Home Series: Tips for Family Portraits
Photoshoots that take place at home are an awesome idea on many levels. One’s house is a place of comfort, an escape from the "toils” of the outside world, a home for our pets, and a place of personal expression. For all of these reasons, one’s personal dwelling makes for an excellent location choice for a photoshoot. Regardless of the photographic genre - wedding, engagement, maternity, newborn, family, or content imagery - photographs taken at home are unique. This week, we are discussing six tips to keep in mind for family portrait sessions that occur at home.
Photoshoots that take place at home are an awesome idea on many levels. One’s house is a place of comfort, an escape from the "toils” of the outside world, a home for our pets, and a place of personal expression. For all of these reasons, one’s personal dwelling makes for an excellent location choice for a photoshoot. Regardless of the photographic genre - wedding, engagement, maternity, newborn, family, or content imagery - photographs taken at home are unique. This week, we are discussing five tips to keep in mind for family portrait sessions that occur at home.
1 — TIME — 1
Given the nature of photoshoots at home, we recommend starting out with a 90-minute session for family sessions. This will allow for enough time to capture photos both outside and inside the house. In many situations, I may also opt to move furniture or items on tops of tables around to avoid clutter and/or to ensure a nice colour scheme in the shot. If you have a large group of people, a 2 Hour session may also be recommended. This is to ensure that you also have time to take individual family photos alongside the big group family shots. If you’re opting for a photoshoot with 2 nearby locations and one of them is your house, a 2-Hour Session is highly recommended.
2 — HEARTH — 2
Consider having your picture taken in the room intended for gatherings. Why do I emphasize the word “intended”? How many of us having gorgeous living rooms with carefully thought out interior design but spend most of the time in the TV room? Chances are good that the room in your house that is intended for family time has a more artistically pleasing “look” to it. This room may also be a kitchen or the parlour - as my Aunt Mary would say.
3 — TEXTURE, PATTERN, & COLOUR — 3
A big question I get as a photographer has to do with textures, patterns, and colours. When selecting outfits for a large family or group photoshoot, you may want to go with a common colour. For example, if folks in the pictures had blue in their outfits. Consider the main colours that are in and around your home. Now consider the colour of the outfit you and others will be wearing during the shoot. Be sure to avoid clashing patterns, like two different plaids. Chances are good the two different patterns will not look great together when placed side-by-side. You may find interesting texture throughout the outfits but also look for texture on surfaces, such as walls or furniture.
4 — GARDEN — 4
If you know me personally, you know that I love to “tinker” in the garden. Gardens have a tendency to evoke poetic moments among families. When taking photographs in a garden, I strive to capture both candid moments as well as traditional portraits. If your garden has a particular colour scheme, consider how your outfit may look with that colour. If you do not have a personal garden, allow time to capture images outside around the house.
5 — GOLDEN HOUR LIGHT — 5
One of the best times of day to capture your photo shoot is during the golden hour. This timeframe refers to the first two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset. The golden hour provides light that is soft, which creates a flattering effect on skin tones. If you’re not able to schedule your photo session during this time, consider shooting indoors and/or finding shade.
Do you have any tips you’d like to submit? Or are you interested in booking a session? If so, feel free to reach out:
Senior Portrait: Carissa - Our Intern Graduated!
In the summer of 2017, I received the sweetest email from a young high-school student named, Carissa. She informed me that she was a student at Somersfield Academy, she was a big fan of Taylor Swift, and wanted to be a photographer. Carissa was quite firm on the latter; she asked me if I’d be interested in “taking her on” as an intern. I admired her enthusiasm (along with her excellent writing skills) and we linked up for coffee. Thus began her internship! Three years later, this young woman has graduated high school with honors. Carissa is a Freshman at Penn State, studying Photography and Marketing. I am beaming with excitement for her; Carrisa’s going to accomplish great things!
In the summer of 2017, I received the sweetest email from a young high-school student named, Carissa. She informed me that she was a student at Somersfield Academy, she was a big fan of Taylor Swift, and wanted to be a photographer. Carissa was quite firm on the latter; she asked me if I’d be interested in “taking her on” as an intern. I admired her enthusiasm (along with her excellent writing skills) and we linked up for coffee. Thus began her internship! Three years later, this young woman has graduated high school with honors. Carissa is a Freshman at Penn State, studying Photography and Marketing. I am beaming with excitement for her; Carrisa’s going to accomplish great things!
