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The New Wedding

11/24/2020

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Weddings sure have changed this year. From big weddings with 100 or more people to small intimate weddings with 10 people. Micro weddings are now the way many people are planning and having weddings. From backyards to parks to city hall, small weddings are happening a lot more than they used to.
Here are some tips to help you with your small wedding:
1. Be selective about your guest list.
Due to things like Covid, some states are limiting gatherings to a maximum of 10 people. Consider the 10 people who should be there. Best friends, siblings, parents and grandparents (if they are able). Remember your Officiant and photographer will count in that number. 
2. Set up a Zoom for guests who cannot attend. We have seen this work really well for several of the small weddings we have photographed. This will allow you to share you day with many people. 
3. Skip the wedding party. It is hard to choose just one or two people to be your attendants during the wedding so why choose at all. It may be a long standing tradition but there isn't much traditional happening at the moment.
4. Have a small one now, have a big one later. We have worked with several couples that have had the smaller weddings and then a big one at a later date. This may relieve the pressure of deposits already made. Lots of venues are allowing people to reschedule, talk to yours first before giving up on that dream wedding.
5. Services are less expensive. Yup, I said it. Services will be more cost effective including your photographers. We have 3 micro wedding packages that are perfect for a small wedding. Venues will also be more cost effective and sometimes free. 
Small weddings will never feel small on love, laughter, and making special memories. 

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Picking the perfect Camera

11/17/2020

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There are certainties when you are a photographer and one of those is helping family and friends figure out what kind of camera to buy for their loved one as a holiday gift.  Admittedly, we love shopping for gear (especially when we are spending someone else’s money so, here are some suggestions that we hope will help you navigate what may be unchartered waters.

Let’s agree that cameras do not take good pictures, people with camera do. Understanding that gear is only as good as the person using it.  Do not run out and buy that Canon R5 ($3899 as of this writing) for a newbie - buy something less expensive and let them grow into it.  If you have a basic understanding of composition and light, you can take great photos with an inexpensive camera.  With that in mind set your budget, stick to it, and know that you are helping someone develop a talent.

Once you set your budget do not fall into the brand trap. We shoot Canon thanks to the AE-1 that I learned on over 40 years ago, we stick with Canon because of the very significant investment we have in Canon glass. In spite of the good natured rubbing that we throw the direction of those that use something else; entry level cameras are all pretty balanced in what they can do. Unless you have access to a kindly photographer that will let you connect share glass, do not get sucked into the brand wars. 

Once you do pick a DSLR, if you have budget leftover, we like to encourage you to help your photographer invest in some glass.  Sure, the body will likely have a lens on it and there is nothing wrong with what a kit lens can do.  If you have the opportunity, then we suggest purchasing a “prime” lens.  Unlike a zoom that covers a range of focal lengths (which lets you go from a wide through zoomed without the photographer having to move), these lenses are a fixed focal length.  As my Dad used to say, “your feet are your zoom”.  These also have a wide range of prices however, if there was one lens to rule them all, it would be our “nifty-fifty” (Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 - currently $125). This is capable of delivering super sharp images and is small enough to stay on the camera all the time (useful if you didn’t get a kit lens).  If we had to pick between good glass and a lower end body, we will always pick quality glass. 

Bottom line; don’t break your bank, don’t buy into brand hype, and invest in glass over a body.  There are a myriad of choices but, we know you can get through it.
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Email: downeastphotographers@gmail.com                            Phone:    Rose Swearingen: 602-391-9121    |    Tim Swearingen:    623-332-2516
Unless noted otherwise, all images are copyrighted by Downeast Photographers, PixAZ Photography, and Rose/Tim Swearingen and may not be used without  the express written permission of Downeast Photographers. 
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