KNOWLEDGE GAINED:
Before the day of the wedding I think I spent every free minute I had reading blogs and forums on "How to be a good second shooter". They all said the same: help with setup, carry bags & equipment if needed, round up family members or wedding party for any formal shots, make sure the primary photographer is always hydrated, look for shots they aren't able to capture, get other angles, and remember it's not about you and more importantly don't give up after the first time {if you have a bad experience which I DEFINITELY did not}. I can definitely say WOW! In a good way, of course. I think the biggest outcome for me from this experience was the realization of key things: the fast-paced timeline, the equipment needed, and just the pure fact of watching a pro in action really gives you a sense of what it's all about and what I want to strive for. The day was overwhelming to say the least for a newbie to the wedding photography world, but it was exhilarating and so much fun. Although I knew the day would be fast, I didn't realize how fast Krystal really is. But when you're that good, it just comes natural. It was fascinating to watch her work and I tried to make sure I wasn't being a "lurker" or taking shots of everything she was, I hope I was able to find a decent balance and get a few great shots on my own. Krystal will always out perform me but to take a step back, replay the days events in my head, and think about what I analyzed from all my observations is priceless. I really can't wait to do it again! Now if I only have $5K for my list of equipment I decided that I need. lol
SWOON:
Funny thing about a small town...you know everyone. So when Krystal told me she had a wedding in Gays Mills, I said "Gays Mills?! I'm from Gays Mills! Who's the bride & groom?" The minute she said Lisa Peterson I said "Yup, I know Lisa!" Lisa's brother Brian and I were in the same class at North Crawford and I always remembered seeing Lisa around and thinking she was so pretty. Well, her wedding day definitely was no different. In fact she was more than pretty. She was beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, all of the above! I am still in awe that this entire wedding was made possible by Lisa and her family and friends. They made practically everything for the big day and it completely paid off. This backyard wedding was a picture perfect scene.
Daddy tying his little girl's sash on her wedding day: Priceless
A little bit of Krystal in action. I was in awe....ladies & gentleman, she is fast, accurate, and just plain GOOD!
Waiting inside for the groom to get in place for the 1st look.
Lisa's parents' backyard is pretty much a miniature botanical gardens. So so so pretty! I must admit that I have always wanted to see their house & backyard because I knew it would be marvelous to look at. Her dad even dabbles in some photography so it was fun to talk to him about that and all his adventures with his wife. He had some really neat pictures in the house of trips they've taken together including an awesome sunset silhoutte he took of him and his wife that hangs above their whirlpool tub in the master bedroom. I couldn't think of a better spot for Lisa & Dan to celebrate their love for each other than right there in the family backyard which is breathtaking all by itself!
Another fav!
Talking to relatives in Europe. I think I could have listened to them all day even though I had no idea what they were talking about. My vague guess is that it sounded like German, but I'm not positive. I wish I would have asked them if that was correct. I believe the last name 'Piessens' descends from Belgium which has 3 official languages: Dutch, French, and German {if Wikipedia is correct ;) } So cool!
Be sure and check out Krystal's blog post on Lisa + Dan's wedding {HERE}. Again, such a huge thanks to Krystal and Lisa for letting me be a part of such a beautiful special day!
Hugs,
Em
