Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer Jen OSullivan » Wedding

Celebrity Katherine Bailess was a Beautiful Bride at Crash The Wedding

Jen — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:52:51 +0000

Celebrity Katherine Bailess of got married to actor Dan Kozz! Okay, well, not really. But they were my mock bride and groom at Crash The Wedding. It was such a great show and I cannot wait to get started on the next one. Check out some of the photos from the event. More behind the scenes photos coming!

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Erik and Julie at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates

Jen — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:56:37 +0000

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

CRASH THE WEDDING! The hottest new next generation bridal show to hit the scene!

Jen — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:10:12 +0000

Okay, so you may have figured out that over the last 6 months I have gotten heavily into charity shootouts for my students to get great shots, couples to get great shots, and my charity to get great money. Well, about 4 months ago I decided that some of my green students need to have a wedding under their belt and what better way than to host a mock wedding. I quickly realized this was going to be WAY bigger an undertaking if I wanted it to be done right, so… I enlisted my Wedding And Events Specialists team to get on board. They were so excited that the train got moving, and moving fast! I am always so impressed at the level of professionalism, talent, and work ethic that this group has. This event is really going to be something special and if you are lucky enough to get one of the coveted seats, then know this, you are going to FLIP OUT when you come to this event. It is called CRASH THE WEDDING and we have so many surprises in store that this will be THE talk of the season. With that in mind, I wanted to post the info on my website so you can get a sneak peak and by all means if you are throwing a huge wedding, get tickets to this and get them soon. They are already selling fast. Think of it as a date night that your fiance will thank you for dragging him to. I guarantee he will love it.

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

ASAP Mentoring: The Best Kept Secret in Photography Education

Jen — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:54:50 +0000

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Jen O’Sullivan’s Charity Engagement Shootout Sample Photos

Jen — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:27:58 +0000

Here are a few photos taken at my Charity Engagement Shootout on May 11th. The first few are mine and the rest are from the many fabulous other photographers I had on board. This event has started a new idea in the bridal show industry. I am calling it Wedding Show 2.0 where brides and grooms get to actually test drive makeup artists, photographers, cake makers and others in the wedding industry. The silent auction for the event is set to end on June 1st so get your bids in by clicking HERE! The next engagement shootout will be on November 8th so tell your friends as this will be something not to be missed!

Some of the photographers who participated

Andres Castañeda
Organized Light Photography
www.organizedlight.net
andres@organizedlight.net
626-502 – 7291

Aurelia D’Amore
Aurelia D’Amore Photography
www.damore.biz
aureliadamore@gmail.com
323-514-5504

Claire Leong
Claire Renee Photography
www.clairerenee.com
claire@clairerenee.com
310-663-0605

Donald Norris
Donald Norris Photography
www.Norrisphoto.com
Don@norrisphoto.com
818-693-9114

Emily Strawn
Emily Strawn Photography
www.strawnphotography.com
info@strawnphotography.com
661-510-7091

Gayla Elizabeth
Gayla Elizabeth Photography
www.GaylaElizabeth.com
info@gaylaelizabeth.com
323-698-1111

Holly Steen
Cakes and Kisses Wedding Photography
www.cakesandkisses.com
steenholly@gmail.com
310-722-6345

Isabel Gomes & Lawrence Gund
Isabel Lawrence Photographers
www.isabellawrence.com
info@isabellawrence.com
818-783-7252

Jen O’Sullivan
Jen O’Sullivan Photography
www.jenosullivan.com
jen@jenosullivan.com
310-494-6547

Jessica Conroy
Jessica Conroy Photography
www.jessicaconroy.com
jessica@jessicaconroy.com
805-220-8324

Jennifer Kelley Lublin
Jennifer Kelley Lublin Photography
www.JennKL.com
jennifer@JKLphotos.com
310-502-1555

KrisD Mauga
KrashingMotions
www.krashingmotions.info
kris@krashingmotions.info
562.310.5513

