THINKING OF HAVING A PHOTO BOOTH FOR YOUR WEDDING? HERE’S WHY IT’S THE RIGHT CHOICE

In the age of wedding hashtags and bridal selfies, it’s no wonder wedding photo booths have become ubiquitous staples in recent years. Photo booths at weddings are appropriate for lavish, black tie affairs, and backyard nuptials alike; there’s just something magical that occurs when you let your guests express themselves, no matter the setting (and especially when there are fun props involved). If you’re still on the fence about whether a wedding photo booth is for you, here are 5 reasons that may sway your decision:

1. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE

Chances are, you want your wedding to be fun for everyone. Sure, you booked a great DJ and you plan to keep the cocktails flowing, but dancing isn’t for everyone, and if you have children and teens in attendance you’ll want to keep them busy too! A photo booth at your wedding will give your guests the opportunity to strike a pose–after the YMCA, but before the Macarena–and is guaranteed to be a great source of entertainment. I dare you not to crack a smile while watching grandma use the mustache prop.

2. DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR

How many weddings have you attended where they “thank” you for coming with a bag of Jordan Almonds or yet another shot glass? Of course you want to thank your guests for sharing in your big day, but do away with the cliché and gift your guests a personalized photo strip that captures just how much fun they had at your photo booth wedding. Include your wedding date and logo to make sure they remember exactly where they were when they had that big goofy smile plastered across their face.

3. MAKE MEMORIES

You’ve hired a professional photographer to capture the memories from your big day, from the moment you walk down the aisle, to your first dance, and everything in between. But what about Uncle Dennis flashing a peace sign while wearing a feather boa? A wedding photo booth creates and captures memories that you may not otherwise have, and instantly prints a keepsake for those who will always remember.

4. LET YOUR HAIR DOWN

Posed photos of you and your new husband or wife are wonderful, and the family photos that your photographer captures on your big day will forever be special to you, but there is immense value in having some no-holds-barred, un-planned, un-edited photos of your day. So grab mom and dad and capture an impromptu family photo, or meet your bridesmaids and groomsmen in the wedding photo booth for a wacky wedding party photo shoot; trust me, you won’t regret it.

5. BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER

The seating chart that you painstakingly prepared ensures a lack of awkward moments and drama-fueled conversation, but it doesn’t guarantee that everyone–including those friends and family members who haven’t met–gets together and socializes. Trust me, nothing brings people together quite like the line-up for the photo booth. This is where Aunt Sally and your friend Heather from college will discover that they both have an affinity for Justin Timberlake, prompting high fives every time one of his songs comes on.

A photo booth wedding will have people talking long after your big day has come and gone, and isn’t that what we’re all after?

Now that you are Engaged: 5 Tips for Hott Engagement Photos

How to Get Hott Engagement Photos

Getting ready for your engagement session? If you need some extra tips, check out this list we created just for you!

1. Dress for the season. Think about the season as you prepare for your e-session. If it’s summer, make sure to dress appropriately so you and your fiancé aren’t getting sweat stains and red faces during the session. If it’s in winter, wear bright colors so you don’t blend into the snow. Just be aware of these things so you are comfortable and your photos will look the best they can be.

2. Choosing the best session time. In the morning and later in the evening are the best times for a session because of the amazing ‘golden hour’ lighting. If you have a session at noon, there is going to be harsh lighting and your photos will ultimately suffer. 

3. Be prepared. Make a list of everything you need for your session – brush, lipstick, extra clothes, accessories, etc. Put them in the car and be ready to go. Along with that, get directions and a GPS, or your handy dandy smart phone, and program in the address of the session. You don’t want to get lost and cause unnecessary stress. Leave with plenty of time to spare.

4. Be excited. This is also part of being prepared. If you’re excited, it can’t help but rub off on your fiancé. He or she loves you and gets excited when you’re excited. Your significant other can’t help but get excited, too. So build up the hype and let him or her know how important this is to you and how fun it will be.

5. Relax. Do not, I repeat, do not, stress out about this. This is supposed to be fun. I know you're worried about what you're going to look like, if the weather is going to cooperate, etc., but the more you stress, the more likely you’ll read stiff or uncomfortable on camera. The more relaxed you are, the better your photos will be. Do what you can to prepare for the session and leave the rest up to me. That’s what I’m here for, so just take a breath and relax. Hey, maybe this is a prime excuse to spring for that massage?

