Helpful Articles from Professional Portland Photographers
Why Hire a Professional Photographer? All Events General Party Tips
... after all, doesn't everybody have a camera these days? Think of it like this:
- many people have access to oil paints and brushes, but can we all create a Mona Lisa?
- many people have access to cooking utensils and groceries, but can we all create a gourmet meal?
- many people have access to tools and lumber, but can we all build a quality house?
It's the same with photography. A trained, experienced, creative professional makes a difference. If the photographs are essential to promoting your business, or capturing an event that won't happen again (such as a wedding), hire a professional. Chances are, we'll do a better job than your Uncle Henry.
As for pricing... a professional photographer will have package prices that include various features. If you don't see what you want for a price you can afford, tell us. If your budget and expectations are within reason, we'll create a package just for you. If your budget and expectations are not within reason, we'll tell you that, as well. An important step to doing business with any professional is negotiation. Not too many people can read minds (I always thought my mother could read mine, but that's another story), so don't hesitate to speak yours.
Remember: if the photos are essential to promoting your business or will record an event that you can't do over, hire a professional.
Written by Elena Rose Photography of Portland, OR
Pin-Up Parties Providing Elegant Sizzle Adult General Party Tips
What's the latest trend across the nation in Bachelorette Parties, Suddenly Single Parties, Sports Widow Parties or Quality Girl Time Parties?
Pin-Ups!
'Pin-Ups' refer to a type of portraiture in the 1940's, 50's and 60's that was very popular but considered very naughty. (Which could be EXACTLY what made them so popular!) Women were photographed in poses ranging from coyly flirtatious to mildly seductive, usually in everyday settings such as a kitchen, garden or porch. A breeze lifting a skirt revealed stocking tops and garter belt, or a blouse 'accidentally' unbuttoned exposed cleavage and a lacy bra. Quite the outrage by the standards of the day, the picture was generally 'pinned up' in a man's workroom or garage, not to be viewed by the general public.
By the 1980's, pin-ups had progressed to include boudoir and glamour portraits, and the style continues to evolve. Twenty-first century glamour, pin-up and boudoir portraits reflect the confidence and lifestyles of modern women, replacing stereotypes with individuality. Boudoir, glamour and pin-up clients include young brides-to-be, as well as women in their 30's, 40's, 50's and beyond. Outfits include beautiful lingerie (boudoir portraits), evening gowns (glamour portraits), and adult toys (racy boudoir portraits), as well as a gently lifted skirt, an 'unnoticed' open blouse or a costume (pin-up portraits). The message can be as subtle or as assertive as the client likes!
If this type of personal memorabilia intrigues you, gather a group of like-minded friends and host a Pin-Up Party. The best Pin-Up Parties include these ingredients: a professional hair and make-up artist, a professional, experienced boudoir photographer, some food and beverages. You can have it catered or you can do a pot luck. The setting should be a place that everyone can easily find, with enough room for the women to change outfits. Settings can be a bedroom or a living room, as long as the room is clean and tidy. Any experienced professional photographer will be able to set up studio lights and produce a nice array of portraits in your home.
Package prices generally include the services of the hair/make-up artist as well as some portraits for the participants. Prices will vary according to your location and the number of pictures each one receives, but plan on spending $200 - $500 per person.
Host a Pin-Up Party and get some elegant sizzle!
Written by Elena Rose Photography of Portland, OR
The Receiving Line - Should you or Shouldn't You? Wedding General Party Tips
Many modern brides still enjoy touches of tradition, such as something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. The receiving line definitely falls into the category of traditional wedding etiquette. Have you considered having one?
Here is a practical way to give a tradition a modern flavor: have your receiving line begin at the buffet table instead of following the wedding ceremony, since your guests will have to stand in line anyway to obtain their food. By positioning yourselves at the beginning of the buffet line, all your guests will get a chance to give you a hug and a kiss, they will stand in line only once, and the line will move along quite nicely as people are enticed by the cuisine aromas.