A New Year's Eve Wedding ~ Brianna & David
New Years Eve is one of the most romantic days to get married! David - our Scottish Groom - and Brianna - our Bermudian Bride - tied the knot on this very day one year ago! If you’re looking for a little “winter inspiration” for your wedding, be sure to check out the amazing color palette selected by these two.
New Years Eve is one of the most romantic days to get married! David - our Scottish Groom - and Brianna - our Bermudian Bride - tied the knot on this very day one year ago! If you’re looking for a little “winter inspiration” for your wedding, be sure to check out the amazing color palette selected by these two.
Photography: Fiander Foto | Decor: Ambiance Design Studio | Florals: Demco
Getting Ready: Fairmont Southampton | Group Photos Locations: Palm Grove Gardens
Ceremony Venue: Bermuda Aquarium | Reception Venue: The Dock at Waterlot Inn
Happy Holidays!
It’s the most magical time of the year - and - Jim and I would like to wish you and yours the happiest of holidays this year! 2020 has certainly been an interesting one and we want to thank all of our clients. Fiander Foto would not be the same without ya! We’re taking a little bit of time away from the office to enjoy the holidays with our family and friends. We’ll be away from our desk starting December 24, 2020 - January 4, 2021 - although - we will be checking our emails periodically. Please allow 3-4 days to respond during the holiday season. Enjoy the holiday season and stay safe. We’re looking forward to capturing many more memories in 2021!
~ Buon Natale a Tutti! ~
It’s the most magical time of the year - and - Jim and I would like to wish you and yours the happiest of holidays this year! 2020 has certainly been an interesting one and we want to thank all of our clients. Fiander Foto would not be the same without ya! We’re taking a little bit of time away from the office to enjoy the holidays with our family and friends. We’ll be away from our desk starting December 24, 2020 - January 4, 2021 - although - we will be checking our emails periodically. Please allow 3-4 days to respond during the holiday season.
Enjoy the holiday season and stay safe. We’re looking forward to capturing many more memories in 2021!
~ Buon Natale a Tutti! ~
How Popular is Your Wedding Date?
Couples pick their wedding dates based on a variety of reasons. Some may opt to get married during their favourite time of year, on their “dating” anniversary, over a holiday weekend, or on “numerically pleasing” date - like 2/21/21 or 12/21/21 or 2/22/22. Regardless of why couples select their wedding date, it’s important to remember that there are in fact “popular” wedding dates. Let’s check out some of the most sought-after dates for wedding celebrations in Bermuda.
Couples pick their wedding dates based on a variety of reasons. Some may opt to get married during their favourite time of year, on their “dating” anniversary, over a holiday weekend, or on “numerically pleasing” date - like 2-4-24 or 7-24-24. Regardless of why couples select their wedding date, it’s important to remember that there are in fact “popular” wedding dates. Let’s check out some of the most sought-after dates for wedding celebrations in Bermuda.
New Year’s Day - What better way to start the next chapter of your life than on the first day of a new year? We love photographing weddings on New Years Day for several reasons but mainly because everyone has a fresh outlook and is ready to welcome the couple into married life.
Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend - This holiday - celebrated on the 3rd Monday in January - honors the late great Dr. King. As this is a public holiday in the USA - it typically means an uptick in tourish as some folks have a day off of work. Planning a wedding over any holiday weekend makes it a little easier for couples to encourage their guests to attend their wedding. Thus - this holiday weekend usually yields a higher demand for photography.
Valentine’s Day - Regardless of the day of the week, this is always a popular day to tie the knot. If you’re looking to have Cupid be a part of your wedding, be sure to book your top choices early.
Date of the Month + Matching Year - Looking to get hitched on a cool “numerical date” for your anniversary? Example: April 24, 2024 (4/24/24) or May 5, 2025 - (5/5/25) Keep your eyes on these ones right here!
