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Getting ready for an engagement session requires much more than actually thinking about the location and the poses. It requires being prepared with your equipment. Each and every time I prepare I find a better way to do something. Today, I wanted to share what I do to prepare. Maybe you will learn something, or maybe you do something smarter than I am doing (if so – please share! 🙂

The first thing I do, is go through all of my cards and reformat. Before (yes, we all have a before) I used to put my cards into my computer and delete them off of the card. I since learned this is BAD. You should never deleted photos off of a memory card from the computer. Why? Because it can cause internal issues within your memory card, and cause the card to fail or corrupt. So, what I do is reformat. I put the cards into my computer, and make sure everything that is on the card is backed up, and then I eject the card, put it in my camera and reformat. That saves a lot of time, AND reassures me that my card is fresh and ready to hold images.

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You can use a lot of different pouches to hold your memory cards. I personally like the ThinkTank – Pocket Rocket. Yes, I know, it’s an interesting name for a memory cardholder – BUT it’s fantastic. When I have unused cards, I put them with the color side up. When I have used a memory card, I put it back in the same spot but I turn it over to the white side. This allows me to know that the card was used, there are images on it, and not to use it again that day. It helps for easy unloading of images when I get home.

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The next thing I do is charge my battery. It’s so easy to forget to do this, because my battery is huge and does hold a greay charge. However, I like to top it off and make sure I have a full charge. I don’t want to get caught “running out of gas” on a shoot.

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While my battery is charging, I like to load my bag. I use a ShootSac, and they’re amazing. They have a flap that you can clean your lenses with. The flap is made for lenses. So no scratching, it’s great when you’re on a shoot, especially like the beach or anywhere with high dust! (Like today’s shoot, is at a campground! A Lot of dirt that could potentially get on my lens).

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The lenses that go into my bag are the same lenses I use ALL THE TIME. I have 4 favorite lenses. They are: Nikkor 70-200, Nikkor 105, Nikkor 35 1:2, and Nikkor 50mm 1.2. They are my absolute favorite lenses, and they each serve a different purpose.

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The 70-200 is great for when I want to give the couple some privacy. If they’re on a dock, and I want to shoot through some tree’s to add some beautiful coloring to the photo. (Which I can totally see happening today).
The 105 is my macro, or as Nikon calls it, a Micro. It’s for rings. That’s it. It’s the only thing I use this lens for. (other than cupcakes, I also use it for cupcakes). BUT, it’s a fantastic lens, it was expensive, and totally worth it. It was a game changer for my business and brings images to my clients on a level that they deserve.
The 35, is fantastic. I have no other words for it other than that. It’s crisp, its pretty, its small and cute. Ha-ha, It’s my little charm piece. I like it for a wider shot, and when I want more landscape.
The 50 is my butter lens. I use it most often. It’s usually the lens that is on my camera at all times.

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So that’s how I get ready! I will most likely break out the couch today and make for some epic photos down on the landing (a very cool dirt road that leads into the river)

XOXO,
Lauren
Bokeh Love Photography

Photographers

May 17, 2014

Preparing for an Engagement Session | Engagement Session | Photographers | Galloway, New Jersey | Bokeh Love Photography |Galloway Professional Photographer

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A huge part of why I am a successful wedding photographer is because I LOVE what I do. The rest of it, it from studying in a dark room, learning my camera, and connecting with fellow photographers. I love this industry that I am in. I can’t say that enough. The people I have run into and made friends with is one of my favorite aspects of it. I meet tons of vendors from cake designers to event planners. Today, I decided that I wanted to share a vendor with you all. This vendor is a friend and one heck of a florist! Her name is Karen, and she is the owner of Karen Fowler Floral Design. She is based out of Cape May, New Jersey and has her own studio. All of her flowers are special ordered from all over the world and during the summer months she also uses flowers grown locally!

