Personally, I see value in both formats, as each have their pros and cons, and have adopted a hybrid approach to my photography style! If I could only get one thing across to you though, it would be that both are just mediums to provide photos. As a hybrid photographer, I will select whichever format will produce the best images for my clients in the given situation. I edit all of my digital work to match my film work and do so so closely that most clients cannot tell the difference between the two within their gallery.

A look at film vs. digital shows there are minimal differences between the two formats.

As a professional photographer, it’s become second nature to know which format to use when and there are many different factors that go in to making the final decision. The three I focus on most closely are lighting, timing, and weather.

LIGHTING
If I had to limit my decision to only one factor, it would always be lighting. Film produces some of the most beautiful, dreamy imagery you can imagine… if you have the right light available. Without a significant light source, film will produce dull skin tones and muddy shadows. Digital photography is much more versatile and can work in almost any lighting situation.

TIMING
A medium format film camera can only capture 16 shots on one roll… trust me, that goes quickly! Even with a second shooter and an assistant rolling film, sometimes it simply isn’t the best choice when time is of the essence. Digital photography can rapid fire shot after shot when needed in those key moments or time crunches.

WEATHER
Why weather, you may be thinking Well, for a couple reasons. First, film as you’ve probably started to ascertain, is the more delicate of the two formats. Most film cameras in circulation are many, many years old and require a bit of finesse — they are slow in the cold and practically impossible to use in the rain. Digital cameras have much newer technology that allows them to adapt to almost any weather situation. And as I mentioned above, film is a much slower format due to the near constant turnover of rolls…. so when you find yourself getting outdoor portraits in February, it might not be the best choice if you’re trying to get your freezing bride back inside ASAP!

What does this mean for a wedding day First, I need to mention that no two wedding days are alike — there have been times where I’ve only used one or the other throughout an entire day! Every wedding is evaluated on a case by case basis, but often the allocation looks something like below:
FILM SITUATIONS
Getting ready & bridal details if in a well-lit suite.
Outdoor ceremonies with ample natural light.
Couples portraits and wedding party portraits when held outdoors.

DIGITAL SITUATIONS
Indoor ceremonies that have limited natural light.
Family portraits, as they often require multiple shots to ensure everyone is looking/smiling.
Anything including children and/or pets as it sometimes is hard to get them to sit still!
Receptions that are artificially lit or are after dark.

At the end of the day, I do believe it can be valuable for a client to understand what type of equipment their photographer is using and why. But the most important aspect of selecting a photographer is ensuring that you love their style through and through and that you see it replicated in full gallery after full gallery — not just their highlights — because this will ensure that you will receive something similar.

The post DC Wedding Photography: Film vs. Digital appeared first on Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Alicia Lacey.

Well, as we all know, most 2020 weddings ended up being postponed to 2021, so I was unable to book many new wedding clients as my open dates filled up quickly. Luckily, I had no shortage of stand-alone engagement requests for this year and I was thrilled to be able to document those for so many newly engaged couples. Most of these couples are getting married back home, outside of the district, everywhere from Philadelphia and New York, to Texas and Alabama. Seeing as they current reside in the city, they wanted to pay homage to their new home in their engagement photos — this is where I got to come in! 

Countless summer and fall mornings were spent watching the sun rise over the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial and sometimes I would just stop and think about how truly lucky I am to live in this beautiful city and connect with so many wonderful couples who I wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet otherwise.

Again, my sincerest gratitude to all the lovely couples I had the chance to photograph across the DMV region throughout 2020; it was such a joy to get to know each and every one of you! Whether I’ll be getting to celebrate the big day with you, or cheering you on from afar, it has been such an honor to be part of your journey!

The post Best of 2020 | Engagements appeared first on Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Alicia Lacey.

If you’re reading this, you likely know I consider myself a Washington, DC wedding and engagement photographer, but getting to step outside my box and do something different is always such a joy.  I, unfortunately, am only able to document newborns and families for my past clients due to my current workload, but anytime I see their names pop up in my inbox, I get a twinge of excitement thinking about reconnecting. 

It’s surreal visiting my client’s home and getting to see their photos from the big day spread all over their walls — as if it’s our own little secret connection linking us together for years to come. That may sound strange to some, but likely not my clients who know I value our personal connection and like to show up on their wedding day feeling more like a friend than just another random vendor.

