This is a beautiful presentation of photography and thoughts to ponder!

Watch the Interview!

Best Wishes,
Michael

Seth Goodin makes an excellent point in his blog post, I Can't Afford It. The article states that most people CAN afford what it is that they are seeking - photography talent for example.

Since moving to the Lake Tahoe area, I have received e-mails almost every day requesting information. Some are price shoppers, some are serious inquiries, and I'm willing to bet that some are photographers. Oh, and if you're the latter, no problem; introduce yourself, e-mail away, and let's get together sometime! Back to this chat...

For those who can afford it but choose not to are saying "that's not a priority for me". So in a wedding photography scenario, that person is saying the flowers, music, food, and all the other nice but temporary things are more important than incredible images that will last forever. Hmmm...I guess we're not a good match.

When I meet with a bride the interview is always a two way street. 

This year I turned down numerous weddings because of the misaligned priorities that I saw in several inquiries. I met with one bride who said, "I've booked the venue, band, caterer, and florist...now I guess I need to book a photographer". No thank you. I politely told her that I would not be available for their wedding because photography was obviously not a priority.

Is that harsh? No! Your wedding happens once. One time. That's it. How do you want to look back and remember it? What type of images will you have to remember it by? If photography is a priority you'll not only want great images but seek them out!

Let's not forget another huge aspect of choosing a photographer...personality. That's a big part of the reason why you are marrying your fiance!

If you are going to spend 5-10 hours of your wedding with your photographer - shouldn't you mesh? There are countless stories out there of good images-bad personality and good personality-bad images.  It's your wedding...shouldn't you want both?

Just remember one old piece of advice

You get what you pay for.

Best Wishes,
Michael 

I had the priveledge of shooting Trevor, Tourine and Taylor up at Sand Harbor State Park about a week ago!  What a beautiful family.

Trevor & Tourine are the owners of Johnstone Multimedia - an awesome wedding photography/design team in Reno!

I had loads of fun with you guys and I'm looking forward to getting together again soon!

Best Wishes,
Michael 

We all have SO much to be thankful for.  Consider the following:

• If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed that the million who will not survive this week
• If you have never experienced battle, the lonliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation...you are ahead of 500 million people in the world
• If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer that 75% of the world
• If you have money in the bank, money in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among 8% of the world's most wealthy people
• If your parents are alice and still married...you are very rare
• If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful...you are blessed because the majority of people can do that, but choose not to
• If you prayed yesterday and today...you are blessed because you believe God does hear and answer prayer even though you are in the minority by holding this belief
• If you can read these words...you are more blessed than over two BILLION people in the world who cannot read at all

There is no doubt that God is good and that we are blessed far beyond anything we think we deserve.  Though we can never repay God for His goodness we can demonstrate our gratitude through our praise and by service others.

Starting today, live your life as one who knows they have been blessed.  Begin with a simple thank you to God, then demonstrate your gratitude by serving someone else.

I am thankful for the freedom to write this and live my belief.  To every man and woman who is providing this freedom (and to the families of those who gave all)...THANK YOU.

Best Wishes,
Michael 

Welcome to the brand new Eblog!  My original blog has done an outstanding job for just over two years strong, but...the time for change has come.

Don't worry loyal blog-stalkers, you can still access ALL of those 2+ years of Michael Escalera Photography history by simply going here!

Welcome to the new Eblog home everyone! 

Best Wishes,
Michael