Hey, fitbrides! We had the pleasure to talk to professional wedding photographer Tammie Halcomb-McCabe, the owner of The Vintage Poppy. Her photography is seriously amazing and her company, The Vintage Poppy, has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Wedding Chicks, The Knot and Handmade News! We just LOVE her enthusiasm for wedding photography and we couldn’t agree more with her #1 tip for every bride-to-be! Check out the interview below!
FB: Hi Tammie! Firstly, can we tell you how much we love your work! What got you started doing wedding photography and how long have you been doing it for?
Tammie: Hi! OMG Thank you so much! I've been photographing weddings since 2006. In 2006, I went up to San Francisco and trained with an amazing photographer who was doing work for Vera Wang and learned all I could from her for my first few weddings. She taught me a lot in my first year and then I eventually branched out on my own. Doing weddings with her is what made me realize that I was in love with LOVE! And it’s been that way ever since.
FB: That is so awesome! What is your favorite thing about shooting weddings?
Tammie: Each wedding has its own vibe and its own unique moments, which that in itself I love — but always always always the father/daughter dance makes me cry. It’s so moving and so intimate. I love the toasts and of course first looks are always touching. Honestly though, I think I tear up at every wedding. lol
FB: When a bride-to-be wants to book you to shoot their wedding, how far in advance should she do it?
Tammie: For me some months are booked long in advance, like a year, but others on the off months can be booked within a 6-month period. I always tell a bride to try to book ASAP. Like as soon as she has her date and venue she needs to book her vendors and place her deposits.
FB: If a bride-to-be is on a budget what recommendations would you give them?
Tammie: Many wedding vendors work with a budget! I sure do! I would recommend they prioritize their must-haves and then go from there. Many times, a couple won’t ask about additional pricing but many of us vendors will do what we can to accommodate a couple and their budget within a certain amount. Each vendor has their own amount they’re willing to work within and the only way to know is to ask!
FB: Should a bride-to-be give you a shot list? Or do you prefer to have free reign to capture the festivities how you see fit?
Tammie: I prefer kind of a blend. I like knowing what’s important to the bride and groom. Is grandma here from another country visiting? I need to know! Do you NEED a shot of all the bridesmaids drinking from their Starbucks cups while they get ready? Anything you think that might be outside of the general timeline give a heads up, I’ll do my very best to give you all the images you requested so long as they happen!
FB: On average how long does it take to get the photos back after the wedding?
Tammie: For me generally 4-6 weeks. I want you to see your wedding pictures as much as you want to see them — trust me! I’m such a freak. I super wish I could have my couples see so many of their pictures that I often end up texting them pictures as I edit. LOL Once I shoot a wedding I’ll stay up long hours working on their images to make sure they have them as soon as possible while making them as perfected as can be!
FB: Any tips for the bride-to-be on her big day?
Tammie: Yes! So, when I was working with my friend in San Francisco she told me what her wedding photographer had told her back in the 80’s and today it rings even MORE true: Be Present. Be in the moment. If you need to take a minute and breathe and just look around at all the people who came to see you, who love you, who want your marriage to succeed — do it! Look around as you walk down the aisle. It’s a really tender moment to see your loved ones all smiling at you as you walk down the aisle toward your husband. Really hear the vows you two say as you’re each saying them. Look into his eyes. Really try to take in this moment. It goes by so quickly; your day you planned for so long is going to be over in the blink of an eye and it’ll have been such a whirlwind you’re going to wish you could rewind it and play it all again. Photos capture it but memories make it real.
Well there you have it fitbrides! If you are looking for a wedding photographer in the Boise, Idaho area check out The Vintage Poppy and remember to enjoy every second of your big day!
