victoria_harding_wakeen

<p><img src="file:///D:/DocumentsandSettings/Chris/Desktop/DSC_0039%20600%20Pixels.jpg" alt=""/></p>

<p>Nikon D2X. ISO 200, 1/320 at f/4.5. Nikkor AF-S 17-55 f/2.8 ED IF DX. Available light. Slightly enhanced using PS CS4 and Kubota action KPD Hollywood Intensity.</p>

<p>Chris:<br>

My husband and I <em>HAVE </em>met Nadine and we <em>WERE </em>married near San Francisco in August. She shot our wedding and we were <strong>super </strong>happy with the results! We are "discerning" too -- hubby is a full-time wedding shooter and I assist! Please check her out - I hope she has your friend's date available.<br>

Vickie</p>

<p>Andrew: In response to your last question ... <em>Finally, just for the hell of it, who would you consider an accomplished wedding photographer? Location doesn't matter, this is just for curiosity's sake ... </em>I would argue that MANY of the posters on this forum are "accomplished" wedding photographers, but as one such example of one of <em>my </em>personal favorites, you could check out David Ziser. There are SO many great wedding shooters and being "accomplished" could be considered a subjective term. If you're trying to get an idea of your personal photographic taste, visit several sites of photogs ... PPA.com offers "Find a Photographer".</p>

<p>Wow! There are some really talented folks on this forum, yes?! First off, a HUGE thanks to Nadine for being our super-talented, kind, and fun-to-work-with photographer! We're forever indebted to you, and we're thrilled with all the shots you took, Nadine.<br>

Chris' favorite here is the 'stepping off the page' look by Danzel (cool!) and that was seconded by a couple of friends of ours. I (Victoria) have a hard time choosing because they are all so different, but I also really like the high contrast/color-processed grass by Alexander, the 'new sky' put in by Rodney (awesome), and the faded photo look by Blair. Great ideas everyone, you are all very creative and inspirational!</p>

<p>I'd be interested to see any recent photos that Nadine may have to contribute ... anyone else agree? Or does that not jive with expected protocol?</p>

<p>Hi Kristen: I'd like to add that you might also want to recommend another wedding/event photographer whose work and work ethic you admire, and then pass along their card to the potential client ... this way you maintain your good customer relations as well as gain much appreciation from colleagues who may not yet be as lucrative as you've been.</p>

<p>I <em>really </em>like your tweeks Simon ... I find this one to be the most visually interesting of all. There's something so ethereal, something more timeless, about your version. Perhaps it's because it's got more of a sepia quality to it. I also like not seeing the empty space to bride's right ... for me it was almost "scary", as if she may fall off! That's just me - I'm afraid of heights.</p>

<p>I too am deeply grateful to all the professionals who add their comments/advice/critique because I want to learn so much! If it weren't for this forum I don't think I'd have been able to tap into the psyche of the professional wedding photographer, even being engaged to one! I have my "favorites" already, after a few short months, and soak up your advices like a sponge. I've even come to learn what style of photography really attracts me and offers me hope that one day I'll be a strong second shooter and right-hand gal to my husband. And might I add, among many others', I love your work Melissa Papaj ... you truly inspire me! It's great to connect so easily to other photogs around the globe!</p>

<p>Hi Brian ~ I thought you might care to hear another woman's point of view. I was a tad surprised when I read your question because if the situation were to happen in my household, I would not have contacted my spouse. I would have first looked for emotional support from my mom, a friend, a neighbor. My soon-to-be husband/photographer takes his work seriously and if I were to distract him with such upsetting news it would definitely affect his work and perhaps jeopardize his ability to carry on professionally and keep his client happy. My take on this was that maybe this is your first child (?), and maybe you and your wife could talk about how to handle these types of situations should they arise again. A photo shoot is a commitment and to leave in the middle or to rush through it due to a perceived emergency can really reflect poorly on the photog's reputation. Just my 2 cents ... wishing you well.</p>

<p>Thank you everyone - there's some really good information here! I've got lots to think about. I'm beginning to like your idea Vail, about putting a couple photos in an envelope and having him go look and choose. Thanks too Senor C. for your input on tax deductibility -- giving him the money to purchase it directly would be wise! He currently uses a PC (as do I), so there would be somewhat of a learning curve, but he has mentioned several times that if money weren't an object, he'd go to a Mac. Right now, money <em>is </em>an object since we're paying for our wedding/honeymoon expenses -- btw, eloping in July to Napa Valley and having a private ceremony overlooking the vineyards of Calistoga! Anyone out there wanna offer their services pro bono? nah, didn't think so .... I truly appreciate everyone's involvement in this forum, you've been a world of help.</p>

<p>Never thought about the "war" issue, ha, ha ... but seriously, I'd like to hear from current users to know why they chose what they did, (the model) and how it's working out for them. My guy currently uses MS but would <em>love </em>to go Mac, alas, with the economy the way it is, for now we'll stick with what we know.</p>

<p>Hi folks -- my fiancé is a wedding photog. (Massachusetts) with over ten years of experience and we're on the threshold of tying the knot ourselves. I've been thinking of getting him a laptop as a wedding gift as he doesn't yet have one, and I wanted to know your preferences ... I'm hoping he'll eventually want to use it to display ceremony images at the end of the receptions he shoots, so quality and functionality is a consideration. So is price -- at this point I can only go more 'low-to-middle' end. He shoots only Nikon ... can anyone offer any recommendations? Thanks!</p>

<p>As another 'newbie', I second that motion!</p>

<p>Thanks to everyone ... you've made some really great points here (and points that I was <em>hoping </em>to hear!). Having very little photographic experience, but a fair amount of business experience, I'm now hopeful that I will be an asset to my soon-to-be husband's business. He says I inspire him with my enthusiasm, so that's a feather in my cap, right?! Thanks for all your input. I'm now more than eager to attend the next PPA seminar this May in Boston! Have a great day all.</p>

<p>Greetings -- I've been reading various posts here for many months as I am about to be married to a professional (full-time) wedding photog and want to assist my husband in his business. (potential 2nd shooter and the business side). We are both approaching 50 and I've been wondering if anyone could offer thoughts on getting older in this business -- do you find that younger couples tend to choose younger photogs, and that maybe you're losing jobs to more "hip" vendors ... or is age not really a factor, and it all depends on your creative skills and marketing savvy? Thanks everybody.</p>