At Connor Studios, we don’t get bogged down in a lot of “policies”. We like to keep it simple. At most, our policies consist of:
•Be happy (it’s your wedding!)
•Trust us (we want to do a great job for us and for you!)
•Feed us (tends to make the 12 hours photographing your wedding much smoother!)
•Be happy (it’s our only double-policy!)
The only policy that some people don’t understand is our policy of photographing engagement session at the Cherry Blossom Festival. Our policy is that we only do sunrise sessions Monday-Thursday. I know it sounds a bit harsh but let me plead my case.
1. It is the ONLY time where 4,000 people won’t be in the background. There is enough pressure to get the right light, the right pose, the right smile, the right exposure and to have to deal with everyone else makes it tough on us AND on you.
2. The light is ridiculous! When we don’t have to worry about the people in the background or the quality of light, we get to spend a lot more time making sure you have the right pose, right smile… The best light is the first hour or the last hour — it’s called the National Geographic light if that helps. Of course we could do the last hour but that runs into problems with #1 and #3.
3. Parking. At sunrise on a weekday, you can find parking with NO problem. If you know DC generally and the Cherry Blossom Festival at all, you know that that is worth its weight in gold. It’s easier on you walking over in heels. It’s easier on me walking over with 20 pounds of equipment valued around $20,000.
4. Attitude. I have photographed people who are lifelong DC residents and they are completely amazed at how it looks and feels at sunrise. They have never seen it so beautiful and felt like they aren’t just one of millions there. It’s their location – they have it all to themselves! It really is a different feel.
It is a policy that doesn’t make life easier but it makes your photographs better. Not 10% better — more like 100% or 1,000% better. And in the end, you want that.
I broke this policy yesterday and regretted it. My wife wanted me to take my daughter’s 3-year-old portraits there. Let’s just say that my “policies” don’t go too far at home! It was crazy on a Monday afternoon and the light wasn’t good. We did make some nice pics which I’ll post later (could have been better at sunrise!!). The reason I will bend my “policies” with my daughter is this. (I guess brides (and grooms) aren’t allowed to do this):
(Thanks to my wife for catching this split-second moment!)