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vendor reviews: photographers |
Just Shoot Me brings thirty years of photography experience and dedication to Brantford weddings Reviewing Lise Powell, Owner & Photographer, Just Shoot Me Photography
Lise Powell, Owner of Just Shoot Me Photography, brings thirty years of photography experience and innovative ideas to Brantford brides. Her studio offers a convenient backup in case of inclement weather, and her friendly and professional attitude coupled with her love for the job are what Lise says help her focus on capturing images that will make her couples happy on their wedding day and long after. From wedding and engagement photography to fantasy-like Photoshop creations, Lise says she makes sure to take as many pictures as necessary in order to capture every moment, even if that means working long hours before, during and after your wedding.
With photographs that have been featured in The Hamilton Spectator and chosen by readers to be put in a calendar, it's hard not to fall in love with this experienced photographer's portfolio. We met with Lise in her comfy cozy studio to find out more about her creativity and willingness to do the outrageous and found out more about what she can do for Brantford brides. Here's what we discovered...
Personally speaking... Lise took her first photography course when she was in grade school and knew right then and there that she wanted to be a photographer when she grew up. She continued to develop her skills through personal photography throughout high school. She has also taken a photography course at Mohawk College, but says that the majority of her skills in the field come from her natural creative abilities. We're sure her thirty years of experience doesn't hurt either and even after so long, Lise says that she absolutely loves what she does.
Lise's professional experience in photography began when she worked for various local studios before opening her own in 2006 in Ancaster. Then in August 2008, Lise opened up her Just Shoot Me studio in Brantford and photographed eight weddings in the first five months alone.
Lise told us that the indoor studio offers several backdrops and unique options for couples in case of inclement weather on their wedding day – or for engagement shoots.
Many of Lise's Fine Art Photographs have been featured in The Hamilton Spectator; two of them were chosen by readers to appear in their 2008 Calendar and one other one was also chosen for the 2009 Calendar. Lise also works as a photographer for Elle Models, helping to create and expand portfolios for models.
As if her diverse portfolio and passion for the job weren't enough reason for us to love Lise, she is also an affiliate photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) – an organization that donates their time and talents to families who are grieving over the loss of an infant or young child. "We go in to the hospitals and create beautiful portraits of their children who have passed on, or will in the very near future," explains Lise. "We then give these portraits to the families to help them to create memories and tributes to the tiny lives that were lost..."
Just shooting with style Lise told The Ring that she can accommodate any type of wedding style, but that most people who seek her to shoot their weddings are looking for the fun, creative ideas that she offers. "Creativity and willingness to do the daring or outrageous if asked to!" are what Lise says she offers her clients. Part of this creativity probably comes from Lise's outgoing personality, which she says helps brides feel comfortable with her during their shoot.
Sarah Arsenault was so comfortable with Lise during her August 2008 wedding photo shoot that she says she barely realized Lise was there. "When I received the photographs, I was amazed at what she was able to capture," Sarah told The Ring.
Couples who book Just Shoot Me, according to Lise, usually want something different, something they haven't seen before. "I like to work with the couple to find fun and exciting new approaches to the pictures taken on their special day." Such was the case for Sarah, who told us that, from day one, Lise was a welcomed addition to her wedding day. "She created an atmosphere of beauty and organization, which was so desperately necessary. I definitely felt like we were in the midst of a red carpet affair! She was very receptive to our ideas and had amazing ones of her own."
Sarah was one such bride who hired Lise for her creative abilities, but she adds that she also booked Just Shoot Me (after researching many local photographers) because of Lise's "professionalism, friendly attitude and resourcefulness."
Packages & pricing Just Shoot Me has an extensive photography portfolio that ranges from wedding and engagement photography to boudoir and glamour shots and modeling, family and children's portraits, plus her enchanted fantasy portraits with Photoshop.
Lise says that her most popular product (and her specialty) is The Signature Portrait entitled 'The First Dance', where the bride and groom are featured with a blurred background, touched up with Photoshop. "This is a wonderful edition to their collection of memories from their special day," Lise told us.
All packages include all of your photos on a high resolution DVD, the potential for Photoshop creations, an engagement shoot (with one 8x10), as many personal meetings as necessary leading up to the day, full wedding day coverage (from the bride getting ready until guests dance the night away), plus a DVD slideshow.
Where the distinguishing features come into the packages is the extra goodies you get with each one. The Silver Package comes with 150 4x6 prints in a wedding album for $1195. The Gold Package includes 100 jumbo wallets (ideal for thank you cards) and 200 4x6 prints in an album, which rings in at $1395. For $1595 you can book The Platinum Package and add on to The Gold Package, 300 4x6 prints in an album, four 8x10's and twelve 5x7's.
Sarah told us that she was very impressed with how reasonable Just Shoot Me's rates and packages were for the exceptional value she received. "I have and will continue to recommend Just Shoot Me to anyone planning their wedding, or for any other occasion they would like to last forever in photographs."
Walking you through the process Call or email Lise to make an appointment for a free consultation with her. During this consultation, you'll review Lise's work to decide if you want her to be a part of your wedding day. Lise recommends booking six to eight months before your wedding, but she can accommodate late bookings if the date is available.
A $300 non-refundable deposit is due upon booking and you'll usually meet with Lise again before the wedding to do your engagement photos. Lise says you "can also meet at the wedding location for a walk through" and that way she'll become familiar with the location. A final consultation takes place about two weeks before the wedding to go over the details. The balance of your package price is also due at this time.
When and where Lise meets you on your wedding day depends on the package you book, but one thing is for sure, she says she always takes tons of pictures to make sure that couples get great photos. No limit to the amount of photos she takes means Lise is bound to catch all of the great moments, and more.
Lise is present on your wedding day from beginning to end so she can make sure she doesn't miss a thing. "I don't fake any of the key photos," she told us. "The cake cutting, the bouquet and garter toss, all of the 'special dances'. I stay and take pictures of the partying throughout the reception." In fact, one of the things Lise feels she is best known for is the long hours she puts in at each wedding.
You DVD of images usually takes about four to six weeks after your wedding to be finished. Lisa says that, one you've made your choice for album phtos, albums can be done within four weeks.
Sarah seems to think that Lise went above and beyond for her wedding day photos as she told us, "We felt like our happiness and satisfaction was her number one objective and we were confident that she would have done whatever it took to help us capture the essence of our magical day" – something that Sarah says Lise certainly did with "honesty and emotion... and a wonderful talent!"
Details, details, details • Just Shoot Me Photography's packages range from $1195 to $1595; all packages include all photos on a hi-res DVD, an engagement shoot, unlimited meetings, full day coverage and a DVD slideshow. • Lise recommends booking her 6 to 8 months before your wedding day; so call or email her for a consultation. • A $300 non-refundable deposit is due to book with the remaining balance due 2 weeks before the wedding. • You can expect your DVD of high resolution images about 4 to 6 weeks after your wedding and your album in about 4 weeks.
More from Just Shoot Me Photography Call or email Lise Powell for a free consultation at 519-774-3772 or just-shoot-me@live.com. More of Lise's photography can be found on the Just Shoot Me Photography website at www.justshootmephotography.ca.
- The Staff at TheWeddingRing.ca * Prices are all approximate and are subject to change and verification by authorized staff and management of Just Shoot Me Photography. |