MARCH: Fridays - Sundays - You may think this month is not necessarily “known” for weddings, this is true. Each March, I have at least ONE weekend wedding during the month. If you’re planning to get married in March, you have a 75% chance of booking your desired weekend date and a 25% chance of not. When planning a wedding, why risk it? Book early and snag your date! Don’t forget - these percentages are based on weddings. Most photographers - similar to myself - shoot other projects this month. You may not be “competing” with another couple, but there will likely be other clients booking photographers this month.
Good Friday & Easter - With Good Friday being a public holiday in Bermuda and Easter being the “kick-off” of Spring (and school break), this weekend is notorious for wedding celebrations. Naturally, with this weekend being focused on religious holidays - couples are encouraged to book early.
APRIL - HOT MONTH - Fridays - Sundays: This is typically the start of wedding season. Couples who would like to hold their weddings on a weekend - either on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday should reserve as soon as possible.
MAY - HOT MONTH - Fridays - Sundays: The whole gosh darn month of May is busy - particularly on the weekends; Fridays - Sundays book very fast. May is the most popular wedding month out there across many locations. If you’re thinking of getting married during this time - reach out as soon as possible to reserve your date (or dates if you’ll also be opting to have a Welcome Dinner or Rehearsal Dinner captured).
Memorial Day & Bermuda Day - What better way to kick off the summer than with a wedding?! Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May and Bermuda Day is celebrated on the last Friday in May. With these two public holidays falling on back-to-back weekends, they’re not only the start of summer but also of the wedding season!
JUNE - HOT MONTH - Fridays - Sundays: You read that correctly; the whole gosh darn month of June - similar to May - is busy on the weekend. More specifically, Fridays - Sundays book very fast. June is a very popular wedding month; school has just let out and for any couples who are teachers and/or have kids - it’s a great month to book. If you’re thinking of getting married during this time - reach out as soon as possible to reserve your date (or dates if you’ll also be opting to have a Welcome Dinner or Rehearsal Dinner captured).
National Hero’s Day - This is a unique holiday in Bermuda that falls on the third Monday in June. Bermuda honours those on its list of official national heroes. This list contains a diverse array of men and women who have contributed to their territory’s welfare in a variety of ways.
Canada Day & Independence Day - As a photographer, this is one of my favourite times of the year for weddings! With Canada Day falling on July 1 and Independence Day on the 4th of July, couples from Canada and the USA can enjoy public holidays during the summer months to make travel easier for couples and guests. If you’re planning to wed any day between July 1 - July 10, book your vendors quick as this block of time is always busy.
JULY - HOT MONTH - Fridays - Sundays: July has increasingly become another “HOT MONTH” for weekend weddings. Similar to May & June, July is very busy Fridays - Sundays and these dates book quickly. Why do you ask? Notice how this paragraph is sandwiched between three holidays; Canada Day, the 4th of July, and Cup Match? (That’s why.) If you’re thinking of getting married on a weekend in July - we recommend booking well in advance!
Cup Match + Weekend - This is a two day holiday in Bermuda and is held on the Thursday and Friday that is closest to August 1st. The first day is known as “Emancipation Day” to remember the end of slavery. The second day is called “Somers Day”, which remembers the arrival of Sir George Somers in Bermuda in 1609. During this time, the island celebrates by watching cricket, camping, and swimming. The Saturday and Sunday directly following Cup Match also books quickly for weddings. With this long holiday / 4-day weekend, it is a very popular time for couples to get hitched. This is when my husband, Jim, and I tied the knot. We had a few days off of from work and our guests who had flown in from the States, Canada, and Italy all had some time to enjoy Cup Match while they were in Bermuda.
AUGUST - HOT MONTH - Fridays - Sundays: August is also a “HOT MONTH” for weekend weddings. Similar to May > July is very busy Fridays - Sundays and these dates book quickly. Why do you ask? This is a time of year where a lot of families can take time off from work; school is out - camp is over - and it’s a great time of year to plan a wedding.
Labour Day - With the end of Summer, we have one of my favourite public holidays and you guessed it - another great weekend for a wedding ceremony! This is one of the most sought after weekends for weddings because it’s a holiday that’s recognized in Canada, the USA, and Bermuda.
