Lyndsi Shae + Ken: Handmade San Diego Wedding

July 6, 2012 •

There can never be enough said about Lyndsi Shae and Ken. They’ve already got six years of history under their belts, but now they’re in the sweet beginnings of a fresh new thing, and that thing is marriage. A marriage that started with a wedding day that was absolute perfection: a pretty great sign of things to come, if you ask me.

They were both so calm the whole day: it just made sense. It made sense to be there, together, getting married for the rest of forever. I kept bugging my eyes out at Lyndsi Shae waiting for her to freak out and jump up and down, but everything going on was deeper than that. Lyndsi Shae and Ken are so solid and grounded in each other, it felt like being with a seasoned married couple, and the way they floated through the day was heavenly.

Lyndsi Shae is the most wonderfully low-maintenance woman I’ve ever met. Sit down in the sand? Sure. Twirl in the ocean? Yes please. The whole day was blissful and slow, no rush to be anywhere at all, just celebratin’ and feelin’ the love all over the place. Just how a wedding day should be.

I’m ‘un keep tellin’ you the story while you see the photographs we made.

The back of Lyndsi Shae’s dress was made from her grandmother’s wedding dress!

Lyndsi Shae’s mom handmade ALL.the.flowers. out of fabric. They were amazing.

Such a beautiful first dance.

The biggest and best congratulations, Lyndsi Shae and Ken!

I have so much love for you.

Coming Soon…

June 27, 2012 •

June 3.

I looked around in the internet for you today. for your words, because I miss reading them. It was your words that made me love you, before I knew you all that well in real life.

But I didn’t find you. you haven’t publicly shared your words in a while, although I don’t doubt you’re scribblin away in your journal full of cut-out pictures that inspire you and cool pens with fun colors all screaming out your pizzazz and zest and faith, that wild and carefree way of loving life you have, all wrapped up in the most honest transparency I’ve ever seen.

I’m sure you’re scribblin away because you’re getting married in less than two weeks, and I’m going to be there for it. Making photographs of you and your new man that you will be with forever and ever. And I see the way he cares for you and it makes me ridiculously happy.

But when I knew you deep we were driving together to Claire’s wedding, overflowing with Missy Higgins and trees and trees on every side of us. When I knew you deep we had this really unique relationship–maybe you had it with a lot of people, but you were the only one like that for me. The relationship where we hardly ever talked about the details of things like our grades or I don’t even know what else people small talk about, but we always talked big things. Big things like relationships, our life dreams and we buoyed each other up over greasy grilled cheese more than once and told each other we could do these big things, no problem!

Sometimes I miss knowing you deep, single and unsure and moving through the world intense because we knew there was a whole lot riding on every decision.

When I knew you deep I had faith that I thought was as big as yours. Reading your 2010 words, though, I know you understand a lot of things I don’t. You wrote them in ways that made huge sense, and I wanted to talk to God the way you talked to Him. I wanted to know myself as intricately as you did, understanding as if it were plain as day the perfect way to describe your state of being, and it was always optimistic even if you were afraid.

You give strength with what you have to say.

I want you to know that I want to hear what you have to say, always. Someday, when your words are big and official in a bound book sold at stores I will buy a hundred copies and give them to homeless people instead of a few dollars.

When your words are huge and all over the world I will be the same percent proud that I know someone with such a connection to the Maker of the Universe,

someone so spirited and soulful.

This is who this woman is. And here she is, bustin’ with joy on the day she was married to the most wonderful man.

Can’t wait to share more! But first, off to Houston for this lovely wedding.

Wedding Photography Pricing: Explained

June 25, 2012 •

For some unknown, unwritten and apparently universal reason there are some pretty hefty misconceptions about wedding photography–I’m taking it upon myself to debunk the myths in hopes that you’ll learn something you hadn’t considered before when it comes to what it takes to run a wedding photography business, specifically in regards to pricing.

