It’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything personal on this blog, but today I have a good excuse. Today is April 21st, which is significant for two reasons. First of all, it’s the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, which effectively ended the Texas revolution as General Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna and the Mexican army amid shouts of “Remember the Alamo!” As a tried and true Texan, this alone is reason for me to celebrate the day, but it also happens to be Aggie Muster. Muster is a tradition celebrated by all those connected with Texas A&M University where Aggies across the world are supposed to gather together, share fun stories of their time at A&M, and remember the Aggies who have passed away since the previous Muster. The highlight of Aggie Muster is the Roll Call for the Absent, during which the names of those fallen Aggies are called, and we answer “Here” to signify that they are with us in spirit, if not in body. After the Roll Call, a 21 gun salute is fired, and then there’s another Aggie tradition – Taps is played three times – once to the north, to the south, and to the west, but not to the east, because the sun will never rise on that Aggie again. *Every* fallen Aggie is celebrated at Muster, so someday when I die, Aggies will call out my name and answer “Here” for me, too.
One of the defining moments of my life was when I served as a Muster Host when I was a freshman at A&M. As a host, I was assigned one of the families of a fallen Aggie, and my duty was to show them where to go, what to do, and to tend to whatever they needed to make the experience as positive as possible for them. The family I was assigned was the family of Brandon Davis ‘06, a fellow freshman who had died only a month beforehand. I was expecting them to be distraught, emotional, upset, and a host of other understandable emotions, but to my surprise they were happy, positive, and excited. They talked about how much Brandon had loved A&M, how Muster had been his favorite tradition, and how honored he would have been to have his name called out at the campus Muster. It was so inspiring and so life-changing to see this family, who had lost their son and brother far too early, celebrating his life rather than mourning it. I have been extremely lucky to never lose a loved one, but I hope that whenever that awful day comes, I can be as strong and brave and positive as the amazing Davis Family.
Today, even if you’re not an Aggie, take some time to remember the people in your life who have passed away. Call up someone who knew them and swap stories about the times you laughed together, your favorite memories of them, what you loved most about them, and the impact they had on your life. Light a candle for them, call out their name, and answer “Here.”
So, Happy Muster to all my fellow Ags, Happy Birthday to the Republic of Texas for all my fellow Texans, and Happy April 21st to everyone else. :) If you’d like to learn more about Muster, check out Wikipedia or the official Muster website.
In many lands and climes this April day, proud sons of Texas A&M unite.
Our loyalty to country, school, we pray, and seal our pact with bond of common might.
We live again those happy days of yore on campus, field, in classroom, dorm, at drill
Fond memory brings a sigh — but nothing more; now we are men and life’s a greater thrill,
Before we part and go upon our way, we pause to honor those we knew so well;
The old familiar faces we miss so much today left cherished recollections that time cannot dispel.
Softly call the Muster,
Let comrade answer, “Here!”
Their spirits hover ‘round us
As if to bring us cheer!
Mark them ‘present’ in our hearts,
We’ll meet some other day.
There is no death, but life eterne
For our old friends such as they.
Europe, as always, was fabulous. Although I am the biggest American patriot you will ever find, it is nice to sometimes leave the land of apple pies and baseball and indulge my wanderlust. I’ve been privileged to visit Italy many times in my life, but this recent trip was my first opportunity to visit the City of Love. It turned out to be quite an apropos title as well, because you see, I came home with quite the lovely souvenir:
That’s right, the wedding photographer finally has a wedding of her own to plan, and she COULD NOT be more excited about it! I can’t say it was a complete surprise, however. This proposal has been a long time coming!
For quite awhile now (over six months, according to my e-mail history) Jason and I have been discussing “The Ring.” Being a wedding professional, I see a lot of weddings and a LOT of rings, so as you can imagine, I’ve always had some very specific opinions about The Ring that I would be wearing for the rest of my life. Knowing me and knowing this, Jason didn’t even attempt to hide the ring-buying process from me, so we both jumped into it headfirst. We spent months looking at different ring designs, researching the four Cs, trying to find the perfect center stone, and checking out jeweler after jeweler. At times the process was much more emotional and frustrating than it should have been – until we met Eric Olschwanger. I’ll talk more about Eric later, but if you’re in the market for any kind of custom jewelry, Eric will save you time, money, and stress, and will give you an impeccably made piece for a fabulous price.
The Tiffany Legacy Ornate ring, which is the ring my lovely was based off of. Photo property of Tiffany & Co.