BLP: Hi Karen! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me. I’d love to ask you some questions about your business. Let’s start with what year you became a florist?
KFFD: I started in January 1999 at a small flower shop in Philadelphia
BLP: Wow that’s wonderful! When was Karen fowler floral design established? 
KFFD: It was established in 2012.
BLP: What made you want to open your own studio?
KFFD: I wanted to be part of the brides special day … I wanted the ability to get to know them personally instead of just From a file that someone handed me at work
BLP: I love that, being personal is so important.
KFFD: Yes it is!! I love adding my special touch after getting to know them
BLP: This year I am seeing a lot of pink ombré dresses on Pinterest, is that something that you’re seeing with flowers? Pinks and whites?
KFFD: Yes and no … I’m seeing a lot of vintage everything pinks peaches silvers gold’s whites
BLP: Do you have any projections for what will be “in” for 2015?
KFFD: If its anything like this summer is going to be than it will be amazing!! I’m booked full most weekends until October
BLP: That’s fabulous! Also this year you won Best of The Knot, didn’t you? How has that helped your business?
KFFD: It has made it crazy good!!! People love that fact!
BLP: It’s definitely an honor to be proud of! Now you are engaged yourself, will you be designing your own bouquet and wedding flowers?
KFFD: Omg yes!! I have dreamed for years about my own wedding I will be having two different bouquets one for the ceremony and one for the reception
BLP: That’s amazing! I’ve never even thought about that!

KFFD: For my cousins wedding she did all white bouquet for her ceremony and she told me she was walking into her reception to “walking on sunshine ” and I made her a all yellow bouquet with roses and sunflowers and a brooch that said candy corn rocks! It was a fall wedding and loved candy corn, again personal touches; I love to do when getting to know my brides!
BLP: That is so creative! I bet you have a lot of fun with each bouquet you design because they are all so different! Being a wedding photographer that has also been married, allows me to reach my brides on that level of understanding. How is planning your own wedding, helping you with your current brides?
KFFD: I completely understand all there struggles now! I understand their budget more now! I know it’s all very expensive! Every vendo, I can sympathize more now
BLP: Same here! Can you tell us how Brides can reach you, see your work on the internet, etc.? I’d love to share your work with them!
KFFD:
I’m on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenFowlerFloralDesign
Website: www.capemayweddingflowers.com
Email: capemayweddingflowers@yahoo.com
Cell Phone: (call or text): 609.334.3568
BLP: One more question before I go, what is YOUR favorite bridal flower for 2014?
KFFD: Ranunculus!

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(image provided by Karen Folwer Floral Design)

BLP: They are gorgeous!!! Thank you SO MUCH for your time, Karen! I wish you best of luck in the 2014 AND 2015 wedding season!

Karen Fowler Floral Design is such an amazing business and I couldn’t reccomend her more! She is definitly someone who makes you laugh, helps you create your vision, and becomes your friend throughout the process! Here are a few photos of flowers that Karen did while collaborating together on a styled bridal shoot! Karen’s work speaks for itself and definitely stands out! These bouquets were definitely jaw droppers! I cannot wait to work with Karen again and see what her imagination comes up with! She – is – FABULOUS!

XOXO,
Lauren
Bokeh Love Photography

Bokeh Love Photography

Bokeh Love Photography

Bokeh Love Photography

Bokeh Love Photography

Bokeh Love Photography

Bokeh Love Photography

Bokeh Love Photography

Bokeh Love Photography

Bokeh Love Photography

 

May 9, 2014

Interview with Karen Fowler Floral Design | Weddings | Florist | Cape May, New Jersey | Bokeh Love Photography | Cape May Professional Photographer

Weddings

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Details, Details, Details!
I know planning a wedding can get super stressful, but there are so many details you cannot forget about! I know every bride (yes, even myself) thinks about how to wear flats, flippers, or even flip-flops on their wedding day. But here’s the thing, you will be getting these fancy things photographed. I want all of you soon to be brides to think about these details. Shoes, in particular are so super important. Yes, bring the flip-flops for later, the cowboy boots, the Toms, the UGG’s if it’s cold and that is just how you roll. It’s all fine and dandy, BUT spend some money on some beautiful, gorgeous, jaw dropping shoes. I want to photograph them. I want you to have EPIC photos, and most of all, when we do your DIP SHOT – I want this super stinkin’ adorable shoe to pop out under your dress – not your Toms or your Flip Flops! It’s your day to be a princess, and a princess you shall be!

