Stumbled upon this while working with our book binder and decided to share

Hope it helps:)

Tips that will help you Click with the right Photographer

Selecting the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you plan your wedding. Be sure to choose someone who will capture your memories with professionalism, artistry, personality and your style in mind. 

 Here are some tips to keep in mind as you identify photographers:

* Interview candidates and consider your options… 

*Know the difference between a “full-service” and a “shoot and burn” photographer:

     Full-service photographers shoot your event; edit the hundreds of images captured;  design your                              album layout; and have access to the professional album companies that deliver quality finished albums that last for generations. Shoot and burn photographers cost less than full-service photographers because they generally capture the event and hand over the files of hundreds of images for you to handle yourself. Shoot and burn service will cost less, but you need to think about how you plan to use the images you’ll receive. The vendors that produce professional products and support a full-service photographer will not work with brides directly. The quality of the products you will be able to produce may not be as nice as those you see in the photographers portfolio. 

*Learn the differences:

     The differences between photojournalistic and traditional styles, candids and formal posed shots—and select a photographer who specializes in the style you want or will do a mix of styles. Full-service photographers often offer a mix of styles whereas shoot and burn photographers may only offer candid photojournalistic shots. 

*Determine whether the photographer can deliver

      Consider both your personal taste and the type of wedding you are planning when deciding your preferences. Look at sample albums that include an entire wedding from start to finish, rather than just a few select shots. Try to view two or three weddings in this way. Look for consistent technical quality (composition, lighting, exposure, etc.) and good variety, as well as whether the people in the photos seem at ease. 

Do the photos capture the excitement and emotion of the occasion and tell a good story? 

* Understand in detail how the photographer works and charges to effectively comparison shop. 

      How long will the photographer stay at the event? Will there be an assistant? Is back-up equipment available? Can you provide a list of specific photos you want taken? What exactly is included in the costs quoted? What about proofs, negatives and/or digital files? How long will it take to get your proofs and your album? 

*Do you click? 

     Personality is as important as anything else. 

The last thing you need on your wedding day is someone you and your guests don’t feel comfortable with. If possible, we suggest you try and meet the person who will photograph your wedding to ensure that you’re comfortable working together. Consider how you would like the memories of your event preserved. 

*If the purchase of a wedding album is not within your budget prior to your wedding, ask for hourly service with the option of ordering a book after the wedding, 

Wedding Package Pricing / Quinceanera Package Pricing

We have posted our event package pricing for 2012 on our website to help those who are looking to start budgeting for their upcoming events. Weather you are are in the market for a wedding photographer and are looking for wedding package prices, or a Quinceanera photographer and are looking for Quinceneara Package prices, we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to see the quality of the products included in your packages. Not all prints or books are created equal.  Make sure you meet with the photographers you are hiring you look close at what you will be spending your money on.  Look through several events photographed by the company you hire. Be sure to see actual prints and books if they are included on your wish list. Lighting is extremely important and makes a big difference in the quality of the portraits taken by your photographer. Look for good lighting and well balanced pictures.

This photo was taken using natural light
and just a small reflector to reduce shadows
and dark eyes

This Bridal portrait was taken using a canon
580 flash off to the left of the photographer
remotely fired through a small softbox

This wedding photo was taken with the sun streaming into the camera lens
allowing for an effect referred to as lens flare. Very pretty in many cases, but also depending on the result you are looking to wind up with.

This engagement photo was taken using a quantum
flash and battery through an umbrella to soften the light
on our couple, balancing the camera settings to the
background to produce a stunning sunset kiss

Oh Yeah so here is the link to our website to look through the pricing!  When you click on the pricing tab it will produce two drop down tabs one for Wedding Package Pricing and one for Quinceneara Package Pricing
Click here to view price list

Meet our 2012 Seniors!

It's that time of the year, Graduation is right around the corner!! Here at Mesmerizing Photography we are quickly becoming a one stop shop for Senior Portraits and announcements. We began working with the 2012 class last summer, specialize in studio and location photography all around Corpus. We recently took photos for Mathis high school and are in the process of creating announcements and invitations for their Senior class. Here are a few photos of some upcoming 2012 Seniors we have worked with. We worked hard this year to provide as many options to our Seniors as possible. You will see several location and studio options in our range of work included in this blog  We are so proud of the entire graduating class of 2012!! We are also starting to promote the upcoming Seniors of 2013. It is never to early to get a start on senior portraits Now is a fantastic time of year to catch all of the green in Corpus and the beautiful sunsets downtown. We have already begun booking 2013 graduates for this summer.

