Today I am excited to share a conversation I recently had with my friend, Anastasia Guinn, owner of Anastasia Cherie Photography, while we sipped our coffees and our kids enjoyed some playtime. Join me in welcoming Anastasia to An Exciting Day Blog as our second Vendor Spotlight!
Spotlight Summary
Meet Anastasia Guinn, a photographer and entrepreneur based in Roseville, California. Anastasia specializes in family, engagement, wedding, maternity, and newborn photography. She values natural light and lifestyle photography, aiming for timeless, true-to-color images. For weddings especially, Anastasia emphasizes the importance of booking a photographer early, and to choose a photographer whose style aligns with their vision. Enjoy my conversation with Anastasia, owner of Anastasia Cherie Photography.
Vendor Spotlight: Anastasia Cherie Photography
Q: Welcome here! Please begin with telling us who you are, what you do & where we can find you!
A: My name is Anastasia Guinn with Anastasia Cherie Photography, and I do family, engagement, wedding, maternity, and newborn photography. I am based out of Roseville, CA and you can find me on Instagram @anastasiacheriephotography or my website, www.anastasiacheriephotography.com.
Q: What were the leading steps that brought you into photography?
A: Well, I was always into taking photos, even back in high school. And then when I met my husband, he actually went to school for videography and photography, I assisted him on a few weddings. That’s basically how I got started, and now I’m the photographer more than he is!
Q: What do you love about photography?
A: I love the experience of capturing memories and freezing them in time via a photo. Creating special moments with newborns is always fun, with backdrops and arrangements. Then capturing kids emotions in family photos is so fun. Weddings are of course magical, but they are a lot of work.
Q: For weddings specifically, would you recommend having a second photographer, or just a single photographer? Does that change based on the wedding size or other factors?
A: If it is a full blown wedding, not just an elopement, and over I’d say 50 guests, you probably want to go with a second photographer only because they can capture extra details. It ends up being a lot less stressful and you won’t miss out on anything with the second being there. I’ve done weddings by myself, and you can do a great job, but it’s just nice to have that other person’s perspective. So I say, if you can afford it, always go for a double photographer package at a wedding. You’re always going to have these photos to carry with you, more than any other part of your wedding.
Q: What would be the first piece of advice you wish every newly engaged couple to know?
A: I would say my advice, if you’re talking photography, is figure out what you’re looking for style-wise and booking a photographer early on is very important. Even if you only have a basic timeframe and no actual date settled, start reaching out because they do book out so fast. But also, if you’re recently engaged just enjoy the process and don’t over stress about the little things in the wedding that are not as important as the ceremony itself.
Q: How should someone vet a photographer to see if they are “the one”?
A: Its not just about what’s on their social media, but also figuring out if that photographer’s vibe works for you. Having good rapport is incredibly important and you absolutely want your photographer to make you feel comfortable. Test them out with an engagement session or something else before your wedding day, because if you don’t vibe it can show in the photos later.
Q: If someone is super shy and nervous about being posed or how they’ll look on the other side of the camera, what is your top advice for those types of people?
A: I’d tell them that’s a lot of people. Most people don’t really like being in front of the camera, but just try to enjoy it. Obviously, if you’re really nervous about it, definitely do a photoshoot before your wedding. And it is really your photographer’s job to direct you so you feel more comfortable and confident on the day of the wedding. Some photographers are very upfront and stern, and some are quiet and reserved. So its up to you, the client, to sort out what makes you more comfortable and vibe with your photographer.
Q: Without going into too much detail on pricing, how would you suggest people budget out for a photographer?
A: Photography is a big chunk of your wedding. For high-end photography through average pricing you are sometimes looking at 30% of your wedding costs. I’m not saying everyone will budget this way, but there’s a reason it’s worth it. This is where you capture the memories. And not just for social media, but in your house, or to pass down to family members, your kids or grandkids, if you have them. So I think if photography is where you are going to splurge, it’s 100% worth it.
Q: How would you compare the importance of location throughout a photography session versus the photographer’s experience?
A: It’s more the emotion behind the photos than the actual location. If it’s the photography style you like, a photographer can take a very simple location and find good corners or snippets to make it more magical. So really investigate what they produce that way your expectations are met. And there can be a big fail sometimes when people expect a photo to look a certain way, but you can’t always control the lighting or the location. The time of day or time of year will affect the outcome, even with the same photographer. It’s wise to have a realistic expectation on what your photographer is able to do with what they have.
