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Real Prom | May 2017

May 17, 2017
17 May 2017

BOWIE, MD | May 2017

Hi there!

This May, I had the privilege of participating in a high school teenager’s most anticipated event: senior prom. Bowie High School senior Jalen Robinson’s mom, Nadia, wanted to commemorate her only son’s prom with photos and I was eager to oblige.

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Jalen’s parents and friends were present as he prepared for prom, which made the shoot that much more lively. The goal: to win prom’s Best Dressed prize–and at 6’4, Jalen is no wallflower.

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All of the details: the bowtie, cufflinks, monogrammed sleeves, pocket square, and even the color of the tuxedo were meticulously chosen. But none were as important as the shoes. Jalen had two shoe choices to pair with his tux: black or special. “Black shoes are boring,” Jalen said, as he opted for special.

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Nadia was happy to share the details of Jalen’s tux:

  • Custom made suit: JL Michael’s Custom Clothier
  • Bowtie: JoS A. Banks
  • Shoes: Steve Madden
  • Cufflinks: Overstock

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Before we knew it, Jalen and his prom date, Christa, were ready.

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Jalen and his parents

I thought they looked beautiful! In addition, Nadia’s got some advice for all of you parents sending your kids to prom. “Plan early and pace yourself to avoid stress, last minute errands and financial strain. And remember to have fun and enjoy the process. Kids only have one senior prom!” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Until next time,

Insana

 

 

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0 Comments/in Prom, Uncategorized /by Insana Collins

Real Weddings: 2017 Edition

May 2, 2017
02 May 2017

Getting married this year? What about next year? Wouldn’t it be cool to discover the latest wedding tips, tricks and trends before your planning gets underway? Know how much couples are spending on flowers, how to find the right vendors, etc.?

Well, you’re in luck! The online wedding resource, Wedding Wire, has just published the wedding trends of 2017. They surveyed more than 13,000 couples who married in 2016 to get the scoop, just for you. Here are some of the results:

1. Technology matters: Couples now spend 50% of their time planning from a smartphone (up from 30% last year). 87% read reviews and ten 60% reach out by email.

2. Uniformity is out: Bridesmaids are more likely to wear non-matching than in previous years, a trend we’ve seen continue to grow.

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3. While the average wedding price tag hasn’t grown, millennials spend a bit more: $31,000 on average. However, overall, the average price of a wedding is still about $28,000. Spend on honeymoons ($4,000) and engagement rings ($5,000) is also about the same as last year.

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4. 42% of couples pick out the engagement ring together.

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5. 56% of couples only consider booking vendors they can find on social media. (Find my page on Instagram at @insanacollins)

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6. 71% of couples marry between May and October.

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7. 62% of couples take professional engagement photos.

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8. 65% send traditional Save-the-Date cards.

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9. When searching for vendors, most couples hire an average of 13 vendors from the venue to the florist to catering and the DJ, with photographers 4th on their list.

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10. More than 60% of the wedding budget goes towards catering, the venue, music and photography/videography.

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It’s great to know what’s trending, but for your big day, what’s most important to you? Most of my clients say photography is most important, because for all of the time and money spent, it’s the one thing that lasts longer than anything else. While you’re planning, discuss and prioritize as a couple. Save. Search. Budget. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Shoot me an email at insana@insanacollins.com and I can help answer your questions and cross at least one thing off your list!

Good luck! Until next time,

-Insana

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Howard University’s Charter Day Dinner

March 7, 2017
07 Mar 2017

This weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing Howard University’s Charter Day Dinner, held at the Washington Hilton in DC. Hosted by Common, with keynotes by the university president, Wayne A.I. Frederick, the 2017 Charter Day Dinner continues a 93-year old tradition of honoring the founding of Howard University through a university-wide celebration. Guests included Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, Congressman Elijah Cummings, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Director of Communications for the White House’s Office of Public Liaison, Omarosa Manigault.

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Howard University’s Premier Vocal Group, Afro Blue

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Rushern Baker, Chris Van Hollen, Ike Leggett, and Elijah Cummings

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What a night! I love shooting for Howard University and I can’t wait until the next event. Until next time,

Insana

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1 Comment/in Uncategorized /by Insana Collins

How to Level Up in 2017

February 15, 2017
15 Feb 2017

Since I’ve started shooting professionally in 2009, I’ve noticed the same seasonal photography trends that most photographers experience: wedding season, engagement sessions, holiday sessions and party/event season.

But I’ve noticed something else too.

During the first 60 days of each new year, clients get serious about their goals and book new business photos. Something about the start of a new year ignites their entrepreneurial spirit and then…BOOM! Photo requests for commercial marketing images come from everywhere. Hair stylists. Realtors. Shoe retailers. Publicists. Musicians. Artists. Clothing retailers. Jewelers. Attorneys. Doctors. Lawn care specialists. CEOs. Online shop owners. People needing product photography or corporate headshots.

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Product images from camping gear retailer, HMW Outdoors

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Product images from camping gear retailer, HMW Outdoors

Every one of these people understands the importance of clean, professional photos to showcase themselves and their products, and it’s wonderful. Customers will take you seriously because you’ve invested in yourself and your business enough to put your best foot forward.  I’m happy small business owners are taking their marketing to the next level and booking professional photographers like me.

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Product images from online accessories retailer, Dear Elli

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Corporate headshots for Modern Counsel Magazine

The question is, are you ready to take your business to the next level? If so, shoot me a note at insana@insanacollins.com and let’s get started.

Until next time,

Insana :)

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Happy Holidays to You!

December 28, 2016
28 Dec 2016

I’d like to wish you and your family a happy holidays!! One of my clients, Allissa, set hers off right with holiday photos of her family. Two-year-old Bryce and 4-year-old Brynn were a joy to work with and wore the cutest outfits!

 

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Mom Allissa got their adorable outfits from Macy’s, and suggests not feeding your kids pancakes with sugary syrup before your portrait session because they were “bouncing off the walls!” They certainly were energetic, but that just makes for more interesting photos!

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“I chose Insana because her portraits always have lovely lighting. She also understands how tough it can be to wrangle relatives into a photo; she comes from a large family!” said Allissa. With 6 brothers and sisters, I can agree!

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Allissa decided to use the photo above for her family’s holiday cards. Great choice! I hope your holidays are as joy-filled as Bryce, Brynn and Allissa’s. And have a Happy New Year! :)

-Insana

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