3 Key Benefits of getting a Professional Headshot

Award winning business leader, entrepreneur, pastor, mentor, counselor, coach & innovative visionary, Ivory Morgan-Burton.

In today’s world we are surrounded by endless visuals like never before. Photographs and videos are plastered everywhere on social media.  If such visuals are key elements to our personal lives and corporate businesses, shouldn’t it also be essential and beneficial in our professional life? Here are 3 key benefits of getting a professional headshot:

1. The Professional You

Your headshot represents the first impression and introduction of yourself. Social media sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook have recruiters that are trying to discover your new talent and ambitions. Often recruiters will scope out their potential prospects in advance to get a feel for what you’re all about. It’s smart to go that extra mile and have a polished headshot. In doing such it will  represent you and makes for a positive impression on anyone who has, or is going to discover your profile. In the long run it is crucial to think about the impression that you’re trying to give off and how your headshot will represent your personal branding that is being built.

2. Branding

You want to represent your best self at all times. Professional headshots and personal headshots should be a representation of your style and personality that you want to reflect.  Keep the background selection in mind whether you’re at a particular location or in a studio. It’s best to stay away from backgrounds that resemble your skin tone too closely because this can make your headshot clash as a whole and distract away from your face. Such colors aren’t appealing to the eye and provide a poor visual representation of yourself. When working with a professional photographer they can help you personalize and find your style that you would like to portray and can provide insight on appropriate visual aesthetics, locations, and  lighting. 

3. Be Prepared

What is the first thing that people see when they come to your profile? You guessed it, your avatar or in other words your profile picture. Having an updated headshot is not only crucial, but beneficial to you.. Your employer could ask for a headshot so that they can post it to their website. In doing such it could be because of a blog, or because of announcements or maybe even some type of press release/Marketing. Headshots can be asked for within a short notice. Keeping this in mind you want to make sure that you are always prepared and that you have a headshot that represents yourself at all times.

Wedding Series: The significance of the first look

Are First Looks Important?

Many of my couples ask me whether or not they should have a first look. If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering the same thing. In my professional opinion, I think they are an excellent idea. I love first looks. I know that they are a tad bit ‘untraditional,’ but let me take a minute to explain the benefits of a first look.

1. Your wedding day will be crazy busy. No getting around it. You have so much to do and so little time to do it in. If you have a first look, it helps to calm down the day a bit. Instead of trying to rush around to get everyone together and have pictures taken between the wedding ceremony and reception while your guests are waiting, you’ll have that time to relax and enjoy your guests and not have to worry about being late to your reception. We can do all of the main portraits before the ceremony even begins – at the very least, the bride and groom and bridal party photos. This way, your hair and makeup are still perfect, as they were just finished. If your family is coming earlier, we can do their photos beforehand, as well, or we will only have to worry about those portraits after the ceremony and not the bridal party shots.

2. A first look also gives you a very special, intimate moment with your new spouse. If you are nervous or stressed out, this will especially help to relax you, and your spouse can comfort you and let you know it will all be OK. During the ceremony, there are many of people around and you can’t fully take in the moment because everyone is staring at you. With a first look, that moment is just between you and your spouse (and your photographers, of course). 

3. Even if you have a first look, your husband will be just as happy to see you walking down the aisle and you’ll still take his breath away. Don’t worry that you’ll be spoiling the moment by seeing him prior to the ceremony.

New Year, New You: 3 Essentials to Nailing the Perfect Headshot Outfit

Amazon #1 Bestseller in under 4 hours “Unchain My Legacy”, Author, Tonya Renada Moore

Are you feeling overwhelmed about what to wear for your headshots? No worries, we’re here to assist you with every step of the way. We know that getting ready for your shoot can be nerve-wrecking, but we will do everything we can to make sure this day goes as smooth as possible for you. Here are 3 essentials to nailing the perfect headshot outfit:

Define your Style

To start off you want to think about your style and the image that will represent your persona. Be careful to choose colors that best suit you skin tone. For instance, if you have fair skin, avoid super light colors, if you have medium, or dark skin tones stay away from colors that resemble your skin tone too closely because this too can cause some clashing in camera.

