PJ and Dave engagement session in Brasstown, NC

PJ and Dave inside the barn

PJ and Dave’s engagement session took place on an overcast day in Brasstown North Carolina in late December 2018. I tend to prefer overcast days because of the drama in the clouds and the natural diffusing effect they have on the available sunlight- a nice, even light cuts down on contrast and harsh shadows, leaving a more beautifully lit scene.

When I meet a couple for the first time, there's always a moment of integration as we assess each other. I typically try out some jokes to see how reserved or excitable they might be. Experience has taught me that most people haven't ever gone through a couple's session for photography. Hell, most people haven't even gone through a professional photography session at all!

For their session we wandered around the campus of the John C Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. It's a school that offers around 850 skill-based classes a year, and since the campus is over a hundred acres and it's pretty rare to encounter many other folks. Of all the scenic beauty in Western North Carolina, the Campbell school campus is one of my favorite spots.

in front of an old smithy

One of the best places to shoot was over near the Old Mill House. The building has been refurbished into housing for instructors, but on the side there's still an old red water wheel. If you ever come along on a session with me you'll notice that by the end of the session the knees of my pants are almost always dirty and scuffed up. Shots like the water wheel ones play into that- I wound up kneeling in mud to get the image I wanted.

i’m fascinated by texture and peeling paint…

a step back reveals the perfect frame!

I hope you enjoy looking through these pictures, and that you'll consider me for your wedding or special event!

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What gear did you use?

camera bodies: Nikon d850 & d750
lenses: 35mm (f/1.4), 85mm (f/1.8), 12mm (f/2.8)

Heading Out (wedding departures and you)

As you sift through the nearly endless mass of wedding imagery available on the (let’s be honest here) ludicrous number of wedding expert sites floating around, you’re probably encountering all sorts of new terms and ideas.

This can be pretty fun; you can find different ways to commemorate your celebration that suit your personalities and ideals, along with sweet ways to manage the the days leading up to your celebration.

Over the next few weeks I’ll share my experience with special touches that worked incredibly well, and some of the things that flopped hard. Unity ceremonies, bouquet tosses, first looks, cake cutting (and eating), booze, rehearsal dinners, thunderstorms, elopements, and hundreds of guest affairs… I’ll be repackaging my experiences in the form of some wedding advice for you.

Let’s dive in with the departure. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go google “sparkler exit.” Over the past few years it’s become the style to have the newly married couple race through an aisle lined on each side with wedding guests. The guests are all the friends and relatives who’ve managed to hang around for the whole reception (more often than not drinking)... and someone, somewhere along the way thought it’d be a great idea to give them all fire.

Don’t get me wrong- sparklers are beautiful. They cast a cool light, everyone smiles when they see them, and the tradition of fireworks here in the USA goes back a ways- I don’t have anything against them. But it’s really special when a couple opts to personalize the end of the reception. Here are some inspired ideas!

Let It Fly

When you’re a pilot…

let them throw airplanes.

Anna & Trey got married at a beautiful barn wedding in Murphy, NC (@Mcguires). Part of the theme of the day involved the fact that Trey is a pilot, so the groom’s cake and wedding favors were themed that way, as was was their departure. They opted to let wedding guests throw Styrofoam planes over their heads as they ran out to their waiting car. And while it could’ve gone either way, this one was definitely a visual success, and (bonus) their guests loved it!

Make It Glow

no fire!

(shiny but not burn-y)

Who doesn’t like playing with light up rings and sticks?! Plus, they last so long you can bring them out on the dance floor an hour or more before you head to your departure. For this wedding, the guests enjoyed dancing with their glow sticks and I was able to capture some super-fun images! When we all went out to line up for the departure with glow sticks in hand, it was a GREAT way to transition from the reception to the after-party with no flames (or smoke) involved.

Blow Them Away

Bubbles can be beautiful, but they can also be a little messy. These are best suited for outdoor departures during the daylight-but if it’s a windy day, don’t count on the magical floating Disney effect… instead it turns into little soapy spatter. If it’s windy, ditch the bubbles and just go for a bunch of loud cheering and jazz hands!

For The Birds

Rice is completely out, but birdseed provides much of the same effect and it opens up the environmental happiness by feeding the critters after the party has moved on! This is a nice one, and it can photograph well, but only in quantity-so make sure you’ve got plenty. Oh, and avoid sunflower seeds here, as those tend to just look like flies in photographs. Birdseed is a solid choice for a daylight exit, and not as susceptible to wind as the bubbles.

