Tag Archives: weddings

Hiring a Wedding Photographer 2

In this 2nd part of my post about hiring a wedding photographer, I’m heading into what must surely be the most confusing array of choices.

The Packages

wedding_civilMy head spins when I think about how many photographers are willing to bend over backwards to seal the deal.

There’s so many customizable options here and I don’t just mean black and white or color pictures! Continue reading Hiring a Wedding Photographer 2

Hiring a Wedding Photographer 1

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Guests at a Laotian wedding give the lucky couple a ribbing.

It being Spring and soon to be wedding season, I thought I could offer some suggestions to brides who are looking for the “dreaded wedding photographer.”

First, let me stress that I’m specifically referring to a still photographer and not a videographer. The videographer is a different animal altogether.

If when you’re interviewing someone and he says he can do it all, “Run!” Many vendors claim they can do both. It is probably true, but one person can’t do it simultaneously. I’m highly skeptical that the same person can put a video camera down and pick up a still camera without missing a beat.

Each is its own discipline. If your wedding is important, I would suggest you get separate vendors.

I shoot video too but given a choice, I will always choose stills. It’s my first love and it will probably be that way. Besides, what was it that Dirty Harry used to say? Continue reading Hiring a Wedding Photographer 1

Life after photojournalism & a yacht wedding

gary_vianey1Tomorrow will be 5 years to the day I gave my 2-week notice to my former employer, the newspaper.

Last November they offered a buyout to all its employees.

Some took the offer, others thought they’re bullet-proof, indispensable and safe.

I figured out had I stayed on I would have been eligible to $50K minus Uncle Sam’s cut.

I kicked myself, of course, for not staying on.

Actually it wasn’t that hard a kick I gave myself.

In the time I left, I easily made that much.

The silver lining in this is: I learned never to be complacent again especially not in today’s job market.

Vianey and Gary dance during their reception on board the Dandeanna.

Continue reading Life after photojournalism & a yacht wedding