Keep it Simple

You know what they say sometimes less is more. With this in mind, keep it simple. Patterns and textured items tend to be distracting and take away from the main attraction, which is you. Bold is okay, but you don’t want your clothing to distract from your face. Jewel tones do compliment all skin tones. Wearing V-necks are a great way to show off your décolleté. If you want to keep your neckline slim and simple, try pairing a collarless shirt underneath a jacket. Wearing just an ironed shirt frames the face very well. By pairing statement pieces like earrings and necklaces this will add a nice touch to your headshot, however you don’t want to wear jewelry that’s too flashy.

Look the Part

It is very important to look the part, this can make or break your shoot. Men should take care of any grooming needs such as hair cut and shaving. If your skin gets irritated easily it would be best to find a professional barber to assist or shave the night before using a fresh sharp razor. Ladies make sure your hair and makeup represent the best version of yourself you would like to display to new clients and contacts. Your headshot session is not the time to play with fire by trying new looks. Color matching your foundation to match your neck is important. Avoid make up that has SPF because this can reflect with the studio lights. We want your natural beauty to radiate through your headshot and not be all about your makeup. If you need assistance with hair and makeup, we have trusted professionals available to assist with your look.

Bonus

The Dont’s of Headshots

-Avoid baggy or bulky attire even, if it’s in style

-Stay away from patterns or stripes that are too busy

-Leave the Logos out (unless it represents your business)

-Wrinkled, stained, or torn clothing

-Light-reflecting clothing and accessories including but not limited to metallics, sequins, sparkles and glitter. If you do wear them, remember to keep them to a minimum.

The Do’s of Headshots

-Make sure to get plenty of rest the night before your shoot

-Arrive early so you wont look rushed in your photos

-Iron your clothes the night before so that they are ready to go for your shoot

-Always remember: Relax and have fun

-Eating beforehand is good to keep your energy up

-Bring water and snacks to stay well-nourished if needed

-Bring extra attire to have a few different options

WHEN YOU RENT A PHOTOBOOTH, LEAVE YOUR OPTIONS OPEN

For some, the word “photobooth” conjures images of metal boxes found in train stations and shopping malls, filled with pre-teens striking a pose (or four, to be exact). While many of us have fond memories behind the thick curtains of those booths, their design isn’t necessarily ideal for your wedding or event. If you’re looking to rent a photobooth, consider pulling back the curtain with an open air photobooth. Here are a few reasons we think open air is the way to go for your next photobooth rental:

THE MORE THE MERRIER

Whether you’re looking to rent a photobooth for your upcoming nuptials or a corporate event, more people often means more fun! With an open air photobooth, you’re not limited by available space–you can jam-pack the entire squad into one photo, and no one has to feel left out (FOMO is real). Oh, and your claustrophobic Aunt Doris? She won’t have an issue either.

VIEWING POTENTIAL

Half the fun of a photobooth rental lies in the entertainment value provided not only to those participating, but to those watching! When you rent a photobooth with an open design, everyone waiting in line and mingling at the party can see what’s going on too! One look at the CEO with a faux moustache and your guests’ nights will be made. Not to mention, those who were reluctant to join in on the fun will witness the shenanigans first hand, and they won’t be able to resist!

SLEEK, MODERN DESIGN

With an open air photobooth rental, the professional-grade camera and lighting equipment are housed in a modern, clean tower. Not only will the setup and tear-down be a breeze, the tower looks great at any event! There’s no need for a clunky booth that clashes with your decor; instead, your photobooth rental will complement the style and theme of your soiree.

ENDLESS CUSTOMIZATION

Do you have a vision for the backdrop to your photos? Whether it’s a wall of glitter, giant balloons that spell out your name, or a backdrop that makes it seem as though your guests have ventured into outer space, an open air design can accommodate it. Not to mention that you can make use of the biggest and baddest props with no fear of overcrowding.

PHOTOBOMB POTENTIAL

Let’s get real; you can’t photobomb a picture being taken in a closed booth. Isn’t that reason enough to go with an open air design?

When planning your next event, rent a photobooth that is sure to capture the unforgettable memories you and your guests create!

Now that you are Engaged: How to coordinate outfits to get the best look in your photos

How to Coordinate Outfits for Your Engagement Session

Not sure what to wear to your engagement session? We’re here to help! You should bring two to three outfits to your session so we can get a variety of different looks for you. We suggest the following:

• Bring a ‘Dressy’ Outfit

It’s not every day you get to get all dressed up with your sweetheart and take photos together. Use this session as an excuse to really go all out and get fancied up! I’m not saying you have to wear a gown and tux (unless you want to), but maybe a dress or skirt for you, and a suit or nice slacks and a button up shirt for your fiancé. This outfit will be great for save the date cards, or the announcement in your local newspaper.

