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2010Birthday & Upgrade Party
The first bit of wedding planning I did was to search for photographers, obviously. The dress? Food? Flowers? None of that mattered as much to me as finding a good photographer. However, after browsing through the local wedding photographers, I found myself extremely dissatisfied and the whole experience put me off from any other planning. It wasn’t that the photographers weren’t good enough, it was all the bells and whistles. It’s that it would cost two to three thousand dollars for half decent local photographers. I wouldn’t get to do processing (something I love), or keep any of the original files, and I’d get a small booklet of prints. That’s it. When I’d finally found someone I was prepared to book with, my mother proposed we try something different. Why not spend that money on upgrades for you, I’ll shoot the wedding, and you’ll take some too, do the processing, and keep all the spoils!
Well, why didn’t I think of that?! It was an ingenious plan, really. At least I thought so. This may sound ridiculous, but I care more about photography than I do about my wedding dress, so I was definitely on board. So the plan was in place and the next eleven months were spent doing research and playing the waiting game. I decided on the Canon 7D and the 24-70mm 2.8 lens, and we were finally able to purchase it a few weeks ago. But still I waited! (WHAT?) I waited because my dear friend Bronwyn was going to be upgrading for her birthday, and so we decided to do it together, and Saturday was that day for us.
The plan was to get up early and hit a local camera convention, play around with all the neat toys and camera gadgets, and then when we just couldn’t wait any longer, we’d head over to Vistek where our gear was already set aside and waiting and take it home to play where there would be a delicious meal, cake, and birthday gifts. The cake was really, really good. Tom and I spent some time trying to decide on one because we’re really more the pie type, but this one was quite the surprise! The inside was vanilla with three cream layers and strawberry chunks and the icing was light, fluffy, and not too rich. YUM.
And for your viewing pleasure I’ve included a collage of our adventure. Photos by Tom, Bronwyn, Brendan and me. (Hover for notations!)
I didn’t take the 7D (His name is Locke) out for a spin because the battery was charging, and I’ve been busy the last two days too, so I really just can’t wait to wrap up this post and go sit down and have some quality time with him. OH boy oh boy, delayed gratification, anyone? (And I promise the buyer’s guide is still on its way!)
Kim
You are so lucky! When Chris and I got married I wasn’t allowed to take any photos that entire day. Chris’s mom married us and she’s aaaall about living in the moment, so she wanted me to enjoy my day and remember every detail– not be stuck in a viewfinder the whole time. We also didn’t hire a photographer, so I have a pretty poor collection of photos from Chris and I’s big day. I can’t wait to see the stuff you and your mom shoot!
Sara
Tom thinks it’s silly that I’ll want to be taking photos on such an important day but I really enjoy photography and taking photos of things, why wouldn’t I want to take photos of such an awesome day? Though I’ll have to leave most of the photography taking up to my Mom, I don’t doubt that I will be running around photography the little things like the pies and table settings.
I know you said you don’t have many photos but I’ve seen a few from the wedding and I think they’re beautiful. Your dress was simple and elegant and you both looked extremely happy, so that’s what counts.
Allie
Well, I feel a *little* better knowing you still got helped by a Henry’s employee…hehehe I think that most of the ppl at Vistek are from Henry’s at some point. It’s a small world in the camera biz
I’m actually from London but make it to Toronto fairly often. Is that where you are now?
And sorry, no… didn’t see you guys running around, though I never thought to look… what day were you there? I was only working Sat/Sunday… rocking the Deal Zone most of the time.
Sara
AHHHHH! That’s EXACTLY where we were! We were there on Saturday and definitely rocked the Deal Zone! But it waaaas really crowded and we’re tiny people who tried bargaining and the booked it!
Heather
I’m so jealous!!! A camera convention would be so much fun and I would LOVE to upgrade!! I love how you guys made an event of it.
Sara
Haha, I think that’s the only time we’ll celebrate spending that much money in our lives. Except for maybe a house.
Emily
Isn’t new gear the greatest thing in the whole wide world?
I totally, TOTALLY understand what you mean about having a photographer. When I get married, it’s the one thing that I plan to splurge on. Expensive dress? Puh-lease
Of course, now that I’ve shot a wedding, I TOTALLY understand why wedding photographers price the way that they do. TOTALLY. I think there is often a communication gap between photographers and couples when the couples don’t realize just what they’re paying for. And personally, I wouldn’t ever hand over processing to a client. Processing is a part of my art, which I’m sure you understand. So I think it’s great that you’ve found a solution that works for you guys
Sara
Oh I know, hahaha. I went, I’d rather spend 2k on a photographer than a dress! But when I looked in the area I couldn’t find any photographers I liked (It’s a small town.) And anyone I did like would be way too much because I’d have to fly them to said small town. =\
It made more sense to do it this way!
*HUGS*
Allie
Hey! I was working at the Henry’s show on the weekend – too bad you didn’t mention before that you were looking to upgrade… I’ve got the hook ups
And I have to say, pretty sad you bought at Vistek… Henry’s is where it’s at. I should know, I’ve been working there for 5 years
A
Bronwyn
Odd – Vistek blew Henry’s offers out of the water!
Sara
Hey, Allie! It’s too bad we missed you! I don’t suppose you happened to see a little redhead and blonde running around, did you?! It would have been nice to say hello!
We actually did price battling the entire two weeks before we purchased with Henry’s, Black’s, Aden, and they just couldn’t touch Vistek’s offer! The gentlemen we worked with was able to give us a deal because we purchased everything together. We were all set to buy, but he advised us to go to the show because he was an ex Henry’s employee (9 years!) and see what amazing deals they had, but it turned out they still couldn’t beat his offer!
Perhaps we’ll have to have a Toronto camera meet up sometime soon!