I know 2020 wasn’t the year that so many of us hoped it would be, but I’m thankful for the extra time in my schedule that allowed me to document so many repeat ALP couples! I might be biased, but I think you all have just about the cutest darn babies I’ve ever seen!

To all my repeat clients, thank you for welcoming into your lives again, and again, and again — I’m eternally grateful to have met you and to continue to be part of your story!

The post Best of 2020 | ALP Families & Legacy Couples appeared first on Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Alicia Lacey.

Throughout 2020, I photographed more elopements than I had in my entire career! In the Washington, DC wedding industry, these just weren’t a super popular choice among most couples. Luckily, the district has never been short of gorgeous architecture, which provided a stunning backdrop for clients looking to elope. By far, the most popular location choice has been the DC War Memorial — it’s like a mini Jefferson Monument that allows small ceremonies on National Parks Service property. It’s only a short walk from the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, so the idea that you can combine all these iconic locations in on small area is appealing to those from the area.

Of course, it’s not the only area in the city to elope! Many cathedrals and churches were still open to those looking to wed, as well as some of the small parks throughout the city. It kept the year fresh and interesting as well all adapted to a new way of living! I, for one, certainly hope that outdoor weddings and these smaller affairs are here to stay… I’ll always enjoy the grand celebrations, but the intimate ones are a wonderful complement!

Thank you to all the sweet couples who allowed me to document this time in your lives! Hopefully the next time we all get together, we can skip the masks and indulge in extra hugs to make up for the ones we missed on your big day!

The post Best of 2020 | Weddings & Elopements appeared first on Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Alicia Lacey.

1. Plan B
Always, always, always, have a  Plan B. Mother nature rarely works the way we want her to, so you need to be prepared for storms, a heat wave, or worse. A tent that has options sides and fans is one of the best options, in my opinion! They now even offer clear tents so you’ll still get the feel of being fully outdoors.

2. Value Your Guests
You’ve invited your guests to celebrate your big day because they are the people you love most in the whole world, right?! Well, be sure to take of them! For example, if you’re getting married outdoors in Washington, DC in August, it’s nice to have a drink station set up with ice cold water and a refreshing lemonade. Another sweet touch is leaving a fan on their chair for the ceremony.

3. Set Expectations
You can’t have everything on hand for your guests, so don’t be afraid to add a note on your wedding website preparing them for what’s to come! Advise them if they should bring a pair or sunglasses or a wrap so they can pack accordingly.

4. Timing
Timing for an outdoor ceremony is everything. If it’s too early, it could be very hot and the sun will be very bright. If it’s too late, the sun may already be down, making it very hard to see you say “I do”! I highly recommend visiting your ceremony venue exactly one year to the day of your wedding and making note of where the sun is at… because, the sun shifts throughout the seasons, so visiting in December won’t give you an accurate feel for where it will land during a June wedding! From a photography perspective, you’ll want to be backlit which means the sun is BEHIND you!

5. Food Selections
Your catering choices might not seem like a relevant part of the discussion when planning an outdoor wedding, but think about how the weather quickly affects food! Cake are generally made with buttercream and will melt quickly on a warm summer day. Or anything made with dairy will spoil quickly if not kept properly cooled, so be sure to discuss this with your catering staff so they can safely prepare the food for your guests!

Outdoor weddings are nothing short of stunning, but just keep these tips in mind to be fully prepared for what the day may bring!

The post Five Outdoor Wedding Mistakes appeared first on Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Alicia Lacey.

When we were planning our wedding, videography wasn’t an expense we actively set money aside for. As we got deeper into planning, I realized we had a bit of funds leftover that could go towards hiring a videographer. Instead of taking the time to properly research different styles and aesthetics like I did when hiring a photographer, I simply booked someone who was available on our date and within budget.

Today, as a Washington, DC wedding photographer, one of the first things I share with all of my clients after finalizing their booking is a list of vendor recommendations. While I’m excited to work with whomever they select, whether on the list or not, the one category I wish I could highlight more than any would be videographer. Creating a cohesive wedding team across the board is important. We all have the same end goal – to serve our couples well — but most of us spend very little of your actual day together. Your photographer and videographer, however, will be side by side from beginning to end.

