat with folks not only from Bermuda but also from Poland, the USA, the UK, Italy, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and China. Being born and raised in the Washington D.C. area, it was extra special to meet a fellow D.C. Football Fan at the expo! (#HTTR!)
One of the things that made the expo so memorable for me this year was taking everyone's photo who stopped by the booth. Please feel free to download your free photo(s) from the expo, please click "here"! Each year, I also hold a raffle at the expo for a free one-hour engagement shoot! Usually, I pull a few names out of the jar! (Why not, right?) A very special congrats to our "2017 Free Engagement Shoot Winners"! Details have been sent via e-mail! (If you didn't notice the e-mail in your inbox, please be sure to check the "Promotional" section of Gmail and/or Spam.)
Free Engagement Shoot:
Lisa Horton • Joseph Best
Free Engagement Shoot with any "Wedding Day Package" Booking:
Anneli Christiansson • Stephanie King • Nancy Wong • Andrea Jackson
First Look: Why Book?
There are two schools of thought on First Look Photos; the traditional and the non-traditional, both of which are absolutely fine! If your soon to be spouse does not want to see you before the wedding – fair enough – you may not want to include First Look photos as a part of your wedding day. Although, if you’re considering carving out a bit of time for a First Look photo shoot, consider the following: a lot of time and preparation goes into getting ready for one's wedding. Why not set aside a bit of time to enjoy the first time you see your soon to be spouse?
There are two schools of thought on First Look Photos; the traditional and the non-traditional, both of which are absolutely fine! If your soon to be spouse does not want to see you before the wedding – fair enough – you may not want to include First Look photos as a part of your wedding day. Although, if you’re considering carving out a bit of time for a First Look photo shoot, you may want to consider the following thoughts!
Let’s start with the basics: what is a “First Look” photo shoot you ask? It’s the first time your fiancé sees you on your wedding day. In many situations, the groom will be facing the opposite direction of where the bride will enter. Photographs are taken of the bride approaching the groom. With a tap on the shoulder – or a hug from behind – the two finally lock eyes!
Pat and Sarah opted to have a First Look photo shoot as part of their day in Annapolis, Maryland! This was particularly a special moment because as Sarah began to walk towards Pat, the sun finally peaked out from behind the clouds! (Notice the shadows on the ground below?)
What happened was simply adorable... Sarah skipped the "tap on the shoulder" option as she said hello to her groom! The best advice I can give to a couple to ensure their wedding photos are strong: keep it fun and relaxed!
Ideally, these photographs should be taken with just the couple, the photographer, and videographer present. Tell your folks and your bridal party, “check you later” – this is your time to sneak a peak at the love of your life before you say, “I do”! Chances are good that it will be the only part of your wedding day when you get to have a few moments alone with your fiancé.
After taking photos of the initial reaction and emotional response to seeing one another, it’s a great time to take both candid and fun bridal portraits! What I loved about photographing Pat and Sarah's First Look Shoot was that it took place only a few blocks away from where Pat's parents got married! Not to mention that both of them were wearing Converse Sneakers for their official wedding shoes - which were a wedding gift for Pat! How "Rock 'n' Roll"!
Typically, a Frist Look is scheduled two hours before the actual ceremony, which leaves time to also take candid and fun family or bridal party photos afterwards. Some couples prefer to take these photos after the First Look and before the ceremony so they can enjoy the cocktail hour with their guests. Photographing a couple mingling and greeting their guests during the cocktail hour is a great time for photojournalistic shots!
Feature - How They Asked by The Knot | "Emily & Josh"
I'm very excited to announce that the proposal photos I took of Emily & Josh have made their way to "How They Asked by The Knot". To check out the story on How They Asked, click "here". In the article, Emily goes on to say, “It was Josh’s consideration and care that I fell in love with. It was our easy banter, hilarious red-carpet commentary (or at least we thought we were Abbot and Costello), and the discovery of all we had in common that resulted in two years of happiness! We realized for the first time that it really is possible to fall in love with your best friend.”
These two are too cute... and may "break" the internet! Congrats again to the love birds!
Valentine's Day Print Sale!
My favorite holiday is fast approaching: Valentine's Day! Help spread the love by ordering a print or canvas wrap for someone special in your life! Save 30% on these items from your client gallery when you use the promo code: "VDAY2017". The offer is valid until February 15th!
2017 Weddings: Book Now to Save
The winter holiday season is always an exciting one: full of love, laughter, and a few engagements! If you’re looking “to get hitched” in 2017, be sure to reserve your date and book before January 15th for the 2016 rates! E-mail Melanie for details: info@fianderfoto.com.
2016: A Year in Review
Happy New Year to everyone! 2016 was a great year for Fiander Foto! I was able to photograph a few weddings, engagements, bridal portraits, family portraits, events, maternity, newborns, and a live birth! I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to my clients. Many thanks for letting me capture those special moments in your life – it was a blast! Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year!
Happy New Year to everyone! 2016 was a great year for Fiander Foto! I was able to photograph a few weddings, engagements, bridal portraits, family portraits, events, maternity, newborns, and a live birth! I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to my clients. Many thanks for letting me capture those special moments in your life – it was a blast! Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year!
...and a very special thank you to my loving husband Jim West, who is also my assistant! Jim is either operating lighting gear in the wind - as you see pictured above - helping me carry heavy equipment, or making one of my clients laugh. I even witnessed him taking a few of his own photos at a Rehearsal Dinner this fall!
Rehearsal Dinner: Joanna & Alec
Happy Wedding Day to Joanna and Alec! I had a great time photographing their Rehearsal Dinner last night at Elbow Beach and am really looking forward to shooting their wedding today! Special congrats to the two lovebirds!
Mini Sessions: BDA, NYC, and DC
In celebration of the fall months - I'm going on a "photo tour"! I'll be hosting mini sessions in Bermuda, New York City, and Washington DC! Packages start at $150 and include 20 minutes of shooting, 15 high-resolution images - delivered within five business days, and an online gallery for print orders and social media sharing.
Bermuda's mini sessions will be held on Saturday, October 15th at the Arboretum in Devonshire. Mini sessions for New York City will be held in Prospect Park in Brooklyn on November 19th and for the Washington D.C. area, the sessions will be held on Sunday, November 27th at Great Falls Park in Maryland.
Limited time slots are available and appointments will be made on a first come, first serve basis. Custom packages are also available.
Click on your city below to sign up for a session.
Wedding Day: Dan & Michi
The day is finally here – and although we could not make the wedding – we’d like to send a special “shout out” to Dan and Michi on their Wedding Day! As you walk down the road of life together, may your lives continue to grow in love and happiness! xo Mel & Jim xo