Columbus Day & Veterans Day - As we move into the beautiful fall months, Columbus Day and Veterans Day soon follow. Although not all schools and companies offer time off for these two public holidays, they tend to book quickly for any couples looking to get married during the fall season.
Thanksgiving - by this point in the blog post, you’ve guessed it; another holiday weekend that is busy because many gusts will have time off of work and the kids will be out of school. This is a lovely time of year to get married; the idea of “gathering together” is already in people’s minds. And what more to be thankful for than your future spouse! If you have your eye on this weekend - don’t delay in reaching out!
New Year’s Eve - This is a very romantic day to have a wedding - and - it’s safe to say that the couple and their guests will have the following day off!
Putting holidays and cool numerical dates aside - if you’re getting married on a Saturday - any Saturday during the year - consider your wedding date in high demand. Fridays and Sundays are the “next in line” for popular wedding day options. When considering dates for your wedding, also consider the dates for your Welcome and/or Rehearsal Dinner. If you’re debating booking a particular venue or vendor on a popular date or weekend - be sure to book fast so you can have your top choice!
Destination Wedding Etiquette Tips for the Modern Couple & Guests
Whether you’re the couple getting married or the guest attending a destination wedding, it’s important to understand the etiquette. Planning a wedding is like naming a baby; everyone has an opinion. With that in mind - sit down, grab a cuppa, get cosy, and check out some of Fiander Foto’s tips for destination wedding etiquette for the modern couple and guests of…
Whether you’re the couple getting married or the guest attending a destination wedding, it’s important to understand the etiquette. Planning a wedding is like naming a baby; everyone has an opinion. With that in mind - sit down, grab a cuppa, get cosy, and check out some of Fiander Foto’s tips for destination wedding etiquette for the modern couple and guests of:
1. Wedding Size - Before creating an invite list, couples should decide if they want a small or big wedding; if they want to elope or to invite guests. A Civil Ceremony may be planned first and a larger ceremony later. For all guests of the wedding - including the parents and in-laws - it’s important to note that this decision lies with the couple. Even if the couple elopes, there is still etiquette to follow for family and friends.
2. The Location of the Wedding - When selecting a location, consider where the majority of the guests live and the travel that will be involved. The cost of travelling to a location is key but also question if anyone has mobility issues; will they be able to physically travel to the location?
3. Save the Dates & Invites - For destination weddings, the Save-the-Dates can be sent anywhere from eight to six months in advance. Formal invites should follow between five to three months before the big day. Allow your guests time to take off from work and make travel plans. If you’ve received an invitation, be sure to RSVP well in advance.
4. Guests of Guests - For the couple, be clear about who exactly is invited to the wedding by including their names on the invitations. If sending to a married or engaged couple, add both names. If those invited have children, decide on whether or not to include them. If inviting someone single, be clear on if a “plus one” has been extended. If you’ve received an invite and you’re single, do not assume this means you get a plus one. Also, don’t assume the invite means you can bring your children as some weddings are for adults only.
5. Wedding Website - In today’s modern world, everything is online. Why? So it does not get lost. Couples: along with your Save-the-Dates and Invites create a website that houses everything: date, time, locations, and any gift registry information. Create a page for any activities planned like the rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, and/or a farewell brunch. Although a word to the wise: don’t plan too much. Your guests have taken time out to attend your wedding and to also visit the destination. Suggest a few tourist spots your guests may like and allow them free time for them to explore on their own.
6. Say Thank You - This one may go without saying - but - in our fast-paced world, it can be easy to forget these two little words. For the couple, be sure to thank your guests for coming to your destination wedding. Many of them have spent a lot of money and taken time off of work or school to attend your special day. Particularly for those who have limited vacation days during a year, it’s important for the couple to express their gratitude. For the guests, thank the newly weddings for including you. When creating their guests’ list - they collectively decided they wanted you at their side. A few great ways to say thank you: hand-written notes, welcome bags, small gifts for each guest, or my personal favourite - take 10 minutes on your wedding day to capture a big group shot! This is always a fun moment to photograph and guests can opt to print and frame it when they return home; a great way to remember the wedding!
