This
week the Louisville Wedding Blog welcomes Tina Ernspiker, who
along with her husband Brad, make up Alexis Taylor Photography – a Husband and
Wife Photography team based in Louisville. They are definitely what these
interviews are all about - creativity and inspiration. Enjoy the interview and
as usual, please leave a comment for this brilliant, passionate husband and
wife team.
1.
Tell us about Alexis Taylor Photography. Can you tell us about the masterminds
behind the lens?
“Masterminds”... that is flattering!
I prefer artist. Wedding photography is my expression of art. I love
what I do! I enjoy being with happy, fun, real people on their special day. I
love creating something beautiful for them. I enjoy working with my husband, my
assistant photographer. He is my best friend and I love the support he gives me.
I photographed my first wedding nine years ago. Time flies when you are having
fun! To keep it short, this “mastermind” is just a girl, in love with a boy,
with three beautiful babies; who loves to laugh, who loves to live, who loves
being a wedding photographer.
2.
Tell us a bit about your approach to photography. What is your photography
style?
Portrait-journalism is my niche in
wedding photography. It’s a mix of traditional and photo-journalistic style
photography. I have always loved candid images that capture feelings. Weddings
are full of these moments from the beginning to the end. But a good wedding
photographer can’t ignore the traditional portraits. These are the prints that
the family cherishes and that will most likely end up as a large canvas on the
living room wall. So we do both traditional and candid. Most of us need some
direction posing in front of the camera. I wish we were all photogenic
supermodels but we aren’t. When we pose our couples we make sure they are
comfortable and happy. We may give them a few directions or pointers and then
we encourage them to interact and have fun. I am honest and if something doesn’t
look right I will tell you. We won’t stop till we get the shot.
3.
What's it like to be a husband and wife photography team?
I asked my husband what he thought
on this one... mostly, it’s fun but not always easy. At one of our first
weddings together, a bridesmaid good-naturedly teased me about saying Brad’s
name. It was Brad I need this or Brad help me with that.
I rely on him a lot and he is always there for me. Sometimes things get a bit
hectic and we tackle the situation together. It always works out and at the end
of the day the bride and groom are happily married. We love meeting new people,
having a good laugh, and Brad says he really likes reception food. So wedding
photography is a good fit for us, plus we can shoot some pretty amazing
images.... (laughing).
4.
What's your favorite location to shoot in Louisville?
There are so many great locations in
Louisville I can’t choose just one. We have had the opportunity to shoot at The
Henry Clay, 21c Museum Hotel, Whitehall House and Gardens, among other venues.
I love them all. When I talk with a bride, one of my first questions is, “What is your location or venue?” I am
always excited to shoot at a new place or a place that will make a great
backdrop for our images. Couples should always consider the importance of
location for wedding images. Each location has its own personality and the
location reflects the personality of the couple. This personality will
also be reflected in the images. A garden is much different than a ballroom.
Think of the colors and the lighting. A bride may not want orange walls in the
background of her ceremony images. And good lighting is always helpful for the
photographer.
5.
Are there any key things couples should look for when hiring a photographer?
Do I like this person? How much
experience do they have? Do I feel like I can trust them? Is their work high
quality? What is their style? Do they retouch images and are they proficient at
Photoshop? How much do their packages cost? These are important questions to
consider. Then ask yourself, what do I want from my wedding photographer?
What do I want from my wedding images? What is most important to
me? Make sure the photographer you choose can give you that. It’s pretty
simple really. But don’t expect perfection. No one is perfect. Even the most
expensive, most experienced, most artistic wedding photographer on the market
is human.
6. Are there any details or things to look out for couples should think about on the day of a shoot (engagement or wedding) (ie. colors to wear, lighting, etc.)?
Relax, be in love, smile a lot, tell
a good joke, remember good posture, make sure you feel as comfortable as
possible, be careful of the tanning bed, hire a make-up artist, open your eyes,
be natural (yes you can be natural in front of a camera, just think happy
thoughts), keep a check on stray hairs, laugh, act a little goofy, have
fun, look up, create angles (hands on hips, for example), face the light, NEVER
rush the photographer, and ask your photographer beforehand if they have any
suggestions for you.
7.
Any special tips for couples looking for a wedding photographer who are tight
on a budget?
We have three kids, a mortgage, and
a budget. I understand. I wanted to share that before I start on my rant...
Your wedding is a big deal! You are entitled to think about yourself. One of my
best friends decided to hire a fancy caterer and just let some friends take the
wedding photos. WHAT?! He was more concerned about feeding the guests then
about the beautiful memories he would be creating with his bride on this
amazing day. I guess the food was good. Pictures were ok... I love this person
very much but I will never understand the mentality. I am not saying you should
hire an expensive photographer. You may pay out big bucks and still end up with
crappy images. Do your research and be balanced. Many people enter the
photographer’s market because they think they know how to take pictures and
want to make a few bucks. Their prices are cheap. Some of them might have the
gift but most of them don’t. And wedding photography is tricky. Experience and
ability to deal with various situations is extremely important. Then you have
photographer’s charging out the wazoo for their work. They may have years of
experience and they may create beautiful art, but most of the time you are
paying for their name and their presentation. Go for a photographer in the middle
if you have a tight budget. Look at their work. Meet with them. Preview an
album. Make sure you like them. Ask about custom packages. We will customize
packages for our couples so we can meet their needs and give them a price break
as well.
(All photos by Alexis Taylor Photography)
For more
information about Alexis Taylor Photography, please
find their details below:
Contact Person: Tina Ernspiker
Website: www.alexistayloronline.com
Email: tina@alexistayloronline.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WeddPhotog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alexistayloronline
Contact Person: Tina Ernspiker
Website: www.alexistayloronline.com
Email: tina@alexistayloronline.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WeddPhotog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alexistayloronline
No comments:
Post a Comment