I recently bought an iPad specifically for the photo gallery which allows me to showcase my work to clients instead of using my iPhone. My first potential wedding client whom I met by chance while visiting a friend, looked through my gallery of destination weddings and decided to hire me for their Hawaii wedding. The iPad had instantly paid for itself! So here is the ad:

Wanted

Female assistant for one or both trips to Maui, Hawaii. Engagement session on October 30-31, flying in October 29 to November 1. Wedding celebration on December 30-January 1, flying in a few days before and after the event. Assistant required to carry two carry-on sized bags around while shooting. Escorting El Bob also required. Airfare and hotel costs are completely covered, must be comfortable sharing a room. The benefits include free vacation and possibly free photo shoot.

above photo credit unkown, from Google

I went back to Mexico within a month for another wedding, but this time I headed to Mazatlan which isn’t too far from Los Cabos. Instead of the usual point and shoot photos, I decided to document my sightings with the ShakeItPhoto iPhone app. Apparently everybody loves the photos and I didn’t have to do any work!

There are some weddings where I capture the getting-dressed-mayhem or intimate-dressing-moments, but more often than not, I am waiting outside the door until it’s time for the zipper shot. It may be the fact that I am male, it may be the fact that they don’t care for such photos, but I want to encourage future brides to at least consider it. I think most brides haven not tickled with the idea of getting-dressed shots thoroughly enough and end up leaving the photographer out of the action – or worse yet – letting the bridesmaids decide.

Yes, I said leaving the photographer out of the action. When they close the door and leave me waiting outside, I usually hear screams of laughter and cat calls, long conversations, all while I, the hired photographer, yawn outside the door with only my own feet to take pictures of. I believe some of the funniest, intimate, and memorable shots are during the dress up. I say again, it’s not for everyone, but at least consider it and plan it out if you do want such memories to be captured – maybe even surprise your husband a little.

Bridesmaids please, if the bride has decided to let me in to photograph her getting dressed, don’t second guess her decision, especially in front of me.

I will now let the photos speak for themselves.

Photographers usually have the tough challenge of thinking up a pose on the spot for the bridal party. With the groomsmen, it sometimes leads to some sort of crazy action, such as beating up the groom. One thing I learned from this wedding is to never ask the guys to punch the groom in the face – or at least not before the ceremony. Sorry Scott!

El Bob has been on the guest list for a few weddings last year, and will be on a few for this year as well. He gets special privileges at the wedding.