2012 January

Pinterest = 2012 Wedding Trend | Tacoma Wedding Photographer

2012 WEDDING TECH TREND
There is one 2012 wedding trend we must point out.  I guess it would be more like a top 2012 wedding tool.  Out of the brides we have met at wedding shows this January, around 65-70% are on Pinterest and are using this tool to design their weddings – one electronic wedding storyboard at a time.

Saying I am Pintersessed {Pinterest+Obsessed} is an understatement.   As a wedding photographer, Pinterest (and another secret tool I will reveal in an upcoming blog post) has changed the way I organize my wedding ideas and inspiration.  It has helped me to better understand our brides’ visions.  And, in turn, brides can get some insight into Firstlight Photography by just looking at our pins and boards.

SO WHAT IS PINTEREST?
MAGIC I say.  If I am a bride I am surfing the web for sport.  I am on the hunt for all sorts of wedding inspiration.  I am searching engagement shoot concepts, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, flowers (real, paper, fabric), centerpiece ideas, cakes, cupcakes, DIY, ETSY finds, wedding day photography poses and fun ideas, invitations, save the date ideas, trash the dress concepts, creative photo display/treatments etc etc to the infinity power.  But, as a bride, I get so overwhelmed and forget where I saw those amazing ideas.  And, since I am a bride, I am on super overload and I can’t be bothered to remember all these details.  I could go drop a paycheck on copious amounts of wedding mags and do a wedding poster board but who has the  time or desire?   Not our 2012 brides.  They are tech savvy.  They are busy.  This is why Pinterest is the perfect must have tool for every bride.  And let me be clear.  This is for us chicks.  My husband scratches his head about this whole Pinterest obsession.

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE ON PINTEREST
Are you planning a steampunk wedding? Great.  Pinterest has you covered.  Is rustic chic more your style?  Let me tell you, Pinterest has totally got you covered there too.  From offbeat to traditional weddings there is plenty to see.

IT SOUNDS GREAT.  BUT REALLY, I DON’T GET IT?
So, imagine a world where you can create a virtual wedding board.  For example, I have created a board called Wedding Hair.  I find photos on various blogs, websites and other Pinterest boards.  With one easy click, I can Repin this idea to my Wedding Hair board.  That great idea I just saw won’t be lost.  How cool is that?

A RECAP ON PINTEREST TERMINOLOGY
Pins – images that you “pin” to your boards.  The act of pinning someone else’s image is called “repinning.”  You can leave comments on these pins.  A bride could say, “bridesmaids – tell me what you think about this hairstyle” or she could just profess her love for this style – because she can – and that is what Pinterest is all about.  In addition, with an easy click you can post your pin to facebook and Twitter.
Pinner – that is anyone that pins.
Follow – you can follow Pinners (all of their boards) or just select which boards you want to follow.
Boards – the virtual cork boards you create.

OK, I HAVE SIPPED THE KOOL AID – HOW DO I GET STARTED?
You can’t just sign up and get a Pinterest  account instantly.  You need to register (and this can take a while) or you can ask a friend to invite you (I am always available to get someone “using”).  Once you are in, you can start developing boards and pin away.  To provide the ultimate access, you can install Pinterest on your toolbar for easier full access pinning.

You can search boards, pins, keywords and by pinners you follow, popular pins…so basically you can slice it and dice it in a multitude of ways.

AND DON’T FORGET
You can use Pinterest to save recipes, gather organization ideas, design your dream space and find DIY project inspiration for that project you didn’t know you wanted to do.   It is addictive good fun.  It is actually a beneficial planning tool and it is totally free.

Happy pinning!

Vintage Wedding Gowns | Firstlight Photography Meets Benita’s

Just look at the feathers!  Look at the brooches.  Look at the birdcage!  Looking for vintage inspired, glam or just plain elegant?  We are definitely going to visit the wedding dress shop once we are done with our January shows!  And, we promise, we’ll bring our big boy and big girl cameras!

Rock ‘n Roll Wedding in Seattle | Firstlight Photography

We love Offbeat Bride and the clients it brings our way.  When we did our pre-shoot phone consult, Alyson had a major game plan.  There was no lack of ideas so we were pretty excited to get the show on the road.

We sensed the couple was going to be fantastic to photograph. We met Andy and Alyson at their Seattle/Georgetown engagement shoot.  Since they are getting hitched at the Central Cinema in Seattle, we started there and then whisked off to the Georgetown Ballroom.  Both are amazing venues.

We feel so lucky to get to work with the couple’s that choose us.  We have really focused on our niche and we aren’t turning back.  And, yes, that is a hint for an upcoming blog about defining your clients.  Just another reason we LOVE what we do.

Tacoma Boudoir & Pin Up Photography | {Boudoir Photographer}

We have been doing our Little Black Book boudoir studio for less than a year but have built a great client base – mostly by word of mouth.  When the phone started ringing off the hook in December we were stumped but then a client told us  the Weekly Volcano’s Naughty and Nice Holiday Gift Guide featured us.  We hopped online, read the review and squealed with delight!

While many of our client’s were able to give the gift of boudoir for the winter holiday season, many are working on some pretty steamy Valentine’s Day gifts as well!  Do you still need a sexy gift for your special someone?  We have some open dates available but we have to do your shoot before February 2nd to ensure photos are ready!

In case you didn’t see the Volcano write up, here it is!  In our world, flattery will get you everywhere!  Thanks Volcano staff!

Way more flattering than your cell phone and a mirror
Want to give the gift of self in a more permanent fashion? “Little Black Book” boudoir studio by Firstlight Photography can capture the hottest side of you.  The husband and wife photography team create lasting images of beauty and grace for all shapes and sizes.  Elegant lighting, flattering poses and excellent customer relations make the experience of having your naughty bits caught on celluloid an exhilarating experience. Only as much of you will be revealed as you desire. Be it tasteful and subtle, or full-blown sexy and provocative, the results will be worthy of any bombshell or movie star. -  Ginger Knoxx