Bring Flower Power

petal pelting!

you weren’t really going to take the bouquet home, were you? ;)

Lavender or rose petals are GREAT; I wish they were more commonly used in the US. They float well in wind, look good in daylight or low light settings, are easy to clean up, and don’t hurt if they hit you in the face. Natasha and Matt didn’t want to go the sparkler route, so they used petals from the bouquets to mark the move from reception to after-party! Caveat- any time you give someone something to throw at you, you’re opening yourself up for potential problems (which is why I never recommend birdseed… that stuff stings). If you’re going to let your guests chuck stuff at you, the rule of thumb is that softer is better. Set it up with your venue ahead of time if the departure is indoors like this one, so you know who’s responsible for cleanup!

Line Them Up

woohoo

showing the love or, “you can’t high-five a sparkler”

Here’s an interesting story: one of my recent weddings wasn’t going to do a departure at all, but I talked them into it right at the end of the evening. Instead of just turning off the music and heading home, we lined up two rows of all the remaining guests at the end of the night and had them give a huggy, high-five filled, LOUD woo-hoo sort of send off to the couple. This may have resulted in one of my favorite departures ever. The hugs and tears and laughter gave us all a beautiful end to a wonderful day, and it just didn’t feel too abrupt like it often does when there’s no departure. I am a big fan of transitions, and a group event (like the departure, or when everyone stands as the couple comes down the aisle) is a good way to mark the transition from one phase of the day to the next. It doesn’t have to be fancy, or gimmicky, or end with you peeling out of the parking lot in a million dollar supercar - it can be just you and your friends saying “see you at the house” or whatever…and it will still be beautiful!

Into The Night

up, up, and etc

floaty lanterns!

Paper lanterns are cool. Everyone loves them, but they may not be legal where you’re having your ceremony- check with the local fire department. One caution I can share as a photographer: they’re neat in person but they’re difficult to photograph because of the timing (the lanterns all get launched at different times, so it’s more like a trail than a flock, if that makes sense). But they’re super cool!

And, oh yeah, sparklers.

with a little space and sobriety, these are still lovely!

Part 4 of Some Common and Not-So-Common Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

• What is your main mission on my wedding day?

foggy morning under a willow- Hayesville, NC

This is a great question because there’s really no “right” answer, even though there are plenty of wrong ones. A good photographer is (first) an observer. Be wary of photographers who know it all before you’ve had a chance to talk- not knowing YOU means not knowing what will tug at your heartstrings.

“Seeing artistically does not happen automatically. We must constantly develop our powers of observation.” – Eugene Delacroix

Being a skilled observer means that as you talk to your photographer, you’re being heard. A good photographer will try to suss out what you’re going to LOVE about your photos without you even knowing what those things may be. Yes, we’re going to capture your day in stunning detail and leave you as happy as possible with the results- but one goal is to surprise you so that when you’re going through your photos, you’ll see things you love that you weren’t even aware of at the time.

Your wedding day is going to be a blur. There will be highlights frozen in your memory, but the mission of a good photographer is to deliver a blend of what you expect and what you wish for in a manner so seamless, you’re barely aware of what’s being captured.

• How are you different from other photographers?

sunset sessionin the woods- Murphy, NC

“I’m a different photographer, just like everyone else!”

Some traits to look for in your photographer are that they’re easy to work with. Yes, photographers are artists, but that doesn’t mean you need to deal with a diva. A good photographer exudes calm and provides a reassuring presence in the midst of chaos. They should be able to ramp people up if need be, show creative solutions to problems on the fly, handle adversity (think unhappy bridesmaid or groomsman), be patient, be efficient (nothing runs on time, so it’s super important that they be able to make the most of what they’ve got), and most of all be FUN.

Your photographer should be emotionally invested in your day, and in your images. There’s a fine line between creative direction and an overbearing attitude- empathy seems to be the defining trait that allows a photographer to walk that line skillfully. An empathic individual is better at connecting in the moment and drawing awareness away from the camera and into where it’s needed.

Choose a photographer who can do that. You’ll need someone like that to deal with your relatives (especially the ones with their own fancy cameras… you know who I’m talking about…).