Lucia Li
Lucia Isabella Photography
www.luciaisabella.com
lucia@luciaisabella.com
626-373-6076

Lynn Holmgren
David and Lynn Photography
www.davidandlynnphoto.com
info@davidandlynnphoto.com
661-263-7794

Rosina Waszaj
Rosina W. Photography
www.rosinasphoto.com
info@rosinasphoto.com
562-774-5174

Shannon Lee
Shannon Lee Images
www.shannonleeimages.com
shannon@shannonleeimages.com
310-663-9722

Sherri Johnson
Sherri Johnson Photography
www.sherrijphotography.com
sherrij18@gmail.com
847-338-853

Tara Hodgson
TaraSierra Photography
www.tarasierraphotography.com
tara@tarasierraphotography.com
949-610-5223

Tom Keene
LAdigitalPhoto LLC
www.LAdigitalPhoto.com
Tom@LAdigitalPhoto.com
888-LAD-PHOTO

Wendi Solari
Solari Photography
www.solariphotography.com
wendi@solariphotography.com
626-391-2424

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Becca and Kyle

Jen — Sat, 22 May 2010 10:58:42 +0000

Two best friends became husband and wife today. They had an Alice in Wonderland theme and let me tell you, it was a photographer’s dream. So many bright and fun colors. The day was mixed with joy and laughter as Kyle and Becca realized their life is just beginning. A whirlwind of color and energy Becca said at the end of the night “The day went by too fast. Seconds it seemed.” Happy and in her man’s arms I am sure she had the best sleep of her life tonight. Congrats you two and enjoy this preview of your photos!

Yes, she had two dresses! Love it!

And, of course, what is a wedding without some fun ring shots…

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Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Tips and Tricks for Bridal Show Success

Jen — Mon, 17 May 2010 00:11:11 +0000

Doing a bridal show can be one of the most exhilarating things you do. I am literally on a high when I come back from the, and no, I don’t mean a sugar high from all the cake. There is so much energy surrounding shows: talking to brides, meeting new specialists, seeing old friends. If you have never done one, I encourage you to read on. If you always do them, I also encourage you to read on. There are so many things I have learned over the years of doing shows and I ALWAYS see other vendor not making the most of it. So, from start to finish, here are my tips.
There are three things I will be going over.

1. The Research. Find the right show for you.
2. The Show. Be prepared but don’t over do it.
3. The Aftermath. Follow through immediately.

THE RESEARCH

1. Check out the calendar for upcoming shows on Wedding Wire.

2. Try before you buy. Literally go to as many shows as you can. They are all so different.

3. When you are at the show really pay attention to what types of brides are in attendance?

4. Ask yourself, “Who is YOUR bride?” Really figure this one out.
How old is she. Are her parents still married? Is family important? What is her style? What kind of clothing does she where? Where does she shop? What kind of car does she drive? What are her personality traits? Is she a college grad, currently in college, an artists, etc.? Is she paying for your services or are her parents? If her parents are, what type of people are they?

THE SHOW

1. Be prepared but don’t over do it.

2. Your work should look clean and should be free of excess (unless of course you are an over the top event designer, then by all means go for it.)

3. Show your personality.

4. Have some sort of draw in. Moving Visuals, Photo booth, cake (yum!).

5. Don’t worry about free giveaways. They are, for the most part, a waste of time. However, if you want to give something away or participate in the swag bag, see photos above and below for ideas.

6. ALWAYS capture their information. Names, wedding date, venue, budget, emails, phone, address, something specific you need to follow up with them about.

