Alright guys, we need your opinion and I know you have them so lay your cards on the table. Ryan and I have an amazing opportunity to partner with a new bridal magazine dropping this spring. We are thrilled to be apart of this and they even picked one of our weddings as their main spread AND wrote an article about us and with us on our perspective as a married couple being photographers and what we recommend brides ask photographers. The distribution includes several larger cities and is going to be a huge boost to put us on the photography map in our area.
Okay, so our ad is due on Friday for the spring/summer issue. We are debating back and forth what photo to use. Can I tell you how hard it is to pick ONE shot that represents you? Do you go the romantic route, artistic, humor, abstract, close up, far away? The options are endless. I need you to vote on the picture that strikes you the most.
These are the runners up and as you can see they are all completely different in tone and that is where we keep going round and round. All will include the pink “K” logo with our contact info. Most likely they won’t have many other words…unless we get extremely clever.
Option A:
Sarah and Jeff. This picture has sizzle factor PLUS PLUS. We are debating on saying something like “Chemistry isn’t just a subject you studied in high school”
The question is…yes this picture is VAVAVOOM but is it too much?
Option B:
Kaely and Doug. This was the wedding that won the spread, so there will be tons of photos of them in the magazine, but they are our all time favorite wedding….so classy, so fun, so very summer!
Option C:
Sarah Bridal. Coy, beautiful, elegant.
Option D:
Kristie Bridal. Natural, playful, beautiful
Option E:
Bonnie and Todd. Romantic, dreamy, sweet.
ARGGGGGGHHHHH…HELP!!! Vote, vote, vote and leave opinions in the comments. I will show you the winner next week. Thank you so much!
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Wow! Just wow!
I like them all.
I voted D because that’s the one that I would want, I think. Also, I looove the first one, but I wouldn’t want my parents to catch that perspective, you know what I mean?
I was between E and D. Voted for D
Definitely between B and E. Ended up voting for B. They’re all amazing photos - You’re such an awesome photographer!! Good luck in deciding
Luv Lil xox
I wouldn’t use A - the two wide open mouths, coupled with the expression on her face - is a bit much, I think. I really like E but would prefer that it showed a little more of their faces… but I love the angle/lighting/coloring.
But congrats on such an amazing opportunity!!
i chose E. i like the foreground/background. i think it leaves plenty of room for your text. it’s unique. the colors will complement your pink logo.
but all of them are beautiful. and i’d use A…. if a wedding picture can’t be sexy - what can?
Hi guys!
Both my husband and I share an interest in photography and try to dabble in it when life gives us the time. We both picked picture option E as it has more of a mass appeal. Anyone can look at this picture and envision it as potentially being “them” because there are no faces. All of your pictures are fantastic though.
Congrats on such an amazing opportunity!
E for sure–i concur about the mass appeal. hope you guys are well!
B is my fave by far… I just love that it’s different. Not something that you would see on any/every photography website… I remember the one you took of them in the golf cart too… loved it. But I guess there are some couples that don’t want the fun factor…
E is favorite number 2 for all the reasons that everyone else said… universal appeal
I’m sorry I haven’t been by yet… the past few days turned out differently than I had planned. I’ll get it to you soon…
No question- E all the way.
i adore the one of Sarah & Jeff, and your proposed caption. the rest of the photos are GORGEOUS but - sadly - a lot of other photogs probably have similar ones. The first photo really sets you guys apart. So if that’s what you’re going for - memorable, different, unique - I’d pick that one. If you want credibility and are worried people won’t think you’re “real photogs” then put E in or one of the other more traditional shots. that’s my two cents!
CONGRATS on this huge opportunity!!!!! That is truly awesome, you guys deserve it.
I don’t think it’s a matter of people not thinking we’re “real photographers”, I think it’s more that we live in Lynchburg, Virginia (the buckle of the Bible Belt), and there is a potential for Letter “A” to be a turn-off to a lot of people. Not the intention.
They are all so amazing! The two of you have such a great talent. I’m so excited for your awesome opportunity.
I absolutely LOVE pic A but it may be a little to sexy….I don’t know though; it’s such a great pic. I can see why you’re having a hard time. You can use pic B in the spread of their wedding so I wouldn’t use that one. I think my favorite though is pic E. So sweet! So for me it’s a toss up between pic A and pic E!
ok i voted E. lemme give u a rundown on my thoughts:
A) totally sassy. LOVE it. but, you can’t see his face enough…..kinda misses something for YOUR photo. just my thought.
B) love B. really fun. very summer, though. doesn’t transend all kinda of brides and seasons.
C) just the bride. you may wanna go with something that has both people in it.
D) LOVE it. but, see C.
E) it has it all. fun. romantic. evokes a ton of emotion. very artistic. i love it. it has my vote. it seems to capture all that you guys are as a photography couple.
GO BIG E!!!!!!
A - I like it but they are too wide-mouthed for me.
