DLHG Photography

Ahhh, the wedding rehearsal.  While a very obvious part of the wedding planning process, it’s one that many couples forget to think about until they’re right there at the rehearsal with a room of wedding attendants and family staring at them blankly.  On a number of occasions the bride has suddenly turned to me and said “uuuummmmm, now what do I do?!”  Well, here you go.

When to hold it…

Typically, most couples hold the rehearsal on the day before the wedding.  You usually have most of your wedding party in town (hopefully) by this point, most of your work done, and it's the traditional thing to do.  But this isn't the only option, just the most common.

Another option is to hold your rehearsal a couple days or even a week before. Why? Having your rehearsal on Monday through Thursday usually gives you a better chance of holding your rehearsal at the actual ceremony location and time of day of your ceremony - especially during the summer months.  Also, if you run through the ceremony and realize you've forgotten to plan for something, or have forgotten to get an important item (such as the unity candle, ring pillow, etc.) you have more time to fix any issues that arise rather than being forced to run around immediately or the morning of the wedding.  If you're starting to feel overwhelmed in your planning, you might particularly prefer this option since it will allow you to spread out the events of your wedding rather than cramming it all into 48 hours.  Having your rehearsal a few days before also allows you just that much more time to relax on the day before your wedding.  Some people have their rehearsal a few days before followed by a small rehearsal dinner with just the wedding party, and then have a relaxed get together with whoever is in town the night before the wedding at a club, pizza place, you name it.  

There’s only one time I’d recommend to NOT hold your rehearsal.  I’ve seen a few couples try it, and it’s always made it a nightmare and taken the romance out of the ceremony.  Avoid holding your rehearsal on your wedding day.  People will be more stressed, moody, and it doesn’t leave you any time to fix any problems that may arise.  On top of that, should anyone run late for any reason you may miss having a rehearsal altogether.  

With the number of options you have, it all comes down to your stress level and how you want to spread it out.

Where to hold it…

If at all possible, hold your rehearsal at the ceremony location.  Otherwise, everyone will feel like they're guessing when it comes to the big day of where to stand, etc.  It's another one of those little things that will help put everyone a little more at ease on your wedding day.  By not having it at your actual location you're not able to necessarily see little problems of where exactly people enter from, what visual obstacles may prevent the photographer or guests to see you during the ceremony, where your party should exactly stand, etc.  If you're able to hold it at about the same time of day as your ceremony you'll have a better idea of traffic and parking problems, where the sun will be (is it blinding anyone) and what the temperature will be like.  Having your rehearsal somewhere else won't let you take things into consideration, and may cause some undue stress on your wedding day.

Who should be there…

Anyone who will be playing an active role in your ceremony from the time the processional music starts to the time of the recessional should attend.  Whether or not your photographer attends is usually their personal preference.  Some will include it in the cost, and some will charge (especially if you want them to actually photograph the rehearsal).  I personally prefer to attend the rehearsal (but not photograph it), as it gives me a clear idea of the ceremony order, ideas of where to stand at what points, any visual obstacles, and often to help out.   Run through your rehearsal at least two times to make sure everyone is comfortable with what they're supposed to do, where to stand, etc.  Any children you have planned to be a part of the ceremony should definitely be there.  We often forget that little kids can be nervous and shy to new situations and environments.  Letting kiddos check out the location, meet the wedding party, and see how the ceremony should go will make them feel better, too.  

What to cover at your rehearsal…

The rehearsal is done to make sure everyone knows what's going on from the order of the ceremony, where to stand, and to calm nerves a bit.  It doesn't matter how many times you've been married before, it's just a good idea to take even fifteen minutes to go through it with everyone that will be involved.

Don't forget to make sure all your key players know where they're supposed to be on the wedding day and at what times - especially if you're having any photos done before the ceremony.  The rehearsal is one of the few times you may have everyone together -take advantage of it.  Make sure everyone is on the same page, wake-up calls are figured out (always a good idea if everyone isn't sleeping at the same place), tuxes and gowns are picked up, transportation to the ceremony location is figured out, who's helping with clean up and the overall schedule of the day.  This will help cut down on "issues" and confusion on the wedding day.  (A side tip, have all the guys brought their tuxes to the rehearsal and look in the bags to make sure every item is there.  I’ve seen more than just a few panic moments the morning of the wedding when tux pants are missing, shoes, etc.)