Most important, your guests will appreciate having a special moment with you.
Written by Elena Rose Photography of Portland, OR
Stylishly Blend a Bar Tab AND A Modern Budget All Events General Party Tips
We've all been to weddings and parties that were thrown together with cost being the all-too-obvious main consideration. (I once photographed a wedding reception that was so dull and dreary that a group of guests actually left, purchased alcohol, brought it back to the reception and got the dancing started!) Although no one wants to see a gathering deteriorate because of drunkenness, there is a party-enlivening factor associated with alcohol consumption. The truth is, that many people are a little shy and a cocktail or two will give them "Dutch courage."
(The term "Dutch courage" originated in the 17th century, when a Dutch physician perfected a distillation process that created gin, which he thought might cure illness. Not long after, British officers would give a gin allowance to soldiers prior to going into battle, resulting in the term, "Dutch courage." British monarch King William III actively encouraged gin production and it was sometimes given to workers as a part of their wages. But I digress.)
The fact is alcohol can get people talking, laughing and dancing, activities which add festivity to any type of party. But how DO you stylishly blend a bar tab and a budget?
First, ask your venue if you can provide your own alcohol because alcohol distributors will often offer a discount when you buy in bulk. Laws do vary from state to state regarding the serving of alcohol, but your caterer or event planner will help you with this. Providing your own alcohol can mean that you also provide your own bartenders. If you do, then choose experienced bartenders who are personable, who can recognize when a guest must be cut off, and who understands the importance of clean hands and spotless utensils. Ask for referrals from your caterer or wedding planner.
Next, remember that the most expensive bar tab will always be a FULL bar throughout the entire event. So consider combining a full bar and a limited bar. With some simple planning, it's easy to do this with lots of style. There are signature drinks and there are wine & beer bars. You can begin by having a full bar, then transition to the signature drink/wine/beer bar, or vice versa. As long as your signature drink is interesting, and as long as your wine and beer are of decent quality, your combination will say, "I'm happy to have you as my guest," rather than, "I'm freaking out every time I see you at the bar!"
The next thing to think about is "flat rate" or "consumption?" A flat rate per person can be lavish and generous but some people will drink more than others and some people don't drink at all. If you want to watch expenditures, a consumption bar bill might be a better way to go, because your final bill will be based on exactly what is consumed. If a bottle of alcohol is opened but unfinished, you won't be charged for what is left over. The best way to determine what is suitable for your event and your checkbook is to know your guests and their party habits.
Along those lines, are you having a cocktail “hour” prior to a wedding reception, dinner party or company gathering? Here’s a suggestion: think of the cocktail 'hour' simply as a nice transition to a bigger festivity. There's no event law requiring it to be exactly an hour long. You can make it 45 or even 30 minutes. Cutting 15 minutes off an open bar can add up to quite a savings if you have 100 or more guests. Open bars are lavish and can get expensive, but you can economize with style by simply limiting the time of your cocktail 'hour.'
(For a wedding, this is easily accomplished if you've already had your portraits taken before the ceremony, and especially if your ceremony and reception are held at the same location. You and your wedding party can be present for the entire cocktail party, mingling with your friends and family, and your guests won't be running up your bar bill just waiting for you to appear.)
There are two other ways to limit a bar throughout an event. You can serve only beer and wine, or you can eliminate the top shelf liquors from the drink options.
Lastly, if you really want to blend style with economy, consider an afternoon event. People tend to drink less during the daytime and this is a way you can have a full cocktail hour AND a full bar without the larger bar tabs associated with an evening affair.
I hope you find these suggestions helpful, but there's one more thing… be sure to ask around to see what friends and colleagues have done and what they would do differently if given the chance. Experience leads to wisdom.
I look forward to being your photographer!
Irene
Elena Rose Photography
503.290 8459
Written by Elena Rose Photography of Portland, OR
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