Weddingbee Blog

So, I spent the first few months after our engagement scouring the internet for a local photographer the Mr. and I both liked. We already had our venues booked and date set, so it was important that the next thing we booked be our photographer (because I LOVE photography – probably about as much as Miss Hot Wings). I had contacted what seems like a million photographers inquiring about availability, packages, pricing, etc. before we narrowed it down to a handful. After we narrowed it down to about 4 or 5, we spent some time reviewing their bodies of work, their blogs and websites and asking people we knew that had used them before what they were like.

It was at that point when I decided to meet with two of them. I had heard fantastic things about both of them from people we know first-hand, and I (we) really loved their work. Mr. Argyle was not as concerned about how well we clicked with them as I was, so I went alone to both meetings. They each showed me some albums and photos, shared with me their backgrounds and pricing and we chatted over just about everything (I like to talk… a lot). It really was like sitting at a coffee shop with an old friend just catching up. It was great because I really wanted to make sure I clicked with our photographer. After all, she was going to spending one of the most important days of my life with me and documenting it.

Once I met with both of them, we spent a few weeks talking about what we liked about each. We had some criteria for our photographer, regardless:

1. We wanted a second shooter. I know some photographers tell you that you do not need one, but we WANTED one.
2. To have some sort of album or product credit with their packages.
3. That the engagement session was included with the package.

Each of the photographers offered all of the above, which didn’t make the decision easy. In the end, we chose Lisa Hessel. We loved her work, Mom Argyle loved her work, all of her packages included the above AND the package we wanted included unlimited time (score).

We had our engagement photos taken this past Fall and loved them (I’ll share soon, promise). I just love her work. I love when she Tweets photos, puts them up on Facebook and when she updates her blog. And, each time she does this, I seriously fall in love with her work all over again. And, because no post is complete without pictures, some of her work!

This is one of my favorite images by her:

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I know it isn’t a super exciting image, but I have had my eye on that photo since day one of stumbling upon her work.

I also love that she loves sun flare. Take note:

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And, I love that she loves urban photos, especially in her favorite alley:

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And, one more, I promise (at least for now). I love this alley/back street/urban shot:

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What are your requirements for your photographer? Any specific qualities or options you’re looking for?