 

Beautiful Weddings in Corpus Christi

October and March are amazing months to have a wedding. We start to see the signs of spring here long before most other areas, and as summer fades we have a second suedo spring when everything turns from the dry brown of summer to lush green again. In Feb. and early March It is already warm but with beautiful breezes.  People always mention June as the busy month for weddings but here on the third coast, most people plan for March and October. The weather is mild and predictable most of the time. The grass is green and the trees and flowers in full bloom. The wind is always blowing which alleviates problems with mosquitoes. Below are a few beautiful Bridal Portraits and Wedding Photos from October and March weddings here in Corpus Christi.

Sunset Wedding in the Courtyard at the Gaslight

How much should I budget for my wedding Photographer

How much should you be willing to spend on your photographer? 

We spend a great deal of time interviewing potential clients and often as the meetings start to wind down we ask if they have any questions that we have not covered? Most of the time the answer is no. On occasion I am asked if our prices are typical prices for wedding photography? And often clients want to know what should they be asking. (This is usually their first time shopping around for wedding photographers). 

My answer to this question is usually as follows: Great question, but trying to just give one answer is like trying to hold on to a hand full of loose sand. Here is my opinion on pricing and budgets. 

First I truly detest when I hear a photographer announce that one of the first questions they ask a potential client is "what is your budget". Frankly it is none of their business. Don't get me wrong I understand that everyone has a budget. Keeping that in mind please read on.....and as you are planning your budget, and shopping for a photographer allow me to give you a few questions to ask yourself as well as a few things to think about. 

When all the excitement is over, what do you want to have for the money you spent? What is the goal of the photographer you hire? If you are looking honestly for a photographer that is going create memories of your wedding that will be turned into beautiful family heirlooms and become the beginnings of your family history together, it is probably not going to be cheap.

However, it does not have to be the budget buster either. There are in fact ways to hire a quality photographer and remain within your budget, as long as you have been realistic while planning. First consider how long you will need the photographer. You may be able to save on the expense by settling for a day of 6 or 8 hours coverage rather than purchasing a package that offers entire day coverage. 

Look at package pricing to see exactly what you are getting for your money. A package is often the best deal based on the amount of stuff that is included. But is it the "stuff" that you want to have? Are you able to move things around in the package to make all of the prints or cards fit items you planned on needing. ie: if you don't need save the date cards, can you exchange them for Thank you cards? If you really want only a small print or two from the engagement session can you use the larger prints offered for wedding day prints? 

Most photographers will offer hourly pricing, but it is usually not the most economical way to go. However, if you use a professional, you can rest assured they will be willing to build your album or print portraits for you at a later date. The overall cost will be greater, but this will keep the upfront cost low. Going this route may help you remain within your budget, until a later date when you will be in a better position to purchase what you want. 

If you build a package to suit your needs ask the photographer if they include extra items once you reach a particular price point. ie: I notice in several of your packages you include the CD and copy rights. At what magic price point will you consider adding in the CD at no extra cost? What if I decide to stay below that price, how much will the CD and rights cost?

I always tell everyone that sits and with us to discuss their day. We are in business and there is a particular amount of money I need to make based on the amount of time it is going to take me to accomplish what you want. Everything in our package is a free floating movable object and can be exchanged for something else. We do not reduce the price of our packages by removing "stuff" from them, but what you will find is that our packages are built to cover all of your needs, and most of your wants. We offer hourly packages starting as low a one hour coverage for our beautiful private ceremonies, and all the way through grand packages that cover the engagement, Bridal, rehearsal dinner, wedding and the morning after portraits. We do have,  and can build the package you are looking for. Most photographers can. 

What you need to ask yourself is not weather I have the deal you are looking for, but do you like the type of photographs and products our company offers?  Are we producing the style of photography you are looking for? If the answer to these two questions is yes you need to find out who will be the photographer, at your event, and ask to see that particular photographers work. Next is the most important question for you as a potential client to ask yourself. Do you like the photographer? It is important to meet with the actual photographer before your event and see that you interact well together. The camera is only a small portion of the recipe needed to create fantastic memories of your "once in a life time"

It is often better to put off the purchase of an album until later (they make great 1st anniversary gifts), or maybe consider less hourly coverage, in order to hire a quality photographer. 

Don't settle for a copy of the digital files. The reason you are hiring a professional is for quality. Quality is in the finished product. Allow them to finish the job. 