So fast forward to earlier this month. I had been subtly slipping Jason some hints that it might be incredibly romantic to propose in Europe, and he had not so subtly told me that pigs would fly before he would take our ring overseas and risk losing it or having it stolen or confiscated by security or some other completely irrational fear. It had gotten to the point where he actually seemed to be genuinely angry at me when I would bring it up, so I quietly began to lose hope for an epic proposal under a sparkling Eiffel Tower.
As we descended into Paris’ Charles De Gaulle Airport, I asked my beloved what he looked forward to most during the trip, maybe subconsciously hoping he would reveal his plan right then and there. Instead, he coyly deflected and quickly changed the subject. I was, naturally, oblivious. Later, as we unpacked in our hotel room, Jason proudly showed me an e-mail he had just received from our jeweler Eric stating that some “last minute changes” to the ring had just been finished and would be ready to pick up as soon as we returned from Europe. “Aren’t you excited?!” he asked. I tried (futilely) to hide my disappointment, gave up the last shred of hope I had been clinging onto, and just tried to enjoy myself in the most romantic city on Earth.
Attempting to look Parisian and NOT look disappointed.
On our second day in Paris, we spent the majority of the afternoon and evening with my clients Abby and Zach, the new Mr. and Mrs. Boatwright. They had just gotten married the previous Sunday, and Jason and I flew with them to Europe for their honeymoon to do a destination Day After session. We wandered around the Louvre, the Tuileries, the Champ du Mars, and finally finished up our photo spree at an illuminated Eiffel Tower.
You can’t see it (I hope) but these two are completely miserably cold right now.
It was approximately 20-something degrees and snowing, and Abby had been roughing it in a thin strapless wedding dress all day, so the poor girl was on the edge of frostbite. Finally I realized I could torture her no longer, so I announced that the shoot was finished and that we could pack it in and head back to the hotel. As I began to pack up my gear, Abby asked me if I’d like a photo of myself and Jason – you know, since the lights were already set up and everything was all lit up and beautiful. Not wanting to watch my client turn into a popsicle before my eyes, I initially refused, but she insisted (I later learned she was totally in on it, and although I’m sure she wanted nothing more than to find the nearest blazing fireplace, she kept her promise to Jason – I owe you one, Abby!!). I grabbed Jason and yanked him in front of the camera, wanting to get the photo done quickly, but for some reason he kept wanting to talk to me. At first I ignored him, but he kept talking, mumbling something about how I had asked him at some point what he was looking forward to most, and how this was it. I gave him the obligatory “Awwww,” a quick kiss, and resumed my pose so we could get the photo finished and get my clients to a heater pronto. Then he grabbed my hand and said “I’m not finished….”
I’m not exactly sure what happened after that moment, because it was all one big amazingly happy blur, but I think the photo proof speaks for itself:
Needless to say, I got my Parisian wish, I got my perfect ring, and most importantly, I got my white knight. Jason and I have been together for almost three years now, and they’ve been three of the happiest years of my life. We began our relationship playing saxophone in a parking garage stairwell, and it’s been an awesome ride ever since. He gets me like no one else, he knows my every emotion and pet peeve and fear and weird quirk, and he embraces all of it. I love him more than I ever thought I could love someone, and I am incredibly lucky and blessed and grateful to have found him (and kept him!).
I know that you guys are just dying to ask me who MY wedding photographer will be (I get that question roughly 736785 times a day) and let me just nip that in the bud right now and say I have NO CLUE!! I certainly have a list of people whose work I love and admire, but choosing my wedding photographer is a huge decision that will be influenced by several factors, so I’m not in any rush to make a decision. We have set a very tentative wedding date – 4.11.11 (yep, it’s a Monday!) – but we’re far from finalizing anything. We’re excited about taking our time and enjoying being engaged, and yes, planning the most epic, amazing, fun, creative wedding we can possibly imagine!
Sorry ladies, he’s aaaaaaaaall mine.
64 Comments
- I LOVE YOU POOKIE.
- im jealous of jasons beard
- Congratulations! What an exciting engagement story! I REALLY love that image of you looking so excited and blissfully happy! Have fun planning your wedding!
- What a FANTASTIC story! Congrats again Stacy! So happy for you! :D
- What wonderful newss! Congrats!
- That is the best surprised face EVER. Congrats!
- jealous! - not of the guy, I've got my own :D Congrats!!!
