There is a huge wealth of knowledge on the internet today for photographers…so many bloggers post advice for people starting out and I am so THANKFUL…I probably never would’ve been able to learn so much about the wedding photography industry if it wasn’t for others posting about their experiences. That being said, sometimes it seems pointless when I think about posting my “tips”..after all, it seems every “tip” out there has been posted MULTIPLE times by different bloggers..AND there’s awesome people out there like Justin and Mary and Katelyn James, who have infinitely more experience, and have posted about almost everything you could ever need to know.

BUT, I think there’s something to be said for posting tips..even the most simple of tips…as you grow and go through different experiences..because even if it’s not new information for someone…it could serve as a good reminder!…

Last week I was on my way to a wedding feeling really prepared…I had packed my bag the night before and I was looking forward to taking pictures for a good friend…I decided to stop about half way through the two and a half hour drive to put gas in the car so I wouldn’t have to do it on my way back when it was late and dark…I put the pump in the car and ran inside to get a snack (which Ryan lovingly told me  to NEVER do again…)…when I came back outside to take the pump out, apparently the thing that is supposed to make the gas stop flowing when the tank is full was BROKEN, because when I pulled out the pump gas literally sprayed ALL over me…my hair, my arms, and all down the front of the dress I was supposed to wear all day at the wedding…I ran inside and basically tried to take a bath in the sink…after rinsing the dress thoroughly, I still reeked of gasoline..the ladies at the cash register told me my best bet was to stop and buy a new dress..so I quickly found the nearest store and ran in, grabbed some dresses, and started praying that one of them would fit.

The lesson? When heading off to shoot a wedding, come prepared for anything! I was so thankful this happened before a good friends wedding or else I would’ve been much more embarrassed for running late! At least, I will never forget to bring an extra dress ever again…

Today’s tips from recent experiences:

1. ALWAYS bring an extra outfit…you never know when a drink will spill on you…or when you will accidentally spray yourself with gasoline. It’s hard to appear professional when you have a giant stain on you.

2. Bring an extra pair of shoes! I’ve also had a sandal strap break while at a wedding!

3. Keep a pretty hanger in your car. It stinks to get stuck taking pictures of a gorgeous dress on a plastic hanger…the bride has a million things to think about, so it’s totally understandable that she might forget to bring one with her or just not think about it!..and you might not be able to find one at the venue no matter how much you search…

Aaand here’s one last peek at things to come..isn’t she cute??: