I’ve made the case for professional photos, and even a case for why you should invest in framed prints. But did you know there are tons of other uses for your images? Sure, having photos around your home can boost your mood and keep your decor current, but did you know there’s even plenty of unconventional uses for your company headshots? That’s right! So let’s dive in, because we’ve got a lot to cover…

Wedding/Engagement Photos

1. Make an Album or Personalized Photo Book

I’ve made entire posts about this before, but I can’t stress this enough: When you pass your wedding and engagement photos down to future generations, you’re going to want them in print—not on a screen! The digital age is here to stay, but there are some things that will always stand the test of time and be worth the investment. Tangible proof of your love story is definitely one of those things! And with amazing sites like Mixbook, Shutterfly, Blurb and Snapfish, making your albums and photo books can be as much fun as sharing them. 

2. Personalize Your Thank You Cards

Weddings and engagements have no shortage of professional photos—and events that celebrate the happy couple! Whether you’re wrapping up your bridal shower, engagement party, bachelor/bachelorette nights or even your wedding reception, using your photos can take thank you notes from a formality to personal keepsakes for everyone who had a hand in your union.  

3. Create a Video Slideshow

Do you love the professional photos from your engagement session? Make a digital slideshow to play on a loop at your wedding reception! Want to get more mileage out of your gorgeous wedding photos? Save them to a video slideshow you can play or share forever—you can even set the slides to your song! Most wedding packages come with a complete digital album, but sharing the whole thing might seem like a bit much. That’s why I suggest making your own highlight reel of sorts—especially if you skipped a videographer! 

Professional Photos of your Family

1. Customize Your Holiday Cards

Whether you’re sending them to your family, friends or associates, sharing holiday cards is a great way to connect with the people in your life—and spread a little joy and cheer in what can be a stressful and distracting time of year! Using professional photos to create your cards can make a card a personal greeting, AND update your loved ones on any changes to your family. Kids grow up quickly! Keeping your annual holiday cards can track and document the years in a perfectly festive way.

2. Give Personal Gifts

Speaking of holidays, there are SO many personalized gifts you can give—especially if you have recent professional photos handy! You can check out a few of my favorites here, but trust me, you’ll be hard-pressed to find grandparents or teachers who don’t love a good calendar, photo book or framed print. Give the gift only you can give! It’s definitely worth having photos for.

3. Make A Collage

When you take professional photos of your family, odds are, you’ll end up with too many favorites to choose just one to frame. Photographers try their best to capture all kinds of connections, from just mom and dad to every combination of family members possible. Everyone has a unique and special relationship, and it’s so much fun to tell each story on film. So why not tell the whole story with a framed collage or gallery wall? It might feel messy at first, but if you use photos from the same session, it will all come together perfectly.

Headshots

1. Update Your Website

In this day and age, if you don’t have a personal webpage, your company probably does—and each one is likely equipped with an “About Me” or “Contact” page. Adding headshots to these pages can give your audience or your clients a face to put with your name, products or services, and using professional photos can really set you apart.

2. Keep Social Media Current

Do you have a LinkedIn account or a Facebook Business Page? What about using Instagram for your marketing? You’ll need a profile picture for those accounts, or at the very least a header image. Professional photos can make your accounts clean, current, and professional, which can go just as far with your audience as the page content itself. 

3. Modernize Business Prints

Business cards might seem like a thing of the past, but let’s face it, they’ll never entirely go away. Bring yours to the present with professional photos! The card itself will document your name and contact information, but your headshot can allow people to better remember their interactions with you long after the networking meeting, corporate event, or conference. Does your business have brochures, fliers, promotions or advertisements? Headshots can be used there, too, to give customers a more personal look at who they’re working with.

Don’t worry, seniors. I didn’t forget about you! In fact, you have a whole post with all my favorite ways to use your senior portraits—from grad party announcements to cute dorm decor. 

Ready to book your session? Reach out at any time! You never know when you’ll need (or want!) some professional photos.

Some of the first shots your wedding photographer will want to capture are bridal “getting ready photos.” If you’re wondering why or if these images are worth capturing, this post is just for you! Usually taken in the last hour of your preparation process, these images allow you to cherish the anticipation you feel on your wedding day, and have documentation of the more intimate moments of an otherwise lavish day. Plus they show off all the amazing details that go into your look—the ones you likely put lots of thought and effort into putting together! So read on for my complete bride’s guide to the perfect getting ready photos, from how to use them to how to look your best.

Why take getting ready photos on your wedding day?

I find such beauty in human connection and the stories that people share. It’s why I became a photographer! Getting ready photos capture quiet moments and candid friendships. They’re natural, unscripted moments with your closest friends and family. They remember the calm before the pomp, and commit some of your more relaxed moments to memory. Plus, having that extra hour or so before the formal events begin allows more time for you and your wedding photographer to get acquainted! It’s also a great way to compare after the big day and see what your groom was up to.

Plus, how often will you have a glam squad at your disposal, working to make you look your most gorgeous? Another great reason to take getting ready photos is all about confidence. Everyone’s hair will look great. Your makeup will look great, even if the final touches are still in progress. Your pre-gown outfits will be adorable, and when the wedding day is long behind you, you’ll look back on the beauty prep and love how great everyone looked! 

What will I do with these images?

Getting ready photos help provide a more complete view of your wedding day. That’s why every wedding album should start with getting ready photos! (Not sure if you’re investing in a wedding album? Here’s why you definitely should!) Your bridal party is unique. Your family is unique. Your love is unique! Let your wedding photos tell your wedding story from the very beginning. 

Sure, some of your other favorite wedding photos will likely end up as prints or canvases in your home, but what about all the other details you put so much thought and money into? Putting them in a professional wedding album will help you remember all the gorgeous details forever. 

How can I make sure my getting ready photos look amazing?

Whether your venue has a great place for getting ready, you’re at a hotel nearby, or you’ve rented an Airbnb for the morning, make sure you have plenty of space—and big windows! Trust me, the quality (not quantity) of light in these moments can make or break your getting ready photos. Try to surround yourself with natural light and soft, neutral wall colors.

If possible, avoid vibrant hues that can reflect onto your hair color and skin tone, and patterns in wallpaper or furniture that can distract from the details of your day. Keep the room tidy, and be sure to have fun! Put a trusted family member or member of your bridal party in charge of creating a getting ready playlist, and enjoy these moments. They’ll be over before you know it! 

What kinds of shots should I take?

Your wedding photographer will undoubtedly have a tried and true shot list for getting ready photos, but as with anything else with your wedding, preparation always makes things run more smoothly. Are there any special details you want to make sure you’re capturing? Maybe your great grandmother’s earrings are your “something old,” or a significant hairpiece is your “something blue.” Have those items out and ready!

Is your mom helping you into your wedding dress? Is your sister or best friend traveling a long way to be there for this part of the day? Communicate those details! If they’re important to you, they should be important for your wedding photographer. Need some direction to help you prepare? Here are some of my favorite items to include in getting ready photos:

• Wedding dress
• Wedding shoes (bride and groom)
• Wedding bouquets and boutonnieres 
• Veil/headpieces
• Cufflinks and bridal accessories
• Cologne and perfume bottles
• Wedding rings (all three)
• Family heirlooms
• Menus and invitations

Too many details to keep track of? You can put a bridesmaid or family member in charge of pulling some of these items, especially tracking down the flowers and paper goods. The most important thing to remember is that this day is important. The details are important. These moments are important! Let’s capture every single one together.