- Hands down most amazing ring ever. No ring will ever match the awesomeness of that ring. Gorgeous! And what a great proposal, well played Jason, well played.
- Great image of you! Love how the red scarf and lips make it pop!
- Yaaaay! That's the happiest reaction photo EVER! Love it. Congrats you two!!
- Aww congratulations you guys! We are so excited for you! I'm so glad we could be a part of your special day. I'm just glad my shutter button finger didn't get frostbitten, cause I was really worried! Zach says we didn't see any French squirrels! wtf! Guess we'll have to go back.
- yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!
- I second the beard comment. So happy for you guys!
- Congratulations! My fiance proposed to me in front of a camera as well and I was confused as to why he was acting funny. :-D Congratulations again!
- Wonderful story! Congrats Stacy!!
- How exciting! Congrats! And what a beautiful place to get engaged. Have fun planning!
- That "happy-surprised-jumping-up" picture may be one of the most awesome, emotion-filled images ever. Excitement is radiating through my screen. Congrats!
- congrats stacy!! your ring is gorgeous! love the pink stones in it!
- Congratulations from Poland.
- Congratulations & what a beautiful ring. Can't wait to see your engagement/bridal/wedding & day after photos!!! ;-)
- Wow, congrats! I've been reading your blog for a couple months now, as I've been doing wedding planning of my own, and it's a thrill to see you get engaged.
- Congrats! What will your business be called then?
- wow... your outfits even matched! congrats!!! :) That diamond looks huge!
- Congratulations!! That is the most awesome story - you're going to make a gorgeous bride...now let the wedding planning fun begin! :)
- I have been planning my wedding for the last two years with my fiance and we are now less than 3 months away (it sneaks up on you like crazy) I have to tell you it is very strange being on the other side of the wedding biz. Enjoy though, and congrats.
- that is so awesome! congrats!
- Love your reaction shot!!! Congratulations. :)
- Congrats! Excited for you guys! Beautiful image of Zach and Abby by the way.
- Awesome. Congratulations to you both. Amazing ring!
- I'm just so happy I could be a small part of it. What a fantastic experience!!! Thanks for letting me share in this with you guys!!!!!
- so happy for you:)
- congrats Stacy! your ring is to die for and what a beautiful post. can't wait to see you blog about your planning. :)
- How romantic!!! Congratulations!!!! So exciting!
- Doing a little happy dance for you! Such a gorgeous ring!
- So AMAZINGLY sweet, I almost teared up but held it in since Ben was around... Oh Jason, you tricked her good and I of course LOVE the reaction shot :)
- Congrulations! Thanks for sharing!
- AWWWWWWWE!!! Congrats Stacy :)
- Congratulations! The ring is beautiful and the proposal looks like it was a perfect surprise!
- The best engagement story I have ever heard! Congratulations to you both... gorgeous ring and priceless reaction photo. Best Wishes!!!
- I just cam across your site and engagement story, that was great... you look SOOOO happy. Congratulations!
- Congratulations and Best Wishes! We couldn't be happier for the two of you!! The ring is GORGEOUS! Great job Jason!! :)
- Well done, Jason. Right on...right on.
- Congratulations Stacy! It's wonderful that you and Jason were able to capture the moment! Now you get to update your "Relationship Status" on your "About Us" page!!! Cheers
- aww your description made me cry. I'm happy for you! I LOVE the pink in your ring! Congrats! I can't wait to see who you choose for your photog! :)
- This is the most romantic story ever. Even though you told us the story at the workshop I was so captivated by your writing and the way the whole set up took place.. It was like watching a movie.. Congratulations!!! Thank you for the awesome workshop!
- Stacy I started crying when I read this amazing blurb about one of the most amazing days of a girl's life. Not only am I in LOVE with Paris but I am in LOVE with people being in love. SOOOOOO happy for you both. Best wishes and all our love to you.
- OMG!!! I cried.(shouldn't be saying that publicy, bc I don't know you personally)lol. But, your man deserves recognition...that was like one of the best proposals I've ever heard...especially when he said, "this is the part I was looking forward to". GOSH!! I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE HOW IT FELT TO BE UBER SURPRISED LIKE THAT...God Bless. :)
- Hi Stacy! did you know that "souvenir" also means "memory" in french? so you've got the ring and the Parisian memory... very nice headline for this posting.
- Congratulations, Stacy!! How exciting and WOW, what a gorgeous ring!! You look so happy!!