It’s for this very reason that if you’re considering hiring a video team, I recommend that you seriously consider the input of your photographer. They will suggest options that have the same level of experience and shooting style, allowing both to easily work in tandem for seamless coverage. When you hire two like-minded vendors, they are more likely to be in sync with one another and have the same end-goal of providing you the best images and video possible. Because while photo and video teams are often going for similar shots, they also have very different needs and priorities throughout the day. For example, videographers need movement to keep their footage interesting, so when I’m directing our couple, I try to keep the bride and groom still as little as possible! Other basic considerations, such as taking turns while shooting, sharing locations during key moments (like the first kiss!), and avoiding each other’s cameras all come naturally when both teams are in sync. For our couples, this means not having to repeat things unnecessarily which can often take up more time and give you less photos.

Of course, a true professional can and will work around this; so well, in fact, that the client would never know the difference! But when you hire two vendors that genuinely want you to have BOTH the best photos and video possible, it can make a world of difference. Here we are working with just a few of our favorites!

The post How to Create a Cohesive Photo-Video Wedding Team appeared first on Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Alicia Lacey.

The one downfall of a nighttime exit is that your photographer has often left before it actually happens! Most of my clients choose to front load their day, coverage-wise, as open dancing photos tend to get a bit repetitive after a while! I always stay for all the main reception events but find myself packing up my bags about 30 minutes or so after the dance floor has opened. The work around for this A Controlled Exit!

What is a a controlled exit I thought you’d never ask!

A controlled exit is when you coordinate for your wedding party and immediate family to join you and your new spouse outside for a set of photos with your exit “weapon” of choice, whether that be sparklers, glowsticks, or another item of your choosing.

Sounds great, but what are the benefits of this?

1. The photos turn out absolutely perfect! We can redo the exit and kiss as many times as necessary to ensure the photos are exactly how you want them!

2. By having your wedding party and family join you, you’ll know that you can see those you love most in the background of these photos! No worries about having that random drunk guest photobomb you or run in front of the camera right before the kiss!

3. Your guests will all be inside enjoying cocktail hour or the reception, so they won’t even realize you’re missing! 

4. Let’s be honest… sometimes the end of the night isn’t so pretty if you’ve been getting down on the dance floor! 

5. And finally, it can save you a ton of money! Wedding days are expensive and photography is just one small piece of that investment; having to add additional coverage just to keep your photographer onsite for the exit may not be the best use of your budget!

If you’re still not convinced, I urge you to take a look at my blog posts and try and guess which ones were real and were ones were “controlled”… I bet you won’t be able to tell the difference!

The post What is a Controlled Wedding Exit? appeared first on Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Alicia Lacey.

PROS
Special Memories || Flower Girls, Ring bearers, and other children are often special parts of your extended family, so including them in the big day could be a treasured memory for years to come. 

Adorable || Let’s be honest, little kids in formal attire is just downright adorable! 

Life of the Party || At most weddings I photograph with children in attendance, they are usually the first to hit the dance floor, which gets other people out on the dance floor! They are also a great ice breaker at tables where couples may not know one another. 

CONS
Meltdown || Kids are kids, and that’s not a bad thing! But, in the middle of an intimate ceremony, it may be a bit distraction should they decide they are ready to not sit still — or, worse, get angry and yell/cry about it! If you’re set on having children at your wedding except for this one concern, I’ve seen some couples compromise where children are after the ceremony ends!

Additional Costs || If your guest list is already bigger than expecting, allowing children to attend can often times double that number for some! For venues with space limitations or those looking to have a small guest list, leaving kids off the list could be a big help. 

Early Goodbyes || As I mentioned above, kids are often the first to the dance floor which makes for a really fun evening! But all that partying has to come to an end, and for kids, it’s usually much earlier than adults would like. Many of your guests may have to call it a night before you’re done celebrating, so if you’d like to have a late reception, it may be best to keep the kiddos at home.

My biggest suggestion is that no matter what you decide, make it clear to your guests upfront. Proper etiquette is to list the name of every individual invited on the outside of their card so they know expressly who may attend. However, some are unfamiliar with this policy or choose to ignore it, so putting a small line on your invite is the best way to avoid any awkward situations down the road! 

Again, only you and your significant other can decide whether having children in attendance does or doesn’t fit with your vision for the big day! And remember, this is YOUR day, so have it as you envisioned it!

The post The Pros & Cons: Having Children at Your Wedding appeared first on Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Alicia Lacey.

