Reasons to do an Engagement Session | Seventh Arrow Studio

Hey all to my future brides,

You’ve probably done your homework and are looking at a few different photographers to capture your special day. Emailing back and forth with their website looking at the different pricing and packages. Ever wonder why engagement sessions are included as complimentary in wedding package? Well, as a photographer that offers an engagement session with most every package, I can tell you why we love these sessions and why we do this.

When is the last time that you were in front of the camera? Not your phone, but a professional camera? You probably answered “Um, high school photos.” Yeah, me too. The last time your had pro photos was probably around 5-10 years ago and the high school senior session, where you were embarking on a new world and college. If you are anything like me, you probably have changed a lot since those photos. Am I right? Since then, you’ve probably have graduated college, you have a job, you have a fiancé. You probably are a complete different person. Not to mention your fiancé is in the same boat as you. Having an engagement session or even a couples session together is a bomb time to frankly just be in front of the camera together and learn.

Cameras are scary. I for one hate having my picture taken, I’m always nervous that I won’t look great in photos. I. feel. you. there. But the only way to get over that fear is to be in front of the camera more and with a great photographer. During a session, you and your photographer get to see what poses and what works with you and fiancé before the wedding day. Showing up on your wedding day with no clue of how you and fiancé work together as a couple in front of the camera makes you feel awkward no matter what. And trust me, its the same for the photographers. By the time we really get into the groove of things on the day, its time to move on to the reception. We, as photographers, like to push things creatively and there needs to be a trust there between us, so the session is really good for building that trust. Super important.

“My fiancé hates photos” A good 90% of people hate having their photos taken. I get this all the time and there is no need for you to feel bad about it or not do something that is outside of your comfort zone. But that’s just it right? You haven’t been in front of a professional photographer in what, 5-10 years, and most of the time its not a wedding photographer and their main job is to photograph couples and make couples feel good in front of the camera. Almost forgetting that they are being photographed. How would you know after that much time that you won’t like it? Most of the time, the fiancé leaves the session really happy and saying ”hey, that wasn’t so bad” and “I actually had a great time.” Thats a win and I know that I doing my job well.

We do have some “games” and prompts that bring out the best laughs and the best sides of each other during these sessions. its more a conversation that is documented for you, rather then just looking at the camera and just smiling. We are going to drawn things on cheeks, scream out our favorite swear words, pretending to be drunk and holding each other up, laying in creeks or fields and just overall get to know a little bit more about each other. you may even learn something about your fiancé that you didn’t even know yourself. its very interesting what you learn during these types of sessions. Also, it is the best way to release all the nerves and get comfortable with all the pda.

And since you’ll be all dolled up, you can go out for a hot date afterward! #winning Sometimes when you’re in the thick of wedding planning, one of the last things on your mind is making special time for a date night! Maybe even going to the restaurant where your first date was and have a celebration of all you have been through and cheers to the next phase, the wedding. You get to savor that sweet feeling of the “engagement phase” little bit longer!

Down the road, are you wanting a family? If the answer is yes then this may be your last session as a couple. Weird to think about, but its very true. Next portraits you do could be your maternity session or as a family.

Overall, trying new things is scary, but trying an engagement session will let us have a relationship on your wedding day. We are going to be spending a lot of time together on your day. I’m with you for 8+ hours, helping you and guiding you to the next phase of the day. There needs to be the trust and a good relationship between you and you're photographer. Plus, who doesn’t like the amazing photos that you get after to show off how good you look together to your friends and family. Maybe you can take the photos and use them at your wedding! Win, win, win in my book. :-)

Hopefully we will see you for your session soon!

How working as wedding coordinator helped me become a better wedding photographer

Hey All,

I wanted to tell you guys a bit about what I learned during my time in Boston being a wedding coordinator and how it helped me learn how to be a better photographer. This doesn’t really have to do with learning the camera or anything, but more about the preparation and understanding of a whole wedding day. Let me explain.

