Wedding Photojournalists Association!

So... I am not sure if any of you blog readers have heard of the WPJA, but it is a tough group to join. Less than 5% of all photographers are part of this elite group of wedding photojournalists. First, you have to apply to be a part of it... and they are pretty tough on the applicants. In fact, they get so many applicants that they don't even tell you if you don't get in (you just have to assume that after 3 weeks if you haven't heard from them). This exclusive group will be featured in PEOPLE magazine (the issue coming out tomorrow) and is running a competition with BRIDES magazine. Here is some things they say to brides and photographers on their site...

"Leading the way in Wedding Photojournalism, WPJA represents the most discriminating talent around the world technically, creatively and visually. Qualified members hold industry-leading standards, skills and business integrity."

"The Wedding Photojournalist Association grants membership to the most talented professional wedding photographers in the industry--photographers who focus solely on using their photography skills in documenting weddings."

"IMPORTANT NOTE: Membership in the WPJA depends entirely on photographers meeting our high standards for inclusion. One CANNOT simply pay his/her way into the WPJA. We emphasize this is NOT another ad-driven wedding web site."

Anyway... all this to say... I GOT IN!!!!! I am officially a member of the WPJA- Wedding Photojournalists Association. I am pumped!

Read this...

Read this article on DestinationBride.com. I had NO IDEA they were going to be mentioning me in their newsletter as a "Unique Vendor." You can scroll to the bottom if you don't want to read the whole thing (or just look below for the direct quote); I skimmed it myself looking for a link to me since I have received some web traffic from them. Note: they only mention 2 photographers!! Wow! I feel so honored!

"Also with a photojournalism style, Rae Barnes of Rae Barnes Photography is located in the Adirondacks. No back-woods photographer she, Rae's work is exquisite: classy, vibrant and true, stylish and truly memorable."

booking like hot cakes...

just a little note to all the potential clients/brides-to-be, our pricing structure is changing in the new year (officially on January 7 at the Lake Placid Bridal Show at the Hilton- runs from 1-4pm). we are going to make our structure into a mix-n-match/create your own package deal. the only major thing that is changing is our base/minimum investment. it will go up to $2,400.

at any rate, i am really posting just to inform you informally the dates that we are booked or about to book for 2007 (or are simply unavailable):

January 14- NC travel* wedding
February 10- local wedding pending contract/retainer
February 12-21- unavailable
March 2-12- unavailable
April 22- NY travel* wedding
May 26- NY travel* wedding
June 16- local wedding
June 30- NY travel* wedding
July 7- NY travel* wedding
July 14- local wedding
September 7- NY travel* wedding
September 8- local wedding
September 15- NY travel* wedding
September 16-20- unavailable
September 29- local wedding
October 6- local wedding
October 26-28- unavailable

*travel may mean that we are not available for the surrounding days depending on location and relation to your location (please, inquire).

NOTE: we allowed one weekend this year where we have two weddings. With the exception of Labor Day weekend or Memorial Day, we will not allow any other double-wedding weekends unless you are having a very small/short wedding that is in the same town as the other wedding.