1. Guests Seated (10 minutes)
First thing first, let’s get your guests seated for the reception! This may seem like common sense, but you’ll absolutely want to account for it in your timeline as it takes longer than you may think!

2. Introductions (5 minutes)
Once the guests are all in their seats, the DJ or MC will begin introductions! Who gets introduced is up to you! I’ve seen the newlyweds, the wedding party, and parents all be included as well as about every different combination of those you can imagine.

3. First Dance (5 minutes)
9/10, my couples will go straight into a first dance to kick off the evening! This is a great way to get their nerves out so they can relax and just enjoy the rest of the reception with their guests! If they are having a live band, occasionally they will invite guests up to dance during a short set.

4. Welcome/Blessing (5 minutes)
A welcome and/ blessing is a fairly common way to thank everyone for coming! This is usually done by one or both of the parents of the bride before dinner is served. I usually allocate 5 minutes, but I advise you to talk to your parents in advance to get an idea of what they have planned — I’ve had welcome speeches go for 30 minutes which is totally okay, but you’ll want to account for that so the food doesn’t get cold!

5. Dinner Service (45-120 minutes)
Dinner service timing varies greatly based on what type you are having for your guests. Common sense will tell you that the more courses or the more guests, the long it will take. But this is true for buffet service as well; it can take guests quite a while to get through those lines! Chat with your catering staff and plan accordingly.

6. Speeches (15 minutes)
I usually suggest having speeches begin after all guests have been served. This is beneficial for several reasons: catering staff won’t be walking around delivering plates, guests who were served first won’t be sitting too long with nothing to do, and you can get to the dancing sooner!

7. Parent Dances (5 minutes)

8. Open Dancing!
Parent dances are a great segway into open dancing because guests are already surrounding the dance floor and the band/DJ has resumed the music! Often times, the last pair to dance will invite others on to the floor with them! PRO TIP: Start with a slow song — both older and younger folks like dancing to these, so it’s a great way to get everyone out at once and usually more people will stay if they are out there already! This is a great time for the Anniversary Dance, if you’re doing one!

9. Cake Cutting (5 minutes)
After about 45 minutes of open dancing is a great time to take a break for some cake! You’ll want to do this at a reasonable time in the evening so that older guests can leave when they need to without missing anything! This is your first “task” as a married couple, so be sure to cut that beautiful cake together!

10. Group Photos (10 minutes)
Right after cake cutting, since you already have everyone’s attention, notify your DJ or MC to call out the group photos you’ve requested! Usually we save any HUGE groups or your friends for this time. PRO TIP: Notify these folks in advance to expect to be in photos so you don’t spend 15 minutes looking for Aunt Margaret while the rest of your family is quiet on the dance floor…. awkward!

After this, open dancing resumes for the night until the last song is played! What about the bouquet or garter toss, you might wonder I think that’s a tradition that has mostly disappeared within the last few years. I think they prioritize other traditions that may be more meaningful over these so their guests can have more time dancing!

As with any timeline, these aren’t hard and fast rules, simply suggestions! Things can vary greatly based on whether you’re having a band or DJ or I’ve even had clients with no dancing at all! Make the day yours and I promise it will be a blast!

The post Planning the Order of Reception Events appeared first on Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Alicia Lacey.

1. Can we see a few full galleries?
This is an easy and short answer… yes!! You should always, always, always ask to see more than one full gallery for any photographer you are interviewing for the big day. What we post on our blog and website are just the highlights; my galleries are generally 800-1200 images, so posting that many images isn’t realistic! But you need to see a full wedding day from beginning to end to ensure the quality photos don’t end at the highlights. Look to ensure the reception is well-lit and consistent, proving the photographer can handle different lighting situations. And by seeing more than one, you can ensure that consistency remains across differing venue types.

2. Have you worked at my venue? should read…. Have you worked at venue similar to mine?
Note the word similar, as this is the most important part of the question. I know potential clients think it’s important to work with someone who is familiar with their space — and trust me, that makes logical sense, I get it! But as someone who works in the DMV area, there are literally thousands of venues and it’s impossible to have shot at all of them. I would say the majority of the weddings I shoot each season are at a new venue… and the reason they aren’t a total failure Because it’s my job to be able to create beautiful images no matter where I am working and I come fully prepare to handle any situation. Heck, I could shoot at the exact same venue on back to back weekends and if there is even one different variable (weather/guest count/first look/etc) they could and will look totally different. All this to say, don’t discount a photographer for the simple fact that they may have not shot at your venue before; instead, talk to them about venues they HAVE shot at and how they approached they day to see if it’s in line with your vision! Here is an even deeper dive into this question!

