Choosing a Second Shooter, Finding Hidden Talent.
I had such a fun Sunday. I've got to tell you why. Who doesn't love dressing up and getting their pictures taken? Usually, I am the one taking the pictures. Therefore, there is no need to go through the effort of looking camera gorgeous unless I need to look appropriate for the occasion. Luckily I have an insanely talented friend Heather Wilkerson. Her forte is creating amazing looking cakes that taste like angels came down from the sky and made them with sunshine and rainbows. Over the summer, I spotted that she also has an eye for photography!Â
Rewind back to the summer time... I was turning 30 and wanted to make it special. This included having-- Themed Smash Cake Photography done. At first, I considered contacting a local photographer, whose work I love. But I pulled up her website only to find out that she is no longer taking photos. (I pray for her health!) So I was thinking about what I can do to still get the images I want. Then I had an idea and looking back on it.. it was pretty brilliant. I would set up the correct settings I desired in my camera, have my best friend take my pictures with care to keep me in focus, then I would edit the images. She was scared of holding my intimidating camera at first, but this plan went flawlessly.
The photo session was about an hour long. The wind was trying to destroy my set.. and my hair.. and my vibes. But we were determined to get these images taken! A baby sitter was taking care of her little one. Another friend came along to watch. (Well I think she just came to watch but she ended up helping us out SO much fixing the background, fixing my hair, saying, "Oh get that laugh! Get that smile! Keep snapping!") Heather's next door neighbor was even kind enough to let us borrow her prize-winning white rabbit! When I was culling my images, I was smiling from ear to ear. Not just because I got to see from a different perspective of all the fun I was having.. and all the cake I ate.. but because the plan had worked. She captured my excitement and personality. And when she was over being restrained behind a tripod. She moved her feet and got some amazing close-ups. Careful to make sure the settings were still looking okay, she would show me the back of the camera and I would adjust with my cake covered hands, then she would go back to shooting. I professionally edited the images she took and couldn't wait to share them and credit her help!
Fast forward to Sunday... I mentioned to Heather over the weekend how I really need headshots for my website's ABOUT ME section. At first, I was using a selfie.. cringe. Then I was using an image of me with cake all over my face.. cute but not the professional I would like to present myself as. So getting her more familiarized with shooting in manual mode on my first DSLR we made a day of it! Stopped for coffee and target for a couple of items we need for upcoming sessions then back to her house for headshots. Again, I absolutely love the images she took of me. This girl even made me look good with braces! We first did a walkthrough of all the spots we would take images in. She had a shot list saved into her phone of what she desired to capture. Then I got to act it out! One of the coolest moments was when I started to instruct her to make sure to use the rule of thirds for this image.. she smiled and I knew she already was without my prompting. (Yes grasshopper!!) I am eager to teach her everything I know about photography. I know we will make an awesome team for upcoming weddings and she will add value to higher priced packages so my brides get more images, more angles, and MORE TALENT!
Thank you for stopping by! XOXO
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Smash Cake Outfit and set up:
Images and Smash Cake made by Heather Wilkerson.
Professional editing is done by yours truly.Â