#BeyondThePhotography An Interview With Wedding Photographer Aly Incardona
A wedding very simply cannot happen without the vendors who team together to make it possible. With that in mind, we’ve decided to start #BeyondThePhotography series to shoutout the individuals that are making it happen! To start this vendor series is with the super talented Aly Incardona the Central Valley based founder of Aly Incardona Photography. Very hilarious and dynamic nature, we enjoyed catching up with Aly, and soon find out why!
Tell us about yourself.: I am Aly, a wife and mother of three. I specialize in wedding and portrait photography. I enjoy photographing amazing couples in gorgeous locations and thrive off their love and how I can capture it.
When did you get started in weddings?: My interest in wedding photography sparked about five years ago. I had just been fired from my long term job and my husband said it was time for me to take my passion for photography and dive in full force. I was loving all of the wedding and newborn photography vibes at that time. I used that entire first year to second shoot and learn more about newborn photography to decide which genre would be the best fit to go in that direction. I took to second shooting and I was fortunate enough to be working with photographers who just opened up with a well of information and helped me really see that wedding photography was the way I wanted to go. I took a few more newborn workshops since then just to solidify that its not for me. About 6 months into second shooting I decided to dive into marketing for weddings for the next year and I was lucky to book some of the greatest weddings. I really got lucky in my first year of wedding photography.
What were the early days like? : The first year was..... Rough. I had a very vague game plan as to go about the day and it really took time to perfect how to conduct business.
When did you know you wanted to be a wedding photographer?: I didn’t. I remember saying so many times that it just looked too hard, it looked too time consuming, it seems so stressful. I am glad I naturally gravitated towards it and after second shooting my first weddings I was just hooked. I knew that would not only financially drive me, but it would feed a part of my soul. I never had a wedding (we eloped) and we wished so many times we could have had a big wedding, so I get really excited to live through all my couples special days with them.
Why do brides choose you over others?: I have had the most comments on my personality. I think that my work speaks for itself in a way, so they know they’re going to receive quality. That typically draws them in and when they inquire I immediately invite them to an in person consultation. When they come in we just chat and get to know each other for a bit. We laugh, sometimes exchange personal stories about our journey, I show them possibilities of locations for engagement, etc. I let them envision what their images could be. They love that. We have have fun and the best feedback I hear is how they enjoy their time with me so much. I think because I make it personal and fun.
What questions do you think brides should ask when looking for a photographer?: I think brides need to make sure you are licensed and insured. They also need to know what your contract covers and making sure that you know how to conduct a wedding day. They should ask how you work. They should be sure that you can stick to their timeline and that you can exceed their expectation.
What would you tell brides who don't think they need a photographer? What are they missing out on?: I personally did not have a photographer for my wedding. I have 15 iPhone (original iPhone so low quality) images to show from my wedding day. I saw its a personal decision, but if they as my opinion I will whip those photos out and show them. I have nothing from my wedding day and its been my biggest regret ever. So for me, its not only my own personal testimony, but I have the proof to show and trust me, they’re not pretty.
What's your favorite part of working with brides and grooms?: My favorite part is the personal connection we make. Honestly, 9 times out of 10 the bride and I chat so many times leading up to their wedding day and most of the time it starts as wedding stuff and turns into just life conversations. I pride myself on creating personal connections and on their wedding day they don’t feel like a vendor is in the room. They feel like their friend is there documenting their day and thats how you break down the barrier to get those true emotions in your work.
What's the most interesting wedding moment you've witnessed?: After shooting over 100 weddings in under 5 years, both primary and second shooting combined, I have some crazy stories to tell. I will also say after all this time nothing surprises me anymore.
One memorable wedding story I have is from one of my very first primary weddings, actually.
I show up the day of and as I am unload all my gear I look over and what do I see? Oh, just an entire Pig looking right at me. Wait, what? Yes, I said it. An entire pig getting put onto a spit lover the fire and it was turned all day long. Ok, that was eye opening. I have never seen meat cooked like that. We go in to start portraits and all the groom and groomsmen were already hammered. Fun, SO FUN, but hammered. As the long hot summer wedding day went on, the drinks were endless and the guys took full advantage of that. They were a hoot. We got through the formalities with only one fall front he groom during the first dance. We finally cut the cake and its time for open dancing and the best man sprints across the dance floor to the maid of honor, picks her entirely up, runs and jumps into the POOL! Yes, the pool. Then the entire bridal party loves the idea and all of them and some guests decide to do the same. We wrapped up after that, we could not believe our eyes. It was the most fun, crazy wedding I had ever been to.
What are the traits of a good photographer and what should brides look for?: I feel like brides should first look at the photographers style. Don’t pick a light and airy photographer and expect to get dark and moody. It’s just not going to happen. Once you’ve established that, take a moment to sit down a chat. Make sure you vibe well. Make sure it’s somebody who can laugh with you and cry with you. Make sure they’re organized and can answer any and all of your questions.
Are there any other vendors you think would be a great fit for the 1109 Films And Photography blog?: I would be happy to send you a list of some of the top shooters I have worked with. A few off the top of my head are going to be Tyrenda Pentecost, Elliot Rossetti, Jolee Henley and Karissa Write.