Some of my favorite all time shoe shots that I’ve taken:

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Now that you’ve seen the shoes I’ve shot (which were all beautiful shoes, and I’m so in love with them all) I’d love to share with you some shoes I would LOVE to photograph! And of course I have a list! Now this list is from me searching on the internet from designers I ADORE! The first one, is my absolute dream shoe. Figgie Shoes! She is a true artist! You send her your blank shoes and she creates a work of art for you on the most amazing day of your life. WHY NOT have a personalized shoe of such a personal day? It takes time to plan, and must be done months ahead, but seriously? GAHHH, it’s love. Will someone please get FIGGIE SHOES? I will love you forever! .. So without anymore delay, Here is it, my list of amazing shoes that I am sure I will add to after I wake up and realize there are more sparkly, fantastic shoes out there: (The images below came directly from their websites, and were not photographed by BLP)

1. Figgie Shoes – I love them because they are personal. They are meaningful and they are 100% YOU!
Find them here: Figgie Shoes

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2. Kate Spade New York – Clarice – I love them because they have just a hint of sparkle. They will look amazing with your rings on the heal, and will be a perfect addition to any wedding album!
Find them here: Zappos Couture
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3. Kate Spade New York – Ilexa – I love them because they’re PINK! They’re bright, off the wall, GORGEOUS, they have ankle straps (which I totally adore) and they’re just so girly and fun!
Find them here: Zappos Couture
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4. Sergio Rossi Strass CNY Pump – I love them because of the amazing butterfly obviously. They’re classy, timeless, beautiful and regal.
Find them here: Zappos Couture
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5. Blue by Betsey Johnson ‘SB-Kiss’ Sandal – I love them because I had Betsey Johnson shoes for my own wedding, they bring back memories. They aren’t the exact shoes I had, but they are still gorgeous, and I love a good ankle strap. Did I mention they’re covered in crystals?
Find them here: Nordstrom
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6. Menbur ‘Narke’ Pump – I love them because they are beautiful. Perfect for the couture bride! These shoes tell me that the bride knows what she wants, she’s a trend setter, and she loves to look and feel feminine!
Fine them here: Nordstrom
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7. Christian Louboutin, Jazzy Doll Braided Metallic Red Sole Sandal, Gold – I love them for their red role, for their shimmer, their ankle strap is to die for and the braid down the center of the foot is so beautiful.
Fine them here: Neiman Marcus
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8. Christian Louboutin, Pigalle Python Point-Toe Red Sole Pump, Blue – I love these for their bold color, this is your something blue, and that red role is perfection! These Python pumps are killer and would make the perfect match for any bride that wants to rock them and show their sassy side!
Find them here: Neiman Marcus
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9. Manolo Blahnik Cerchi Crystal Mid-Heel Pump, Gray – I love these. Oh My Goodness. Go to the website, watch the video. You will see just how sparkly these beauties are! Amazing!
Find them here: Bergdorf Goodman
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10. Jimmy Choo, Kaci Crystal Suede Leaf Sandal, Nude – I love these because they’re just fabulous! These are for the true fashionista! That is all!
Find them here: Bergdorf Goodman
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I hope you enjoyed drooling over this AMAZING shoes, like I did. I could go on all night long searching for beautiful bridal shoes! All in all, these are my DREAM shoes to photograph, but you don’t need to break the bank getting fabulous shoes. Use your judgement. Think BOLD, think GLITTER, think FABULOUS! I will take care of the rest!

XOXO,
Lauren
Bokeh Love Photography

Weddings

May 1, 2014

ALL ABOUT THE SHOES | WEDDINGS | GALLOWAY, NEW JERSEY | BOKEH LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY | SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

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