Q: Is it the couple’s job or photographer’s job to have an understanding of the venue and where photos can be captured? Who needs to have the back-up plan for weather?
A: I think kind of both, in my opinion, on the location topic. When you are looking for your venue, you should have the idea for “what if there’s foul weather?”, because the photographer didn’t pick the location. Some photographers, myself included, will go to the venues ahead of time, especially if I have never been there, and get an idea or layout of where I want to shoot. But I think, as a bride or groom or whatever, being realistic of the fact that weather could affect your photos and having options for indoor photos that you like, even if its within driving distance of the venue. If it is springtime or fall when it could rain, look at photos with the ran and ask yourself, “am I okay with that?” Couples have used clear umbrellas for cute photos, or if you have a second outfit for the reception, doing a trash-the-dress in the rain concept could be fun.
Q: Are there any common missteps that you’ve seen couples make during the wedding planning process?
A: Sometimes they’ll come last minute and their expectation of what you can do or their budget is not realistic. Occasionally photographers will charge extra if they are booked last minute because that does affect their schedule too. If you are booking last minute, try to be a little bit flexible with what you can get.
Q: How would you describe your style of both capturing and editing photography?
A: I do more natural light photos, but if I am doing newborn photos I have done studio light since newborn sessions is its own ball game. I really enjoy capturing sunsets when its available (some venues make this difficult) and more lifestyle types photos. Candids are great, and I try to stay up on what’s popular as far as poses and trends. I always ask for some kind of example if it’s a new trend so I can try to achieve the look they’re going for. My editing style is definitely more true-to-color, and maybe brighten up a bit. Of course there’s the trends of the more warm undertones, and I have played with that, but I do find more true-to-color is going to be timeless. I do love black and white photography, which is a whole other thing with emotion.
Q: Is there anything wedding-wise you have been vying to do?
A: I would love to do a snow wedding. 100% snow would be epic for me. I love unique, like any kind of theme or inspiration, or maybe a super nerdy wedding. Maybe something like a Harry Potter or Star Wars themed wedding, just because that’s more of my vibe! Oh, and I would love to travel for a wedding and do destination. If I could make it happen that would be so cool, because I love to travel.
Q: Are there any wedding trends that you are not crazy about?
A: The motion blur is not my favorite trend at all. To capture it by accident sure, but to have a large portion of your portfolio be blurry is not my thing. You want photos that are timeless and in focus, in my opinion.
Q: Talking more about the business side of things, what is a photographer’s relationship with the other vendors at a wedding?
A: In a way, as much as the wedding coordinator runs the show, the photographer is in charge to a degree the day-of. There’s been times where you have to say “sorry, I just need five more minutes to get that last photo” because weddings do run behind. And obviously yes, there are moments where you butt heads a bit with your fellow vendors, but you need to be able to stand up for what your client has asked of you. And if there’s no wedding planner, an experienced photographer can work with your DJ, or whomever married you, to ensure you are on schedule for dinner, sunset photos, etc. Although it is nice if there is some kind of coordinator, or even a family member, with a timeline.
Q: What advice would you give a budding entrepreneur or people working from home?
A: Experience outweighs education. Of course it’d be great if you had some kind of background in something, but you can be as successful as the effort you put in. Especially with the arts, if it’s something you’re passionate about and you are willing to put in the time. If you are trying to start a business and do your own thing, do something you actually care about and not just because you’re trying to make a buck. And you’ll really enjoy it too. For me it’s really more about being able to do art, how it makes people feel, and to have those memories. I am passionate about photography and a lot of times when you have a connection with someone after one type of photo, they will want to work with you again for another type. And that’s not just about skill, but people around you feeling how genuine you are with your work.
Q: I love ending with this one. How do you approach work-life balance?
A: For me, being a stay-at-home mom, I try not to overbook myself because if I’m too busy, then I won’t get time with my kid. And with my husband’s busy schedule, I try to not over do it where my limitations are. Certain times of the year might be busier than others, but I personally don’t want to push it. I also think if I overbook myself, I won’t enjoy it as much.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me on getting to know Anastasia and learning more about weddings from an experienced photographer’s perspective. Please visit her website for more information and to reach out with any questions you might have!
I hope there is something you were able to take away from this Vendor Spotlight with Anastasia Cherie Photography. Remember to Pin this post for when you are ready for next steps.
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What a fun conversation to read! Definitely relate to the struggle of overlooking myself as a mom when finding work/life balance.
Great interview, Jenni! This is such an interesting read. And the photos are gorgeous, Anastasia!