• Go Casual

We also suggest you bring a more casual outfit. This outfit is ideal for your more fun, relaxed photos. Tailored jeans and a nice shirt are always a great choice, especially if we are going to be walking around in nature a lot. Make sure to bring shoes specifically for this outfit, too.

• Coordination is Key

The most important thing to remember is to coordinate. You don’t want to be matchy-matchy, but you want to coordinate. Choose similar colors and styles that photograph well together. For example, you don’t want to wear jeans if your fiancé is wearing a suit and tie in the same photo. Also remember to dress for the location. For example, if you are doing a natural, rustic or vintage session, you’ll want to stay away from bright colors and opt for neutrals instead. 

• Things to Avoid

- Logos, unless we’re doing a sports session and you’re wearing jerseys, etc.

- Patterns – Try to stick with solid colors or minimal patterns. Plaid shirts are fine as long as your fiancé isn’t wearing stripes or polka dots. It’s a good rule of thumb to only have one partner wearing a pattern at a time. 

- Fluorescent colors – These don’t photograph well and also can cast bright color tones on your skin.

If you have any further questions or want to discuss your outfits, you can contact us at smartshot757@gmail.com

Before you Graduate: How to be the BEST Senior Rep Ever!

How To Be The Best Senior Rep 

We are so excited to begin our journey with you! We’ve put together a few tips on how to gain the most referrals through our program. If you have found that something else works too, let us know and we’ll add it in. 

Have a good online social media presence. Actively post on your social media pages – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. When we do your session, post the photos to your pages, make them your cover photos and blog about your experience. Keep the hype up by talking about your photos on your social media. Talk about your session before and after it happens. We can even stop and post a selfie during if you’d like! Tag our page when you talk about us, so your followers will link to our page.

Pass out your rep cards. We will give you personalized rep cards with your photos. Pass them out to your friends, teammates, classmates, etc.

Mention us to juniors/seniors in other high schools. If you are in a lot of extracurricular activities that allow you to be around students from other schools, be sure to pass your rep cards along to them and let them know how much you love our company. We take on clients from within a 50-mile radius of our studio. If you need a list of approved schools, just ask and we’ll send it over. The more people you talk to about the session, the greater the chance of getting referrals.

Talk about your session and how much fun it was. Whenever you show people your photos, talk about how much fun the session was. Include details from your experience to make them want to do it as well. We’re selling more than just beautiful photos, but the experience as well.

Get your parents involved. Have your parents pass out rep cards to their friends at work who have teenagers that will soon need our services. 

Now that you are Engaged: Finding Your Engagement Session Style

How to Find Your Engagement Style

This is one of those things you really don’t need to be stressed about. The key is to look inward and to consider your current life habits, hobbies and interests. From there, you’ll be able to find your engagement session style and incorporate it into your photographs seamlessly.

1. Think about your respective, and shared, hobbies and passions. For example, do you both love music? Or is cooking every night something you always do together? Maybe you love to go swing dancing. 

2. Your respective professions can definitely contribute to your e-session style. Is he a firefighter? A scientist? A farmer? Is she a chef? A kindergarten teacher? A geologist? Whatever the case may be, incorporate your professional lives into your photographs. Maybe it’s as simple as a chalkboard, a hay bale, or a chef’s hat. 

3. Are you into sports? Show some team spirit in your photographs with jerseys, sports equipment or something similar. 

4. What’s your favorite kind of music? Are you both country lovers? Maybe you’re more into the classical music scene. Don’t be afraid to dress the part.

5. Where do you feel like you’re really in your element? Is it outdoors at your favorite park? In the museum perusing the art? Or maybe you love the buzz of a colorful city.

6. What always makes you two laugh or have fun? Maybe it’s a board game, or a visit to the fair or circus.  

Before you Graduate: Let Us Capture Your Graduation!

Graduation Services Available

Did you know that SmartShot Photography offers graduation services? That’s right! We will come to your graduation and photograph the whole event for you! We’ll be there for the speeches, to watch you walk across the stage and capture that moment you reach for your well-deserved diploma. We’ll even stick around after and take photos of you with your friends and family members! We also offer a mini album for you to store all of these cherished memories in. 

You can purchase this service a la carte, or we can add it on to your senior package. For pricing and booking information, please contact us at smartshot757@gmail.com.