Gina Carter Photography Blog

Art Park E-Pics

2011-12-09T19:35:00Z

Ana and Jose's Coral Gables Wedding

2011-12-01T16:42:00Z

Kati and Pj's Wedding - Deerfield Beach

2011-11-13T14:00:00Z

Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T12:00:00Z

Celebrate Your Love!

2011-07-20T14:30:00Z

We've got an awesome wedding promo for all Gina Carter Photography couples!

Celebrate Your Love Promotion - take $400 off any GCP wedding package.

See our full price list: www.ginacarterphotography.com/Gina%20Carter%20Photography%20Weddings%202009

Promo ends August 30, 2011!
*Valid for all Miami/Broward events taking place before DEC 21st, 2012.

Tips for Brides - Engagement Photos

2011-07-15T12:43:00Z

There are so many great reasons to have an engagement photography session. Here are just a few:
Establishing a relationship with your photographer long before your wedding will make a difference in the outcome of your wedding images. Your photographer will be able to watch you and take note of your individual personalities, which will help in capturing images on the wedding day that are unique to you.

The other benefit is that you get to know your photographer and see how they work. Hopefully, you’ll have more confidence in yourselves and in your photographer, so on the wedding day you will look forward to having your picture taken.

Once you have chosen your photographer, get your engagement pictures taken right away. Make sure to use the photographer who will be photographing your wedding. Have your engagement photos taken at a location that has some meaning to the two of you. This could be where you had your first date, where you got engaged, or somewhere you both like to spend time.

An engagement session is also the perfect opportunity to do your hair and makeup test. This way, you’ll get to see how your hair and makeup look in photos in case there is anything you want to change for the Big Day.

An engagement session also serves as the perfect way to take formal shots of the two of you that can be used in your wedding programs, invitations, or save-the-date cards. Or send an engagement picture to your hometown newspaper to announce your marriage. They also make great gifts for the family, and can be used to make an album or wall collage.

Whatever you choose to do, get creative and have some fun. In the end you are the ones who win. Knowing and liking your vendors, especially the photographer, is significant in the success of your wedding and will help keep you focused on the real reason you are having getting married in the first place -- each other!

Great Tips for Brides

2011-06-01T12:48:00Z

Portfolios

When analyzing a portfolio, look for relaxed faces, bright eyes, and genuine smiles. The photographer's work should demonstrate the ability to capture emotions, evoke a sense of movement, and unveil relationships intuitively and honestly.

Exposure

Every photographer is a little different. Some are rapid fire and some not so much. My team usually shoots 3000-4000 shots at an average wedding. After some editing you may have 700-1500 images to choose from. This is a very good thing. When looking for a photographer ask for access to an online gallery from a real wedding. This way you can see how many shots the bride and groom actually had to select from. It will also let you know what kind of coverage you can expect at your wedding.

Behind-the-scene Queen

Choose a photo pro who you feel extremely comfortable with and don't mind inviting backstage. Some of the most beautiful wedding moments happen while the bride is dressing or during the reception when the couple steals away for a kiss. Keep your photographer aware of your whereabouts at (almost) all times.

Pick a Perfect Package

Some photography packages include albums, prints, and digital negatives, but many don't. Talk about each package's perks and try to narrow down your must-have items. Once you do it will be easy to create your own custom package.

Share the Wealth

Allow friends and family to order prints directly from your photographer: This is easy if your photographer uses a service like pictage.com to post your wedding photos. You can email guests a link to your online album, and they can order prints directly, without having to go through you.

The ALBUM

The wedding album should tell the story of the day beautifully. If possible, ask to see an actual wedding book as opposed to a compilation album with only their best work. Ask yourself if the photographer was able to capture the mood of the day.

Do it Yourself Albums

If you choose to make your own album be careful not to put your pictures in low quality albums that may damage them over time. Look for "archival" or "acid-free" on the label.

Must-haves

Don't overwhelm your photographer with many must-take shots. Instead, create a wish list of your top 5.

Beware the Bait and Switch

Some contracts spell out the studio's right to send any staff photographers to your wedding -- don't sign if that's not okay with you.

Black-and-white Benefit

Plain and simple, black-and-white photography is preferred for documenting emotional moments. The fewer colors your eyes have to process, the cleaner and easier an image is to absorb when viewing. The result? The subject shines through!

A Tip on Tipping

Know this: It's totally optional. That said, a monetary "thank you" is always graciously received. Estimate $50 to $100 (depending on the length of the work day).

Rain, Rain Go Away

Don't let the weather ruin your wedding day -- use it to your advantage! If it rains, grab two big umbrellas, go outside, and shoot pictures in the rain. Black-and-white shots of a couple kissing under one umbrella with delicate raindrops creating puddles at their feet are very romantic. Plan ahead and have classic black oversized umbrellas on hand.

Details

Don't forget about all the big and small things that went into making your perfect day. Each detail from the cake to the napkins help tell your story. Make sure your photographer knows what items are really important to you before the big day.

Miami Beach Botanical E-Pics

2011-05-19T00:46:00Z

True Love - Wedding

2011-03-21T22:43:00Z

Kati and PJ's beautiful beach wedding is just as romantic as their love story. High school sweethearts, K & P are the kindest, loveliest people you'd ever hope to meet. It was truly our honor to be part of their day.

