Interview with Sara Lil: Answers from an Awesome Photographer

I recently interviewed Sara and asked her some questions that a typical bride might need answered. She gave me some great insight and some answers that I think you might want to know!

• What got you interested in Photography? When I was 15, I started taking photo classes, and I instantly fell in love with the art of photography. I love finding the right light, creating the composition, and how it preserves a special "moment in time".

• How long have you had your studio/business? I started Sara Lil Photography in 2002, but I shot my first wedding in 1999.

• What is your favorite thing to photograph? I don't have one favorite thing. I enjoy special events and weddings -- anything that has to do with people in nature. I probably have the most fun when photographing high school seniors -- and "Day After" sessions, which are photos of the bride and groom after the wedding takes place. I get to be really creative with these kinds of shoots!

• What services do you typically offer? In reference to weddings, I offer two wedding collections -- one with an album included and one without. Other services I provide are family portraits, kid's portraits, high school grad photos -- and I've just started a fun new line with a colleague that I am really looking forward to! I'm not ready to introduce it yet, but keep checking my blog and you'll see my announcement.

• What service do you have that is unique when compared to other photographers? I really try to capture the uniqueness of the couple -- whether their manner is casual, quirky, or high style. I enjoy engagement sessions because I get to know the client's personalities. Many times I end up becoming good friends with them. I would say my specialty is natural light photography -- I rarely use a flash and when I do it's because I have to. And I love to get creative and play...with unique compositions, with the lighting, using sun-flare and backlighting. I actually require that an hour of my time on the wedding day be set aside to allow me to get these kinds of images. I only take on a handful of weddings per season each year because I like to do an outstanding job for each couple. For me, it's quality over quantity.

• What is your typical price range for a wedding? My collections range from $2400-$3500.
• Are you willing to customize your packages? Absolutely!

• What are some tips you would give brides-to-be regarding their wedding photography? Don't wear oil-based foundation because you will look sweaty in all your photos. Go heavy on the mascara and always wear lipstick.
• How far are you willing to travel for a wedding? I'd go across the world!! I love to travel!!

• What do you offer for the publication of the photos as far as albums, online viewing, etc? Included in my wedding collections are an online gallery and slide show, images on a disc with full copyrights -- which means they can print images from the disc -- along with a proof book. And their favorite images are quickly blogged so they and their families can take a sneak peek at their special day before the photo package is ready, plus much more. If you select one of my packages with an album, I have several albums from which to choose including a very contemporary style with a metal cover to the very traditional with a white matte board.

• What is a photograph you suggest brides take on their wedding day that they normally wouldn't think of? A photo with their grandparents. Photos with parents are pretty typical, but often times grandparents are left out.

• What is your favorite venue for wedding photography? I love wineries because the scenery is always so beautiful. My favorite is Chateau Lorane in Lorane.

• What would you suggest for a bride on a budget who wants great photography, but can't spend very much? The first thing they need to do is decide what is the most important element of photography to them -- several hours of coverage, an album, a proof book, a big print credit, the online gallery, etc. -- and present that to the photographer. Most photographers will work within their budget to give them the one thing they really want.

• Is there anything else you'd like to share? It's very important for the couple to not only love the photographer's style of imagery, but also to click with their personality. They are going to spend the whole day with this person, and they need to enjoy them, be comfortable around them and want to spend time with them! Also, make sure your photographer really is professional. Photography is one career that you don't need a certificate or degree in and anyone can call themselves 'professional'. Remember that the photographs are the only thing you are going to have after your wedding to remember exactly how your special day looked, how you felt, and who was there. A professional knows how to capture all of these aspects, make it fun, and allow you to re-live it all over again when you see your photos. Weddings are a lot harder to photograph than one might think, so having a professional take on this role is very important.

• Where can someone reach you? Feel free to drop by my studio anytime to see some of my work showcased: 222 First Ave. West #5, Albany, Oregon 97321. It's located in the historic Flinn Building behind Kari K and the new boutique opening in April, GK1.

Thank you Sara for allowing me to interview you and for sharing your knowledge about photography with all of us. We love your pictures and can't wait to see more!