Why is it SO HARD to Compare Photographers?

Burger King and Taco Bell may be in the same business, but they don't have the same items on the menu. An even better comparision may be between McDonalds and your favorite steak house. While they both sell beef as their main product, the differences are rather obvious. Unfortunately, the differences in photography may not be quite as obvious. Thus, while each enterprise sells food - their pricing structures and quality are different and can not be directly compared. Similar differences will be encountered when shopping for a wedding photographer. You will find many that metaphorically sell fast food hamburgers and a few that sell prime rib.

With many photographers now moving into digital photography, the choices, pricing and especially quality issues are going to become even more confusing. The quality differences in digital photography can change dramatically from photographer to photographer depending on how good their cameras and skills are. Digital cameras run the entire gamut from a few hundred dollars for consumer grade models to $10,000 for top pro brands.


SO, how do you choose a wedding photographer? It's a balancing act between cost and quality. One thing to keep in mind is the value of your memories. From your wedding, your photos are the only thing that lasts past wedding day. So, take a minute to think about how important those photos are to you. In the age of cheap digital cameras, you may think of having  friends and family to take your wedding photos. While that's certainly cheap, take this in to consideration... what do Uncle Bob's photos look like? Are they acceptable to you? Do you care if they are not creative or artistic? Do you care if the color is off or he has to flash the mess out of every shot? If the quality works for you, then consider other important issues... what will Uncle Bob do if his camera fails? What happens if he gets sick on wedding day?  There are so many variables to consider. Over the next few weeks, we'll be posting questions for you to ask potential photographers to ensure you are covered on wedding day. Stay tuned to learn more.

Add Some Fun and Whimsy to Your Day!!!

Why does wedding day have to be stiff and boring? The answer is that it doesn't! Add some fun and whimsy to your wedding day. Try non-matching bridesmaid dresses... No rules say they HAVE to all match or be solid colors. Why not let your bridesmaids select dresses that flatter their body style. Give them a color and length maybe, but allow them to choose what they like. They will be more comfortable and it will how in the pictures. It also adds to the interest on wedding day. Your wedding day should reflect who you are, your personality and your relationship. Make it one to remember. Read more in the link below...

Whimsical Barn Wedding

Winter Wedding Inspiration

This time of year makes me a little sad that Florida winters aren't filled with snow and frigid cold (Only a little sad... LOL). However, we can still share in the feeling of winter with beautiful winter weddings and decor. This wedding is absolutely gorgeous and keeps the winter feel without the snow and cold. LOVE it! More about it at the link below.

Winter Wedding Inspiration

Christina and Steven - Daytona Wedding Photography

Meet Christina and Steven,

They are getting married July 4th at Hammock Dunes in Palm Coast. Steven has enlisted in the military and will be leaving for bootcamp soon. He will be back just in time for the exciting holiday wedding. How can it get any better than fireworks on your wedding day? The Piscopo family has quickly become one of my favorite family's. Former owners of a landmark bakery in Italy, they have showered us with baked goods that are out of this world! We are truly humbled by their generosity and thankful for their friendship.

Happy Birthday! Eli is ONE - Daytona Baby Photography

This is Eli. I've had the privilege to take Eli's portraits since he was born just over a year ago. Well I guess I started taking his pictures BEFORE he was born at a maternity session with his mom and dad, Erin and Matt. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this sweet family. I have been photographing them since their wedding and I every minute has been filled with fun. I can't believe a whole year with Eli has gone by already. Eli loved  petting our kitty Oreo and is as curious as any one year old boy should be. I got to play with Eli just yesterday, but here is a quick sneak peek.

Bride's Choice Award 2012 - 2nd Year in a Row!!!

Daytona Beach, FL – January 28, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce Sandy Brantley Photography has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Photography!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, Sandy Brantley Photography was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.

Sandy Brantley Photography is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes  the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Sandy Brantley Photography for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”

We are happy to announce that Sandy Brantley Photography is one of the very best photographer within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able  to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at www.SBmoments.com.

To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Michael and Rachael Rollins

Michael and Rachael Rollins were married the day after Thanksgiving in a gorgeous ceremony at Relevant Church... Then it was off to Sunset Harbor for a fun and fabulous reception. How often do two wedding professionals marry each other? Ironic that their businesses are mere steps from each other on beach street? Maybe it was destiny... A who's who in local wedding talent were in attendance. Michael is the owner photographer of Michael's Photography. Rachael is the owner and creative talent behind Rachael Kasie Designs Flowers and Rentals. She designed the entire event. I even caught her adjusting a flower arrangement during her private showing of the room. I guess you can't take the professional out of the girl... even on her wedding day. I'm confident you will agree it was a beautiful event that I was honored to capture.

