I spent my birthday waking up late, grabbing a quick bite, and then draggin’ my saint of a husband, Val, to the Austin Bridal Extravaganza. I figured that if I want to get into the wedding photography world here in Austin, I probably should attend one of the largest events the city offers, and see if it’s something I’d want to invest in for the future.

I’ll be honest, I was overwhelmed with the number of photographers who had booths at the show. I think it was something like 40 different companies! And everyone’s work I saw was beautiful, and in many ways, similar. I would hate to be a bride trying to sort through them all. How do you select which one to pick? Quality, packages available, prices? I know if it were me, I’d expect every professional photographer to deliver basically the same stuff, so it would really boil down to if I felt I could trust them. Do I actually like them? I mean, this person will be seeing me in my BRA for goodness sake!

I gotta say, it was interesting attending the show and not being a bride. It allowed me a unique perspective into the level of authenticity different vendors had. One for one, the first thing said to me with a big smile was “Have you found a (fill in the blank) for your wedding yet?” to which my husband would flash his wedding ring, and say “Nope. She’s already said yes.” That’s when the “Huh? Why are you here then?” look would come across their face.

Each time, I would introduce myself, let them know I was a photographer who recently moved here from Los Angeles, there to see what the show was like. This is where it gets interesting: Some people, actually the majority, would at that point literally take a few steps away from me, say “Ok” and turn their sights on the people walking up the aisles. At first, I was sorta like “Hey Val, do I smell or have something in my teeth?” Then I just began to see things for what they were: I wasn’t a prospect and therefore not worth their energy. This made me go back to my original theory: people are looking for honesty, authenticity, and genuine interest in each other’s humanity. At least I was.

Then there where the other vendors I met. The ones with the kind hearts who I could tell genuinely wanted to get to know me. And when I shared that I was a photographer new to the area flashed a big smile and said “Well welcome to Austin. Hey, do you have a card? I would love to hear about your business.” These people… I LOVED!! And to show my love, I’m going to list the ones that really stood out to me below.

I think the real disappointment came from meeting some of the photographers whose work I already admired and discovering that in person, were either cold and unfriendly or, okay I’ll just say it, egotistical. But again, I only saw this side of them the moment they found out I wasn’t a bride and would drop the “friendly” charade. Really made me sorta sad and even more committed to just trying to treat all people with respect and care and not dollar symbols.

So… will I be a vendor at next year’s show? Humm, time will tell, I guess. As for now, I want to focus my energy on being the best photographer, and person, I can be. I think in the end, that will be the true testament to my success. {grin}

Okay, here’s the LOVE list:

1. Simply Elegant Weddings and Events – Event Coordinators

The owner, Pam Emmert, is just a doll. I must have chatted with her for over 10 minutes about the wedding industry, how she was inspired by her daughter’s wedding (who also works with her), and the adventures of starting a new business. She was just a genuinely down to earth and classy lady, as where her staff, who were all just lovely to speak with, full of smiles and encouragement. I hope to one day be able to work with them.

2. An Event to Remember – Event Coordinators

I didn’t get to chat with the owner, Shamika, but did speak with Tramaine for a long time, who was just full of energy and sass. I really liked her vibe a lot. I gathered that they were a somewhat new business themselves and were really open to meeting people in the wedding world could feel comfortable working with themselves. All the ladies in the booth seemed to just have this cool, hip, modern sense of style that I’m sure is reflected in their events.

3. Serve – Event Coordinators – 512-775-5965

Okay, Jennifer and Amanda from Serve are awesome! I gravitated to their booth because I loved the simple and modern style it had. But then when I started chatting with them, it was like seeing old friends. Lots of giggling. And as it turned out, Amanda was from Los Angeles too. They both were very encouraging and I really appreciated their genuine warmth. I didn’t see a website on their card so I’ve just included their phone number on this post in case anyone wants to contact them.

4. Keep Austin Gorgeous Hair and Makeup

Megan is too dang cute! She’s young, enthusiastic, and full of life. Just being around her made me happy. When she found out I was a photographer she was just a wealth of ideas for ways we could work together! Then the subject of film came up with my husband (who’s a filmmaker) and the next thing you know she was showing us pics on her phone of zombies she just did makeup for on a film. I wish I could bottle her energy and take two capsule a day.

5. The Chanterelle Duo

Phil and Sean play classical guitar and the violin (respectively). Val is a guitar player and absolutely loves classical guitar. And yours truly has always wanted to learn violin (I even have one collecting dust). So of course, we had to stop by and listen to them play. After a few minutes, Val and I each make a B line to the musicians and started singing their praises. Next thing you know, Phil is telling me know he teaches violin and Sean is talking all about his Rush tribute band and getting us info on his next gig. These were not stuffy “classical” musicians at all. They were upbeat and excited about their music, and Val and I both walked away feeling just how much they loved what they did. And who knows, I may ring up Phil for those violin lessons.

6. Debra Gulbas Photography

Debra and Osvaldo where the first photography booth I saw when we arrived, and even after seeing the other 39 photographers, they were the ones that still lingered in my mind when I left. Debra was so friendly and willing to just talk shop. She suggested we meet and continue our chat over a cup of coffee, which I can’t even begin to say how much I appreciated. She was just a sincere and kind-hearted person who welcomed me to the Austin photographer world with arms wide open. And Osvaldo, her second shooter who was also working the booth, was just as cool. He has his own website too: www.ocontrerasphotography.com (which wins first place for cleverness in my book).

7. Illuminate Photography

And last, but certainly not least, is Lisa from Illuminate Photography who is a major sweetheart. She didn’t know me from Eve and just via email, responded to me in a way that made me feel like she really did care. Her business has been booming so a local meetup group has asked her to lead a marketing workshop to share what she’s done. I think it’s awesome when I meet a photographer who isn’t scared to help other photographers. And especially when they don’t have that yucky “Let me mentor you, oh lowly beginner” vibe. When I finally met her in person at the show, she gave me a big hug and reminded me to contact her so we could meet and chat. From what I could tell, her real secret to success is just her decision to lead with her heart and find joy in what she does.

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