Chelsea Babin Chelsea Babin

Why Hire a Content Creator?

There are many reasons why you might want to hire a content creator. Here are a few of the most common reasons:

  • You don't have the time or expertise to create content yourself. Content creation can be a time-consuming and challenging task. If you don't have the time or expertise to do it yourself, hiring a content creator can be a great option.

  • You want to create high-quality content that will engage your audience. A good content creator will have the skills and experience to create high-quality content that will engage your audience and help you achieve your business goals.

  • You want to save money. Hiring a content creator can be more cost-effective than hiring an in-house content creator. This is because content creators can often work on a freelance basis, which can save you on overhead costs.

If you're considering hiring a content creator, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that you have a clear understanding of your goals for the content. What do you want to achieve with the content? Once you know your goals, you can start to look for a content creator who has the skills and experience to help you achieve them.

You should also ask for samples of the content creator's work. This will give you a good idea of their style and their ability to create content that is relevant to your target audience.

Finally, you need to make sure that you're comfortable with the content creator's rates. Content creation can be a variable cost, so it's important to get quotes from several different creators before making a decision.

If you're looking for a way to create high-quality content that will engage your audience and help you achieve your business goals, hiring a content creator is a great option. By following the tips above, you can find a content creator who is the right fit for your needs.

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Chelsea Babin Chelsea Babin

What is Boudoir Photography?

What is boudoir photography?

Boudoir photography is a type of portrait photography that captures the beauty and sensuality of the female form in an intimate setting. The term "boudoir" comes from the French word "boudoir," which means "a woman's private room." Boudoir photography typically takes place in a bedroom or other private setting, and the photographs are often characterized by their soft lighting and sensual poses.

Boudoir photography can be done for a variety of reasons. Some women choose to have boudoir photography done as a gift for their partner, while others do it to celebrate their own beauty and sensuality. Boudoir photography can also be a way for women to boost their confidence and self-esteem.

If you are considering having boudoir photography done, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to find a photographer who you feel comfortable with and who you trust. You should also choose a photographer who has experience with boudoir photography and who understands the style of photography that you are looking for.

It is also important to be prepared for the shoot. This means choosing the right lingerie or clothing, getting your hair and makeup done, and arriving on time for your appointment. Boudoir photography can be a very intimate experience, so it is important to feel confident and comfortable.

If you are looking for a way to celebrate your beauty and sensuality, boudoir photography can be a great option. With the right photographer and the right preparation, you can create stunning photographs that you will cherish for years to come.

Here are some of the benefits of boudoir photography:

  • It can help you to feel more confident and sexy.

  • It can be a way to celebrate your body and your beauty.

  • It can be a gift for yourself or for your partner.

  • It can be a way to document your beauty at a particular time in your life.

  • It can be a way to explore your sexuality in a safe and supportive environment.

If you are interested in boudoir photography, I encourage you to do some research and find a photographer who is right for you. With the right photographer, you can create beautiful and empowering images that you will cherish for years to come.

But seriously, I’d love to capture this for you!

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Chelsea Babin Chelsea Babin

Wedding photographers and why they’re so expensive

Is wedding photography really that expensive? Or is it a lot of work? Check out this blog post to learn a little more about why wedding photographers charge for what they do.

When the word “wedding” gets added to anything, the price seems to automatically quadruple. While this might seem a bit ridiculous and outrageous to some, it’s important to sit back and think about all the time and effort that goes into a wedding and that is probably why those prices seem to be so much. This post is going to shed some light on wedding photography specifically.

In the Midwest/southeast part of the US, standard wedding photography is around $4-$6,000. There are also Vanity Fair and celebrity photographers that charge WAY more - I’m talking like $15,000 and up. But, why? Why is “just taking some pictures” so expensive? 

Time

Time is huge. Not only is your photographer (tog) or team of togs at your wedding the amount of time you booked but there is before and after the day that is included. 

Usually, before your wedding day, you and your tog will talk (either on the phone or in person) about what it is you’re looking for and wanting for your photography. This can be anywhere from a couple of hours to a good amount of time.