What to bring and what to "prepare"…

If you're standing in front of your crew and it feels like chaos - welcome to a typical wedding rehearsal!  I have yet to attend one in my over 20 years of being involved with weddings when it didn't initially feel a bit "mobbish".  That's why it's called the rehearsal.  If you have someone that's coordinating your big day they will probably run the rehearsal for you - which is definitely a perk.  If you're braving the planning yourself, don't worry.  Just get everyone's attention, stay calm, laugh and go with the flow.  And remember - the sooner you get through the rehearsal, the sooner you get to start the rehearsal dinner!  Make sure you have all of your ceremony order figured out and written down before you get there - including the order of who's walking in the processional.  Give thought (beforehand) to where you want people to stand, sit, etc.  Remember, this is supposed to be a rehearsal, not a development meeting.  Feeling a little extra motivated?  Why not bring copies for your wedding party to look at during the rehearsal.  It'll help keep them involved and a little more focused, too.  Keep your sense of humor with you, have some fun, and remember that this whole process is to lead you to the kiss at the end of the ceremony.  It’ll all be worth it.

Have some questions about how to do your rehearsal?  Don’t hesitate to ask!  I’m happy to help make your day as smooth as possible (if I’m your photographer or not!)

During the five month road of my eye surgeries they've taken photographs of my retina as part of the diagnosis process.  The first time my husband and I saw them I knew I had to get my own copies of them!  It was amazing to see just how beautiful the retina is (when it's healthy or not!).

First off, here's an image of a normal, healthy retina...

Now on to my left eye, the healthier of the two.  The globby shape you see is part of the progression of my degenerative myopia (simple explanation - the retina has been overstretched and is wearing thin). 

This is an angio image of the left eye.  It reminds fme of looking through the trees at the night sky...

A fun collage of the angio images of my left that the clinic made for me. The bubble in the uphand left corner is a "horshoe" tear that has since been repaired and healed.  They do this by a laser treatment that isn't too uncomfortable, but for some reason I giggled through the whole thing.  My Doc said I was the first person that had ever done that in his experience.  Leave it to me!

And now, meet my right eye!  Many of you have heard me refer to some of the distortion in my eye as "Steve the Banana Slug".  Can you find Steve?

Didn't see him, here's the same image with it pointed out.

And finally, my favorite of all of them, the angio image of my right eye.  Believe it or not, a wall print of this for my studio is on it's way!

And now you've met my eye!  Photography is a wonderful thing... 

As some of you have noticed, I've taken some time off from the blogging world while recovering from some eye surgeries since October.  It's been an adventurous road, but I'm finally back at it, and excited to start getting that shutter clicking again.

During the next few months I'll posting articles with all sorts of helpful wedding tips (as we're about to start the 2008 wedding season), and fun tips for family candids, getting ready for senior portraits, and just general fun stuff.

For a bit of fun, here's a few "favorites" from new galleries I've posted (all of them can be viewed by visiting the Galleries link on the main website).

Happy Spring Everyone!!!

MELISSA, JACOB & CALEB: FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY
Who says your family portraits have to be remniscent of your yearly school photo?  Have your family portraits truly represent your family by going to one of your favorite locations and just play!  For this shoot we visited a fun park with plenty of fall leaves...

One of our favorite "posed" portraits from the day... 

Nothing says "two year old" as much as sliding down a slide backwards... 

Almost as good as leaping into a pile of leaves, throwing them in the air to hear that priceless little kid giggle... 

ROB & UNIQUE: COUPLE'S PORTRAIT 
To capture the lighthearted and fiesty spirit of this couple we kept more of an urben feel, and shot in fall during the sunset to get that extra splash of fiery colors.

At Gas Works Park...










At Seattle Center...

At Alki Beach... 

SAHILA AND CONOR: FAMILY PORTRAIT
When it comes to family portraits - especially with little kids, I love to do more of an "in the moment" style in addition to the standard artisitic posed portraits.  For this shoot we kept it entirely journalistic by enjoying a day a park complete with bubbles, and even caught a surprise moment of Conor's first time balancing!  Truly some priceless images!

This was Conor's very first time balancing on his own!







MELISSA AND AMADEUS: HORSES
Family doesn't just mean the human companions in our lives, it also means the animals in our lives.    With beautiful scenery  these images truly captured the incredible connection between Melissa and her horse, Amadues.  (Note - Melissa is also one of my previous brides!)










KATE, JOHN & BABY JACK:  FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY
There is little in life more precious and heart-felt than some  images of your new baby.  Just days before John was  to head back out on deployment,  they enjoyed some quiet time with their new  16 day old son, Jack.  I always feel extremely honored to do this type of shoot.  To make it nice and easy on them, I brought my portable studio to them.  (Special note: Kate and John were one of my bride & grooms!)
















JANET, MODOCK & YONDER: HORSES
When the friend of one of my brides found out that she was getting portraits with her horse, Janet just couldn't resist.  Truly a fun shoot filled with lots of laughter and beautiful moments between her and horses Madock and  Yonder.

