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Today we are introducing a new regular feature on the blog. "7 Questions" is our new vendor spotlight feature where we will interview some of the best vendors in the industry. Our first feature is with fierce photographer Alyse French of Alyse French Photography! Alyse is based in Houston but is willing to travel and after you've seen her work, I am sure you will want her to cover your next special event. So check out her interview below and after you're done, hop on over to her website and blog to see even more amazing images!
1. How did you get into wedding photography?
The answer is twofold. I earned my bachelors in photojournalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. But as my years of study drew to an end, I came to realize that shooting for a newspaper or magazine just wasn't for me. I wanted the freedom to make my own art, not be assigned to projects I wasn't interested in. The second circumstance was that my boyfriend at the time had just begun a new job that required him to travel four days a week. I knew I wanted to marry this guy. And I knew that wedding photography would allow me to follow where he led. Sure enough, we will have been married one full year this June. And I couldn't ask for a better job.
2. Describe your style of photography.
My style of photography is bright and clean. I try to stay away from overused/trending post-processing techniques, and strive to provide images just as you'd see the same moment unfold with your own eye. I am a firm believer that overexposing isn't always bad. And that comfortable subjects make for the best, most fun images.
3. Do you shoot film, digital or a combination of both?
I shoot digital all the way, though someday I'd looove to play around with some film.
4. What's your favorite part of a wedding to photograph?
My favorite part of any wedding to photograph would have to be a toss up between the details (shoes, dress, bouquet, table d�cor, etc.) and the bride and groom portraits, which is funny because one is all about the interaction and the chemistry between myself and my clients, and the other is all about working and styling inanimate objects - two very different, but similarly enjoyable parts of the job!
5. What is the best shooting experience at a wedding you've had to date? What made it so special?
The best shooting experience I've had to date was at a recent Houston wedding at which the groom came up to me in tears, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, "I'm so glad you guys are here..." Pretty much made my entire life.
6. What advice do you have for couples when choosing a wedding photographer?
Do a first look. No, really. It is the single biggest favor you can do for yourself on your wedding day. It will enable your portraits to be captured in some really sweet, buttery light. It will slow down what is already the most fast-paced day of your life. And it will allow you to go straight from your ceremony to your cocktail hour, so you can enjoy the rest of the party with your guests!
7. What do you wish couples would do to make your job easier?
When researching wedding photographers, make sure your ultimate decision comes down to who you can TRUST and who you can have FUN with. You are going to be spending your entire wedding day with your photographer. AKA, what is meant to be the happiest, most fun day of your life. You want someone who is going to make you feel comfortable, and who is conducive to enjoying time spent with him/her. And lastly, you need to be able to rely on your photographer to stick to his/her contracted deadlines for image turnaround. There are way too many horror stories out there to not make sure you can place your complete trust in your photographer.
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