- Stacy, what an amazing story. I got a little teary eyed reading about your adventure. That photo your bride caught of you jumping up and down is downright cute. Congratulations!
- Congratulations! Love the ring...how beautiful!
- Awwww what a fabulous proposal!!!! Congrats!!!!
- I love it! What a great story for two beautiful people. Couldn't be happier for you two. Way to go, Jason.
- Congratulations!!! I enjoy reading your blog and this was a delightful post. BTW, thanks for your photographer's resources. Your pricing guide has really helped me to see what I need to do to make sure my business is sustainable. Thanks for sharing!
- Awwwww... how cute! LOVE the pink ring! :-) So jealous the proposal happened in Paris. Awesome!
- Congratulations on your own engagement!! Your work is beautiful and believe it or not... somehow I stumbled across your page while looking for rings! And boy am i ever glad I found this entry!! (It'll be a 10yr anniversary for me and my hubby next year and we're upgrading my ring. YAY for me!) I wish you all the best for your upcoming wedding and I hope you will thoroughly enjoy your engagement period. :) xox
- You need to change your "About us" section! Jason is not just your boyfriend anymore! ;)
- [...] shots at the Eiffel Tower before the snow and wind got the better of us. We finished the session on a high note and headed back into the warmth of our hotel. After a few days of sightseeing and a very [...]
- [...] From Stacy’s blog … [...]
- I must say I almost shed a tear, that's soooooo cute ! And yes, I agree, even for a french girl, Paris is THE perfect place for a romantic proposal :) PS for Abby : french squirrels are usually much wilder than those american ones. To see one, you'll have to walk a bit in forests and be patient... or go to a park where there might be some (the Parc de la Tête d'Or in Lyon for eg. !).
- what a wonderful story! I love your excited/happy face. And how awesome that you get to plan your own wedding now!
- [...] after shoot”! There are lots more stunning photographs and you can read the full story here, here and here on Stacy Reeves photography as well as on style me [...]
- Congrats Stacy!! I'm sure your wedding will be nothing short of amazing!
- WOW what a ring!!! Congrats :)
Every year I whine and complain about how awful my birthday is. I’ll tell just about anyone who will listen how I was completely jipped out of a real birthday, how I always get the shaft when it comes to gifts, and how virtually every birthday I can remember was spent sitting at home watching football while everyone else prepared for Christmas. I have serious birthday issues, that I will readily admit. Those birthday issues also became Christmas issues, and my lack of a “real” birthday made me a total Ebeneezer Scrooge when it came to all things Christmas related.
This year, I decided I was ready for a change. My wonderful boyfriend Jason gets most of the credit.. Christmas is one of his favorite times of the year, and he gets really excited about lights and Christmas music and all that jazz. I didn’t want my “Bah Humbugs” to bring him down this year, so I committed to enjoying both my birthday and Christmas to the very fullest, and man am I glad I did. We have had such a blast this year celebrating the dual festivities, from a stellar birthday dinner with so many of my college friends, clients, and wedding industry colleagues, to decorating the house with lights and tinsel and stockings as we listened to Jason’s patented Christmas mix, to a full week of holiday festivities. Now, finally, the big day has come, and I am beyond thrilled to finally be the ripe old age of 26! 25 was the best year of my life thus far, and 26 is looking to blow it completely out of the water. Bring it on!
See? Santa and I are totally buddies now.
Every year I appeal to my blog readers to help me celebrate my birthday by giving to a great cause. Last year I recommended Kiva.org, Thirst Relief, and the ASPCA as great options for your small donations, or the fantastic website Free Rice for those of you who want to do a good deed but are a little strapped for cash.
Although I still support all of these causes and highly recommending sending a few bucks (or clicks) their way, this year I want to switch it up and offer to do something for my readers. From now until midnight on Christmas Day, you can receive a $50 discount on the Mind Your Business workshop by signing up using THIS LINK. That’s ten solid hours jam-package with honest, useful, and applicable advice that’s going to help you start booking more clients and making more money IMMEDIATELY! Personally I think it’s a pretty good investment, but I guess I am a little biased. Remember, you must use THIS LINK to get the discount.
If you’d like to offer me a birthday or Christmas wish, I would greatly appreciate your comment on this post, and so would the North Texas Food Bank, since I will be donating one canned good for every comment received in the month of December! We’re well over 100 cans, which is amazing, but my personal goal is to get it up to at least 150 cans before the month is up, so get to commenting, and have a fantastic Christmas!
