I met Elizabeth Etienne several years ago, when I was living in LA.  She’s an amazing award-winning photographer with 23 years of experience to back her up.    This past February we were able to talk her into speaking at WPPI.  Her work has been compared to Joyce Tenneson’s from the fine art perspective, but to me, even though several of her images proudly hang on the walls of my home, her real strength is in paying attention to the mindset of her clients. 

She’s still a solid film shooter with an incredible respect for the craft – and in my opinion, because she knows what she’s doing technically, she captures the image dead on, so they’re clean, right out of the can.   She’s not wasting a lot of time working in Photoshop to clean up images for final presentation, which gives her time to create beautiful albums and tell the story for her clients. 

You might want to check out an article she did for Rangefinder Magazine on binding your own books.  Her presentations are absolutely stunning!

EE bio replacment

 

Shooting a wedding is NOT for “every” photographer. Success comes with the ability to wear many hats, and multi-task like a pro under pressure. Wedding photographers must be totally prepared mentally, physically and emotionally for the long day ahead.

 

 

1) PSCHYOLOGIST + COUNSELLOR + SOCIAL BUTTERFLY = YOU:

• Listen carefully to your client’s needs and make suggestions where and when appropriate. Be attentive, compassionate and flexible should the schedule or location shift.

• Maintain a calm, fun-loving, respectful and professional attitude under pressure while being technically and creatively proficient. Wedding days are loaded with emotions. Never let them know you’re stressed. Have FUN!

 2) ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:

•  Have a sense of timing, confidence and technical abilities. Know how, when and where to combine the best lighting, expression, and composition at the right moment to create the perfect shot.  

• Create a variety of images that encompass all the emotions of the day – go beyond the expected, ordinary wedding photography. EACH image should have an emotional feeling: sentimental, endearing, reflective, beautiful, etc.

 3) PRODUCTION DIRECTOR:

•  Create a photo time line that allows different groups to arrive in a staggered fashion. This keeps the day flowing and FUN! Always arrive on time or early on the big day.

•  Coordinate groups on a tight time schedule while maintaining a courteous, professional, and entertaining attitude.

•  Have a “Plan B” for everything… just in case!

 4) LOCATION SCOUT:

• Scout locations extensively in advance noting the ideal areas for specific key shots. Have a plan B in case the location gets altered in any way.

 5) TECH GEEK:

• Know your gear inside and out and how to manipulate it.

• Have spares of every piece of equipment.

• Use assistants – extra sets of hands ensure that a priceless shot is never missed!