There’s some school of thought out there that wedding photography is crazy lucrative, and a surefire way to get rich quick. I can understand that idea, because the initial price tag might seem high–especially if you think, “It’s just ONE DAY!” If photographers really did pocket the whole price you see for just one day’s work, yeah–I’d think it’d be a pretty sweet gig.

As a disclaimer: this post is not meant to be complain-y at all. Every business costs money to run, and if photographers don’t like it, they don’t have to go into this business! It’s just that for some reason I’m encountering a lot of people who think wedding photography is an easy money maker, automatically ridiculously profitable, and that photographers have somehow gotten together and decided they want to rip their clients off. When you understand more of what goes into all this goodness, you can appreciate that (most) photographers aren’t trying to swindle you out of your hard-earned cash, sleazily selling you products and services “you could get for X amount of dollars cheaper*”–they’re just trying to make a living at something they love, like everyone else.

1. Hidden time spent.

Most people I talk to seem to think that the time photographers spend on a typical wedding just includes the day of the wedding and the time it takes to edit the photos. Even if this were true, that would be about 15 hours as a low estimate (10 hours wedding day coverage with 5 hours editing time.) Of course this varies for everyone, but roll with me here.

The hidden time wedding photographers spend answering emails, phone calls, texts, in consultations, prepping for sessions likely included in your wedding day package (like an engagement or bridal session), location scouting, driving to and from sessions and the wedding, blogging/facebooking/social media-ing sessions and the wedding, prepping photos for print, placing orders, and designing albums isn’t accounted for. Then there’s even more blurry stuff like the time it takes a photographer to prepare mentally, physically, and creatively for a wedding. How do photographers compensate themselves for that time? It’s getting stickier, huh?

The time costs listed above don’t include any general business TLC time, like accounting, marketing, or continuing education. These things can take up oodles of time that photographers again have to ensure they are compensated for so their business remains profitable.

(By the way, can we get rid of the stigma that it’s shameful to have the goal of making your business profitable? If it’s not, you’re not running a business: it’s just a really expensive hobby/charity.)

If all this time isn’t enough, what about vacation, sick days, insurance? Not built into the job.

2. Actual costs.

There’s the cost of gear, prints, software and albums, yes–which adds up very quickly as photographers are most likely bringing $4,000+ worth of gear to your wedding (and that’s without software or any prints or albums). It’s easy to say, “Oh, you make that back in one or two weddings!” But that would mean that those weddings yielded zero profit, and most likely the photographer lost money shooting the wedding (gas, wear and tear on the car, the cost of making and mailing a disc of images, prints, an album, etc.) Not to mention the time we just outlined that was apparently time spent working completely unpaid. For free. Now, there’s nothing wrong with working for free. Nothing. Wrong. It just means you don’t have a business, you have a hobby.

Other costs lots of people might not think of? Laptop. Website (design, maintenance, updates). File backup. Online galleries. Packaging. Gear repair and replacement. Taking credit cards. Promotional and sample materials. Oh, what? This photographer wants to attend a workshop to sharpen his or her skills? $1,000 is a (very) low estimate for a workshop from a professional.

We haven’t even gotten to the biggest one yet: TAXES. Taxes eat up such a ridiculous chunk of the initial price tag you see–many photographers set aside 30% of their profit to send off to The Man. Yep, 30%, peeps.

And none of this accounts for services photographers might need to hire others for, like an accountant or designer or an assistant or a second shooter.

So even though many photographers don’t have the overhead of a storefront, they are still running a business and have to manage all the costs that come with it.

*I have to say just a lil’ something about the “I can get the same thing for cheaper” mentality when it comes to wedding photography. YES. You’ll find someone cheaper. So go ahead and do it! I’m not trying to be nasty–really, do it. While this post talks about the sheer time and cost of running a photography business, it doesn’t even touch trying to put a price tag on a photographer’s talent and vision. I’m absolutely mystified when I hear stories of people saying, “I found a guy with a nice camera who will do it for $300. Will you do it for $300? You’d still be getting paid!” It may technically be the same service, same amount of wedding day coverage, whatever, but you get what you pay for. It’d be like emailing Picasso and saying, “I found someone with a really nice paintbrush and a cool canvas who will do a custom painting for me for $300. You’d still be getting paid!” HAH. =) If you want a photographer who knows the value of his/her work, is professional and has really incredible vision, you need to be willing to pay for that.