3. Do you have backup equipment and are you insured?
I’ve had many sweet potential clients ask me about what type of equipment I use… and while I could go on and on about how much I love my Canon 85mm 1.2 more than the 50mm 1.2 (a wildly unpopular opinion!), unless you’re a professional photographer, you probably have no idea what I’m talking about! And you shouldn’t need to — as long you love the photos you are seeing on my website and social media accounts, it doesn’t matter what took. What DOES matter is that your photographer has backup equipment in case anything fails, which, I, of course, do. Multiple bodies, batteries, lenses, and flashes so that I should never be without a camera should the Uber driver drop your camera when opening the trunk (true story).

It’s also important to know if your photographer is insured. Many venues, especially high-end ones, require proof of insurance for vendors to work their on the day of their wedding. Additionally, it’s just a good business practice and shows you’re working with a professional. I currently hold a policy that covers both my equipment, as well as my business up to $1 million, which is the industry standard.

4. What is your backup plan if for any reason you can’t make it to the wedding?
In the six years I’ve been photographing weddings, I have never, ever missed a session, let alone a wedding. I take this job very seriously and understand the responsibilty that comes with signing a contract with my clients. So please know, before I even dive into this, if I were to miss a wedding it would have to be an extreme situation that I hope never comes to fruition. That being said, any good photographer has a back up plan in place. Personally, I hire strong, talented second shooters who will take over for me should I become unable to shoot. If the situation allows, I will still be the one to edit and deliver your images so you have that same style you fell in love with. Regardless, I will leave you in talented, capable hands!

5. What does a wedding day look like with you?
My approach to shooting varies throughout the entire wedding day based on what moment we are in. There are points of the day where I am simply there as photojournalists, during the ceremony and the reception in particular, to capture the moments as they unfold.  Myself and my second shooter work to be discrete and unobtrusive so that you and your guests don’t even realize we are shooting.

And then, there are times, like during portraits, where I take a more hands on approach. I directly you entirely throughout your couples portraits so you never feel you have to pose yourselves! We still keep the posing very nature and authentic — lots of movement so you never feel stiff! I want your portraits to be a true reflection of who you are, so I always say, if you wouldn’t be picked up and twirled around in real life, then we won’t do that on your wedding day either! Our goal is timeless photography through and through, so that extends to posing as well. I will also gather and arrange different groups for both your wedding party and family portraits so you can just relax and focus on getting married!

In short, my one goal is that when you look back on your wedding day, I want to you to simply remember moments and memories; I never want the day to feel like a photo shoot. Sure, I will always guide you to the best light and angles, but that joy and laughter and emotion you see throughout the photos That’s genuine.

6. How many photos do you deliver Are they all edited?
Personally, I don’t have a set number — on average, I tend to deliver between 75-100 images per hour of coverage. All images that are properly exposed, well-composed, and in focus are included in a gallery. I do, of course, take out all duplicates and any images that would be deemed unflattering (like, if you’re mid-eating or blinking). Things that contribute to the range in images delivered are the number of details, the number of guests, the amount of time allocated for portraits, whether or not a couple is doing a first look, etc.

And yes! I hand edit every single image you receive for color balance, exposure, crop, and straightening to ensure each looks perfect and matches the individual style I’ve developed over the years of shooting.

7. How will I received my photos and how long are they available?
I have found that the best way to deliver your memories from the big day is through an online gallery service; after all, most computers don’t even have a DVD drive and USBs are easily lost. Online galleries make delivery incredibly efficient; essentially, as soon as your images are edited and ready to be delivered, I can upload them and send them to you on the same exact day! You’ll also have access to them anywhere you have internet, which makes them easy to share with friends and family across the world. The gallery is protected by a 4-digit pin code so that no one can download your images with your permission. As a bonus, you can also order images directly through your gallery if you wish from the professional lab of my choice.

I keep your gallery active for a minimum one-year period so that you can download them whenever you wish! I’ll also send you a notification before anything is removed, so you can always give me a heads up if you need the images up longer.