During my consults with couples I always am asking the couple about their timelines, even though they may not have even thought about some of things I ask. Why ask these questions right away you may ask? No, not to put you on the spot. But, to help you have enough time for everything that you want your day to be. Let’s be honest, most brides haven’t done this before and frankly, we love to help. Timing is the most difficult part and the part that brides really don’t know. How would you if you have never done this before? You have no idea how much time do you actually need for photos…morning prep, family photos…etc. and nor should you.

Being a wedding coordinator before I was a wedding photographer really gave be a inside look at setting timelines and how things looked behind the scenes of a wedding day. You would be so surprise to know how many moving parts there are to a wedding or event. Who better to help you plan than vendors that have been in the wedding industry for years and years and have done 100’s if not 1000’s weddings. I personally have over 10+ years in this industry.

The most important thing that I have discovered for a wedding day is the timeline. This is key to fitting all the things into your day so that you have get everything done and have enough time to hit every check on your checklist. Not to mention have a non stressful day. Planning out your day with the itinerary that Seventh Arrow or hopefully your photographer provides is key to making that happen. Let’s run through general line up for a wedding day…

Prep.

Ceremony or first look.

Family formals.

Bridal party formals.

Reception including but not limited to intros, first dance or toasts, dinner, parent dances, party.

Okay, most brides know this based on other weddings that they have been to or in, however there are two things that are the most important aspects of the day and that we base the whole timeline on; time of ceremony and reception. Ceremonies and receptions are generally set by the church and/or reception hall that you choose. With those two times” in your pocket” already, we then get to work. If you have the time in between the ceremony and reception, great. Just be sure there is enough time for photos in between the travel to location to location to location and back in time for the reception.

If your ceremony is at the place of the reception hall and cocktail hour is right after, I would probably recommend that you do a first look. That is a whole other blog post of the pros and cons of a first look so I won’t get to into too much detail about that, but it is worth talking about in this at least a little. I’m going to give you the facts here. The moments after your ceremony you are whisked away for family formals. Family formals generally can take 10-20 minutes depending on the size of your families (and how well they listen for there names, haha). Once families are done, we have my favorite part, bridal party photos and formals with the new couple. On average, bridal party can take 10-20 minutes depending how big and then the rest of the time is for you both. Now, what the djs and venues sometimes don’t tell you is that they need you lining up to be introduced 5-10 minutes before the start of the reception to make sure names are correct and everyone has a plan.

That leaves very little time for you photos with your new husband or wife, plus not even enough time to get a few drinks and celebrate. Which just isn’t fair in my option. We want to give you what you paid for, photos that you can hang in your house of you two together! I know, this all sounds so stressful if you have your ceremony and reception back to back and if you aren’t a client of mine, talk to your other half and see if a first look would be an option. If so, great, plan on two hours before the ceremony so you have time to get to the ceremony location and hide before it starts! If not, prioritize what you want done first and talk with your vendors to make it work, maybe even extend your cocktail hour by a half hour. Remember, this is your day, don’t let anyone tell you what to do, including me. I’m just trying educating you on the general time it takes to get these things done.

That said, it must be mentioned if your wedding day after day light savings, I would recommend looking at the sunset times because they are later and is not a lot of light to play with. Photographers need light. The word “photography” literally means “the study of light.” We cannot make your photos shot in the dark the same as if they were shot during the day. The photos are going to have a completely different feel to them if shot after sunset. That’s just the facts. If you are doing the ceremony after sunset, please please please highly consider doing a first look. You’re photographer will love you for it. Okay, okay, I said I wasn’t going to get into too much detail but I couldn’t really help myself. It is important to think about, especially when planning a timeline.

Switching gears a bit and back to the itinerary that I mentioned and basically the whole point of this blog. Once we have that itemized itinerary in hand and we go over it from start to finish and I ask you all the names and who’s who and what’s what about your day, we are good as gold! I share this detailed 13/14 page (don’t laugh, I’m serious) with my second shooter so that she knows what’s up and we can know what’s happening when and most importantly what is supposed to happen when.