I hope this insight into the nuts and bolts helps!

I was inspired by this post, which I highly recommend reading.

Michonn + Matt: Classy Bountiful Wedding

May 31, 2012 •

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Michonn and Matt are classy people. Their classiness showed up all over their wedding, from the beautiful flowers to their gracious families and friends. It was so wonderful to witness their incessant smiles while they relaxed with their favorite people on a perfect just-right-warm day in May. I loved seeing the multitudes that came to congratulate them on their new adventures in wedded bliss, and they were both simply radiant.

Michonn and Matt, thank you for letting me in on the sweetness of your relationship and for making me feel like part of the family.

Vendors:

Venue: Eaglewood Golf Course

Dress: The Perfect Dress

Flowers: Heartfelt Blossoms

Hair: Shayla Young of the Main Attraction

Bracelet: Bride’s grandmother’s

Planning a wedding of your own and romantic, soulful photos are at the top of the list? I want in.

7 Ways to Create Amazing Photo Ops on Your Wedding Day

May 9, 2012 •

I find that a lot of brides have so much on their wedding planning plate that they often don’t think about how the elements of their wedding day play out photographically. So, I thought I’d provide 7 ways to create breathtaking photo ops on your wedding day so you get the best possible photos.

Of course, these are only ideas to get your wheels spinning, lovelies, so take the goods here and make them your own flavor of fabulous!

1. Do a First Look.

This moment is so special and just can’t be replicated. These photos are some of the most emotional, tender, and all-around incredible–that’s why we photographers love it so much. The First Look also gives us a chance to connect before the ceremony and lets us iron out any last-minute details.

2. Write a letter to your groom.

And give it to him at the First Look or another quiet part of the day. Creating personal moments where you can connect with each other and fully experience the day will make it magical–not to mention the magical photos it will produce. This can be achieved in so many ways–here’s where you let your creativity loose, baby!

3. Have a bridal party brunch

While bridal party formals are wonderful, I find that so many weddings don’t leave much time for experiencing and capturing the incredible relationships within the bridal party. Create an intimate part of the day where you can just be with your most favorite people, and the gorgeousness of genuine laughter and love will follow.

4. Make your reception unique to you.

If you’re just interested in candids of your guests, consider having the photographer there for the first half hour only. This is the time when photographers get antsy, because with 2 hours of “candids” we quickly run out of things to photograph. Sure, I’ll snag your shoes, rings, bouquets, and other things, but chances are I’ve already photographed these things in 1) better light 2) a location that’s more meaningful. If we’ve worked out your timeline right (getting there!) I’ve already photographed all the details of the reception when they were pristine, and I’m not going to waste my time or yours snapping photos of half-eaten meals or guests trying to eat in peace.

The mistake most brides make is this: they want the photographer there for the bouquet toss, or the getaway, or the first dance, but they leave the photographer with an unholy overabundance of down time between when the reception starts and when the couple leaves. Of course, you absolutely should not plan your reception around your photographer. However, you want to get the most gorgeous for your dollar, and your photographer wants to be creative and involved during the reception. No (good) photographer likes sitting around at a reception knowing you’re paying her to do so, but also not wanting to detract from your experience or your guests’ by rounding up people for posed photos. Your photographer (again, if he or she is good) will think of any and every possible thing to photograph during this down time. The point is, those possibilities are exhausted pretty quickly.

Want to know the absolute ideal reception schedule for the best photos?

I’d be thrilled to tell you. Send me an email, and I’ll send it on over. brookebee@gmail.com

5. Talk to your photographer about your important people.

In addition to telling your photographer about your people before the wedding, let your photographer know who you’d like her to coordinate with throughout the day: the wedding coordinator, your maid of honor, etc. It helps so much when I can ask this person about special people to the bride and groom. When I have this information, I can provide beautiful photographs of the people you love, instead of fifty nine pics of your Dad’s old roommates from college. I also love coordinating with someone else for all the unexpected and last minute deets so that you are free to enjoy your day entirely, and get wrapped up in newlywedded bliss instead of whether I’ve gotten a photo of your grandmother.