Myself, Jason, and my mom at Gaylord ICE! for my birthday last year.
44 Comments
- happy birthday, love.
- Happy Birthday Stacy!! Love that you have embraced your b-day and that you're buddies with Santa now. :) That is such a cute pic! Cheers to an awesome year ahead!
- So happy to hear you had a great birthday this year. Happy birthday friend! Very happy for you and what 26 has to offer!
- Happy Birthday once again, just doing this to get that 1 canned good for you ;)
- Happy b-day Stacy.. hope you had a good one! =D
- Happy birthday, Stacy!!! Hope you have a great one :)
- Happy birthday!!!! Woo hoo! Oh yeah! Have a good one! Live it up! Party all day!!! Treat yourself! Go wild!
- Happy Birthday! The most awesome birthday date of them all.
- Happy birthday to yooooooooooooou!
- Happy birthday lady. I hope you have a good one!!!
- Happy birthday Stacy! Glad to see you back in SWPB :)
- happy birthday, stacy!
- Happy Happy Birthday friend!
- Happy birthday!!!! Hope you have an amazing day! Glad to see you chose to enjoy your birthday AND christmas this year :) I can't imagine what it must be like to have a birthday around Christmas, must be difficult. Anyways, have a great day, and good luck with the donation of the cans :) That's very awesome of you to do! Keep up the great work and have a great 26th year :)
- I am amazed at you for all that you have accomplished in your life. Well done. Just think what the future holds. Happy B-Day Stacy!
- Happy Birthday, Stacy!! :)
- Happy Birthday Stacy! Here's to a happy and healthy new year as an old 26 year old! :)
- Have a happy birthday and a merry Christmas!
- Happy Birthday and HAPPY "I Love My Birthday this year"!! My daughter was born on New Year's Day so we started giving her a 1/2 birthday party on July 1st. Oh yes....we celebrated on New Year's day too but her big BLOW OUT party with all her friends (who were gone over New Year's) was on July 1st. And everyone thought it was so cool - she was the only kid who got a 1/2 birthday party! Just a thought! :-) Also....I'm a fellow Texan! South Texas but my dad was born in Borger which is North Texas so that's cool that you give to that charity. Merry Christmas and HAPPY EVERY DAY!
- Happy Birthday Stacy!! I hope you have a wonderful day!! :)
- Happy Birthday Stacy! I hope it's fabulous!!!
- Merry Christmas Eve birthday! Maybe you should pick a day in July and celebrate then, a summer time birthday celebration is so much fun and it will leave your holidays merry and bright.. I propose July 24th to be your 1/2 birthday :) Cheers, Christine
- Happy Christmas Eve Birthday Stacy! Tell Santa HOWDY!
- Happy Birthday!
- Happy Birthday Stacy!!! Yay! 26 will be an amazing year too!
- And a very Merry Christmas to you... this is my first xmas I'm actually celebrating (long story) so we're in it together. (and notice you got to comments for two separate events!) :)
- Happy birthday, Stacy!! Here's to 2010!
- happy birthday, and congrats on getting past those issues to enjoy Christmas ;) thanks for all the inspiration this year and wishing you the Lord's blessings in the next as well!
- Happy Birthday to an amazing photographer! I hope to come to your conference....though I have never been on a plane and live in Atlanta! A little scared! :)
- Happy Birthday!!! Hope that you have a Great day, and Merry Christmas :)
- happy birthday from us Q's :)
- Happy Birthday! I enjoy your feeds via FB & Tw. Keep up the great work, hope all is well and Merry Christmas!
- You got snow on your birthday! You and Santa really are friends!!!!!
- Happy Birthday!
- .:*happy birthday*:. & merry christmas to my FAVORITE photographer!!
- Hey, I'm exactly 10 years older than you! I turned 36 on December 23rd. :o) Do I get some kind of a prize? :P Happy birthday!
- Happy belated Birthday Stacy! I hope you have a fantastic year!
- Hope this year is your best ever!
- I know I'm really late, but, happy birthday lady!!!
- Happy Birthday!! You and Santa make a fab team!! Hope he was good to you this year ;0) Great pic!! May this year bring you many wishes and much happiness!!
- Happy Belated Birthday! You're a wonderful photographer! I'm always visiting this website to see your pictures and get tips. I'm an amateur photographer and my dream is to be a wedding photographer and all that it entails. :D Hope this helps the cause! :)
- Happy "not Christmas,a whole day before" birthday to you!! Mine is Dec. 10th, and I thought I had it bad. :) Hoping we will see you at the next local Dallas photography get-together!
