David and Kami will be combining their two cute little families into one. These kids were awesome to put up with the rain!

To view a super awesome video of their wedding day, check out this film by the talented Rob Nyland:

Michelle + Trent // 4.13.13 from New Land Media Works on Vimeo.

If your wedding day timeline is already planned before talking with your photographer (and you haven’t left enough time for photography), or if for some reason you need the events of your wedding day to all occur in a tight window of time, I suggest looking into getting images of the two of you a few days before the wedding. It breaks with tradition, but also allows you to spend the time getting the images you want as a couple.

Happy Planning!

*This is an example of a “first look” which happened at the beginning of a bridal/groomal session a few weeks before the wedding. If you have/want to break with the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride until the wedding day, you can still make the first moment he sees you special!

The #1 lens I recommend to most beginner photographers is the 50mm 1.8. This lens is often referred to as the “nifty fifty.” It’s super affordable at around $100 and produces sharp, beautiful images (if the photographer uses it correctly!). If you are going to be using your lens for shooting mostly portraits, this is the lens for you. I especially love that it opens up to a 1.8 aperture which is important if you are hoping to produce images with the subject in focus and the rest of the photo a beautiful blur (often referred to as “bokeh”). It’s also great for shooting in low light situations (like in your house). Keep in mind that this is a fixed lens, meaning that it doesn’t zoom. If you want to get closer or further from your subject, you have to move your feet! The plus side to using fixed or prime lens, as it is properly called, is that it tends to produce sharper images than a zoom lens. (Sidenote: I shoot mostly with prime lenses. I have two zoom lenses, which are great, but I LOVE my primes).

If you do want a zoom lens, I would recommend the 55-250mm. I have never personally shot with this lens, but it has received great reviews. With such a large focal range, you could use this lens in almost any situation. Keep in mind that you do sacrifice some sharpness and clarity when shooting with a zoom lens, as stated earlier, but it also eliminates the need to carry several lenses at different focal lengths.

One final thought: Don’t expect your images to suddenly be incredible and amazing just because you have nicer gear. The performance of these lenses and your camera is largely dependent on your knowledge of how to use them. Study, take classes, practice, practice, practice, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Hooray for photos with mom!! We’re rarely in the pics (usually the ones taking them) and isn’t that sad?