7. The Professional Guest - Attending a wedding is similar to going to a job interview except with more champagne. Be On-Time - Respect the couples’ planning efforts and don’t to be rude by arriving late or leaving early. Leave Work Behind - Activate an auto-reply email notifying colleagues or clients that you’re out of the office and be sure to silence cell phones at the wedding. Don’t Get in the Photographers’ Way - the couple has selected their photographer (and paid handsomely for) for a variety of reasons but mostly relating to the way the photographer style. Avoid stepping in front of the photographer (particularly during the ceremony) and using a flash (which may interfere with the photographer’s lighting gear). Dress Appropriately - When selecting an outfit as a guest, remember it’s the couples’ day, not yours. Guests should not “upstage” the couple when it comes to clothing. Drinking Too Much - The bar may be open and the drinks may be flowing, although it’s a good idea for guests to pace themselves. Avoid passing out before the night is over.
8. Be Present and Have Fun - For both the couple and the guests, be sure to “mentally” put aside anything that you may be worried about that is not related to the wedding. We all have a lot on our minds - whether these things are related to work, school, family, and/or friends. Once you arrive at the destination wedding, be present and enjoy the moment!
Podcast: The Wedding Dish
I had an awesome time chatting with Sara from The Wedding Dish podcast, which was co-hosted by Vanessa from Little Black Book and Erin from Mabely Q! All three of these amazing ladies are from the Washington DC area - my hometown - and work within the wedding industry. We got together to talk about the ups and downs of the destination photography business - particularly during a pandemic!
I had an awesome time chatting with Sara from The Wedding Dish podcast, which was co-hosted by Vanessa from Little Black Book and Erin from Mabely Q! All three of these amazing ladies are from the Washington DC area - my hometown - and work within the wedding industry. We got together to talk about the ups and downs of the destination photography business - particularly during a pandemic!
Holiday Parties: Now Booking
The Holidays are fast approaching; can you believe it? 2020 has been one heck of a year and I think it’s fair to say, we all deserve a little break… a safe - socially distanced break - but, a break nonetheless. With that in mind, we’re offering a sweet deal on bookings for upcoming Holiday Parties! Check out these awesome package deals noted below. If you don’t see a package that suits your party - fear not - we can also create a custom package for you!
The Holidays are fast approaching; can you believe it? 2020 has been one heck of a year and I think it’s fair to say: we all deserve a little break… a safe - socially distanced break - but - a break nonetheless! With that in mind, we’re offering sweet deals on photo packages for Corporate and Private Holiday Parties! Check out our awesome package deals below. If you don’t see a package that suits your party - fear not - we can also create a custom package for you!
“Three French Hens” Package
3 Hours of Event Photo Coverage
(Edited High-Res Files delivered via Online Gallery)
2 Hours of Photo Booth or Live Booth
(Images delivered to Guests’ Cell Phones / Online Gallery)
$2475 (with PB) / $2675 (with LB)
“Two Turtle Doves” Package
2 Hours of Event Photo Coverage
(Edited High-Res Files delivered via Online Gallery)
1 Hour of Photo Booth (PB) or Live Booth (LB)
(Images delivered to Guests’ Cell Phones / Online Gallery)
$1690 (with PB) / $1890 (with LB)
“Partridge in Pear Tree” Package
1 Hour of Event Photo Coverage
(Edited High-Res Files delivered via Online Gallery)
1 Hour of Photo Booth (PB) or Live Booth (LB)
(Images delivered to Guests’ Cell Phones / Online Gallery)
$1300 (with PB) / $1500 (with LB)
“Golden Ring” Package
2 Hours of Live Booth
(Images delivered via Online Gallery within 48 hours)
$800
“Swans A-Swimming” Package
2 Hours of Photo Booth
(Images delivered to Guests’ Cell Phones + Online Gallery w/ all Images)
$600
I’d love to hear more about what you have planned for your holiday party! Before selecting a holiday photo package, let’s check out our online Event Client Questionnaire. Please click on the button below to access the Questionnaire:
Wedding: Cindy & Tyler - Hawkins Island
Wedding Wednesday ~ I had a great time photographing Cindy and Tyler’s wedding at Hawkins Island in Bermuda. If you’re looking for some “private island” wedding inspiration - this is the wedding you’ll want to check out!