At the end of the day, the two things you take home with you are your spouse and your photographs. That’s why asking questions like these is so important. Get to know your potential photographer. A half hour phone call or a meeting over a cup of coffee is a GREAT way to get a feel for each other and to see how you connect.

That connection makes all the difference in the world. It will help you go from just having good photos to receiving the sort of photos that will make you sigh contentedly when you see them on your wall.

If you don’t click with a potential photographer, don’t book with them. It’s that simple.

Looking for an Asheville wedding photographer? Blue Ridge photography? Or maybe you seek a destination wedding photographer because escaping to the mountains of Mexico for your wedding is an awesome idea.

No matter your destination, Nathan Baerreis is a seasoned photographer who can meet your needs with empathy and integrity. Learn more at www.nathanbaerreis.com

Part 3 of Some Common and Not-So-Common Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

(If you’re just starting this 4 part piece, you might as well check out part one!)

This is the third part of a four-part list of questions to ask your wedding photographer, along with a little commentary about each question. Drop me a line if you’ve got any other questions you’d like me to comment on!

•  What is this going to cost me?

Jourdan and her bridesmaids on the shuttle at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn near Chimney Rock in NC

Let’s put it this way: in the context of wedding photography, the phrase “you get what you pay for” holds especially true. You will always be able to find someone to do it cheaper. In this instance, the price should not be your main focus- you should be shopping for a photographer with your heart and your affinities first, and your budget in mind second. Most photographers can accommodate a reasonable budget… you may not get all the coverage or the special day after of shooting on the edge of the canyon, but they will almost always have some level of coverage available in a set budget. A good photographer will be very forthcoming about what will and won’t work, how much time $xxxx will get you, and what is a realistic expectation within the budget you’ve allotted.

I’m gonna let you in on a secret- all the best photographers in a given area know each other. We work together regularly, and we commiserate together as often as possible (imagine not having a water cooler or break room- we use online forums and real world meetups instead). If you can’t afford my services but we click, I’ll help you find a photographer who won’t disappoint. I’m an artist first, and as such I really want you to be happy.

Another important point is this: a good photographer can make a detail light wedding look like a rich tapestry of texture, but a bad photographer won’t do a beautiful wedding justice. So if you need to cut corners to fit a budget, start with other aspects of the wedding first. Beautiful images will last a lifetime (and beyond), but no one is going to remember that you skimped on the canapes.

My coverage for a full wedding day ranges from $6500 to $2500, and my average clients spend around $4000. That being said, an elopement or a couple hours on a weekday will be much less than that. Fill out the inquiry form if you’re interested, and let’s talk about what you’re looking for.

As a side note, payment plans and retainers are normal in my field, so if you’re planning ahead, everything can be way more affordable than you may think.

under the birch trees @ McGuire's Millrace Farm, Murphy, NC

• Do you offer images in black and white?

I hear this question more often than you might think. Unless you’re looking for a photographer to shoot film on your wedding day (which is AWESOME), you don’t need to worry about this. Part of the discussions leading up to booking a photographer will help your photographer suss out your esthetic- since most photography these days is digital, and since most digital photographers shoot in RAW file formats, a black and white conversion is a fairly simple thing. Ultimately (unless there’s a specific image you want to see as b&w) your photographer will choose the images he thinks present best in black & white (or sepia, etc) to offer to you. Often you’ll get to see both the color and the monochrome versions, but that is determined by your photographer’s process!

…to be continued…

((the final part of this article will be posted soon!))

Looking for a South Eastern wedding photographer or a North Carolina based portrait artist? Do you want the best headshot you can get?

No matter your needs, Nathan Baerreis is a seasoned photographer who can meet them with empathy and integrity. Learn more at www.nathanbaerreis.com

Part 2 of Some Common and Not-So Common Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

((if you haven’t read it yet, check out part 1))

• Are you flexible the day of the wedding?

rainy day light can be GORGEOUS...

The only appropriate answer here is “Absolutely!”

A huge part of wedding photography involves knowing how to respond in unexpected situations without being flustered or losing track of what’s left to do.

Unexpected weather can change the timeline…
A DJ (or an officiant) might get lost on the way to the venue (or run out of gas- particularly if the venue is remote)…
Transporting a giant wedding cake can be problematic…
Buttons pop and zippers break…
A groomsman’s suit might get left in the wrong bag…

Anything can happen.

watching the rain from then tropical storm Joaquin

If your photographer is great, challenges will give them a moment to shine (and put your mind at ease).

which leads us into…

• What Can Go Wrong (and what are your plans in the event something does)?

