ILEA members anxiously gathered at The University of Texas Club to hear from Austin’s best photographers Bert McLendon, Jerry Hayes, Rachael Hall, Lisa Hause. Tracy Infante was the moderator and boy did the panel look amazing on the stage with decorated with a masculine feel. Leather couches from Premiere Events with accents of animal hide and florals by the Enchanted Florist that really tied everything together.
My favorite subject that got everyone talking was how technology is changing the business. As wedding planners, florist, photographers, caterers etc we need to keep up with the trends of aerial images of the event captured by drones. On the negative side, GoPros and iPads used by guests are ruining once in a lifetime moments and are disruptive. Everyone having their phone during the ceremony and reception brings down the experience.
The panel wants you to know that you shouldn’t be afraid to try new things. (which was a BIG takeaway from October’s ILEA meeting). It’s hard for the photographer to sell new ideas since so many design decisions have already been made by the time the photographer comes on board.
The main takeaway can be summed up as “Give credit where credit is due.” Watermarks on photos take away from the image so the photographer does not watermark their image but please, PLEASE credit the photographer when sharing images on social media, your blog or in a magazine. They want you to share their art! It’s all about trust and respect for your vendors.
Contracts (and if it’s ok for the planner to sign vs the clients)
How copyrights work with edited and raw images
Photography Trends
How have you developed your own distinctive style?
Biggest pet peeves and what they wished other vendors knew!
Thank you to our sponsors!!
Planning and Design: Courtney Campbell from The University of Texas Club
Venue and Catering: The University of Texas Club
Furniture Rentals: Premiere Events
Matthew Stegall Photography
Alex Ramirez says
The ILEA monthly meeting “In Focus” was an excellent topic. I learned a lot about the photography business. Each of the panelists explained the importance of how technology is changing, the challenging aspects of working with videographers and giving proper credit.