Here's a stolen quote from a very smart guy. 

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” -Benjamin Franklin

Working with Children

Children and Photography! Challenging and fun. We hear mothers of younger children say, "I would really like to have professional photos done of my kids...but,  I really don't think they will sit still long enough to to take a good picture". Guess what THEY DON'T HAVE TO. We work with kids of all ages and don't mind those who won't slow down. We often enjoy just spending time getting to know our littler clients. We create a unique environment for them to run and play while we play and interact with them. Below are some of the great results. Our unique lighting and set up will allow your child's pictures to show not only how cute they are but also capture lasting memories of their personality. We also never, never, never do the fifteen minute rush session where you get what you get. Our children's sessions are a full hour like any of our studio portrait session. Our studio sitting fee is $75.00, and gives you one hour of undivided attention with a professional photographer. You get to view your photos immediately after you make your selections for purchase. We print your photos and you can pick them up often within 1-3 hours of selection. This option is offered only during pre-selected children's portrait days, which are regularly scheduled by our studio staff. You can call Mesmerizing Photography at 361-944-8480 to find out when our next few sessions will be, and set up your appointment. We also take walk ins during these days on a first come first serve bases, and scheduled appointments take priority. 

click below to:

Take a look through some of our family and children photos!

or

Email me with any questions, and I will be happy respond:)

Some of our clients are just not meant to run in doors and we will often take them on an "adventure"!

We have beautifully colored buildings and grassy areas throughout our shopping center and will move around to keep the busy from becoming the uninterested. When we stay in our own shopping center, there is no additional charge, just additional options for great photos. See the examples below to get a better idea of what we mean.

Thank you for taking the time to look through our Blog! We hope to see you soon and have the chance to meet your amazingly busy little ones. 

Mesmerizing Photography

361-944-8480

www.mesmerizingphotography.com

www.mesmerizingphotos.com

Bridal Expo's and informational events

Connect to the event page for mor info

A Bridal Show with a touch of HOLLYWOOD! From the red carpet entry to beautiful bridal gown runway show, this expo will be a showstopper! Door prizes and a Grand Prize to be awarded. Corpus Christi and the surrounding area's finest vendors will help you to create your dream wedding with high fashion style. Food and cake sampling, photography, linen design and decor, and ice scultpures are all available to fulfill your ideal event.


$10,000.00 grand prize dream wedding give away

Mansion Royal

8001 S Padre Island Dr, betwen Ennis Joslin and Paul Jones

Corpus Christi, TX

View Larger Map

Picture Memories

Scott found this amazing link. What a great idea. Obviously we have a great love for photography, and I have spent hours in the dark room developing photos of family from the past. The passage of time has always intrigued me, and we have often proclaimed the fact that we freeze time in our photography. it is a window to the past that allows the one who holds the photograph to either relive the moment or wonder what someone else who lived that moment was like. These are pictures, taken in the present, of a picture from the past taken in the same location as the original photo. The short blurbs of what they bring to the holder are as interesting as the photos themselves. What a genius idea. I hope you enjoy the link as much as I have.

www.dearphotograph.com

American Bank Center Bridal Package give away

American Bank Center is giving away a terrific Wedding  package worth over 6000.00! Don't miss your chance to register. The drawing will be on July 5th and three couple will be chosen to learn a cha cha dance at Third Coast Dance Studio. the couples will perform July 24th at the Wedding Fair and the couple who performs their dance the best will win the 6000.00 package.

You can register on line at the American Bank center, full rules and regulations are listed there as well. I will update you here in a few hours once I get to the studio. Great opportunity to save a lot of cash! This prize event includes a honeymoon.

Okay here are all the details and links:

CALLING ALL ENGAGED COUPLES! REGISTER TO WIN A $6,000 WEDDING PACKAGE FROM THE AMERICAN BANK CENTER! Tell us your proposal story in 100 words or less- we want to know what made it special. Three couples will be chosen to learn a cha-cha dance at Third Coast Dance Studio and will perform July 24th before the Wedding Fair. The couple who performs their dance the best will win a $6,000 wedding package. REGISTER ONLINE NOW! For complete rules, visit americanbankcenter.com. Deadline to enter is July 1 @ 5PM. Winners will be announced July 5.