Being a past coordinator i’ve seen a lot; but not more then I have in my time being a photographer. I have fixed dresses, sewn on buttons, fixed hair, put in veils, created a bouquets on the spot, tied on trinket of loved ones on to an item, reminded brides to use the toilet and put deodorant on before putting her dress on, and that’s just the girls prep! I cannot tell you guys how many times I’ve fixed melted cakes, I’ve sewn the grooms pants back together, bustled, fold napkins, super glued shoes, been a therapist, I’ve even held the brides dress when she is going to the bathroom. Yep, I did that. Wanna know why? Because most of the time, we, the photographers, are the only people with the couple the ENTIRE wedding day. All of it, the good, the bad, the ugly, the exciting. We are there for you, start to finish!

Some people may ask…why would you do that? The answer is simple, I want your wedding to be perfect for you and these things that happen… just happen, and sometimes are out if anyones control. It then become our jobs to try and fix them to alleviate stress from you. Do we help to fix them? Yep, we sure do. It’s our pleasure and we will do everything possible to make sure that we plan the itinerary for the what if’s and just in cases.

Most of the time, wedding coordinators are not hired. I get it, I didn’t have one either, my budget just didn’t allow for it. If I could go back in time and hire one, would I? 1000% Absolutely! While everything ran smoothly, I was slightly more stressed about things that were happening beyond my control. My photographers, they was fantastic. I’m pretty sure she fixed a bridemaids dress behind the scenes without me even noticing. She helped me with anything that we need, but I can’t help but wonder what moments were missed photography wise and how my wedding would have ran smoother if I have a coordinator. I can’t change the past, nor would I because it was a great day, but photographers cant be in to places at once. It’s not physically possible, unfortunately. We wish it was! With a coordinator there, the photographer can do the job that they were hired to do; capturing your wedding day and make it the best day ever. If you do not have a coordinator, not to worry. WE GOT YOU. I promise, I will give you tips and tricks and fix what I can, and if you need me to— hold your dress while you use the bathroom. WE GOT YOU!

This is not an ad for wedding coordinator, that being said, I have a few Buffalo wedding planners that I trust to make your run smoother. If you want my list, you can email me at seventharrowstudio@gmail.com and I can recommend so to you.

Hopefully this blog will have a great affect on your wedding and everything will be just as you envisioned it.

Tips for an in home newborn lifestyle shoot

So, you’ve decided that in home lifestyle newborn is right for you- you love how natural and organic it feels to be home, in your own space, and excited to have these memories in your home captured. While studio sessions are great, you love the raw emotions that an in home session captures. Great! You have come to the right place! Here are some thing that can help you prepare you and your home into a great backdrop for this type of photo session.

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First and most important, light! Consider the rooms that you would want to have photographed…nursery, living room and master are the main rooms that I found that in home sessions are photographed in. If these rooms have small, tiny or limited windows, and they are dark….an in-home newborn might not be right for those rooms. Try and find the most well lit space in your home. Natural light is the most important part of making the session feel organic, so this is key. While we can use flash, flash gives of a more staged look to photographs, not natural. We prefer not to use it if we don’t have to.

Consider the style of your home! Older homes are amazing and I personally love them but they can hinder the look and color of your photographs. If you have a lot of dark wood, smaller rooms and dark walls your home may not photograph as well as one with an open floor plan and neutral, lighter walls. If your house is older and you have your heart set on an in home session, consider sending me a picture or two of each space that you are considering to see if it would work for the session that you envision. Remember, photographers do see things differently then non photographers. I know that sounds crazy, but you should see the spaces that we photograph in and the end result, past clients can attest to this.

Clothes. We do have a great selection of wraps and baskets for newborn sessions at the studio. I am limited however to what I an able to bring to your home so if you have a color scheme in mind and would like a certain color, just let us know and we can surely bring those with us. Do remember that you chose an income session for the more lifestyle and organic look so you can have the newborn in clothes that you would normally have them in, like a simple white onesies. I have to admit, seeing a newborn a white onesie, even the one from the hospital is one of the greatest looks. Fresh, clean….simple. A memory for you, that what this is all about. As for the parents outfits, stick with the neutrals, white, grey, black, beige. Jeans, khakis for dad are always a great option. Ive highlighted some for both mom and dad in my Pinterest board which you can find here or my personal favorite is let me create a style guide for you so that you know where to purchase items that will look killer together.

