I heard about "first look" photographs several years ago, but it wasn't until I attended a wedding photography class this year that I became intrigued with them. For the past few years, John and I have been running into the same problem with many of our weddings... lack of time to photograph everything the bride and her mother (and we) want. We pride ourselves in being quick with the posed family portraits after the ceremony, typically 30 minutes maximum. However, that simply is not enough time to get the AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, and CREATIVE portraits we would like to capture of the bride and groom. It is only enough time to capture the family portraits, wedding party and a few quick shots of the bride and groom in the end, time permitting. We could take more time (many photographers use a full hour of reception time), but we feel like the newly weds should attend as much of their reception as possible. Most of our brides actually want it this way and are perfectly happy with only a few portraits of them with their new groom. I feel that this is a great disservice though, and am just dying to find a bride willing to do a "first look". So if you too are intrigued, keep reading!

Your wedding day is all about you (not in a bridezilla way, but in a memorable, romantic way)! So, why not make yourselves a priority in the photography? Repeat after me, "we're number one, we're number one!"

Reasons to do it:

1. Instead of being in a packed room for the first look, the bride and groom get to share an intimate moment with each other in a secluded setting. She can sneak out behind him, tap him on the shoulder and see his reaction to "the first look" up close and personal. When the first look occurs as you walk down the isle, you can't hug or kiss your groom when you reach him. You have to try to sneak glances and suppress all that giddiness as you stare at the priest.
   
2. Ten minutes alone! After all it is your day and throughout the whole wedding this will be the only time you get to spend alone together. After we photograph the first look (from a distance), we will leave you all alone to connect emotionally, really talk to each other and savor the moment.
3. More time to take intimate, beautiful photographs of the bride and groom on their day! After ceremony portraits are rushed with all of the obligatory family portraits. We have found that most brides sacrifice portraits of them alone with their groom in an effort to please the family and still get to their reception in a timely manner.
4. The bride and groom CAN attend their cocktail hour! Who knew? If we photograph your first look pre-ceremony as well as your wedding party, we only have family portraits left post-ceremony. We can photography all of your required family portraits in 30 minutes or less! Get ready to mingle and relax!
5. Nix those nerves! Most brides and grooms are really nervous with all of the pressure of seeing each other for the "first time" at the ceremony in front of all their friends and family. Having some personal time before the ceremony to see enjoy and reassure each other will calm even the worst nerves.
   

1. The tradition of walking toward your groom in a room full of family and friends.
2. Your guests will not see your first look. Chances are good that you might cry when walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time (…resulting in, you guessed it: the ugly cry).

I would LOVE to say these are my (or even our) images of Matthew and Meresa, but they are John's alone. Unfortunately I was unable to go to this engagement session and meet this amazing couple. Once I saw the images, I was so jealous! Just from their portraits, I can tell I would have really enjoyed meeting and photographing such a fun and loving couple!

John, Matthew and Meresa met at our new location on Middle Street and photographed all around downtown New Bern. They decided to go in the "Pepsi Store", better know as the birthplace of Pepsi Cola and share a fountain pepsi. John mentioned that they both commented that it was the best pepsi they had ever had (and how could it not be?)!

We had the pleasure of photographing Laura & Kory a few weeks ago! Laura was working for The Hilton in New Bern at the time, so we had previously worked together to cross-promote for weddings. (Side note: for brides still searching for a venue, check out Ashley & Stephen's Wedding post to see The Hilton, New Bern) Like every groom-to-be, Kory was not thrilled about a portrait session, but we quickly turned that around and all had fun together!

John and I have discussed on numerous occasions why it is that photography, especially portrait photography, is barely (if at all) recognized as art. For me, photography is my art form; it is how I express my views of the world. Whether I am photographing a scenic landscape, abstract images, or portraits, I use photography to convey my thoughts on the subject. How the subject is captured can completely change the mood of the image. If you too, love photography as art and want to learn more, John will be teaching photography classes later this summer in our downtown New Bern studio (more on this to come).

A portrait of a days-old newborn peacefully sleeping can most definitely classify as art and be framed and hung in a prominent location in one's home. Why is it, that most people I come in contact with would prefer to hang impersonal, mass-produced pieces on their home walls as opposed to custom, personal photographic art? I think of portrait art as "art with meaning." I've also noticed a preference of purchasing more traditional posed portraits out of a feeling of obligation (to what or whom I don't know) while all the fun, original portraits are the favorites. Why not choose your favorites for the wall? I may never understand, but I will continue to create artistic photographs and portraits nonetheless and hope that one day they too will be classified as art.

I'd like to recognize Alfred Stieglitz for his photographic work and struggle to have photography recognized as art, before many of us were even born. He is one of the greats! Check out a quick bio here: http://www.leegallery.com/photographers/118-alfred-stieglitz.html

I was so excited to find this video online! It discusses some of the reasons why it is so important to hire a professional photographer for your wedding. So many brides try to cut their budgets by hiring a family member or friend to photograph without realizing that the photographs will be the only tangible part of their wedding left after that day. A professional photographer is the only photographer you will find with the skills necessary to capture every moment of your special day beautifully and preserve those priceless photos forever. The link, http://www.ppa.com/weddingphotographer/, also has a lot of helpful information for you such as questions to ask the photographers you interview and what to look for in a professional photographer. I hope this helps those of you still searching. ...and if you are still searching, give John a call at 633-3755 to discuss your wedding photography! He will answer all of your questions and concerns and provide a custom quote. HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING!

We have some fantastic special events for Blue Bear throughout the coming year! We are excited to start photographing your little one(s) with our many new scenes and props (not cheesy, think a nice mix of modern and vintage)! See you soon!!!

When we opened our location on Glenburnie, four years ago, we wanted to be be downtown! Now we finally are!!! Please come see us anytime you are in the area: 228 Middle Street. We are so, so, so HAPPY with our new location and can't wait to see you here!

The portrait was taken by our good friends Julie and Kendra at Elizabeth Kay Photography!