A Reflective Pause: Why I am stepping Back From Wedding Bookings

Hello, friends and clients - past, present and future. Thank you for supporting Knapping Dragon Photography over the years. Your kind words, referrals and trust mean the world to me.

Today, I want to share a personal reflection on a recent experience that has letd me to make an important change in my business.

Over Thanksgiving, I photographed a wedding where I went significantly above and beyond to accommodate the couple.

I gave up my own family holiday to be there from early preparation through the end of the day. At their request, I upgraded them to my full day coverage package (normally $1000) for the price of the Ceremony-only package ($400). When they found themselves without an officiant, my husband - who is ordained- stepped in to marry them.

I arrived between 12 pm and 1 pm to begin shooting photos of the Bride getting ready as promised and communicated prior to the wedding day. By 2 pm I was set up and ready to go for the ceremony that was to begin at 3 pm. Prior to that I did a private photoshoot with just the couple. I poured my heart into capturing their moments.

After the first delivery, the edited images did not meet the couple's expectations. After, they repeatedly requested my RAW files, which has never been part of my policy or packages. In my 18 years as a photographer, I have never provided RAW files to clients, as they represent unfinished work and the starting point of my creative process. The only exception I've ever made was as a personal gift for my family member's wedding - a reflection of the deep TRUST and love within my own family.

I respectfully held that boundary while offering multiple FULL revision rounds - three in total - working hard under considerable stress and emotional pressure to adjust and re-deliver in hopes of reaching a share d vision.

Despite these efforts, we ultimately could not align on the final look, and I delivered images consistent with the paid Ceremony Only Package.

Weddings are deeply emotional milestones, and I understand how high expectations and pressure can affect everyone involved. This experience was challenging and emotionally draining for me, but it has also been a valuable teacher.

I've learned that even with the best of intentions and extra accommodations, perfect stylistic alignment isn't always possible -and that's ok.

My Editing Philosophy & Process

I believe in enhancing the natural beauty I capture in camera rather than dramatically altering it. For most sessions - including weddings, parties, and portraits - my editing is intentionally light and consistent, using only the FREE version of Photoshop Express:

Adjust exposure, clarity, haze and sharpness to match what I saw in person.

Crop for composition and print

Add my subtle watermark in the bottom right hand corner

That is the whole process, no heavy retouching, no presets, ABSOLUTLEY NO AI, no filters other than basic adjustments. (I did offer to use a program that uses AI afterthe first edit of the wedding photos did not meet the client's expectation to better try and give them the look they were wanting, however after hearing their concerns regarding AI I did not even download the program on to my computer. The program in question was suggested to me by another professional seasoned photographer that I collaborate with on a regular basis. There was no AI used on their wedding album at all. As far as the cards I had printed out at the venue, those were poses that the Bride and I had texted back and forth over several months of different styles that she liked and wanted to use that day. They even included photos that I did of my nephew'swedding. On my end no AI was used to generate those ideas to the best of my knowledge, all I did was a simple google search for wedding posing ideas, screen shot things I thought she might like and forward them to her. After she approved them I simply put them all into collages, printed them in 4x6 size and clipped them together to have easily accessible that day so that we did not miss anything.) Clients who view my portfolio on my website or Facebook see this exact style.

A newlywed couple walks hand in hand out of their wedding ceremony, embraced by the rustic charm of a wooden barn venue.

A joyful bride and groom embrace tenderly on their wedding day, capturing a moment of love and happiness against a rustic backdrop.

A bride radiates joy in her elegant gown, holding a beautiful bouquet, set against a rustic venue backdrop.

"Lizzie is one photographer that I will hire again, she is so heartfelt, dedicated and tentative. She takes your vision and brings it to reality. I will definitely have her company to do any of my upcoming special events."---Darlene Fischer Williams

A stylish guest poses confidently at a high fashion event, wearing a vibrant purple patterned jacket and matching bow tie, complemented by a black fedora. Surrounded by elegant floral arrangements in shades of purple and white, the scene exudes sophistication and charm.

A loving couple shares a heartwarming dance in a beautifully adorned lavender dress and matching suit at a romantic event.

