Downtown Council 02052013

Yesterday I attended the downtown council. We met at the Temple for Performing Arts. It was another great meeting with so many things coming to Des Moines. It’s going to be busy the next few weeks.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and visitors Bureau shared some big events coming over the next month. Including the state wrestling tournament, boys and girls basketball, which are always great events for Des Moines. Also the NCAA wrestling will be here in March. It’s sold out so downtown retailers are excited for the influx of people. This will be great for our local economy.

Kevin Crowley and Peter Brown also shared with us the plan for Walnut Street which includes more downtown living and retail space. They are still reviving downtown by bringing more to downtown with living, shopping, and playing.

The Des Moines Social Club even gave us a sneak peak at “The Last Five Years”. It opens tomorrow and runs through the 17th. You can find more of their events at desmoinessocialclub.org.

We were reminded of the Iowa Cubs opening day April 12th. The attendees were very excited. Brenton Skating Plaza is also still open through March, depending on weather since Phil called for an early spring by not seeing his shadow.

The downtown council meets the first Tuesday of the month. Checkout their events onlinedesmoinesdowntownchamber.com.

Tomorrow afternoon the Des Moines West Side Chamber is having a business after hours networking event from 4 to 6:30 at Pignott, INC, 3815 Ingersoll.

5 tips to choosing your photographer

Selecting the right wedding photographer is one of the toughest and most important decisions to make when planning your wedding.   Here are some questions to consider when researching possible candidates that will help find the right photographer for you.

qualifications

• Did your photographer complete formal education in photography or train with another professional to learn their profession?
• Do they run their photography business full-time?
• Are they an accredited member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography, the professional body which governs the photographic industry AIPP?
• Do they have backup equipment & insurance?
• Do they have a professional contract/client agreement?

pricing

• Is their pricing clear and precise?
• Do you have an idea of true market value for the type of photography you want? (Try comparing the same set of items with lots of different photographers.)
• Does your photographer use real dollars not “credit” towards items?
• Are you aware of how much can you expect to spend after the wedding?

personality

• Do you see your professional photographer making your day enjoyable & relaxed, not “take over” and be too pushy?
• Have you checked online to read their blog and about their work & reputation?

practicality

• Are they a local photographer to you and/or your venue?
• Will they plan your timing with you to make sure the best use of daylight and make sure all of your expectations are met?

you

• Do you have any special requirements for yourself or your partner, and does your photographer care & understand about them? (e.g: blinking, height differences, family politics)
• Are you absolutely sure you want this person following you around all day?

If the answer is YES to most of the above questions…congratulations!!

You have found your photographer!!

Find professional Wedding Photographers in your area.