Photography: Fiander Foto | Venue: Hawkins Island
Wedding Planner & Decor: Das Fete | Florals: Flowers by GIMI
Hair: Hair by Pia | Make-Up: Lacquered BDA
Wedding Photography Pricing & Payments Explained
As the Fall Season is upon us (hello gorgeous golden leaves and pumpkins) so is Wedding Booking Season! With that, I wanted to offer a few pointers to consider when choosing a wedding photographer and package. Have you ever been shoppin’ around for a wedding photographer and the price tag “freaked you out” a bit? When Jim and I were planning our own wedding in 2013, we went through the exact same thing - even with me knowing about all the hard work that goes into wedding photography. The truth is - - shooting the actual wedding is only a fraction of the work done. In fact, a good portion of the work occurs before the actual wedding day. This article is intended to help bridge the gap between photographers and clients when it comes to pricing and payments.
As the Fall Season is upon us (hello gorgeous golden leaves and pumpkins) so is Wedding Booking Season! With that, I wanted to offer a few pointers to consider when choosing a wedding photographer and package. Have you ever been shoppin’ around for a wedding photographer and the price tag “freaked you out” a bit? When Jim and I were planning our own wedding in 2013, we went through the exact same thing - even with me knowing about all the hard work that goes into wedding photography. The truth is - - shooting the actual wedding is only a fraction of the work done. In fact, a good portion of the work occurs before the actual wedding day. This article is intended to help inform clients on how their money is invested when it comes to pricing, payment plans, and wedding photography.
Let’s take a look at how the hours might be broken down for a Full Day Wedding Photo Package that comes with Pre-Wedding Photos, such as an Engagement Session or Rehearsal Dinner Coverage, 8-10 Hours of shooting on the wedding day, and an Album. A “Full Day Wedding Photo Package” typically includes between 55-60 hours of work in total, with roughly 20-25 hours occurring before the wedding day itself. On that note - did you ever wonder what your initial payments go towards?
Consider the time the photographer spends engaging with you before the big day: email correspondence, phone calls and texts to the couple, venue, vendors, and wedding planners, the preparation of invoices, receipts, and contracts, etc. On average, a professional photographer’s admin fee may be between $120-$130/hour; multiple that by the hours spent before the wedding and this may be equal or close to your initial payment.
Then of course, there is the obvious - your initial payment also goes towards the photographer and assistant reserving two dates (pre-wedding shoot and wedding day) on their calendar thus declining future bookings that will likely fall on the same dates. This is particularly important for weddings that fall on a weekend (as most do) - especially those that fall on a holiday weekends. When a booking is made and a contract is signed, the photographer is agreeing to decline any additional income for those dates.
Let’s divide the total cost of your Full Day Wedding Photography Package by 55 or 60; from here - we get an idea of what the photographer’s hourly rate may be. If a Sale or a Discount was given, do not factor that in as it does not reflect the hours that will be worked by the photographer. Compare this hourly rate to what you may pay for different services, such as for a specialized appliance technician ($125-150/hour), a boat mechanic or detailer ($75-200/hour), for a lawyer ($250-500/hour), etc. Naturally, each clients’ wedding package is a little different - although - this gives you an idea. And it may go without saying… although the prices of wedding photography will be different depending on the market and location.
The other thing to consider when booking a photographer is their education, experience, gear, and professional business status. Does the photographer you’re considering have a degree in the field - or - relevant experience in the field? How long has the photographer been shooting weddings? Do they use professional gear? Is the photographer running a professional and legal business? Do they work with an assistant or an associate? Let’s take a look at the cost break down of these topics - and remember, self-employed photographers do not have a company paying for half of their benefits.
One thing that money cannot measure is simply this: do you like this wedding photographer’s style? Were you happy with their overall portfolio and online presence? Do they have a good “track record” - in other words - have you read their online reviews and/or was the photographer recommended to you by someone? Is the photographer’s price within your budget? Do you find their communication skills are strong? After the initial consultation meeting(s), do you like this photographer as a person? Can you see yourself spending your whole wedding day with them? Can you see yourself working with them during the album creation? If so - I say, go for it! Book the photographer of your dreams to capture this very special time in your lives. After all - the images will be looked at for generations to come.