Time. The timing of the sessions is based off the baby however we have found that mid morning tends to be a sweet spot for newborns up to 3 weeks. Let’s be real, they tend to be up all night and sleep during the day, unless you have a god-sent baby, this is normally the case. Around 10:30 is a great time to have the session, the sun is not harshly coming in and it isn’t too early for mom and dad. Just like an in studio newborn session, babies should be fed just before we arrive or should be just finishing a meal. This allows for them to remain “milk drunk” and their happiest and sleepiest while we are shooting. We will allow for nursing or another feeding in the middle of the session before an outfit change and/or after the family part of the session is complete

Being that we are all about that natural light, so what has better natural light than the outdoors. If it is a nice day out, don’t be alarmed if we ask to go outdoors during the session. We can get some great family shots outdoors and that may be a great option for you. In the backyard, in front of your home or even on the side of the house will give you a different look and possible show off a outfit change for you and the baby. Bonnets, hats, baby shoes, baby wearing…all great options for the outdoors! Outdoor newborns are becoming more and more popular and you’d be surprised with what photographers can do with goods subject and a simple chair.

Lastly, lets just say it, he most dreaded word for a new mom, cleaning! I mean, c’mon, let’s be honest, you just had a baby. The last thing that you want to do is clean your house and prepare to have a photographer come over just days after. I can promise you, i’ve been there. I’m not judging you or how your home looks. This is the last thing on my mind when entering your home. My main goal is getting to the light and making beautiful photographs for you and your family. My newborn session my house was a hot mess! But, I did have my husband straighten up the rooms that we were going to be in clear them of all the clutter. Of course, I have zero issue coming in and moving things with your permission of course. I may do that even if you don’t have any clutter or distractions to get the best option for your photos. Remember, light, so try and minimize closer to the windows in the rooms that you want photographed if anything. We can work in small spaces if needed.

Most important, your home does not, I repeat, does not need to be perfect. Your family doesn’t need to be perfect, but you can do some simple things to make the setting for this session the perfect natural backdrop for an in home newborn pictures that does highlight this exciting and sweet time in your lives.

Check out the other in home lifestyle newborn shoots that are on the blog

What You Need to Know Before Your Couple Shoot

Couples shoots and engagement sessions are always a blast, but I’ll be the first to admit that they can seem intimidating if you’ve never done one before and to be honest, that’s one of the reasons we include them in most of our wedding packages that we offer to our couples. You might be wondering what to expect, what to wear, how to pose, any number of things. I am here to reassure you that we at Seventh Arrow will make sure that your shoot goes smoothly and that you have as much information as possible before arriving. I’ve compiled a few helpful tips to put you at ease and ensure that you have an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Come prepared

If you’re reading this blog post, you’re already on your way to being prepared for shoot day! Knowing what to expect is the simplest way to quell nerves and build confidence. I recommend that you make a list of everything you need to bring, wear, and do for the shoot day so when you arrive you are calm and ready to get started. Don’t worry at all, we will walk you through all of it in this blog!

When thinking about what to bring, consider what items you want in the photos, such as a second outfit, personal accessories, or props to help you and your partner tell your story. For some couples this is a food you both love, a special bottle of wine, or even your beloved pet! If you do want your pet included in the shoot, however, just make sure to bring someone to watch your furry friend when they are not in the shot. I always bring a blanket of some sort for you, but its always good to see your blanket in photos then have that memory with that blanket while you both are snuggled up on the couch with it.

Choosing a Location

It is really important that you feel comfortable with the location and that it “feels like you” If you have location that is near and dear to your story, please don’t hesitate to tell me about it. I am true believer in telling your story in a way that is meaningful to the two of you but also remember that the session is about you as a couple and not where you are.