B - Is adorable - but if you say there will be tons of pictures of them then I’d do an ad with someone else to show you’ve shot more than one wedding LOL
C - I like it but she looks like a staged model (yeah it’s that good and she is THAT beautiful)
D - I just wish it had the groom in it too
E - I LOVE IT - says it all without saying anything! This was my choice!
brutal brevity but gotta run (must keep in mind that I’ve always LOVED your work & think you’re both amazing):
A) vavavoom but no you’d potentially narrow your market
B) best represents your ability to capture spontaneous moments or synthesize them in believable ways the skill of professional, quality candids
C) lovely but not unique enough and not as technically strong
D) great rep of playful yet beautiful shot - but could lose translation/pow factor dependent upon published size in mag
E) great rep of your unique eye skill for beautiful shot
I believe B/E will emotionally connect with potentials the best.
Bible-Belt Smible Belt! Nothing wrong with married people smooching sexily!!!!! goodness.
After reading all of the comments I can’t remember which one I voted for! haha I think it was D, but it was a toss up between D & E. I really like B, but since they’ve already won I wanted to vote for someone else to be featured as well. Congrats to you both!
Christin… You’re killin’ me! I know there’s nothing wrong with married folks being married folks! I’m just sayin’ that some people are prudes!
First of all…your work is amazing. You guys are so darn talented. I’m so glad you guys are getting exposure. Now to my opinions.
A. Loved the photo, you really caught the true passion of a couple in love but I think the focus will be on this sexy kiss and not your skills.
B. So much fun but if they are already in the mag, then I would pass to show your diversity.
C. It’s beautiful but it just didn’t stand out in comparison to E
D. the same as C
E. This is amazing. Like someone else said, it allows another bride to visualize themselves in that photo. It just fits perfectly. Love it!
I can’t just vote, I have to talk about it. I picked E because it is the shot that shows the most artistry, with those shoots of grass or whatever in the foreground. It’s really well composed. But if not E, then A. It might be a leeeeetle too sexy, but it is NOT your stock wedding photo, and I like that. Brides would know they are going to get someone who can give them a lot of interesting shots, not just the “bridesmaids’ bouquets placed around the gown train” shot and the “bride and groom walking away but looking backward and holding hands” shot and all the obligatory wedding poses.
They are all great! I love the 1st one.
I like them all, but would ONLY use the last two for an ad. Ya know how a picture can speak loudly to the certain couple but not to anyone else. This is what I would keep in mind when choosing.
Okay, I’ll agree with everyone: E has the most universal appeal. To me it just said, “this is what everyone wants their wedding to be…romantic, sweet, and beautiful.” I think your spread will show some of the fun/classy/spunky stuff.
E will draw EVERYONE in and then your other photos will show how diverse and great your photography is.
Also, I used a husband/wife team for my wedding and it was the best choice I ever made! Something about the dynamic was just wonderul. Best of luck, thanks for letting us take a poll and let us know what you go with!
What a GREAT opportunity!!
It was a hard pick. I was torn between D & E but I went with E. It’s timeless
I picked A because I love that pic. I wish it was me and my husband and I would proudly display it for all time in my house. I love what you captured there and if a couple that is about to get married doesn’t want that kind of passion towards each other on their wedding day… I don’t know what to say, I feel bad for them. Also, I think E seemed kind of like a typical shot. Not in a bad way, just in that I feel like I have seen that picture before.
I was thinking through putting just a bride or a pic of the couple, and I would rather see a pic of a couple in a brochure because I wanted my wedding to be about both of us. I mean, I know it is is traditionally “the brides day” but, for the history of the pictures, it is about the couple. But, if you choose to go with a bride alone, I would choose D.
Who knew I would have such a strong opinion! Can’t wait to see what you pick.
What an amazing opp for you guys, congrats on that!!! Here’s my esteemed opinion: A: really dislike watching people kiss, but this pic is gorgeous..only problem is that his eyes are opened and hers are closed, something is bothering me about that. I wouldn’t go with a bridal portrait type, def. stick to a couple. That takes us to B vs. E I think that E is the more typical shot. Love the landscape but you can’t really see the people and it doesn’t have as much personality as B where you have truly captured the personality of the couple as well as an intimate moment, a beautiful scene, and the bride still gets to be the focal point (which all brides want, let’s be honest!) B, B, B!!! Again, so excited for you guys to have this amazing opportunity. I truly believe that KS produces some of the most unique and beautiful wedding photos I’ve ever seen.
Ryan, I agree with you about the “climate” of the Burg and surrounding community and that they may not apprecite A for the great pic that it is…
That is soooo fantastic that you guys have this opportunity. Isn’t it great to be honored for something you both have created from your own gifts and talents. This is your “baby” and people recognize how talented you both really are. What a compliment and what a boost to your already successful business. I bet you’re gitty with all the possibilites this holds. I’m so very happy for you both!!
As for my vote: I chose E also. I quickly scanned the pics first to get my gut response and when I stopped at the last one, it said all the things you described. I put myself there in that beautiful field with my husband!
I thought maybe “Encapsulating the Romance” might be a good tag line because that’s definitely what you do. I haven’t seen one picture where it doesn’t capture the love and shared intimacy between a couple. Your pics have a way of summing it all up into one shot! Hence-encapsulating. Just a quirky idea.