7. Don’t give out your price sheet. Tell them an estimate.

8. Give them a reason to contact you again.

Inside tips:
- Brides are usually marked, guests are usually marked, and vendors are usually marked.
- Be open to EVERYONE. You never know who you are going to meet. You cannot judge people based on what they look like. Most people who do not have money dress like they do and those who do dress like they don’t.
- When a bride walks up talk about HER, not you. This is the #1 mistake other vendors make ALL THE TIME.
- When you capture their information be thorough. Ask questions. When they leave fill in the blanks.
- Bring a laptop to capture their info.
- Look professional and stylish. Wear something dressier than you normally would to shoot.
- Stand in front of your table to the side. Never sit behind it looking up. You will look weak if you sit all day.
- Bring an assistant that looks the part. Someone who is personable and knows your products and services.
- Hold back some information so you have a reason to contact them.
- Set up early and then walk the show and collect EVERY vendor’s card only. Forget about all their marketing materials. Also, if you can, bring your camera and have each vendor pose in front of their booth then take a few detail shots of their display.
- DO NOT TEAR DOWN EARLY. If the show ends at 4pm you should be tearing down at 4:05. Here is why… I always seem to meet someone who is late to the show and is looking to talk wedding right at the end. If I tear down, I will be unprepared. Also, you paid to be there, take advantage of every second.

THE AFTERMATH

1. Follow through immediately.

2. Take your captured list that very evening and send out an email to each of the QUALIFIED brides you spoke with. Write something like this:

Hi Julie, It was such a pleasure meeting you and Brett. Here is a link to the engagement website for my clients and the sample photobooth photos I was telling you about. I know you will love them! Let me know if you would like to set up a time to chat more about your wedding. It already sounds like it will be a wonderful party!
Enjoy this season in your life! These are exciting times.
Jen

3. Write and mail them a hand written note and include your promotional materials.

4. Upload any images you took at the show and load them to your blog.
- Email all the brides as well as the vendors a link to your site first.
- Load the same images on Facebook. Each image should be watermarked with your logo as well as fully marked with ALL your contact info. Invite everyone (brides and vendors) to connect on Facebook and then tag them as they accept your connection.

5. Start a data base of your contacts in Excel. Contact them with an email asking for their birthday and mailing address if it was not on their card. At the end of their line, place the show at which you met them and anything that can jog your memory about them.

6. Mail them a “nice to meet you” card and include ONE business card along with one or two 4×6 or 5×7 prints from the show of their booth along with a DVD of the imagery. I include every image. Please be mindful, I do not do this for EVERY vendor. Just the ones I would like to start a relationship with or whom I would like to continue an existing relationship.

7. Contact the show producer and offer your images to them as a trade for entry at no cost the next time. This is for you newbies out there. If you are already an established photographer, you should ALWAYS do a trade at the beginning. If you are a well established shooter, negotiating a trade for the show fee is a good way to go.

8. Track your sales. I tend to go by the 4 to 1 rule. For every 1 dollar I spend advertising, I want to get 4 in return. However this does not translate my actual marketing budget. I spend next to nothing on advertising. BUT, if I do a show and it costs me $5,000 to do it, I need to make $20,000 from that show. Now, how can you track this. The rule of thumb for marketing states that you need to be seen or heard by someone 7 times before they will actual buy what you are selling. This is true and false in the wedding industry because you are selling based on emotion.

All in all, have fun. Be open and enjoy all the energy!

For a download of the live lecture, please email me at jen@jenosullivan.com

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Copyright © 2010 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com
Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Spring 2010 Charity Engagement Shootout at the Sunset Restaurant in Malibu

Jen — Thu, 13 May 2010 04:20:30 +0000

I sit here 24 hours after the event, legs sore, voice horse, and heart racing, still, with excitement. I think I still have adrenaline in my system. As tired as I was last night when I got home, I couldn’t help myself. I had to see the photos. It is like Christmas morning for me. I love seeing what I got! The Charity Engagement Shootout at the Sunset Restaurant in Malibu was, by all accounts, a HUGE success. If you missed it, believe me, you missed out! Some couples walked away with 6 raffle items. And these were no joke raffle items. Everything from full free engagement sessions, to $100 gift certificate to the Sunset, to an iPod Shuffle, to custom designed guest signing books, to a $600 couture cocktail dress, to free hair and makeup trials, to a $1,200 logo design. And this is the short list of over 80 raffle items. I was shocked at the generosity of the photographers and vendors. One of the specialists at the show was so overwhelmed with the generosity that he actually donated $250 cash in honor of one of the guests. We are still tallying donations as several guests, not knowing what they were actually getting into with this event, have now asked how they can donate more. oSo if you want in on the action, please shoot me an email and I will give you details on how to donate. These couples walked away with well OVER $1,500 in gifts and free photography. And the event was FREE!!! I kind of feel bad for the people who decided not to come for whatever reason. It was one of the best events I have ever done and I am so excited to announce the Fall session for Thursday November 4th. This is a tentative date pending, so check back with me soon or get on my mailing list so you know when it is coming. The best part about the event: I got to shoot too! I hope to book some of the people I worked with. Here is a preview of some of my shots from the day.

