Nonney with ATELIER interviewed by The Knot for their Insiders Guide to New Orleans.

noma from Studio Vieux Carre on Vimeo.

A couple of weeks ago we did a collaborative photo/video shoot with Joe and Terry from STUDIO VIEUX CARRE. This Video was used in our booth with STUDIO VIEUX CARRE and NOLA FLORA at the N.O.W. magazine Bridal Event.

noma from Studio Vieux Carre on Vimeo.

Our bride Liz enjoying a ride on the carousel.

We have posted 4 new movies! Go to [A] MOVIES on the top bar to see our new movies.

We would like to thank the following brides and couples:

• Kelly
  
• Amy & Chris
  
• Courtney & Bill
  
• Sunday & Scott
  
• Ericka
  
• Nadia
  
• Susan & Marc
  
• Amy & Nathan

   

Article published in New Orleans Weddings Magazine

By Nonney Oddlokken with Atelier PGD

The couple’s first step towards their wedding planning A couple’s engagement is the start of a very special time in planning their life’s together; with this, many couples choose to celebrate this with engagement photos.  The engagement session is a lot of fun, but also sets the tone of excitement towards the big day.  It is often considered the couple’s first step towards their wedding planning. Newly engaged couples often feel the world revolves  around their love for one another and these photos can be a  true reflection of that love. The beautiful images of young couples that come in a new picture frame or was once reserved for Hollywood, now is within everyone’s reach.

Where to use the photography. Traditionally engagement photos were taken to go into the Bridal announcement of the newspaper, but now there are countless ways of using them. With so many parties and bridal showers in the couples honor, they add a wonderful personal touch to any table setting or gift table. The couple can also use an image- with the permission of the photographer – for their “save the date cards,”  parting gifts  or even the wedding invitations.  Often the photographer can put the images to music that can be played as a slide show at the parties or even at the wedding.  This give their guests a real peek into the couple’s relationship. The engagement session is the most fun out of all the wedding photography sessions. With rise in popularity in engagement session, wedding photographers usually include them in their services as part of the wedding package or as an add on. Unlike other bridal photography, there is no white dress, missing family members or time crunches to worry about. The engagement session can be the most fun out of all the  photography sessions for the couple! Long gone are the stiff studio poses. It is now replaced by candid images of the couple simply being themselves. The session can include some more traditional shots to the couple laughing and kissing. Remember, often the the most intimate images are the ones that come in between the posed shots! It also gives the couple a chance to work with their photographer before the wedding. This is mutually befincialful for both the couple and the photographer. The better the couple know their photographer, the more they know what to expect during the wedding day, and vice verse. 

TIPS ON ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

1. Pick a location that is meaningful to you.  Be creative! It could be a place that the couple have romantic links. It could a place that the groom-to-be proposed. It could be a historical landmark. The session is not all about the location, but about the couple. The landscape should not dominate the photo, but add to the romantic tone of the photos.  If out of ideas, ask the photographer for suggestions. Usually a seasoned photographer will have many suggestions that the couple may not have thought of or even known about.

2. Wear clothes that work well together. It is not necessary to wear matching clothes, but take care that clothes do not clash. If one wears stripes, the other should not wear plaid. Solids, as a rule of thumb, usually work better together and stand the test of time.  Traditional clothes rather than the latest fads are usually the best choice too. Remember these photos are going to be around for a long time. Make sure the style of clothes match.  If the bride-to-be decides to wear a dress, then the groom should wear a pair of slacks and a dress shirt rather than old jeans. Take the location as a guide too. A three piece suit and tie may look hot and unnatural on the beach.  Again, ask the photographer if suggestions are needed.

3.  Getting started can sometimes feel awkward.  What usually feels very natural, may suddenly feel strange while being photographed. Give it some time, posing does get easier. Remember, it is OK to get romantic, or do things that might feel a little silly in front of people. Listening to the photographer is very important too. The photographer sees the couple through the eyes of the camera.  A good photographer does not want to change the personality of, but enhance the couple. If the photographer asks for a pose that may not feel quite natural, remember she has a different perspective than the couple posing. What looks great to her may not translate completely until the photo is taken. Remember, wedding photographers’ reputations are built on making everyday couples look great in photos. The photographer’s input is very important in capturing the images that dazzle. When the couple looks good, they look good.

4. Be aware of the strict copy-right laws that need to be upheld when using professional photos. The couple must have the photographer’s written permission when reproducing any image, no matter if it is on an invitation or on the wrapping of a piece of chocolate. When booking the  session, discuss this with the photographer. It is important to understand the copy-right policies of the photographer upfront. Most wedding photographers are willing to have limited release for the use of certain items. Getting it in writing before the session is always best. The engagement session is becoming the first step to the way the alter. It captures a very romantic and magical time in the couple’s life. They are also a wonderful keepsake and a cherished heirloom to pass along to later generations as part as their wedding album.