8. Do we receive the copyright to our images?
This is a common question that, 99.9% of the time, is mistakenly asked… probably because a wedding website told you to ask! Most of my clients do not need a copyright unless they are looking to sell their images. What they are looking for is called printing rights which allows them to print, reproduce and share their images. And I’m happy to tell you that a printing rights release is standard with all of my collections and you’ll never find a watermark on your images! Find out more about copyright vs. print release.

9. Where can we read reviews from clients who have worked with you before?
I think reading first hand experiences from past clients is invaluable and would encourage all potential clients to seek resources where they can read more about their vendors. You can find a compilation of mine over on Wedding Wire!

And finally, the big one… the one I wish people asked but usually don’t:
10. Why should we hire you for our wedding?
I’ve always loved taking photos, but I fell in love with wedding photography in particular when I got married in 2011. I think marriage between two people is one of the most beautiful things someone can witness and feel it is truly a privilege to capture my client’s unions week after week.  But that isn’t why you should hire me.

Before the wedding, you will receive fun surprises from me in the mail leading up to your special day and I will respond to any and all of your questions — photography related or not — within hours. I will recommend amazing vendors for you to work with and help you prepare your photography timeline hour by hour (sometimes even down to the minute!), accounting for all the idiosyncrasies a DC wedding can bring.  My couples often get to know me so well that they say it’s like a friend is going to be arriving at their bridal suite. But that isn’t why you should hire me.

On your wedding day, I will arrive early as I’ve always been taught that early is on time and on time is late. I will help you button your dress or slip on your shoes and fix your hair when the curls begin to drop after hours of dancing. I will get us back on schedule if traffic holds us up and wrangle your self-proclaimed “wild” family for portraits. But that isn’t why you should hire me.

And after your wedding, I will hand edit each and every image to ensure a flawless gallery from start to finish. When I’m done, I will share those images within weeks and work with you every step of the way to help create beautiful albums to keep as heirlooms or share as gifts.  I even love to stay in contact with my past clients, photographing their families for anniversaries or generations to come. But, still… that isn’t why you should hire me.

It’s no secret that there is a multitude of fantastic photographers throughout the DMV and across the country. You should hire me, however, when you’ve fallen utterly and completely in love with my imagery. My unique photography and editing style is the one you feel mostly closely drawn to and you can imagine spending your wedding day with me — because, after all, besides your significant other, I’m the one person you’ll be seeing more than anyone else! Throughout the entire process, I will work tirelessly to take as much stress from you as possible so you can enjoy this fleeting time and, at the end of the day, I will deliver you a gallery full or beautiful memories and moments to reflect on for a lifetime.

The post 10 REAL Questions You Should Ask Your Wedding Photographer! appeared first on Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Alicia Lacey.

And I know these are well-intentioned thoughts, but the underlying message being sent to an already stressed bride is that on a wedding day, it’s more important for her to focus on how she looks rather than how she feels.

YIKES!

That kind of thinking can make a bride think twice about doing a first look with her dad. Or it can stop her from reading that sentimental note from her future spouse. Essentially, it causes some brides to shut off their emotional sensors so they can ensure they look their best for the ceremony and photos.

I say, makeup be damned. Yep, that’s coming from your PHOTOGRAPHER who absolutely cares that you look your best in photos!

But your wedding day only happens once. And as cliche as it may sound, it really does go by as fast as everyone says it does. So you should enjoy the moment and soak in every emotion that is thrown your way! Because truly, how often does your dad get to see his daughter for the first time in her wedding day Or how often do you get to read one last letter from your future spouse before getting married You only get one walk down the aisle to the person of your dreams — embrace that!

If you’re working with a professional makeup artist, they are using high end products that can withstand a bit of wear and tear (after all, think about brides who get married in the August heat!). Simply ask them about leaving behind a touch-up kit so you and your bridesmaids can refresh your look after those emotion moments have passed — you won’t regret soaking it all in!

The post Embracing Emotion appeared first on Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Alicia Lacey.

BEFORE YOUR SESSION
1. Book Early
Last year my sessions filled up before it even hit February! Unfortunately, the peak bloom of these gorgeous blossoms is so fleeting that I have to limit my number of sessions available in order to be able to serve my clients best. Peak bloom is a very short window (I believe 4-7 days depending on the weather that year), so I want to ensure everyone has a session while these beauties are at their best! 