British Song Writer Sy Rhys Kaye and Celebrity Camille Guaty

Nicole Turner & Daniel Pichardo

Jessica Saeheng & Garrett Ho

Sonia Elizabeth Corella & Luis Armando Sanchez

Tehniat Mirza & Stillian Ghaidarov

Stephanie Tang & Pat Hattori

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Charity Engagement Shootout

Jen — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:31:28 +0000

CHARITY ENGAGEMENT SHOOTOUT

Get in on this once in a lifetime chance to get some great photography of you and your fiance from multiple wedding photographers! Absolutely Free!

When: Tuesday, May 11th from 2:30-7:30pm (two sessions)
Where: The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu
What: Get photographed at no cost with some extraordinary photographers (up to 5 shooters will work with you for 15 minutes each.)
You Get: All your files from each photographer at no cost! A donation of any size to LETMESAIL will be encouraged. http://www.letmesail.org
The Catch: There is none! You get to test drive some really great shooters BEFORE you hire one with no strings attached.
Donate: If you would like to make a donation in honor of this event and will not be able to attend, please email Jen at jen@jenosullivan.com

Great Swag Bag included! There will also be some great makeup artists there for you to test drive for touch-ups, lash applications, and mini consults! Oh yes, this is going to be one event NOT to miss!

RULES:
1. You must be engaged to be married with an actual date set.
2. You cannot have a photographer already booked for your wedding. Sorry this may seem like a catch but really this event is just for those who need to find a photographer. You wouldn’t do a speed dating event if you were already in a relationship. If you really want to come and already have a shooter for your wedding, please contact me. There are other great things to do like get your makeup done and eat cake. And, you never know, with 50 photographers there is bound to be a few hanging around who would love to photograph you.
3. In order to attend, you will need to register with Jen. There is limited space so please get your RSVP in soon to jen@jenosullivan.com

WHY:
I am often asked why I do these shootouts. There are two reasons. One, because I love to teach and I started doing them as workshops for up and coming photographers. Two, because photographers are notoriously competitive with each other, holding their contacts and trade secrets close to their vest. I have decided to flip the whole game on it’s head. I am giving 50 photographers a shot at booking MY leeds all in the name of charity. I work hard for my contacts but also know that ultimately people hire me for me so why not share the love and make some money for a great organization. This is match making at it’s finest! Here is how it works. 50 photographers get to work with up to 6 pre-matched potential clients out of 50 engaged couples. They are matched based on style, budget, and date availability. Couples get the opportunity to test drive 6 shooters AND they get to keep their image files after the shoot with no strings attached. Nobody pays a dime, unless they wish to donate to my charity. Something like this would go for a minimum of $1,500 to work with this many shooters and get your files. My goal: raise as much money for the charity, work with some wonderful people in the industry, and hopefully match up some couple’s to their future wedding photographer. I will be shooting too, so I hope to meet some potential future brides and grooms as well.

The charity is LETMESAIL, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of the disabled through social and educational events. These people are about the same age as the engaged couples, but lead a very different life. They have movie nights, go on camping trips, get job training, and are extremely happy people however are physically and mentally disabled. LETMESAIL helps them to sail. It is perfectly fitting that I am hosting the event at one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Malibu on the beach at The Sunset Restaurant.

