Yesterday, I met up with Julie, an amazing photographer who I met a few weeks ago.
I was lucky enough to have her shoot my portrait along with a sneak peek into Lela New York's new studio. She is totally fabulous, shooting for Town and Country as well as Weddings and celebs alike.
Below is a quick interview with her where she shares insider info on weddings and photography.
1. What makes Julie Skarratt Photography unique?
As a former model I look to make photos that are beautiful, elegant and fun, that capture the spirit of Celebration.
2. What services do you provide?
The day of the wedding starts with the bride getting ready and ends when the party is over. Depending on the size and location of the wedding I bring additional photographer when needed. After the wedding my real work begins. Editing the images and organizing them for the couple can take up to 2 weeks. I make a slide show that can be viewed on line and then 4x6 proof prints for the bride and groom. After the couple have seen their photos we usually schedule an appointment a few months later to make the final leather bound album.
3. What can you advice brides and couples to be aware of or avoid when looking for a photographer?
When looking for a photographer ask your friends for recommendations. Think about what your budget is so that you can discuss this upfront. Many people are surprised at how expensive getting married can become. At the end of the day you have your husband and your photos. If you are having an indoor wedding at night make sure that your photographer shows you some night photos. Out door photos are beautiful and do not often require flash but after dark a flash is often necessary for family photos and other moments.
4. How do you stay motivated, what inspires you?
I love to blog and put up photos that I take for fun. When I meet someone inspiring I love to share them with my friends. Movies inspire me and I always have a big pile of magazines to see what is visually happening in the media. Travel is my favorite thing so tell me you are getting married in India and my bags are packed. I am going back in January 2010 to shoot my second wedding there.
5. Do you have a favorite wedding?
The last wedding I shot is always my most favorite one. I fall in love every weekend and can not wait to get back to my studio to download the images and to relive the event and to find my favorite photos so I can make a slide show.
6. What can you advice brides to do or not to do the day of their wedding, in order to create that perfect picture?
The secret to a perfect photo is to be happy. Let go of the stress, give all the jobs to your friends so you don't have to think about anything. Trust your wedding planner and let them take care of all the little details and if you don't have a planner keep everything as simple as you can. Plan to make time for photos. Daylight is a photographers best friend. If you are getting married at night think about doing some photos before the wedding. If it rains remember it is impossible to untie a wet knot and umbrellas make a great accessory!
7. How has working with celebrity editorials help or influence your wedding photos?
Working with celebrities is always exciting because we all feel like we know the person even if we have never met them before. Expectations are always very high regardless of the Bride and Groom however with celebrities I also have a responsibility to capture images that they are excited to share with the public. Every one wants their wedding to be the best and to have photos that capture it all. Always being ready for anything and anticipating what will happen next are what I enjoy the most about being a wedding photographer.
You can see more of Julie's work on her website: www.julieskarratt.com