Couple of thoughts on the photos (since I did work in marketing for a whole year and a half):
1. the first one is Too much. Too personal. People want to see pictures that they would say “I would totally frame that photo” - this one would MAYBE go in the bedroom on a nightstand. Plus, you want ppl to see themselves in the photo - this is too intimate of a moment for ppl to see themselves in it.
2. I disagree with Chrissy - you are selling to the BRIDE. It’s okay to put a bridal photo in there (esp. since you are in the SOUTH where bridal photos are something people do).
3. I voted for Kristie running down the lane, but I may take that back and choose the last one - it’s classic. Especially since you will have other photos in this magazine for people to peruse, everything isn’t riding on this one - you won’t be presented as ‘classic’.
4. I don’t think you should use the photo of the couple who is featured in the spread. You don’t want people to think you’ve only done one wedding!
5. Sarah got married?!!!
Love you - so excited for this opportunity!
Screw the wedding photos….put in a picture of Chloe!!
Ry you know I love you. hahahaha - in all honesty A WAS my fave and not just because of the sexual implications.
thank you.
(ahahahaha this has kept me entertained today)
I’m glad I could give you some entertainment. It’s my fave too but I have to agree with heather and the few others that say it may be to intimate of a moment to use as an advertisement. Although this fact discourages me a bit, you’d better believe it’s going in the portfolio!
i am also partial to Sarah’s pictures because a) she’s gorgeous and 2) I am really good friends with Erin Zelenko who was one of her bridesmaids.
I think the pics you took for that wedding were stellar.
amazing choices. so hard to decide. looks like you’ve got a lot of opinions to work with. I still vote the last one. It’s classic. Altho A kinda makes me wish brian were coming home earlier
don’t know if that’s the shot you want to represent you. Sweet pictures tho! as always great work!
They’re all fab.
I tried to vote for E, but it doesn’t seem to be working.
It’s the least unexpected to me - perfect pic, but original. I love that it’s precious, and still private.
I couldn’t vote for some reason… but I pick D or E. I LOVE both of those! Really, I love all of them, but those are my favs! I know if I saw either of those in a magazine I’d call you to be my photographer ASAP!
Ohhh, I suck at this. I voted A, but I love E to, but if it was me, I want to be D. See, I can’t make my mind up, now if had a classic ‘jumping’ shot up there, that would get my vote
or your photos of brides shoes, those are good to…they are all goooood!!!!!! That decision is final 
i’m lovin’ “D” the most
she’s SUPER CUTE….and it just captures so much.
she’s light on her feet…effortless…beautiful…excited…
it’s just a great candid shot…
anybody can take a picture of two people kissing….
anybody can take a picture of a bride on a bench….
or of a couple in a field…
we know that.
i wanna see creativity and ENERGY….and “D” does that for me
I’m going with Candace’s vote. A Chloe picture would win over everyone’s heart!!! Just put her in a little flowergirl dress and it’s a done deal.
All are great. I had a hard time voting…good luck picking.
Okay miss..You know I am going to be honest here. I picked the first one. Cause its hot and that catches my eye. It has good passion and it looks like you caught them at the right time and moment about how much they are in to each other. Some of the other look like they are trying to hard to pose. Just my opinion. Of course ALL of your pictures are absolutely beautiful…But you know the 1st one it the one I would also think of for you and Ryan. You can tell how into each other you are…
All my love and best wishes on this newest adventure!
I voted “D” because I remember when you posted it on your site a while back I thought it was so fun. It reminded me of my wedding day because I was married on my parents farm. I love this one.
It was a very close one with “E” though. It is equally as good and I think either would be a great choice. But to me, it’s all about the bride and they are usually the ones making the decision.
Good luck!
How fun! I voted E agreeing with most the other responses on here about it. But A really is AMAZING!!!! and so are the rest for that matter!!
Congrats on such a great opportunity!~
HA! IN YOUR FACE LYNCHBURG BIBLE BELT AND RYAN!!!
you picked A. Kelly - these are the reasons you’re awesome.
Hollahhhh…and maybe I am a little saucy, so are you - when you’re married to a hottie like we are you can’t help it! ya gotta praise ‘em! can i get an amen…
It’s times (and posts) like this when I wish I weren’t a Fl gal!! Oh how I would looooovvvvvvvveeeeee to have some photographs done of my family by you guys! I think each pic is beautiful. I think my favorite part of your work is how you capture EVERYTHING in your shots. Not only the facial expressions and interactions but also the beauty of nature and tons of raw scenery. To me, that’s what makes your work so beautiful, it’s the things you can’t “prep”. So, that being said, I love shots A, B, and C. Shot D is cute but I wouldn’t put it into a Bridal Magazine. So, my vote is for E. Because you have captured a pure moment between two people on a very special day, plus you have surrounded them with nature and that to me is beautiful! So, when you guys make it big and you buy your second home in Fl. promise me I can be your first appointment! God has truly Blessed your family in MANY ways!!! Keep up the great work.
Love them all, how can you not??, but I voted for D. It’s just the most commercial. You have to think about bang for your buck and what will grab the bride’s attention. All brides want to look and feel like Kristie on their wedding day. Can’t wait to see which one you go with!