Then, on the day of, there is of course the time spent at the wedding shooting; but, there is also the time spent getting to and from (some wedding venues might be further than an hour away from the togs main location). Most wedding togs will be at your event all day (over 6 hours). 

Finally, after the wedding. This is when the magic happens. Your photographer is going to upload all of your photos to their computer and begin work. They will edit your photos for hours upon hours to make sure you are getting the best photos possible. After all, it is your day and you deserve the most amazing photos to remember it by. 

Most weddings will have over 100 images taken an hour… and while some will not turn out or are duplicates, the tog still will have to go through them one by one to edit. Editing massive amounts of photos can take hours, days, or even weeks. Granted, the length of editing also depends on how much editing is needed/wanted or the specific style. Nonetheless, much time goes into delivering you the best gallery. 

So from the hours before, during, and after, photographers usually put in well over 100 hours worth of work into your day. If they were working for $15 an hour, that would be $15 x 100 = $1,500. Most wedding togs are experienced so should be charging more than $15/hour which is where the higher prices come in. So, when you see a full day of wedding photography for $4,000… think of it as more of a $40/hour for 100 hours. 

Equipment 

This one is another big chunk of money. There is of course the camera body — most wedding togs have two camera bodies. Then the lenses — most have more than one lens and the specialty lenses can be up there in price. Then there is lighting — flashes and continuous lighting stands, etc. Memory cards, camera batteries, editing software, gallery delivery system, insurance, and more. 

All of the above adds up to a pretty penny. Usually well over $5,000 worth of equipment and software. Now, we know that technically gets “paid for” after a few sessions or events, BUT, upgrades are needed, new items need to be purchased, and subscriptions run monthly usually. All of these things also go into the photographer’s cost. 

Experience

One major part of the price you’re paying is experience. The higher the price tag, usually the more experienced your tog is. Everyone has to start somewhere and there is nothing wrong with that. However, most wedding photographers are very well seasoned —  whether in wedding photography or other types — they know what they are doing. 

So while you might not have over $1,000 to spend on your photographer, just know that you are paying for the experience as well. (Not saying there are not great inexpensive photographers, simply stating most case scenarios.) 

More than a photographer 

I must also mention that your wedding tog is more than just a photographer. They can also help plan with you (not as extensively as a wedding coordinator, but we do help build timelines and can give general advice). They will also be planning their shot list for you as well so that all the photos you could ever want will be taken. 

Then, day-of Photographers keep everyone on track, train conductor if you will. They are your personal dress fixer to make sure your photos always look amazing (especially if you have a long or wide train). They’re going to make sure every detail on your person looks amazing for photos so they will fix necklaces, hair on your face, etc. Additionally, photographers will also be your personal assistant. Not in a literal sense, but more so because they are with you pretty much 24/7 that day, they will be able to get you what you need while making sure your photos are turning out. For instance, if you’re wanting with your bouquet or have a long train, they will make sure to help carry or remember them. They make sure you have what is needed for the photos. 

Additionally, they are going to keep you on time. Since you paid for a specific amount of time, they are going to make sure they use their time efficiently. Wedding togs whole goal is to make sure your wedding photos are amazing, so helping make the day great goes along with that too. By making your day easier, it helps make their jobs better too. 

Breakdown

So, let’s break it all down. Let us say your tog puts in 100 hours of work, has $5,000 in equipment costs, drove their vehicle to your venue, paid for gas and food, and has been doing weddings regularly for at least 2 years. Let us say they also only charged $2,500 for 8 hours of shooting coverage (that 8 hours is included in the 100 hours of total work). So, first, you would take 2500 and divide that by 100. That brings their hourly pay down to $25 per hour. 

This may vary slightly from tog to tog, but this is a good representation of why photographers cost so much. Hopefully, the next time you see someone sharing their wedding photography prices, you will understand a little bit more about why they might seem so high.

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Chelsea Babin Chelsea Babin

The Best Time of Year for Weddings

When is the best time of year to have your wedding?

Choosing the perfect time of year for your wedding can be a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider, such as the weather, the availability of venues and vendors, and your own personal preferences.