  This is a great question to ask because, inevitably, something will go wrong. Well, maybe not “wrong” but certainly not up to expectation- and that’s OKAY.

Cakes will fall, storms will delay outdoor weddings, pastors will be late, and bands will pull a no-show. Groomsmen will show up hungover and the mother-of-the-bride might need a drink because of it all, but that’s OKAY.

Not to mention the stuff that your photographer has some control over!

Equipment failure, bad memory cards, lighting issues, and non-professional photographers can all muck up your day as thoroughly as anything else… but a good professional takes every step possible to minimize their (and your) exposure.

Your photographer should be shooting on equipment that has built-in backup capability (most pro level cameras have dual card slots, so your photographer can record two images every time the shutter is pressed). Likewise, spare batteries, studio flashes, speedlights, modifiers, lenses, storage cards, cleaning gear, and chargers are part of every photographer’s wedding kit… I’m particularly fond of my special bag, which holds lots of different sorts of tape, a sewing kit, and some glue sticks.

The redundancy shouldn’t stop there. Inquire about your photographer’s backup process- it should include on and off-site backups, as well as incremental backups of all files, catalogs, and edits in an ongoing process so that nothing is lost in the event of a catastrophic system failure (think lightning strike or fire). I know all this stuff sounds a little extreme, but the hope is that (as a photographer) you’ll never have to use any of it… meanwhile, the reality is that you probably will at some point. Why risk it?

Ultimately, the list of what can go wrong is endless, but by hiring a professional you trust, you can at least rest assured that you’re as taken care of as is humanly possible. Beyond that, don’t worry about it!

I’ve shot weddings in rainstorms, unseasonal heat, frigid temperatures, and (once) the monsoon-like rain and wind from a newly downgraded hurricane. In every instance, the photos turned out wonderfully because my clients trusted me to do my job and to take care of them.

The only thing you really need to worry about on your wedding day is who you’re leaving with. The rest of it is beautiful, sure. Memorable, definitely. Meaningful, absolutely. But it’s all ancillary window dressing.

((continued in part 3))

Looking for a wedding photographer in western NC? North Georgia? Maybe you’re looking for a unique set of images of your Appalachian elopement!

No matter your needs, Nathan Baerreis is a seasoned creative photographer who can meet your needs with empathy and integrity. Learn more at www.nathanbaerreis.com

Some Common and Not-So Common Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer, Part 1

Lauren has a playful, creative style that meshed well with my ideas!

Photographers are as varied as the subjects they capture. Some are focused on the details, shooting only in micro- or macro- realms, while others are more interested in the big picture, shooting images from far away using drones or telescopes. Portraitists look for good representations of the people they photograph, while lifestyle photographers fall more into the emotional realm, highlighting the interactions between people as their subject, even more than the people themselves. Wedding photography encapsulates elements of pretty much all the photographic disciplines, pulling from each to fully document the emotions, details, environment, and subjects with a broad-reaching skill set. If you’re reading this, I assume you’re looking for a wedding photographer- I’m writing this with the thought of trying to frame what I consider to be appropriate answers to some of the questions I hear regularly…

• Do I get all of the photos created on my wedding day?

I figured why not start with the toughest question first. The short answer is “no.” Wedding photographers catch blurry shots, blinks, open mouths, and images with plain old bad timing that shouldn’t ever see the light of day. Many photographers will provide a complete digital proof set of all the images that pass muster along with an online gallery for ordering and sharing your photographs. Every coverage package is customized to suit my clients, so some come with just prints or an album while others come with wall art or high-resolution digital files. The upshot is that your coverage and the products included will suit YOU.

Keep in mind that when you start talking about ALL the photos from your wedding day, you’re typically going to be looking at hundreds, if not thousands of images. Pick a photographer you trust and work with them to understand what you get and why. A good photographer will have an archive process in place for digital files so that even if you don’t get all the prints you want right away, you should be able to get to them in the future.

((continued in part 2!))

Looking for an Asheville wedding photographer? Blue Ridge photography? Or maybe you seek a destination wedding photographer because escaping to the mountains of Mexico for your wedding is an awesome idea.

No matter your destination, Nathan Baerreis is a seasoned photographer who can meet your needs with empathy and integrity. Learn more at www.nathanbaerreis.com