Link Love - Columbus MS Photographer

(sunset pic from a few years ago.... sometimes it really works out to get up so early)

Since I missed last Thursday, there is a ton of stuff for today... and I didnt skimp either - there is some really amazing stuff today, so be sure and check it all out!


this is about how to choose a newborn photographer, but I think most of it relates perfectly to picking a wedding photographer as well…. “Your baby will only be little for so long and there are no do-overs if the photographer you hire screws up. Once you you get your photos back, your newborn won’t be a newborn any more and it will be too late.”


Please, please read this if you are thinking about “just getting a friend to take the wedding photos”


This ombre chair décor is amazing – it would be a bit of work, but cost less to nothing…. I think it would even be cool to use on your every day kitchen table chairs


blue wedding dress


How amazing is this fairy make up tutorial… and Im with Ariel – would be amazing to see on a bride… maybe I will do this on a shoot sometime


how gorgeous is this bride’s back tattoo!!!


Lego ring box… so cute and Im thinking its probably super useful after the wedding for other things as well


the ultimate goth wedding…. Wow, Im speechless (Kimberly, this ones for you!)


Who knew custom printed board books existed… and for fairly cheap… thinking this would be one of the best gift for a kids birthday party ever!


Vegan banana ice cream…. It actually looks pretty good… and really easy


super cool cufflinks… because our grooms need some amazing accessories too!


super cool boutonnieres as well (wish this trend would hurry up and catch on in the US)


looks like pretty much my ultimate punk rock wedding fantasy to shoot


how amazing is this wonderland inspired restaurant… Id do my house like this if my husband didn’t think I was already crazy (and oh yeah, if we could afford it, that too)


Have kids that hate riding in the car for too long? Im thinking this is the perfect solution


Hello beautiful and amazing housewares (I want those robot plates!!!)


I love a good bridesmaid dress that can be worn after the wedding


these baby bow tie onesies are the cutest thing ever!


this ice cream sandwich cake may just be the ticket for an easy birthday celebration (scroll to the bottom)


or an oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookie cake… yes, I did really just type that


color by number lampshade!!!


I know I normally don’t go for the whole vintage-pretty-too-put-together wedding motifs, but this one is just super pretty – I have a thing for the lemons and with the pink, it looks stunning… and Im a sucker for those hanging candles


cant decide between a church wedding and outdoor wedding… no need to pick – create your own church outside… awesome


first of all, I loved that the first pic on this post is from Gwen Stefani’s new Harper’s Bazaar shoot… second, I love the versatile bridesmaids dresses that follow


Ill be honest, Im not big on newborn photos… but these are just simple and gorgeous


this engagement shoot rocks my face off


cutest fridge ever?!


which Disney princess is your wedding (no surprise I got mulan)


CMYK wedding… its so easy to get this wrong, but these guys did it right!


this dip-dyed orange dress is to die for!


the Sarah Seven 2013 Bridal collection is right up my alley


Amazing kids table… I think this would be cool done for an adults table too


a nerdy, science wedding at a museum… Im in love (yall knew I was a science geek, right?)



So, so much good this week... wow.... and this week is busy... how is your going? Are yall as excited as I am about the fall weather/season that is upcoming?!!! I am so super excited about it and that is for one main reason.... halloween! Oh yall.... I cant even tell you how much I love it - the candy, the pumpkins, but most of all, the dressing up. Ive been raving to Daniel about halloween for about 2 months now already.... awesome!

Only more day until Friday.... :)

Email me anytime at talleyimages@yahoo.com

Should I Book a Professional Wedding Photographer or Get a Friend to do it for Free? A Cautionary Tale… Columbus MS Photographer

Ok, Im going to get serious for a minute since its almost the start of wedding season... its the time when most newly engaged couples start looking for vendors for their wedding... including photographers.

Let me just say that I love being a photographer... its one of the highlights of my life. I love wedding photography and being a wedding photographer, but its hard work. Im just going to be honest here and say it really is hard work sometimes because its all day on your feet, constantly changing locations and lighting conditions... and most importantly, there are no do-overs! A wedding should never be something that a photographer takes lightly.

Its one of the biggest days (if not the biggest!) of two people's lives, and it should be treated with that much respect. I feel honored every single time that I get to be a part of someone else's big day. Its absolutely incredible.

With that being said... yes, wedding photographers/photography is expensive. Let me tell you why. First, weddings are extremely stressful and any number of things can go wrong - you are paying for someone who knows how to deal with it and roll with the punches. It also requires someone who knows their camera inside and out and does not shoot on automatic, and can shoot in low light without flash - most churches do not allow flash during the ceremony and without the right equipment or experience, you just cant get the best results. More importantly, wedding pictures cannot be redone. So not only are you paying for a seasoned professional who can roll with the punches, work with whats available, put you in your best light and capture an entire day... you are also hiring someone to edit thousands of pictures, cull them down to a usable amount, hours and do hours of editing to get the best out of your pictures....

I tell you all this because Ive seen and heard a very popular route to take with wedding photos lately.... and thats to forget the professional and just get a friend or family member with a nice camera to take the pictures

And then I get to hear - personally, mind you - the regrets and horror stories involved with taking this route. And it absolutely breaks my heart.

Dont take this the wrong way... Im not using this blog post to guilt you into hiring me or spending money that you dont have.... all Im saying is do your research - find someone who is fully capable and whose style fits your own.

Your pictures are the one physical thing that you will have after the wedding - the only thing to look back on and remember one of the biggest events of your life... what you worked so hard on and spent so much money on - the pictures will be what you have to keep. Its what you will show your grandchildren.

Your pictures are the first heirloom of your new life.

Ive seen so many things that were wrong at different weddings - the food, the cake, the flowers, even the bridesmaid dresses, but none of that ruined the wedding. But have bad pictures - and well, it will ruin your memories too.

Anyway, nothing speaks louder than pictures themselves... everyone thinks that it cant happen to them, but it can... go here and read this post and check out the pictures and see for yourself. And if you really want to be educated, read the comments - this happens every day, but it doesnt have to!

Later, Ill do a post on what you can do if this does happen to you....

Ok, I gotta here... did anything like this happen to you? Do share... :)

And you can always email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com