There are many levels of participation if you are interested. Couples, Photographers, Wedding Specialists, Donors, Sponsors, Media. If you are any of these people and would like to be involved, please shoot me an email or give me a call. We would love to have you! jen@jenosullivan.com 310-494-6547

THE PHOTOGRAPHERS (more to come)
Jen O’Sullivan of Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography
Isabel Gomes of Isabel Lawrence Photographers
Shay Thomason Shay Thomason Photography
Braedon Flynn of Braedon Photography
Donald Norris of Donald Norris Photography
Holly Steen of Cakes and Kisses
Peter Garr of Peter Garr Photography
Jessica Conroy of Jessica Conroy Photography
Santiago Valencia of Santiago Valencia Weddings
Claire Leong of Claire Renee Photography
Debra Morrison of Debra Morrison Photography
Shannon Lee of Shannon Lee Images
Emily Strawn of Emily Strawn Photography
Michele O’Neal of Images 4 Eternity
Isaac Trotter of Isaac Trotter Photography
Jennifer Kelley Lublin of Jennifer Kelley Lublin Photography
Lynn Holmgren of David and Lynn Photo
Mia Johnstone of Mia Johnstone Professional Photography
Jolene McGaughy of Sweetest Moments
KrisD Mauga of KrashingMotions
Jennifer Newton of Jennifer Lutton Photography and Design
Wendi Solari of Solari Photography
Krista Husa of A Documentary Photo
Mia Marisa of Mia Marisa Photo
Nathan Petty of Nathan Petty Snaps
Nicole Goddard of Nicole Goddard Photography
Marina Dzessa-Gilham of Marina Dzessa-Gilham Wedding Photography
Rosina Waszaj of Rosina W. Photography
Jet Decena of Marina Del Rey Photography
Scott Pereira of Scott Pereira Photography
Michelle Castro of Grace and Joy Photography
Sherri Johnson of Sherri Johnson Photography
Tara Hodgson of Tara Sierra Photography
Tom Keene of LA Digital Photo
Marc Dahm of Bluecat, International

THE MAKEUP ARTISTS
Tara Dowburd-Luftman
Betsy diFrancesca
Danielle Virnelson
Eugene Conde
Michelle Brione 323-650-8565
Shannon Kurowski 661-714-8596

THE SPONSORS
Kimberly Bailey with The Butter End Cakery
BWell Fit
Cheryl Jablow with Social Frog
Jaime Macias with Lensly Automatic
Jorge Aguilar Professional Jeweler
Kerri Hatter with Weddings and Events by Kerri Hatter
Melinda Piligian with CAKEgoodness
Sherene Hulugalle with Wisteria Lane Flower Shop
Tiffany Arnaldo with Cali Cards
Wedding And Event Specialists

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Are Wedding Planning Timetables a Thing of the Past?

Jen — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:23:26 +0000

Gone, it seems are the days when people get engaged and then plan for a year before the big day. Okay, I correct myself. They ARE waiting a year and sometimes even two, however many a wedding specialist can attest to the odd trend of brides waiting until the very last minute to book major parts of their wedding day. It used to be that we would give deep discounts for brides who booked with less than 3 months to go, however since this seems to be the MO of many brides for the past two seasons the discounts are going away more and more as specialists get more savvy to the times. The true sadness that I am seeing are brides who really wanted to use my services but they waited until too late and I am already booked on their date. Chalk it up to the economy and people’s uneasiness about booking too far out with little security for what the future holds, but I am still a traditionalist. I like my clients to do it right. Why? If you book late AND your photographer happens to have your date available you will miss out on several really wonderful rights of passage as an engaged person. There is little to no time to do an engagement session with an announcement and photo in your local newspaper and what about doing a bridal session? Your wedding gown will likely be the most expensive and beautiful dress you will ever own. Do your hair and makeup trial along with having your photographer capture you in all your glory when you are not rushed on your wedding day. These are time honored traditions that seem to be the first to hit the round file for brides who book late. Here is my recommended time table from the moment he pops the question to the moment you walk down the isle.

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