If you need help with deciding on a location and are in Buffalo, feel free to head to my blog for location suggestions above.

Look good & feel good

A lot of my brides choose to get their hair and makeup done professionally before their session. If you do choose to go this route, make sure that you schedule your glam early enough in the day that you can relax and enjoy it without rushing to get to the shoot on time. Smaller details are also super important, like having manicured nails to show off your ring or making sure you have the right socks to match your outfit. I recommend setting out both your clothes and accessories a day or two before the session to make sure you have everything you need.

In terms of what to wear, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your clothes. Wear something you feel good in that lets your personality shine through. I love to offer the opportunity for an outfit change halfway through the session; it allows us to get a few different looks and feels within the session while maximizing our time together. Many couples opt for one dressier option and one more casual option. You may need to change in your car depending on where we’re shooting, so just be prepared for the adventure! Don’t worry, we will stand guard!

Best colors or combos: Emerald Green really goes with anything, maroon for the guys, light blue and yellow, grey, navy and white, black with black (be sure to match your blacks), white and black (wanna really spice things up try bride in black and groom in white)

To help with outfit choices we have made a Pinterest board with direct links to the outfit piece that you can look at and get an idea of what looks colors and outfits work best in front of the camera

Be present

It’s normal to get caught up in your own head, especially when you’re in a situation that may be new or unfamiliar to you. Being the center of attention can be nerve-wracking, and you may start thinking things like “does my hair look okay?” or “is this a good angle for me?” However, if you start focusing on looking perfect or nailing every pose, you’re going to end up looking uncomfortable and stiff in your photos. The best way to look and feel natural is to simply take a deep breath and let it happen. Focus on how comfortable it feels to be with your partner, and allow yourself to enjoy this experience you’re having together. Your session is an opportunity to capture the special bond you have as a couple, so just focus on that and I’ll take care of the rest.

Trust your photographer

When I say I’ll take care of the rest, I mean it! If you show up prepared and relaxed then all that’s left is to let me work my magic. My job is to direct you in a way that helps you relax, feel natural, and be your true comfortable self in front of my lens. You don’t need to practice poses, study Pinterest pins, or overthink how you look. Again, it’s normal to be nervous, but rest assured that I will make sure that the end result is something you love.

If you have any questions, ask!

I want to do everything I can to make your session the best experience possible, so if you have any questions that I haven’t covered in this post please reach out! All questions are valid, and chances are someone else has probably asked me the same one before. As your photographer I am here to put you at ease and will do whatever I can to help you in your preparations.

xoxo, Seventh Arrow

If you would like to book a session and haven’t already, you can view our availability

10 Tips to Take the Stress Out of Family Photoshoots

Plan.

Deciding on a time

Does anyone check the sunset times…well we are constantly check for close to a year out. We love the golden light or golden hour sessions. This happens an hour or two before the sunsets. If you want to have a family session in July, its going to be much (almost 9 pm) later then April or October. We suggest trying to book your sessions as close to golden hour as possible to make sure you get the warm magical light.

Location is important

We want you to feel as natural as possible at your session, so pick somewhere that is “you” Whether it be a favorite park or a favorite beach or your backyard even. Those make for the best sessions. I did put together another blog in regards to locations in Western New York for my engagement sessions, you can take a look here.

Decide what to wear

The biggest misconception that clients have when they book a family photoshoot is that everyone’s outfits need to match. While it is important for the outfits not to clash, the photo will actually be more interesting if the colors and styles are varied. A foolproof tip for dressing your whole family for a photoshoot is to stick to jewel tones that are universally flattering and remain in the “neutral” family. Blacks, whites, grey, dark greens, beige…etc

In terms of clothing style, we recommend choosing pieces that are comfortable, well-fitting, and classic. Photo sessions often require a decent amount of moving around and trying different poses, so it’s best to wear something comfortable and breathable. For women, we love maxi dresses, jumpsuits, or cozy sweaters in the colder months. For men, comfortable attire can include casual button-downs or pullovers, to give a few examples. Comfortable footwear is also important, but it’s best to steer clear of anything too casual like athletic sneakers and nothing flashy and mismatched to your outfit choice

Lastly, your outfit choices should be classic, meaning that they are pieces that will not go out of style. Of course, we love a modern take on a classic outfit, whether that be by layering, adding pops of color, or mixing textures like knits and lace.

