Preparing for the best and biggest day of your life? We’ve started a series where we chat with some of our friends and fellow wedding suppliers.
We understand many people out there are navigating rescheduling their wedding due to COVID-19 or even starting to plan their big day so we ask the professionals for their top 5 recommendations on what to consider and look out for when choosing a supplier in their chosen field. We also ask a little bit about them and why they chose to do what they do.
First up is the fabulous Jessica Ross from Jessica Ross Photography.
What made you start Jessica Ross Photography?
I always loved photography, straight after school I started working for a photography studio and did a Diploma in Photography. I worked for a few different studios while I built my own business and then when out on my own completely around 2010.
How long have you been in business?
I’ve been a photographer for 20 years and I’ve had my own business for around 15 years.
Tell us about the awards and recognitions you have received?
I’ve won several silver and silver distinction, gold and gold distinction awards in the Australian Institute of Professional Photography Awards since 2002. My biggest achievements at these awards was being awarded NSW Photographer of the Year in 2012, NSW Creative Photographer of the Year and NSW Runner Up Family Photographer of the Year in 2002, NSW Runner Up Portrait Photographer of the Year in 2009.
What are your top 5 recommendations for people when they are choosing their wedding photographer?
- You need to connect with their work and style of photography, to make sure you get the photos you envision. Some photographers have a photojournalistic style, these shots are candid, and capture the moments of your wedding day. Think of it as visual storytelling. This type of photographer is great at blending in, and shooting the events as they happen, rather than posing you. These photographers will give you some direction when needed, but the end result is a more casual, intimate feel. Some photographers lean toward a more traditional style of posed photos, they possess a timeless quality that will last generations. Most photographers keep aspects of this style, while incorporating others too. Certain photographers mix a little from each style.
- Personality! You will spend quite a bit of time with your photographer, they will be with you from the start of the day till the end, so you want to make sure your personalities, communication styles and visions click. Meet your photographer either in person or video chat, this way you can get a feel for their personality and style and how they will be on your wedding day.
- Look through a full gallery of an actual wedding they have shot, not just highlights of their best images. That way you can get a complete view of their work.
- Find out all the details up front such as:
– Turn around time on your images
– Will they be the photographer on the day
– What is included in your investment and if there will be any other charges after your wedding day
– Will there be a second photographer on the day
– Travel expenses - Book it! If you find a photographer you love book them in! Photographers can get booked up 12 – 18 months in advance and you don’t want to miss out on your dream photographer.
Do you have any tips or advice for people whose wedding has been affected by
COVID-19?
Planning a wedding is stressful enough without a global pandemic changing your plans. It is okay to grieve your original wedding plans in the event that you must postpone or even cancel your wedding. So many hours, emails, decisions, and dreams went into the day you thought would be happening in the next couple of months. Feeling disappointed or frustrated by the lack of control you have in the situation is normal. This is a great time to lean on your family, wedding party, and your partner as you make difficult decisions about what to do next.
If you are rescheduling your date It’s important to get in touch with your vendors as soon as possible. If you are hoping to keep a 2020 date, you may need to be open to another day of the week as many vendors have filled up their Saturdays for the year. Once you’ve made a decision to cancel or postpone, send your guests your new wedding date or a simple announcement that your plans have changed and to keep an eye out for more information.
Some couples are having a small intimate ceremony or elopement with family or friends, and rescheduling their date for a big celebration and reception with all their guests.
Where can we see your work and what’s the best way to get in contact with you?
You can see my work and contact me on my website: www.jessicaross.com.au
Instagram – jessicaross_photography
Facebook – Jessica Ross Photography