Joyful and radiant, the birthday girl makes a grand entrance, celebrating 50 with elegance and beauty in a stunning lavender gown.

Note: The above images are not from the wedding discussed in this post. Instead, I've chosen to share a selection from my nephew's wedding and a 50th birthday celebration. These showcase my standard editing style and the joy I love capturing for clients. All images used in ALL promotional material, blogs, posts and portfolio are original images shot by Knapping Dragon Photography. Knapping Dragon Photography NEVER uses stock images for advertising purposes. Knapping Dragon Photography owns ALL RAW images as proof that every photo I use was taken by me. This is the reason I NEVER release my RAWs.

Light Art Photography

While the images above showcase my everyday editing style of weddings, parties and portraits, I also create true in-camera light paintings - a technique I'm proud to be the ONLY local photographer offering.

Using long exposures and physical light tools (such as a simple flashlight) during the shoot itself (no post production fancy effects added). I paint with light in real time to create magical, one of a kind results. Here are a few examples. Guess what color that guitar actually is, if you said purple you are wrong...it's actually green. To see more visit my award winning Light Art Photography Portfolio here: Award WinnLight Art Photography Sessions | Knapping Dragon Photography

A mesmerizing display of light painting transforms a green guitar into a vibrant blend of pink and purple hues, creating a magical aura around the instrument.

A vibrant light painting featuring a cowboy leaning against a tree, blending dynamic colors and creativity, chosen as the judge's favorite.

This image was created for Margie's Haven House in Heber Springs, Arkansas for the Into the Light III Gala. A powerful and emotive depiction of rescue and hope, illustrating the journey from darkness to light for survivors of domestic violence.

A Note on Outdoor lighting and Editing

For the wedding we are discussing, I was requested to use only natural lighting with minimal edits. This excludes any artificial lighting like strobes, speed lights, or flash photography. Looking back, I realized that having a conversation with the couple beforehand about the nuances of natural lighting—especially the time constraints during a fall afternoon—could have prevented a lot of confusion, misunderstandings, and frustration. In the future, this will be clearly outlined in every contract to ensure all parties involved understand how natural lighting functions..

Outdoor ceremonies especially in wooded or shaded areas, rely entirely on natural light. When clients prefer no artificial lighting, we work with the beautiful but sometimes challenging light nature provides - often overhead sunlight that can create strong shadows under the eyes and brows.

My editing style is intentionally light and true to life. I enhance what was captured in-camera (exposure, clarity, haze and sharpness) rather than heavily retouching or altering features. This preserves the authentic feel of the day, but it means some natural shadows remain, just as they appeared in person.

For clients who prefer a brighter more filled-in look around the eyes, off-camera lighting or reflectors during the shoot are the most effective tools - something I am always happy to discuss in advance.

Every wedding day is unique, and clear communication about lighting preferences helps me deliver images you'll love.

Moving Forward

To protect my creative joy and ensure the best experience for everyone, I have decided to pause offering wedding packages for the foreseeable future. This allows me time to refine my contract and pre planning process so that next time there are no misunderstandings about how my work is carried out.

I remain passionately committed to bringing affordable photography to the Cleburne and White County Arkansas area. I look forward to continuing with portraits, events, families, birthday parties and my unique Light Art sessions.

I want to take a moment to Thank each and every single one of my loyal customers for your understanding, grace and continued support. I am eternally grateful for the many wonderful clients who have trusted me over the years and excited for the stories we will create together moving forward.

Final Thoughts

If there's one gift this hard session has given me it's the quiet power of pause. The old me might have rushed to answer every falsehood, to set every record straight in the heat of the moment. But God has been teaching me a gentler, stronger way -- the kind of restraint that protect s my peace, my heart and my witness far better than any sharp words ever could. I've learned to hold my tongue, lift my eyes, and trust that truth has a way of shining through when we give it room to breathe and most importantly when we give it to God. Commit your way to the Lord: trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6

So here's to new chapters to healing, to walking forward with grace--and to holding those we love a little tighter along the way. Thank you all for reading, for your kind words of encouragement over the last month, and for your prayers. They have carried me further than you know. God has big things in store for Knapping Dragon Photography and He will not allow Satan to take away what He has blessed. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against the in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. Isaiah 54:17