Choose accessories

Note that outfits are incomplete without accessories such as belts, shoes, jewelry, etc - make sure you have those pieces picked out and set aside as well to avoid panic on photoshoot day. 

Make it a family outing!

Bring blankets, activities that your family loves, picnic baskets, food, wine…anything that makes your family your family. It’s important to have something “to do” instead of just looking and smiling at the camera for the full time. Make it fun!

Lay out the outfits

At this point, you will be thanking yourself for having chosen and stored away outfits far in advance. Lay the clothes and accessories out one last time and iron/steam if needed. 

Double check packed bags

Add anything else you might need, or anything perishable that could not be added in advance. This may include snacks, medication, or items like pacifiers to keep your kids happy in between shots. 

Go to bed early

Getting a good night’s sleep is helpful any night of the week, but is especially important the night before a photoshoot. This means getting any showers/ baths out of the way in the early evening, trying on outfits one last time. Doing so ensures that you wake up looking and feeling fresh and energized, and will help you and the entire family get the most out of your shoot!

Relax and have fun!

Because you’ve spent so much time preparing in the days and weeks leading up to the shoot, the actual day should be a breeze! All you have to do now is make sure everyone has a nutritious breakfast (before getting dressed, to avoid last-minute stains!) and load everyone into the car. Kids love seeing there parents have fun with them but also their parents having fun! Don’t be afraid to get silly.

MOST IMPORTANTLY! Embrace the chaos and trust your photographer!

Trust us, we know when in a new place kids tend to have their own agenda, especially if pets are involved. That is completely fine, some of the best memories are in those moments and I can guarantee you they will make you the most happy when you get the photos back. Most of the time, the kids are looking and the parents are looking at the kids to make sure that they are smiling, the second you look up, they are looking at a squirrel haha! So make sure that you are looking at the camera and we will worry about what the kids are doing. Trust us, we have some pretty awesome tricks up are sleeves!

You made the investment in family photos, so to be prepared is the best way of making sure that things run smooth. We hope this guide will help you prepare for the best photoshoot.

Locations for Sessions in WNY

It is really important that you feel comfortable with the location and that it “feels like you” I am true believer in telling your story in a way that is meaningful to the two of you but also remember that the session is about you as a couple and not where you are. In the meantime, here is a updated list with photos that we have put together to help you make a informed decision of the locations that are available for us around Western New York. If you have location that is near and dear to your story, please don’t hesitate to tell me about it.

Art Gallery (Buffalo, NY)

Closed till 2022 for construction. Unfortunately we cannot shoot till then. :-(

Akron Falls

must be willing to get wet and climb on rocks

Beaver Island State Park (Grand Island, NY)

Botanical Gardens

Burchfield Penny Park (West Seneca, NY)

Chestnut Ridge Park (Orchard Park, NY)

Around the City of Buffalo

(Buffalo City Hall, Canelside, and Main St)

Clarence Town Park

Ellicottville NY

Glen Falls (Williamsville, NY)

Hotel Henry (Buffalo, NY)

Hoyt Lake/Rose Garden/Delaware Park (Buffalo, NY)

Japanese Gardens (Buffalo, NY)

Knox Farms (East Aurora, NY)

Somewhere around Lockport

Lasson Park (Depew, NY)

Letchworth State Park

Ollcott Beach (Ollcott, NY)

Outer Habor (Buffalo, NY)

includes - Sand dunes, under passes, wilkinson point, gallagher pier and tifft nature preserve

Random Fields

no, we are serious. You and I drive by these places everyday!

Riverworks (Buffalo, NY)

Train Depots (Williamsville and Blasdell)

Parking Garage Sessions

Photographed by Amanda and Sarah