What's the first thing a photographer does to commemorate her birthday?

Take a picture of the time! :)

This is my silly way of celebrating my birthday... yup, us artsy people are quite silly. 

It’s that time of year where we all try to jam pack a million memories in about a month and a half time frame.  While you’re running around like an elf with your head filled with caffeine and sugar here’s some tips to be sure to capture some great holiday memories to last you for a lifetime to tell this year’s story…

Have a creative and wonderful holiday!!!... and yes, this is me in an ornament next to a Diet Coke tree ornament.

Don’t Be A Posing Grinch – Let The Fun Happen!
Some of the best moments and memories people reminisce over aren’t posed, so why make people stop the action to look right at the camera and say “cheese log!”  Let your family, friends and yourself live in the moment to capture a true laugh and smile.  This is an especially easy way to get that most sought after shot of the family member who never smiles for photos, too!  Keep your camera handy; set it to automatic or a setting you’re very familiar with so you can snap at a moment’s notice. 

(Keep those cameras ready when the kids are opening gifts - you never know how excited they'll be!)

When you do your posed stuff, get one “normal” one and then do something a little more lighthearted.  Involve your holiday decorations, let people make faces and embrace the sugar induced silliness!  This keeps any family portraits more fun for everyone (even if you don’t ever print the silly one, rather than a mandatory chore.  When you have little kids involved this is a GREAT way to get them to be “pretty” and behave for a couple shots.  Just tell them “If you can give me a nice pretty smile for one picture then I’ll let you be silly for two.”  Little girls and spinning, boys and making faces – it works for me 99% of the time – even when grumpy kids are involved! 

Be Part of the Memory – Not Outside of It…
There’s always one in each family, and clearly I’m it in mine.  It’s too easy to get stuck behind the camera and capture those wonderful memories of those around you without including yourself.  The consequence, it’ll look like you weren’t even there to celebrate!  If you know you’re the photographer in your family, make it a point to hand that camera around, at least a couple times to get yourself in action.  A fun way to do this is the classic “One Armed” shot by holding the camera out in front of you, squeeze in with a couple people, and take the shot yourself.  A couple tips, keep the camera slightly higher rather than straight on, and try not to pull your head back which causes the lovely double chin syndrome.  Try it a couple times and have fun with it.  You’ll be surprised at what fun shots you can get with this! 

(A "Self Shot" image of my hubby and myself last Thanksgiving...)

Soften That Flash Before You Blind Us!...
We all know the curse… You’re inside, its winter and dark out – yup, you’re going to have to use that flash!  Often that creates harsh lighting that most of us don’t like.  A simple trick for point & shoot cameras that have built in flash – create your own little diffuser which softens the light a bit.  You can do this by placing a piece or two of frosted scotch tape over the flash, or even a napkin, paper towel, etc.  Anything white and light!  It creates a much nicer effect and lighting and even helps reduce the red-eye.  Try colored paper or napkins for some fun effects!

Check and see if your camera has a Nighttime setting.  It's a great way to pick up the colors of the holiday lights while still getting light on the human subjects in your image.  It's done with a long exposure so don't move your hand right when then flash goes or you'll get some funky effects (which may be fun!).  Not sure if you know what I'm talking about - just shoot me an email and I'll help!

(One of our cats, Chlooiagh, appreciating a diffused flash while tackling the garland...)

Little Details Tell A Story…
Don’t forget to snap shots of those little details to tell the story, too.  Special ornaments on the tree, a gift someone made, and the fun iced cookies your two year-old made for Santa, or the first snowman of the season.  It’s a fun way to remember small things and the ways those little items touch your holidays.  Sometimes these little details are some wonderful memories 20 years down the road.

(an ornament from our first "married" holiday season...)

Share Your Memories With Everyone!
The joy of living in a digital age is that it’s so much easier to share our memories with everyone we love.  Post your images to an online gallery like Shutterfly, SmugMug, etc.  These galleries make it easy to share your albums (you often get your own little web address or a way to send an invite to share with others), and people can even order their own copies of their favorite prints through there without you having to do it for them.  If you’re new to the online gallery shoot me an email and I’ll be happy to walk you through getting set up with one of them.

  (commemorating the first snow fall a few years ago..)

Most Importantly – Remember To Take To Live In The Moments And Not Get Trapped Recording All Of Them…  Yes, this is the same as being part of the memory that I mentioned above, but that’s how much I believe in it!  I often fall into the same problem, as did my mom.  Being surrounded by your friends and family are a blessing, so take advantage of it and share the time WITH them, not just around them!  Hand that camera around and let those you love be the photobug for a while!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

~Dawn