6. Send over a short shot list that includes people, not poses.

If you hire a photographer you trust completely, you won’t need to add micromanaging her to your already way-too-long to-do list. Please, by all means, give her extra info that will help her out–your aunt is divorced and super sensitive about it, your little brother has a new girlfriend he’s bringing that mom and dad aren’t so crazy about, and the like–but unless there’s one specific shot you’ve always dreamed of having, let her do the job she was hired to do. You’ll be surprised that your photographer will actually be more creative when she feels that trust from you.

7. Consult your photographer when creating your wedding timeline.

Your photographer will be able to help you plan your day so you get all the beautiful photos you are dreaming of. She’ll be able to tell you how long she needs to get the family photos done, how much time she’ll need to photograph the details before the reception, and that your dream of having an individual photo of you with your 37 nephews means you’ll be sacrificing other photos. When you include your photographer from the beginning, you’ll be able to plan a day that fits your photography needs and ensures you know what to expect on your wedding day. You can also ask your photographer to send you an outline of what she’ll be doing and where throughout the day, so you’re never wondering where she is. (worst.feeling.ever.)

A lot of these things boil down to communication with your photographer. Which sounds a little boring. But. I promise my emails are laced with prettiness and unboring goodies–anything to make your day dreamier, my dear.

Brooke Schultz is a nice human who is a wedding photographer who loves capturing crazy passionate love and the happiest, most emotional moments in life. She’s into books you can touch, Nutella, and this (absolutely incredible) song (that you should go listen to with your beautiful ears because they will thank you.)

Drop her a line if you, too, are into authentic, unique wedding photography–she’d love to hear from you!

Michelle + Mark: Cozy Provo Wedding

May 2, 2012 •

There are not enough beautiful words to describe Michelle + Mark’s wedding day–that’s why I took pictures.

Their day was an absolute dream–they wanted their wedding to be full of memories and beautiful moments, and it was.

From Michelle: “If I had to describe my philosophy for our wedding (and the planning of it) it would be, “Capturing the Moments.” Being the last of 6 children to get married I knew how stressful weddings could be. Mark and I had a short engagement so decisions had to be made quickly with an emphasis on creating moments where we could just enjoy the day, not endure it. That philosophy affected everything from the time of day we got married, to the food we ate, to the photographer we selected. Mark and I are friendly but private people and I especially wanted moments with him on our wedding day before the sealing and right afterward where we could experience what we were doing and not just be swept along through the madness of reception lines and family photos. Magical couldn’t begin to describe how I felt driving with him in the Monaco to the temple, holding hands, quietly chatting about what we were about to do. We were each other’s rock that day and we were able to stay grounded and genuine by capturing those moments of our wedding day together.”

Getting to know couples like Michelle and Mark reminds me why I am so passionate about wedding photography–the day was brimming with love, giddy excitement, and pure joy. From the gorgeous weather to Michelle’s adorable nephews showing off for the camera to their warm, wonderful family, the day could not have been more perfect. It is such a rare privilege to witness the depth of a couple’s relationship in such an intimate way as a photographer.

Thank you, Meesh and Mark, for sharing those incredible moments with me. It was an absolute honor.

Flowers: Marietta Malnar
Ceremony Location: Provo Utah LDS Temple
Reception Location: The Bungalow
Shoes: Nine West
Dress: Gowns By Pamela
Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair and Makeup: Alana of the Brow Bar
Catering: Cold Stone Creamery

Planning a wedding of your own and beautiful photographs with soul are a top priority? Drop me a line.

Pinterest Pretties: The Dress

April 5, 2012 •

I’m so inspired by (read: obsessed with) Pinterest. I’ll share some love here–for more (and image sources), let’s be friends on Pinterest!

