Your name (and title/position): Allison Garrett, Owner/Photographer
Business Name: Allison Garrett/Photographer
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Service or Product Offered: Wedding and Engagement Photography
How long in business: 5 years
How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping couples achieve their “dream” wedding?
I have been set on being
a photographer since high school, but I really never put much thought into wedding photography. I had never seen really good wedding photography...just lots of boring posed formals and couldn’t imagine how that could possibly be fun or require much creativity.
In college I became a lot more serious about photography and invested in some decent equipment and took all of the classes that were offered. During my junior year my best friend asked if I would photograph her brother’s wedding. Looking back I should have been terrified (I’m still absolutely horrified by how unprepared I was), but it went shockingly well. Somehow word spread and I continued to shoot weddings part-time un
til the end of 2007 when I left my job as a graphic designer to be a full-time photographer. I could not be happier with my decision and absolutely love the opportunity to work with such amazing couples and to create images that far exceed what I initially saw as “wedding photography.”
What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on?
Photography, of course! (yes, I am biased). Actually, ceremony and reception sites can be a little challenging. It seems like there are endless possibilities in the area, but I know they book really fast. As fun and flattering as it is to have a couple base their date on my availability it doesn’t work very well when they don’t have anywhere to get married or have a reception!
What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with the couple on their wedding day?
I’m incredibly relaxed, easygoing and flexible and very much a “make it work” kind of person. I also try to make the whole photo experience as fun and painless as possible (with more emphasis on the fun part!).
Even though this day is stereotypically all about the bride, we know that’s not true! Do you have any advice for the groom and his groomsmen?
Just relax and enjoy the day along with all of your friends and family and your WIFE! Also, don’t forget the black socks.
Have couples and their wedding priorities changed since you first started in this industry? If so, how?
I’m probably a little biased again, but I feel like more couples are taking the decision of choosing a photographer very seriously. It makes it extra special when they pick you!
Are there any changes for your business in the near f
uture you would like to share?
Just plan on lots more fabulous images for 2010. I have a year full of amazing couples...can’t wait!
From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer?
It sounds really simple and a little cliche, but just enjoy the day. You’ve put a lot of time, energy (and dollars) into the event so allow yourselves to soak up every bit of it.
What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”?
Lotion, Toothbrush/Toothpaste, Medication, Safety Pins, Sewing Kit/Thread, Contact Info for all Vendors, Snacks, Water, Breath Mints/Gum, Extra pair of shoes.
If you could describe your company as ANY item (piece of cake, unity candle, etc.) at the wedding, what would it be and why?
The rings...we’re both long-lasting reminders of an awesome day! :)
What is one popular wedding song you never get tired of hearing at weddings?
If it’s a popular wedding song, I’m probably tired of it! However, my musical preferences are pretty unimportant so feel free to play them all!
What is one common misconception about your profession that you usually have to educate your clients about? (Example: for photographers – the amount of time it takes to edit photos, for limo drivers – the amount of money it costs to fill up the tank in the LimoBus)
A lot of people think I only work on the actual wedding days. The photos don’t edit themselves! I spend a lot of time on post-production work as well as client communication, accounting, marketing, etc. I also have portrait and engagement sessions during the week. It can get a little chaotic at times and sometimes my to-do list spans multiple pages, but I love it.
Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer and your contact information:
Wedding and Engagement Photography
402.641.1728
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