- happy birthday! a wedding is no where in sight for me, but i adore your photographs and find myself on your website too often! you are extremely talented.
- I absolutely love the picture of you and Santa. Miss you much!! I'm glad you enjoyed both your birthday and Christmas this year. Happy 2010, friend.
*******As part of the Cans for Comments drive, for every comment left on the blog in the month of December, I will donate a canned good to a local food bank. Please leave a comment and help out those in need!*******
I’m fairly sure that if you asked my friends and family who has the best job in the world, the vast majority of them would say me. In the past few years I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over the country and the globe (next year I’ve got scheduled stops in Paris, Venice, Rome, New York, Playa Del Carmen, and New Orleans) all on paid vacations, working one or two days per trip and enjoying the rest. I get paid thousands of dollars for what is perceived as one day of work. I get to spend time with beautiful people doing something that most people enjoy as a fun hobby. Almost every Saturday night I get a great meal by some of the best chefs in town and I get to party on the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning – and I get paid for it! Talk about the good life, huh?
The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers recently published an article on the Secret Life of Wedding Photographers. Based on public perception of wedding photographers, this is what most people think our lives are like:
Source: ISPWP
ISPWP followed up on that perception by studying the weekly routines of 50 wedding photographers. Based on the results of that study, here is the ACTUAL breakdown of time spent during an average week in the life of a wedding photographer:
Source: ISPWP
As someone who has been doing this full-time for several years, I can attest that that graph is about as dead-on as it gets. And notice how just about everything except the “Taking photos” part involves a computer? I always joke that so many people get into photography because they’re sick of spending Monday-Friday 8-5 sitting in front of a computer doing boring, menial tasks, only to find out that for most people, being a photographer involves spending Monday-Friday 8-5 sitting in front of a computer doing boring, menial tasks.. Only this time you work nights and weekends, too! Granted, it is absolutely a labor of love – there is nothing in the world I would rather do, and I am so beyond thankful that this is my life. In fact, I twittered earlier that I am probably the only person on Earth who is really sad when the workday ends, or sad when I have to stop working to do something personal like to go to doctor or run errands. However, the reality is that I work 60 to 80 hour weeks most months, and I probably spend more time in front of a computer than anyone with a “regular” office job, as well as sacrificing my Saturdays and sometimes Sundays.
There are so many quotes I can relate to in that article (particularly about April-November being one long blur), but the biggest one is from a photographer who calculated that for every bride she books, that equates to 90 man-hours of work. Hard to believe, but true for so many of us. I posted this article so that brides who stumble across my blog can understand that although it may seem like you’re only paying for a few hours of shooting time, there’s so much that you don’t see, so many hours of behind the scenes work that you’re investing in without realizing it. Yes, it’s true that your photographer has a pretty awesome job – but it’s not because they work so little, it’s because they get to work with great clients who appreciate their talents and their long hours of hard work – hopefully, people just like you. :)
*******As part of the Cans for Comments drive, for every comment left on the blog in the month of December, I will donate a canned good to a local food bank. Please leave a comment and help out those in need!*******
40 Comments
- Soooooooooooooooo true!
- Amazing. True. Go give a can. :P
- Glad someone finally is straightening out where exactly a photographers time is spend! Thanks for sharing!
- I agree wholeheartedly! I've been doing wedding photography simultaneously with another job and you can tell people don't really think I have 2 careers. They think I work one extra day per week and that's the end of it. And can it even be considered work if you're "partying" and "eating and dancing all night"?! Yes, I tell them. Because that's not what we do. I like this break down a lot...and might have to forward this to some nay-sayers!
- love how this is broken down... while i do these things on a daily basis and I know what i do, this just validates that what i'm doing is 'work' lol... work in which i am obsessed with, but work none the less! thanks stacy!
- Great post Stacy! You have the BEST articles out there on topics like this. Thanks for sharing with everyone!
- We are still fairly new to the industry but I can say this is SO true! Oh the hours and hours spent in front of the computer editing and doing so many things besides actually taking pictures! In our case, add two small children to the mix and whoa, it's a crazy life. That being said, I absolutely love it and I want to do this full time for the rest of my life (and I dream as awesome as you, some day). I love your images. You are an inspiration.