Here are some of the pros and cons of each season to help you make the best decision for your big day:

Spring

  • Pros: The weather is usually mild and pleasant, making it a great time for outdoor weddings. Flowers are in bloom, which can add to the beauty of your event.

  • Cons: It can be a popular time to get married, so venues and vendors may be booked up.

Summer

  • Pros: The weather is warm and sunny, making it a great time for outdoor weddings. There are also many festivals and events happening in the summer, which can add to the festivities.

  • Cons: It can be hot and humid, which can be uncomfortable for guests. It can also be more expensive to get married in the summer due to the high demand.

Fall

  • Pros: The weather is usually mild and beautiful, making it a great time for outdoor weddings. The leaves change color, which can add to the charm of your event.

  • Cons: It can be a popular time to get married, so venues and vendors may be booked up.

Winter

  • Pros: The weather is often mild, and there are fewer crowds. You can also get discounts on venues and vendors.

  • Cons: It can be cold and snowy, which can make it difficult to plan an outdoor wedding.

Ultimately, the best time of year for your wedding is the one that works best for you and your partner. Consider your budget, your personal preferences, and the availability of venues and vendors when making your decision.

Here are some additional tips for choosing the best time of year for your wedding:

  • Consider your budget: Weddings can be expensive, so it's important to factor in the cost of the venue, the food, the photographer, and other expenses when choosing a date.

  • Think about your personal preferences: Do you want an outdoor wedding? An indoor wedding? A destination wedding? Once you know what you want, you can start narrowing down the possibilities.

  • Check the availability of venues and vendors: Once you've chosen a season, start contacting venues and vendors to see if they have availability on your desired date.

  • Be flexible: If your first choice date isn't available, be willing to be flexible. There are many beautiful days in every season, so you're sure to find a date that works for you.

By following these tips, you can choose the best time of year for your wedding and ensure that your big day is everything you've ever dreamed of.

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Chelsea Babin Chelsea Babin

Creating a Wedding Planning Timeline

You’re engaged – congratulations!! Soooo… what’s next?!

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. By creating a wedding planning timeline, you can stay organized and on track.

Here are some tips for creating a wedding planning timeline:

  1. Set a budget: One of the first things you need to do is set a budget for your wedding. This will help you narrow down your options and make sure you don't overspend.

  2. Choose a date: Once you have a budget, you can start choosing a date for your wedding. Be sure to factor in the availability of venues and vendors when making your decision.

  3. Book your venue: The venue is one of the most important aspects of your wedding, so it's important to book it early. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your date is secure.

  4. Hire your vendors: Once you have a venue, you can start hiring your vendors. This includes your caterer, photographer, florist, and DJ.

  5. Send out your invitations: About 6-8 months before your wedding, you should send out your invitations. This will give your guests plenty of time to RSVP.

  6. Plan your ceremony and reception: Start thinking about the details of your ceremony and reception. This includes the music, the food, and the decorations.

  7. Finalize your budget: As you get closer to your wedding date, you'll need to finalize your budget. This will help you avoid overspending.

  8. Relax and enjoy the planning process: Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's important to relax and enjoy the process. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love with your family and friends.

Here is a sample wedding planning timeline:

  • 12-18 months in advance: Set a budget, choose a date, and book your venue.

  • 9-12 months in advance: Hire your vendors, send out your invitations, and start planning your ceremony and reception.

  • 6-9 months in advance: Finalize your budget, order your wedding dress, and start shopping for your bridesmaids' dresses.

  • 3-6 months in advance: Send out your save-the-dates, book your transportation, and finalize your guest list.

  • 1-3 months in advance: Order your wedding bands, finalize your wedding day schedule, and start getting ready for your honeymoon.

  • 1 month in advance: Finalize your wedding day timeline, send out your rehearsal dinner invitations, and start packing for your honeymoon.

  • 2 weeks in advance: Pick up your wedding bands, finalize your wedding day details, and relax and enjoy the countdown to your big day!

This is just a sample timeline, and you may need to adjust it to fit your specific needs. But by following these tips, you can create a wedding planning timeline that will help you stay organized and on track.

When planning for your photography, I can offer a timeline consult to help you get everything you need.

I hope this helps!

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