Thanks guys - hope you LOVE your pictures. GCP

K & P's Vendors

Church - Our Lady of Lourdes, Boca

Hotel - Embassy Suites, Deerfield Beach

more info coming soon...

K & P E-Pics, Vizcaya

2011-01-17T12:53:00Z

Magical Sunset - Wedding

2011-01-16T23:11:00Z

Rosmery and Alex's wedding last weekend was amazing. They had their event at the Miami Spring Country Club and I have never seen it look so lovely. R & A's theme was beautifully done and the sunset provided a warm pink and golden light that made the ceremony seem magical. Loved it! Thanks guys.

Katie and PJ, E-pics at Vizcaya

2011-01-15T13:25:00Z

Happily Ever-After the Wedding

2010-11-19T16:13:00Z

If you have ever wondered if having a post-wedding session is a good idea... the answer is a big YES! In fact, a photo session after the wedding day can be a great way to take the pressure off. Just knowing that you'll have another session, just for the two of you, can really help you feel relaxed and carefree amidst all the wedding day frenzy.

Post wedding sessions can really be anything you’d like. You can do a trash-the-dress session were you both go all out in your wedding day garb, or you can do a simple casual session in a beautiful setting. Whatever you choose the result is the same - gorgeous pictures!

Day of the Dead Shoot

2010-10-28T15:00:00Z

Just in time for one of my favorite holidays... some friends and I got together to have some fun and create some cool Day-of-the-Dead portraits. Awesome makeup by Mercy Mendez-Rodriguez and amazing styling by Sandy Reyes.
Thanks guys - Happy Halloween everybody!

Grove Isle Wedding

2010-10-04T23:00:00Z

Elizabeth and Lazaro's wedding at Grove Isle was incredibly fun. What a great and happy couple; up for any creative/crazy idea we came up with. Thanks for allowing us to be part of your special day. Loved it!

Elizabeth and Lazaro's Wedding Vendors
Creative Spirits Design (drape & lighting) - Shelia Henderson - 305-613-3112
Rev. Eddie Rodriguez (officiant) - 305-596-1810
The DJ Connection - Michael Feria - 305-858-9547
Makeup & Hairstylist - Karla Lola - 305-803-8900
Nevot Flower Design - 305-266-2024
Grove Isle Hotel - location and catering - AMAZING FOOD!

Brickell Wedding - A Modern Affair

2010-09-06T13:35:00Z

The Rosado - Gonzalez wedding was a modern and festive affair. M and L had their beautiful traditional ceremony at St. Jude's Catholic Church on Brickell, while their reception was at the ultra-hip Conrad Hotel. We had a wonderful time, thank you for including us. Hope you guys love your images!

Endearing E-Pics

2010-08-28T23:00:00Z

Thanks to Liz and Lazaro for a lovely E-Pics Session at the beautiful Deering estate in Miami. You guys look amazing... hope you love the images.

Laura and Frank's Wedding

2010-08-23T11:00:00Z

Had a wonderful time at Laura and Frank's wedding. Their celebration reflected their love of their culture and religion. They are also very talented which means their party was filled with dancing, singing and humor. Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day.

Enchanted E-pics

2010-08-22T13:53:00Z

A Natural Beauty

2010-06-13T20:00:00Z

If you're not much of a makeup person -- and even if you are -- you should consider hiring a makeup artist for your wedding day. A pro can give you picture-perfect makeup that stays put. Here are some tips for seeking out someone to help you look big-day beautiful.

Finding an Artist

Ask your friends. Word of mouth can be very useful when it comes to finding true talent.
Check out department stores. Talk to beauty consultants at cosmetics counters and pay attention to how their own makeup looks; let the ones you feel comfortable with give you a make-over.
Ask your photographer (that's ME!). Most photographers have worked with makeup artists and can recommend some good ones.
Try an agency. If you live near a large city (especially New York or Los Angeles), try contacting an agent for makeup artists and ask if they can suggest a few who specialize in weddings. These professionals may charge more, since a percentage of the fee goes to their agent.

Working with One

Collect pictures from magazines to show the makeup artist so he or she can get an idea of the look you're going for. Keep in mind that your wedding is not the time to start experimenting -- stick to a more glamorous version of your everyday self.
Schedule trial runs before your prewedding parties or other special events (friends' weddings, class reunions, etc.). Most makeup artists do charge you for these practice sessions -- so find a crowd to wow or schedule it for you E-Pics session!
Take a close look at yourself a few hours after a trial makeover to check how the makeup wears on your skin.
Finally, ask what will happen if the makeup artist can't be there on the day of the wedding. Will he or she arrange for someone else to do the job or are you on your own?

Introducing...
Now, let me make a recommendation. I've worked with many makeup artist over the years and think highly of many of them. But when it comes to the getting ready hours of your big day you'll be glad to work with Mercy Mendez of Beauty By Mercy. This talented lady not only makes brides and bridesmaids look beautiful but has a relaxed and sweet disposition that you'll really appreciate on the big day.
Mercy has great stylistic range; from sweet and natural to dark and dramatic. Her packages are also very reasonable. See some of her work at www.beautybymercy.com and contact her for more information.

Mercy herself...





Mercy on the job.