The Honest Truth about Engagement Pictures
Blog Posts, Wedding Blog Dani Long Blog Posts, Wedding Blog Dani Long

The Honest Truth about Engagement Pictures

There are mountains of blog posts and articles and advice columns about what you have to do or your wedding experience will be a total flop. Engagement photos are just one item on that list.

So today, I wanted to clear the air a bit and talk about what engagement photos are, the potential benefits of getting them done, and how you can prepare yourself for your session.

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Why I Regret My Wedding Photos (By Dani)
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Why I Regret My Wedding Photos (By Dani)

I do not like my wedding photos. In the months leading up to our wedding, I was so focused on DIY decorations and making sure everything for the day was in perfect order that I neglected to put any effort into ensuring I would get photos that I could be proud of. Looking back, I have four main regrets that I hope to help other brides avoid.

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Why I Don’t Do Minis
Blog Posts Dani Long Blog Posts Dani Long

Why I Don’t Do Minis

Much like the name implies, a mini is when a photographer creates a Pinterest-worthy backdrop for family portraits, typically seasonal, and puts a call out to their followers that they are scheduling mini photo sessions.

They book clients one after another in highly repeatable sessions of 15-30 minutes and come prepared with a pre-prepared list of poses and cues for each family.

And I don’t like them.

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5 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Photographer
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5 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Photographer

Photographers are a dime a dozen. You can throw a rock into just about any wildflower field this time of year and pretty much be guaranteed to hit one (but please don't - it hurts).

But photography is very personal and it's important to make sure the photographer you choose has the style and personality that aligns best with the moments you want to capture.

So put the rocks down and use these 5 questions instead to vet your next photographer to make the most from your next photo session.

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One Year Later: The Adventure Continues
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One Year Later: The Adventure Continues

In my first blog post, I talk about photography and Red Family Photo as my personal adventure – a way for me to broaden my own horizons and explore more of what the world has to offer. With its one-year anniversary coming up in a few short weeks, what better time to look back on how that’s going. 

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Ringside
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Ringside

Being a photographer who shoots mostly outdoor events, a lot of my events are at the mercy of unpredictable Texas weather. As such, I like to think I have become somewhat of an expert at pivoting in situations where my plans have been canceled and I'm left with no work for my camera. This past weekend was just one of those circumstances.

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2024 Fort Worth Bike Fest, Here We Come!
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2024 Fort Worth Bike Fest, Here We Come!

The 2024 Fort Worth Bike Fest at Gateway Park is just a few days away, and I wanted to share a glimpse of the past couple of years with some of my favorite images from past Bike Fests. This event is very special to me as not only is it right here in my hometown, but – a little-known fact – it kind of started from a conversation I had after attending Bentonville Bikefest (I’m super original, I know).

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#MOREKIDSONBIKES
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#MOREKIDSONBIKES

This is by far my favorite hashtag to use on social media posts.

It’s almost always paired with a photo of a kid on their bike doing something amazing. Big jumps and drops, conquering technical climbs, or making a mad sprint to the finish line. But it’s not the athleticism that makes it my favorite hashtag - although that is certainly not nothing.

No, these photos never cease to impress me not just because of what you see in that photo, but because of what they represent - a community that surrounds them with support and brings families and friends together both on and off the bike.

This, to me, is what #morekidsonbikes is all about and why I am so passionate about organizations like NICA and the Texas Mountain Bike League.

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What’s in the Bag?
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What’s in the Bag?

If there’s one thing that all photographers have in common - whether you’re into action sports or portraits, hobbyist or pro - it’s an addiction to our gear. In the same way that having the right bike for the right trail can drastically change the way you ride that trail, having the right camera gear for the job can mean the difference between taking a couple of good shots and leaving with an SD card or two full of great photos.

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A Change of Scenery at Angel Fire
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A Change of Scenery at Angel Fire

For almost as long as I have been mountain biking, and especially since I started photography, I have been determined to one day explore the Angel Fire Bike Park. This year, I was finally able to make that dream a reality and loaded up my bike, my camera, and all my camping gear to make the ten-hour drive to the MTB wonderland.

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DFW Series Racing
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DFW Series Racing

Who doesn’t love the excitement of race day? The rush of adrenaline, the anticipation of testing your skills against other racers, and the satisfaction of seeing all your hard work pay off as you fly through the course. Whether you are aiming for a podium or racing to push yourself to your limits, there’s nothing else quite like race day.

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The Adventure Starts Here
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The Adventure Starts Here

The concept of adventure can hold different meanings for each individual. Sure, we may not be slaying dragons or rescuing damsels in distress, but we still crave a bit of excitement in our lives, a way to broaden our own horizons and see what the world has to offer. Some folks might satisfy that urge by jetting off to foreign countries, while others might try a new hobby or new career.

This urge to explore new places, try new things, and connect with new people is a fundamental part of our lives and a fundamental part of Red Family Photo, my personal adventure.

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