A Tiny Feature: Adventures with Brownie

Happy New Year folks! I’m so happy to be doing a Tiny Feature again! It’s one of my favorite things to do. I love contacting vendors, and I love it even more when the vendor is so passionate about what they do! So inspiring! I’ve been following photographer Brownie aka Kathy Izaguirre, on social media for a while now and there was just something about her that drew me in immediately. I believe it was her infectious smile! It’s like I could feel her positive energy through her pics! I knew I had to ask her to do a feature. And what’d you know? She was even sweeter than I imagined. Check out her interview below. Enjoy!

Random, silly, ice-breaking question: What’s your spirit animal and why? My fiancé and I call each other Dolph, short for dolphin. I think we really do identify as dolphins! 

Tuna the dog is my spirit animal. I'm obsessed with this dog. (If you have no clue who he is, your life has been deprived of sweet goodness! Follow him on Instagram: @tunameltsmyheart.) He's even awesomer than Grumpy Cat. He is a little different than the average dog, but still is true to himself and spreads positive vibes to his fans. I think I'm pretty much his humanganger. <-- See what I did there. Doppleganger! Yes? No? Maybe?
 

OMG I love Grumpy Cat! Not only are you funny, you’re also very talented! I love your perspective and what you do with the camera. How did you get your start in the business? 

My first paying client was a dog. Ha! Bella's dog was a co-worker of mine and from there they spread the love at work! By the end of that year I was booked solid. From that moment on, it's been a roller coaster ride. I've had downfalls and moments where it was a lot of hard work. However, through the last 5 years, I have grown so much professionally and personally. It seriously has been a dream come true.
 

I really love how passionate you are about your work. In addition to portraits and engagement sessions, what’s your favorite part of shooting a wedding? (First look, exchange of vows, first dance…)
 
My favorite part of shooting a wedding is the "getting ready" photos. I just love how new the day is to the bride and groom! They're still not too nervous and tend to act like their true selves. It's the time when they are most relaxed and I can get the best candid shots. Also, I love seeing how the bride transforms into this lovely, jaw-dropping woman in her wedding dress.

That's my favorite part too! Some brides just look so natural! I am very awkward when it comes to posing for pics. Do you have any tips for people like me? What do you do to make your clients feel more at ease?
 
Ha! Awkward people are the best! See, the thing about clients who tell me they have no clue what to do, well, you’re supposed to have no clue! That's my job! I always suggest to couples to have a drink or a shot before a session. Let's be real - we are all adults and a little drink really helps calm those nerves.

I also tell them to not leave appointments for last minute and rush to their session! Plan accordingly so you can arrive to the location and do a walk-through! Once you are comfy with the environment, you will be as well! Lastly, I have this hilarious hyena laugh that has a proven 99% laughter and genuine smile effect! If all else fails, I have them make fun of each other and whisper nonsense to each other.. I remind clients that I do not record sound. 

Those are some great ideas! I’m sure you’re clients have a ball shooting with you! Speaking of environment, what has been your favorite location to date?

My favorite location is actually a random trail I found near Matheson Hammocks Park. I call it my secret garden because I have seen very few people use it. Mostly, I assume, it's because no one knows it's there! It's completely public and can look a little scary, but once you walk through 5 minutes of the nature trail, it opens up to a magical area! There are so many gorgeous and different sized trees, open fields - the light coming through is stunning! I rarely shoot there just to keep it all to myself! 
 

A huge thank you to Kathy for taking the time to do this. We must grab a cup of coffee soon!

For more information, please click on the following: 

www.instagram.com/mylifeasbrownie/

Strike a Pose

Since you'll be saving several hundreds of dollars on your little/big day, it is crucial that you hire a photographer and/or videographer to help capture the essence of your union. Ladies and gentlemen, you will not regret this decision! If you're going to spend big bucks on anything, please spend it here. 

There are so many couples out there that do not have a photograph or video commemorating their day of love! (It's not too late for you spur-of-the-moment couples either. Consider an anniversary photo shoot or renew your vows!) For the love birds that are ready to fly the coop: I know elopements are generally something that couples do on short notice, but I believe that there should be some type of planning involved.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a photographer/videographer: 

1. Budget - I know I said you should splurge, but you should also be able to afford these services. We're not trying to go into debt here people!
2. Style - Are you the outdoor-sy type?  Are you in search of a romantic, rustic feel? Think of how you want to set the tone for your day and if your candidate can help you convey that. 
3. Location - Are you getting married in your hometown or having a destination wedding? Can you find a local photographer/videographer or are you willing to pay for their travel expenses? 

So, do your homework. Planning is essential for any occasion; no matter how big or small your nuptials are. Let a professional work their magic and deliver the goods. You can thank me later. :)