The $6,000 Wedding Package Includes:

American Bank Center Venue Rental for a wedding reception

3 Days/2 Nights Dominican Republic or Bahamas Wyndham Beachfront Resort hotel accommodations

$1,500.00 hors d'oeuvres package provided by Centerplate

American Bank Center Suite Rental for Wedding Party at a game

Pair of tickets to a sporting event at American Bank Center

Decor promotion from La De Da

$300 Gift certificate from Simply Elegant

$350 Gift certificate from Image Cinema

3 month Gold's Gym membership for Bride and Groom

$150 Gift certificate from The Chocolate Fountains of South Texas

Lighting Package promotion from Boom Box Bros.

3 Song Slideshow from Big Box Pro.

$50 Gift Certificate from Lollycakes

Earrings from Follow Your Heart Boutique

$50 Gift Certificate from Hanley & Wood

$50 Gift Certificate from Main St. Café ~ Coffee, Deli, Art

15% off of Party Package from Dr. Rockstar

Earrings from Market Boutique

Gift basket from Bourbon Street Candy Co.

$100 off any Bridal Boudoir package from Diva Dulce

CALL 361-826-4700 FOR MORE INFORMATION. 

Family Portraits

Meet the Browns: We had the pleasure of photographing Amy and Reagan Brown along with their children at their home here in Corpus. The yard was beautiful and allowed for great contrast with the greenery surrounding them and the sun producing beautiful warm tones. They are a great looking family, and were excited about having their family portraits done in their own yard. The kids were full of energy and happy to show us around. The results were a success and the family portraits were turned into beautiful canvas prints that will be displayed in their home. Here are a few of the shots we took.

South Texas WeddingsMagazine/Smiles: Want fantastic information and advise while planning your upcoming Wedding or Quinceneara?

South Texas Weddings Magazine has been around for over 17 years and is locally owned and operated. It contains all the latest and greatest information on when to do what, and gives you a checklist and time line on planning. Encompassing not only good information on when and what, but also helpful advice on questions to ask to make sure you get the services you are looking for.  The magazine contains ads for the finest vender's throughout Corpus Christi, Kingsville, Port A, Victoria, and all over the South Texas region of the Coastal Bend. Finger tip access to phone numbers as well as web addresses for planners, event venues, photographers, florist, cake decorators, caterer's, DJ's, photo booth's etc.  It is published once every six months, and handed out at each of the Bridal and Quince fairs and expo's. We will be advertising our wedding and quinceanera photography in the upcoming July issue, which will be published in time for the wedding fair July 24th at the American Bank Center's Water garden room. If you want a copy of the Jan. issue we still have several in the studio, feel free to stop by and pick up a complimentary copy. Remember to call first to make sure we are in and not out on location.

I am enclosing a link to South Texas Weddings Magazine below so you can check out the on line version. The website is currently a work in progress and constantly evolving. Remember to bookmark it so you can refer back easily as you work your way through the planning of your event. It is an excellent reference offering useful advise and easy access to credible quality driven vender's you can trust.


Click to visit South Texas Weddings Magazine

Here is a preview of our ad for the upcoming issue

Peace Love and Cowboy boots

We have had a great time working with our beautiful Texas brides and Seniors throughout the year this year and have to say "We love the Boots!".  We have many of our Seniors and Brides who would not consider doing photos without their favorite pair of Boots.

AFTER ALL THIS IS TEXAS

Here is a link to a boutique near Dallas we love!
 Click here to visit Cowgirl glam Boutique

Bridal Portraits

Tradition! Tradition! Tradition!

We love our Beautiful Brides and encourage each and every one to take Bridal portraits. It is a fantastic way to make sure you get the beautiful images of your wedding dress and give you the chance to make a trial run before your big day. We suggest, if possible,  having your hair and makeup done done by the professional you plan to use on your wedding day. This will allow you the opportunity to work on any issues before your wedding day.  These pictures from a recent Bridal session. We take traditional as well as non traditional portraits. It is important that you Bridal portraits have a timeless look that will last a life time.

Engagement Photography

Engagement photography is always a fun way to get to know our soon to be Bride and Groom. We enjoy the opportuntiy to spend time with the wedding couple in a relaxed atmosphere before the pressure of planning and harried time lines become priority. We get a chance to know the Bride and Groom and find out a bit more of their history and their stroy. Kortney and Nick are getting Married August 6th with their reception on August 6th at the Portland country club. We will be creating Kortney's Bridal portraits on the Friday June 17th. These pictures are a few studio pictures and a design we developed for their magnets.