2. To Permit or Not To Permit, That Is the Question
In Washington, DC a photography permit is required to shoot at all of the monuments on the National Mall, including the Jefferson Memorial and the surrounding Tidal Basin. While the enforcement of this policy varies based on time of day, time of year, and location, it is definitely more heavily regulated during peak bloom. If found having photographs taken without a permit, you will be asked to leave and can even be fined. The permit is only $140 and the money goes towards our beautiful National Parks, so I highly suggest the investment!

3. Sunrise ONLY! 
Normally, I photograph all of my sessions at either sunrise or sunset to ensure we have the best light for your session. But during cherry blossom season SUNRISE ONLY! Trust me, the early wake up call is essential! Yes, the Tidal Basin will still be very crowded, but not nearly so much as in the evening! I’ve also found that the walkway is very full right as the sun comes up, but within 30 minutes or so, most of the landscape photographers have moved out and there is much more space! 

4. Have a Flexible Schedule
When you reserve your session, we will put a rough date on my calendar but be prepared that the date is likely to change — sometimes more than once! Actual peak bloom is nearly impossible to predict more than 10 days in advance, sometimes even less. So it goes without saying that selecting a date in January/February is unlikely to be correct as peak bloom is determined by the weather each season. I use two websites that help me track the forecast (HERE and HERE) and it’s typically not until the trees hit “Peduncle Elongation” that the prediction date is valid. 

5. Patience is Key
This is a shout out to all my Type A sisters… hand in hand with the above, I know how hard it can be not having a firm date more than 7-10 days before your session. Heck, your original session date may pass and we may not have anything on the calendar! But trust that I have been doing this for a long time and as long as you have a flexible schedule, we will make it work! THIS is the reason I take on such a limited number of sessions… I don’t want anyone getting stuck with bare trees or fallen petals! 

THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION
1. Arrive Early
Seriously, just do it. It will be so worth having 30 minutes less of sleep to arrive before your scheduled shooting time, knowing you have a place to park and won’t miss that gorgeous golden light of sunrise — once it’s gone, it’s gone! Parking is INCREDIBLY limited, especially considering the overwhelming number of tourists also there to see the blooms. And traffic on Ohio Drive is one way, so you’ll also experience road closures/detours. I provide all of my clients suggestions on where to park and what time to arrive, so rest easy ALP couples! 

2. Get Ready for the Gauntlet!
I loving refer to the early morning session at the Tidal Basin “the gauntlet” because it’s truly packed wall to wall — you’ll see dozens of sessions, hundreds of tripods, and thousands of tourists. I believe it’s estimated that over 1.5 MILLION people visit the blooms each year and considering peak bloom is a window of 4-7 days, well, you get the picture. But if you take a look at my past sessions, it looks as if no one is in sight. Again, trust your photographer that they know the best angles and will get you beautiful photographs… and, for heavens sake, don’t be late!!!! =P And if you don’t believe me, here is what it looked like at sunrise last year!

3. Watch Your Bags
I think I tend to be a little too trusting being in the city multiple times a week, but DC is still a major metropolitan area with a ton of tourists. Last year a fellow photographer’s client had her purse stolen during their shoot. I always recommend my clients bring as LITTLE as possible for this very reason!

4. Prepare for COLD
I do not say that lightly — the wind coming off of the basin is something fierce. For the past three years in a row, my coldest session of the entire YEAR has been at the cherry blossoms! it’s typically early spring (late March/early April) so of course you sometimes… sometimes!… get a warm morning! But in my experience, that is more the exception than the rule. Luckily, I’ve already prepared tips to help you stay warm during your session! 

5. Pack Flats
I love, love, love a dressed up portrait session — nothing makes me happier than pretty dresses or skirts with lots of movement! I’ve even created a full guide that helps my couples put together outfits for the shoot! But you’ll want to throw a pair of easy slip on flats/flip flops/boots (depending on weather) for in between shots. We will cover quite a bit of ground during your session and if you’ve never visited the Tidal Basin, it’s actually VERY muddy. In fact, most of the ground surrounding the entire area is washed out due to flooding, so you won’t find a ton of grass except in a few secret pockets!

I know this may all seem a little intimidating and even a bit overwhelming — again, if you’re working with me, I will guide you throughout the ENTIRE process! We will make it seamless so you can enjoy those beautiful blooms and have some of the most sought after photos! 

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