what is your background? How long have you been photographing weddings?

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

Do you also take posed portraits?

What if you've never photographed our venue before?

WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME LIKE?

DO YOU TRAVEL?  

WHAT IS THE BOOKING AND PAYMENT PROCESS LIKE?  Can you hold my date?

THIS ALL SOUNDS AMAZING AND YOU SOUND LIKE THE PHOTOGRAPHER FOR US.  WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?!

My parents still have my first photography "award" print hanging in the hallway next to my old bedroom at home.   It was the early 90's, and I took my parents film camera out to the park with my little brother, and using the basic skills I learned in my 4H photography class, took a photo of him coming down one of those iconic burn-your-skin-off metal tube slides.  That image won a blue ribbon at the 4H fair.  Small potatoes, sure, but a fun little story I can always tell when I'm asked when my love for photography started.  

Fast forward 15-20 years to 2011, when I officially started my little side "business" called Melissa Sigler Photography.  (Actually, I think I went through a short period where it was "Strawberry Fields Photography," but we won't go there.)  In 2013, I decided to try my hand at wedding photography, assisting and second shooting for other local photographers.  I was hooked, and now here we are.  Tons of weddings and a LOT of improved skills, I'm now in my 7th year of wedding photography, and 4th/5th year full time.  

My style is a mix of photojournalism and artistic portraiture, with an emphasis on storytelling through unique and compelling viewpoints, layering, the relationship between shadow and light, and movement. My work is driven through my own empathy, understanding of human nature, and ability to predict and prepare for moments before they happen. I may be a quiet observer, but I'm not afraid to be in close where the action is, rather than looking in from the outside. I always want viewers of my work to feel as though they were sharing in the moment and not merely a bystander to it.  

There is absolutely room for posed portraits on the wedding day. We can carve out as much time as you'd like for a portrait session on your wedding day.  I want you to have what is important to you, and whether that means only a few portraits, or a lot, we'll make it happen.  During these sessions, I really like to focus on the interactions between you and your new spouse, and those you've chosen to stand with you on your day, as well as look for interesting locations and light.  My goal each wedding is to create something unique - something NO ONE else has.  And then if you're up for it, I'll steal you out of the reception for a few minutes in the evening for you two to have some mid-party snuggles and take a few dynamic "night shots!"

Honestly?  AWESOME!  A new location = a new viewpoint.  Skill wise, it's not an issue, as I'm experienced enough to work anywhere, and always have my little mobile studio when challenging situations come up.  I thrive in new, interesting situations, because I don't have any preconceived notions about what it's "supposed" to look like.  What does that mean for you?  The same quality and commitment to quality work you'd find at a venue I've shot at 100 times, and beautiful images to prove it.  

I try my best to have your premiere slideshow ready within 3-4 weeks, and my contract gives a buffer of 6-8 weeks for final delivery.

I do, and love it!  I'm an explorer, so any chance I get to experience new places, I'm there.  My process for destination weddings is fairly simple, and I do offer "specials" for bucket list locations and adventure elopements.  

For each of my clients, I set up a client portal for you to sign your contract, pay your retainer, answer questionnaires, etc.  Once you're ready to book, I'll set up this link, and send it over.   I cannot hold your date without a signed contract and retainer. After the contract is signed and $1000 retainer paid, I'm all yours for your date!  If you need a week or two to choose your collection, you can at least rest easy you have us locked down.  

WONDERFUL!  You're pretty rad yourself, and I cannot wait to be your third wheel. :)  Shoot me an email by filling out the form below, and we'll get the process started!  I'd be happy to meet you in person as well if you have more burning questions or just want to grab a drink, or if you're not in the area, my Skype is at the ready.  I look forward to meeting you!