Taylor's senior photos

Senior Portraits are another favorite for Denise and I. The confidence of youth is infectious and reminds us that anything is possible.  Seniors are at a transitional moment about to depart the places that they are from and begin the journey that will define the people they will become.  This past November we had a Senior Portrait Session with Taylor, King High Schools head Cheerleader. Like all of our Seniors she is a bright, enthusiastic, motivated young women full of optimism and excitement about what the future holds. Sometimes as photographers one has to work to ensure the person is comfortable in front of a camera and than there are those lucky moments were we get to photography people like Taylor who are young and confident with a strong sense of self.  She was great and it is no wonder she is the head cheerleader at Kings High School.    

Everything about photography hinges on preparation and ensuring that you are prepared gives one the freedom to focus on the event and capture the moments that make a great image.  Even though photography is a visual art listening is another essential aspect to mastering this craft.  When shooting at our photography studio we like to shoot tethered to our Apple Laptop which gives every one a sense of how the shoot is progressing.  The feedback is immediate because as they say a picture is worth a 1000 words, our clients love it because they begin to see the evolution of the images taking shape, give constructive feed back and it also enables us to quickly point out some posing suggestions as well as catch some simple mistakes that can be corrected.   Most common is the placement of hands, especially in a large group of people, a dismember hand sitting on someones shoulder does not create a flattering image.  This trust and understanding becomes the foundation of a good relationship both in front of the lens as well as behind it so the lessons learned in studio quickly translate to location shots where we don't have the ability to see on a monitor the finer details. 

Well no surprise Taylor was prepared Cowboy Boots, Graduation Robes, a Cheer Leading ensemble along with a few outfit changes made for a fun Senior Portrait Session.

Quinceanera, " A Traditional comming of age celebration", take the time to look inside and you will see much more!

Congratulations and Happy Birthday Myranda.

Mesmerizing Photography recently had the opportunity to photograph an amazing quinceanera. Myranda turned 15 on Christmas eve and celebrated her quinceanera beginning with pre quince portraits created by Mesmerizing Photography here in our Studio. Her Religious Ceremony took place on November 27th at St. Patrick's followed by a fantastic celebration with over 250 friends and family joining her at the Mansion Royal. Mesmerizing Photography was there with two photographers and a lighting specialist on hand to help record the event.  The following pictures are a few of the designs we put together to display at the quinceanera reception as well a as pictures taken during the celebration. We had a wonderful time and would like to say thank you to Myranda and her family. I would also like take a minute to tell them what a wonderful family they are. We saw not only a celebration, but a young lady becoming an adult member of a family that truly loves one another with a very deep and passionate bond. I don't know their whole story, but I do know they are a blended family who have managed to not just blend but belong together.  I would like to tell you what I saw when I looked inside this traditional celebration. During the planning, portrait and designing,   I saw a daughter who felt lucky, not selfish and deserving. The night of the quinceanera  I saw a Father, ( yes I intentionally left out  the word "step"), I saw a Father,  full of pride and love step on the dance floor with his daughter and later well up with tears of emotion, as his wife spoke of his compassion and sacrifice. I saw a tear roll down a grandfathers cheek as he was overcome by emotion, with the realization that, for his family, this really was a perfect moment in time. I saw a Grandmother, with a gentle spirit and quite heart continue to watch her own daughter with pride in her eyes.  I saw a little brother who never once complained or whined of being tired or bored. I saw a small sister who was just as excited for her big sister as her sister was for herself when she opened her gift during the night. I watched a Mother transform from the person who stood in negotiations with me over prices and designs into a Mother. She had juggled budgets, and venues, invitations, and decorations, photo booths and candy bars. She even stood proud during the Father Daughter dance and managed to make a speech without a falter. The only moment I saw this Matriarch let her guard down was when her husband stepped close and she felt his support. I saw a Family.

A picture says a thousand words, and being behind the lens often allows amazing clarity. However there were were things I did not see that night. I did not see jealousy, or envy. I did not witness anything close to resembling the word "spoiled".  I did not see kids sneaking out, or looking for trouble. I saw the celebration of family and a very clear picture of what "Family" is.

Denise & Scott, We are so honored and overwhelmed at the words you wrote about our family.  You were so sincere that you have brought tears to our eyes.  It was a great privilege to have you all photograph Myranda's Quince.  I am certain that you guys will be our first and only choice for our photography needs, and believe me when I say that we have passed your name to everyone we know.  Thanks again Denise and please let me know when you have the kids pictures available. Thank you -Lori

These were the 4x6 cards we
created for the tables

Click here to see the beautiful pages of the coffe table book of Myranda's Quinceanera Celebration