Ken and Cheryl

This is Ken and Cheryl. They are absolutely darling. They got married up north and had their reception here at LPGA for their friends and family. I had to laugh when her son gave the toast and mentioned that it was divine intervention that they found each other considering Cheryl has a bad back and Ken is a chiropractor. God has such a sense of humor sometimes. Perfect fit for sure! What a great couple who seem to be so in love. What a joy to be able to share in the celebration of such a neat couple. 

The Photographer's Job

A photographer's job... "A photographer sees things in terms of planes and angles, vanishing points and curves, highlights and shadows, contrast and color, high key and low key, movement and motion and blur, emotion in all it's forms. A photographer notices a slight shift in light due to an errant cloud and compensates for it without ever looking a the buttons or missing a shot. A photographer senses the art in a shot and finds how to capture it. A photographer know where the bride is and what she's doing even while shooting the groom. A photographer turns poetry and light into memories and art."
I love this... it's a quote I copied from a fellow photographer that paints my job as a beautiful piece of art. I'm so thankful I get to do what I really enjoy.

Martina McBride - Daytona Photography

Ladies and Gentlemen... Martina McBride!!!  It was truly a priviledge to witness Martina in concert. Last time I got to see her in concert, I was with Bank of America and keynote speaker at an IBM conference. She was the special music at a private party in Nashville. Favorite song then? Valentine...

Favorite song now is "I'm Gonna Love you Through it". Beautiful song, check it out by clicking below...

"I'm Gonna Love You Through It"

Our 2011 Nascar Experience - Daytona Beach Photography

Living in the Daytona area, you HAVE to have NASCAR stories to tell. The Coke Zero 2011 was a good one. Sami got to meet the New FSU coach, the LAST Shuttle Commander, and there is no better place to watch the race then the family FUNZONE!!! We had a table of our own, food, cold drinks, misters, and a jumbotron!  Outside of airconditioning... it doesn't get better than that!

Orbit at Coke Zero 400 - Daytona Beach Photography

Ok. I've been remise in posting some recent favorites, so here is one of my summer favorites. That's Right... Orbit Performing Arts Academy was asked to perform at the Coke Zero 400 this year. They braved the heat and performed like professionals. Congrats on a job well done!

Another Great Family -- Meet the Parker Family -- Daytona Beach Photography

Here's another wonderful Christian family, the Parker Family. Met them at Veteran's Park and had some fun before the July 4th festivities. Enjoy!

Recent Favorite --- Great Family!!! Daytona Beach Photography

This is a recent favorite. Meet the Vanetta Family... What a wonderful loving Christian family! We had SO much fun on the beach and were able to capture some priceless fleeting moments also.

Summer is Almost Over Senior Session Sale

That's right... Summer's half over. Don't let the summer go by without getting the Senior portraits you REALLY want! We are offering this great Session Sale for 1 WEEK ONLY! This offer expires July 15. Call soon for best availability! 386-562-2741

Orbit Theatre - Hansel and Gretel - Daytona Photography

Orbit Theatre performed Saturday at the Daytona News Journal Center. Wow! Once again I am amazed at the talent in this group. In one week they were able to learn lines, stage and produce an incredible show. Hats off to all the kids and to the wonderfully patient and talented director Tosha Williams and drama coach (from New York) Ruthann Conley!!! They have been asked to open for Martina McBride at the Coke Zero 400. Beyond that, they have big plans starting in the fall. Check them out on Facebook.

Going Country with Amazing Style!!!

Ok... so I really love weddings that are unique and SMART. If you're going to do a country wedding, why not do one with some REAL style. Just because your wedding is on a farm, doesn't mean it can't be amazing. Take a look at this link for a wedding in California. They had it right... including the ice cream truck! What a wedding! Great ideas for those of you looking for something hip and fresh! The link below shows more about the event. Check it out!

Cool Farm Wedding

Orbit Theatre Musical Revue 2011 - Daytona

The Orbit Theatre Performing Arts Academy performed Saturday at the New Journal Center in Daytona Beach. They are an amazingly talented group of young SHOW PEOPLE! Congratulations on a wonderful production! Hats off!!! They are performing "Hansel and Gretel" this Saturday June 25th at 2pm at the New Journal Center. Tickets start at $10. Join them!

Jodee Cook's Still Rockin' - Daytona Photography

Meet Jodee Cook. She just turned 60 in STYLE!!! Her Rocking Chair themed Still Rockin' party was packed with fun! She was surrounded by friends, family and a FABULOUS band. She knows how to celebrate a new decade! Sean was there to capture event moment. Happy Birthday Jodee!

For the Fun Modern Bride - Meet Danielle - Bridal Photography

Danielle is a fresh, fun new bride who got married TODAY at 1pm in Jacksonville. Congratulations Justin and Dani!!! You are such a beautiful couple, both inside and out. We pray for you a lifetime of hapiness serving Him.
Dani's bridal session was fresh and fun. It proves that bridal photography does not have to be stuffy or traditional. Of course we did some of those too, but getting married is fun why not capture the lighthearted silliness that comes from being a young new bride?