Today: the dress–your second love.

Planning to slip into a gorgeous gown of your own in the near future? Brooke Schultz photographs lovely people in magical dresses and she would love to chat about your wedding and your dress with you right now.

Michelle + Mark: Wedding Preview

March 20, 2012 •

So much love at this wedding–Michelle and Mark were a dream to photograph because they were just enjoying the best day of their lives, and I clicked away.

More of this beauty to come!

Kirstina + Camon: Draper Wedding

January 17, 2012 •

Kirstina and Camon are so in love–they positively oozed wedded bliss on their wedding day. I squealed with delight at the picture perfect moments because they were completely present with each other, able to forget I was there–and as such, I could do my job that much better. Kirstina and Camon are my dream couple not only for their classy style and fun-loving personalities, but because they love so deeply and so fully–it was a wonder to witness such real moments.

Perhaps they love so deeply because they’ve had to fight so hard for their love–between Kirstina’s decision not to leave on an 18 month hiatus and Camon’s job taking their relationship long-distance, their relationship has withstood the tests and turns of life. Love doesn’t ask why, Tina shrugs, and flashes that infectious smile. Camon looks at her and picks her up around her white-clad waist. It’s the happiest day.

It’s a wonderfully romantic story–but backed by love so fierce it’s bound to outlast the eternities ahead.

Tina and Camon, thank you for letting me in on the most important day of your new life together. I hope Cancun was magical, and wish you all the best.

Yeah, so, the bouquet hit the fan–hilarious!

Gorgeous reception at Le Jardin.

Congratulations, lovebirds!

……………

And oh, hello? You’re getting married soon? Brooke Schultz is a Utah County based wedding photographer who loves ridiculously in love couples and she really wants to photograph your big day (even if you’re not in Utah. It’s aight. She likes to go places). She’ll provide documentation of the giddy giggling, the gorgeous gown, and the good-looking groom, and promises not to talk in alliterations on your wedding day. See the pricing for such festivities here.

Proposal Stories: A giveaway!

January 5, 2012 •

I have exciting news–I’ve revamped Brooke Schultz Photography for 2012, and that means certain things are a-changing around here.

I am currently not offering family sessions. To be consistent with who I am as an artist, I will be focusing on weddings, birth stories, and maternity sessions. See the latest and greatest session offerings here and here.

Which leads me to the next announcement. (EEEK! Read: giggly excitement)

I am now offering proposal stories!

So, if you or someone you know is thinking of proposing soon, I’m your woman. Err…I mean. The woman to document the proposal to another woman who is not me.

Oh, what joy I would feel if I had documentation of the moment when the love of my life told me, officially, that he wanted me to be his forever!

And lucky you, that joy is now available for your own having. Two options:

1. Stealth.

I’ll hide in the bushes/army crawl/slither around and snap completely candid photos as you pop the question. With this option, you can surprise your love with a framed print or mini album complete with the tears, fierce hugs, and raw emotions of that beautiful moment.

Hint: this would make an incredible gift on the day of your wedding. Srsly. She will love you forever. Like double.

2. Non-Stealth.

I’ll hide in the bushes/army crawl/slither around and document the popping of the question just as it happens. But, to make the proposal extra special right then and there, I’ll jump out from behind the bushes (as un-creepily as possible, promise) and we can have our own little mini session together on the spot, while the emotions are fresh. How amazing would it be for guests to see your proposal photos displayed on your wedding day, complete with a few classic portraits of the two of you together, in the moment?

And since a lot of guys probably don’t read photography blogs, ladies. I’m enlisting you. Help contribute to your girls’ dream wedding by tipping off her man about the amazing opportunity to document the specialness of the proposal. Do your guy friends a favor and tell them just how incredible it would be if he hired a photographer to be there. Just go on. I’m sure the lucky lady will thank you.

And, to celebrate the beginning of my offering proposal stories,

the first man to contact me gets his proposal story done for FREE.

That’s right. Hop to it! brookebee @ gmail.com, folks.

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