- SO true! Thanks for posting :) I love your work and hope that people will appreciate all we do as photographers after getting a chance to read this article :) Tamsen
- I just started on the path of photography, on the side from my "day job," and I literally spend my time before work, during lunch, after work, and on the weekends.. and there's still not enough hours in the day! But we do it because of the passion :) Thanks for posting!!
- Having been a part-time portrait photographer for a while, I can totally see how this is true. I have a demanding full time job and do the photography thing on the side. The vast majority of my time is spent learning about the craft, being inspired, and editing pictures. I don't shoot pictures nearly as much as I do all of those other things.
- You only speak the truth Stacy!
- Great post! Those graphs are so on.
- Saw this on ISPWP earlier. People think that being a photographer is so easy, but it is not. Just because an SLR is cheap doesn't mean that should go buy one to make a few extra bucks.
- It's great to see this broken out as it is. It's definitely a misconception by some clients that they are "hiring" us for only 8 hours (the time we spend taking photos at their wedding). I explain for each hour of photography we do 2-3 hours of editing and all the other things that go into their final products. Especially the toning and other computer editing. Once they understand how time-consuming it all is, and the specialized talent and experience involved, they realize our pricing is actually a bargain. They also realize that "uncle Joe" with his new digital camera is not going to deliver a final product like we can. I like to let any skeptical clients who are considering hiring a family member of friend know that when you get something for free it's usually worth the price you paid... Or better yet - It's extremely expensive because they may spend the rest of their lives blaming each other for making the wrong decision to entrust their memories to an amateur.
- Brilliant - that is so dead on. thanks so much for posting this!
- That is so true! I feel like I never ever leave my computer!
- This is fantastic- I'm just starting out and have noticed that it's not so easy- it's time consuming. You put so much time in... but the reward is so great. It's amazing to meet people so in love... to be apart of their life for even a short time is nothing short of awesome. Everyone has a story- and why not document it for them? :) Great post. And great idea to drop of canned foods.
- I was SO frustrated and disappointed about how much time I spent on the computer when I started down this road as a professional photographer; I couldn't wait to be able to make money so I could pay somebody else to do my post-processing, etc. Now that I've come to love post-processing, and would never let somebody else touch my pictures :D , I look forward to having employees to take care of everything on the graph except for taking pictures, editing and social media, etc. :) I am sharing your post with others - both photographers and would-be clients (not just brides-to-be) so that it may dispell the myth of the work being just "taking pictures".
- so beyond true!!
- I had to re-Tweet this on Twitter and encouraged all beginners and clients to read it... I wish being a photographer would ONLY mean taking photos... :)
- Yup!
- You rock!! And of course you're an Aggie so enough said!!
- great post,those graphs are crazy...and true!
- You rock as usual!! What else would you expect from an Aggie!!
- I love that you posted this! So true! Lots of time doing things other than taking pictures, but I admit that I love love love my job and definitely wouldn't trade it!! And sometimes those "other things" include reading the blogs of other talented photographers! ;)
- This is so true. I can't tell you how much time I have lost with my wife since she has started her business.
- Great post!. love your work. thnks for sharing it!
- AMEN! I so agree on the april-november being a blur! It's like I woke up and it was December!
- Even if it's not as glamorous as it seems, I'm still jealous of your career! If I could do it all over again, that's where I'd like to be. You have such vision, and I love checking out your photos from time to time!
- hahaha, LOVE IT!
- I don't know what you guys are all talking about. My life is like the top graph. Living the dream.
- Wow!! This sums up my life except I don't make thousands of dollars yet.
- This is great! Love the article, love the cans for comments too! Every time I visit your site, I get inspired with great ideas! Thank you!
- I tell my clients that each wedding usually is 80hours of work overall... really helps them put the pricing in perspective.
- Scary but true!!
- Where's the huge chunk called Facebook/Twitter, which doesn't fit under Social Media because it's pure info-tainment time.
- Looks like you have got what it takes to make any occasion special. Your website is awesome and so is your work. Maybe one day I can be lucky enough to use your services!!
- I really like what you are doing to give back. I organized a canned food drive 2 years ago and it was a HUGE success!! Maybe next year we can put our forces together and knock this out of the park!!
- [...] I’m gonna continue being lazy and let Stacy say the rest: (thanks Stacy! Copying your post probably saved me 1 percentage point on the chart!) As someone who has been [...]
- Love this article, it really odes break down the hours of a wedding photographer, now I need to communicate this great knowledge to my clients....
Anyone who has read this blog for awhile will recognize this face:
Drew Jones is one of my best friends, and his whole family has appeared on this blog many many times (here, here, here, here, here, here, and here).
