The Best Craigslist Post...

Well, perhaps not the best but pretty damned good. The person who posted this has earned a beer from me if they so desire because I thought it was just plain brilliant.

You all know Craigslist...you can get everything from a used bicycle to inexpensive wedding photography. The bike you can return, the photography you cannot! There are sooooo many "photographers" that post on there that it is pretty funny. A few of them are quite good, most are not.

The problem is that a lot of brides look to this list for their wedding photography in order to save a bunch of money. Guess what, if you hire a "photographer" that is just getting into weddings or somebody that is so inexpensive that it is too good of a deal to pass up, YOU WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE WASTING YOUR MONEY!!

This is not a portrait session that can be done over. Do you really want to have your day handled by an amateur posing as a professional? If you want to take that chance, go ahead but when it is all said and done, you are screwed.

With that in mind, find a real wedding photographer and you will not regret it. Talk with them about their prices and possible finance options. Who knows, you might be able to work out something to get the photography package of your dreams with photographs that you actually love.

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So, here is the post from Craigslist...(author unkown) BTW, "Edgy" is my favorite one!

I know that shopping for a photographer on craigslist can be confusing. There are just so many to choose from! I'd like to make it just a little bit easier by offering this simple translation guide for craigslist brides

Photojournalistic style
I will to try to blend into the background and hope that no one notices that I don't really know what I'm doing.
Synonyms: unobtrusive

Building a portfolio
I don't have a portfolio because I don't have any experience.
Synonyms: Refreshing a portfolio, Expanding a portfolio

Cheap
Amateur
Synonyms: Inexpensive, free

Edgy
I frequently miss the focus/exposure/color balance. Will try to to make up for it with unusual crops and funky post processing techniques
Synonyms: Artistic

Uses natural light
I don't own any photographic lights and/or I don't know how to use them.
Synonyms: Available light

Specializing in Location photography
I don't have a professional studio
Synonyms: On-site photography, Will come to you

Full copyright release provided
I don't think the photos will be worth anything later and I really could care less about the print quality of your final image.
Synonyms: You own your images, all photos provided on CD

Last minute weddings available
My calendar is completely empty

Boudoir session included
I would like to see you in your underwear
(see "Models Wanted TFP" ads in "Creative Gigs" section)

Good Morning London...(and everyone else!)

I am still in London as the big wedding day is tomorrow. If the weather is anything like it is today, it will be perfect. Well, except for there being minimal sunlight and all that good stuff. We are going to have to scramble to make this one happen.

So today, I head out of London towards the east. Not sure where as of yet but I will be getting directions from the groom so that I end up in the right place.

Ahhhh....the grand adventure continues.

Off to the UK

So, as 2009 winds down I am getting ready to run off to my next (and last) wedding of the year. It should be another wonderful and beautiful wedding and I really can't wait for it...but I will.

Here is a photo of the venue where Alex and Haley will be married in a few weeks and I am sure that you will agree, this location is pretty freakin' cool.

This is in Essex England and promises to be amazing.

Now, here is an interesting point...this will be my third international wedding. Does that make me an "International Wedding Photographer?" The reason I ask is because it seems as though everywhere I look, I see that there are a ton of photographers that seem to be labeling themselves as "International Wedding Photographers." Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of photographers that have this listed and quite frankly, they deserve it. On the other hand, it seems to be that it is now being used as a label that in many cases has no merit.

It is similar to the use of the "Wedding Photojournalist" title that many use as well. Personally, I find it pretty funny when photographers advertise that they shoot PJ and then one of the first photographs that you see on their website is that of the groom down on one knee holding the bride's hand. Oh yeah, that is photojournalistic isn't it!

As always, thanks for tuning in. Check back soon as I will be undoubtedly have a run at the photographers that mention that they "Award Winning" yet, have never actually won (or placed) in a competition. Yeah...good times!

Basically, find a photographer that you like and book them. They may in fact be "International Award-Winning" wedding photographers or, they may just plain be full of themselves. And by "themselves" well, you know what I mean.


Cheers!

www.brucemayhill.com

still suckin' it!

How often do I have to say this?

Yeah, I totally suck at blogging. Is it that I don't have anything to say? If you know me then you certainly know that is not the case. I think it is like going to the gym. If you get out of the routine and you are totally screwed!

Well, I am out of the routine but perhaps this entry will be the equivalent of getting my ass to the gym and working out (which I need to do as well!).

Lots to share with everyone so I will make an effort to do so.



More to come...no, really!

Thank you...

These two words mean a lot. It never ceases to amaze me how many times these words are neglected. Yesterday, I purchased something in a local hardware store and was, as always, amazed that the person at the cash register neglected to thank me.

Hmmmm...

Was I doing this store a favor or something?

Well, with that in mind, if it is the case that I have forgotten to say thank you to you, especially in a professional environment, then I apologize and, "Thank you."


Cheers.

Chocolate covered crack!

When I was in the restaurant business in Los Angeles, we would get
these every once in a while for exceptionally long days. You know,
Valentines Day,
New Years Eve, etc.

We had some, now we have less and I am slightly wired right now.

Leanna and Bryan

Don't get me wrong, I know a lot of photographers talk about how great their clients are and all that stuff and I am sure that they are great. But let me tell ya, nobody can even get close to my clients and Leanna and Bryan are no different. They were a ton of fun and made my job pretty easy.

So, crank up the volume and watch the slide show. Grab your popcorn and enjoy!