Drew is also a fellow small business owner, so he’s one of my only friends who truly understand what my life is like sometimes. Starting a business – especially in your mid-20’s – is an overwhelming thing. The vast majority (I think something like 80%) of small businesses fail within the first 3-5 years, and to really make it, it requires a deep passion for what you do and fantastic business sense, and my buddy Drew has both of those things in spades. His custom tailored suit collection has been a huge hit in Texas, and he’s working on a new invention that will help guys be able to take more accurate measurements so that their suits will be the perfect fit, every time. I’m really proud of him and everything he has accomplished, so when I heard that he was a semifinalist for the Inc.com Newpreneur of the Year award, I knew I had to do something to help him win. First and foremost, Drew and I got together to create a promotional video for his business:
Now, I’m asking you for your help. From now until November 5th, you can vote once a day for Drew, to help him make it into the Top 5. You don’t have to log in or register or anything – you literally select his name, click “Submit Votes,” and that’s it. It takes less than five seconds, and it would mean a whole lot to me. If Drew wins, he will get $100,000 in business grants to help him expand his business, and some great press for his great company. So please, take a little time each morning for the next week, and vote!!
6 Comments
- Stacy, happy to help, I can completely empathize myself. Furthermore, with Jess and I's wedding coming up in July I would love to discuss possible groomsman attire with Drew!? Good luck, you have two more votes today!
- I voted :) :)
- I voted! When you're ready to come to FL I'm ready to help. Nothing like clothes that "wear YOUR body" feels great. Best of luck!
- Hi Stacy, happy to help too. Sorry for my english, do you understand spanish? I'm from Argentina, and I love love love your work. You mean a big influense for me! Thanks!
- [...] Please vote for Drew Jones! « Dallas Wedding Photographer Stacy … [...]
- [...] Please vote for Drew Jones! « Dallas Wedding Photographer Stacy … [...]
Two years ago today a strange boy who I had been talking to practically non-stop for over a week came and swept me off my feet. One snowy April afternoon, we raced RC cars over the speedbumps in my highrise parking garage. We went to a carnival and I impressed him with the finer points of nighttime photography. He serenaded me to Oh Holy Night on saxophone in an abandoned stairwell, and we drank wine and talked about life. It was one of the funnest nights of my life to date, and it marked the beginning of an amazing era of my life.
Happy anniversary, shnookums :)
As usual, we celebrated way in advance (dinner and a play this weekend, plus a marathon of our new favorite show), and now for the actual day we completely didn’t plan anything.. Leave me a comment with some suggestions for what we should do to celebrate tonight, or tell me about your favorite anniversary date. Inspire us!
11 Comments
- *tear*
- Yay! Happy anniversary!! Enjoy every minute of it. MWAH
- Happy Anniversary!!!
- I hope you have the happiest of anniversaries! I absolutely love this collage of all the fantastic memories you have shared with each other. How about cooking a really fun, special meal together tonight? You cannot go wrong with food!
- Happy anniversary! Such cute photos! :)
- Happy, happy!
- Happy Anniversary!!!
- Happy Anniversary! We are celebrating our 10th (marriage) and 15th (together) this year. I love the image collection! Curl up and read something romantic together!
- Congratulations, isn't love a wonderful thing? I suggest a picnic! Buy or make a variety of gourmet finger foods. The requisite bottle of wine or two. Outside in some great location overlooking water, or a small town, would be great. Take a little walk hand in hand. But even the top of a building will do with the right circumstances. Some dessert? Chocolate is good. Have I set the mood?
- Happy Anniversary!! Nice photograph's.My wife and I will celebrate our 12 year anniversary....my how time flies.We are husband and wife photographers who cherish every moment we have with each other and our children.I hope your relationship last a lifetime.
- Happy anniversary. DH and I are coming up on 5 years on May 1st....
Happy Birthday to the handsomest, sexiest, funniest, smartest boyfriend I’ve got… at the moment.. ;) Juuust kidding!!
You are wonderful and I’m so lucky to have you in my life!
1 Comment
- You have an awesome boyfriend. You guys are super awesome together. :)
Stephanie J - Whoop! Happy Muster Day.
Larissa - Gig 'em! Thanks for the post and the pictures. Muster is one of my favorite traditions!
Elizabeth '10 - This is why I love being an Aggie. The pictures are wonderful. Thanks and Gig 'em!