The next thing you need to decide are the locations where you would like to have your engagement photos taken. These locations are places that would either look really cool in your pictures or places that are special to you as a couple for one reason or another. By choosing different locations that have some type of connection to your relationship you'll be able to be much more genuine during your shoot and you're almost guaranteed to appreciate them more in the long run.
Some great places that could potentially make your list of locations are:
· Where you first met
· Where you had your first date
· A restaurant, coffee shop or any other location that you frequent as a couple
· A really cool looking landscape or skyline that's near by
· A location with lots or bright and vibrant colors
· A location that would be the last place that you would think of getting your engagement photos taken, like an abandoned warehouse or old junkyard
Once you select your locations, don't be scared to get outside of your comfort zone a little bit when you're getting your photos taken. Have fun and explore the spaces -- you're only going to have one chance, so don't leave anything out that you'll regret not getting once you're finished.
Also, while you're traveling to your different locations, don't be afraid to make an impromptu stop if you feel the need to take advantage of a new place or background. Some of the best shots that we took were at locations that we didn't plan on stopping at.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Finding A Photographer That Fits Your Style
One of the most important things that I have learned now that I have had my unique engagement photos taken is that you need to find a photographer that fits your style. I really can't stress this enough. There are a lot of photographers out there that tend to forget that this is your wedding and not just another addition to their portfolio, so as you begin to look for photographers for your engagement photos please try to find one that you know will match your personality as a couple and who will really listen to your thoughts and ideas.
When you first meet with photographers, here are a few questions that you might want to bring up with them when they are showing you their portfolio:
When you first meet with photographers, here are a few questions that you might want to bring up with them when they are showing you their portfolio:
- Why did you choose these different locations for the photos that you're showing me and what did they have to do with the couple? (this will show their interest for the couples as opposed to the art)
- How many different locations do you allow us to shoot at and how open are you for some brainstorming before we go out and start shooting? (this will show their willingness to be flexible so that you can learn each other's style)
- How do you normally find your clients? Are they referred? (this will tell you how satisfied their clients have been -- more referrals = more satisfaction
- How many of your engagement photo clients end up asking you to shoot their wedding as well? (more engagements that turn into wedding shoots means more happy clients)
- Can I speak to one of your recent satisfied clients? (it's always good to check a reference or two)
Also, I've found that it's also good to meet the photographer in a restaurant for dinner or coffee shop for a drink so that you can really get a good feel for who they are and what type of photographer they are. This might seem like a lot of work for just getting engagement photos, but if you're spending the money and taking the time to get them, then you should do it right the first time.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
{ Engagement Photos }
Engagement shoots have become widely popular among newly engaged couples, and almost all of them want something different and unique. The best way to achieve that is to make it personal and have fun. That is when the best and most creative photographs are taken. Engagement photo sessions are supposed to be casual and relaxed so in this case, sticking to your comfort zone is perfectly fine. If you are planning to have your engagement photos taken and want to do something a bit different, think about what your personal interests and hobbies are. If you and your future spouse share a common hobby or interest, consider using it as a theme for your engagement session. For example, if you both love racing, find a nearby racetrack that will allow you to spend an hour or so shooting there.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
When the Wedding is over, All you have are the photographs.
What You Should Expect From Your Wedding Photographer
The photographer should comprehend and realize your needs and expectations and understand your stylistic preferences and have a clear plan of how to execute the photo session and what to capture in image.
During the wedding, the photographer should be unobtrusive, quiet and cordial, efficient and accurate. The wedding party should not have to concern itself with the photo activity, which should proceed seamlessly "behind the scenes."
The final products should document the wedding in the way you wanted to see it, and reflect your stated tastes and preferences. The photo quality should meet the highest professional standards.
These common-sense guidelines to planning for successful photography will help you achieve your expectations and the best results:
Select a Photographer With Whom You Have Good Personal Chemistry
People underestimate the importance of the "personality" of the photographer, who will end up being a very personal guest at your most important day. When selecting a photographer establish as a key criteria not just the usual portfolio preview, but evaluate carefully whether you feel personally comfortable with this person. Mutual compatibility is paramount! Too often people regret their choice of a photographer not because they don't like the pictures, but they ended up not liking the person.
The actions, behavior and personal style of the photographer can literally ruin your event. All too common are complaints such as : I hated him! He stood out like a sore thumb, he was... obtrusive; pompous; arrogant; bossy; poorly dressed; greasy; ill-mannered; overbearing; egotistical; made bad jokes; loud-mouthed; and he ordered my guests around like he was the director of the event. Take your pick. You don't want either. I've even heard about a photographer getting annoyed and raising his voice to the guests while setting people up for a shot. Don't bring a photographer to your event which you would not otherwise feel very comfortable to have as a wedding guest. First find a photographer who you like as a person - then evaluate other criteria.
What To Look For In a Portfolio
Evaluating a photographer's portfolio depends entirely upon your own stylistic and artistic preferences. Fundamentally, do you prefer artistic photography, or the more generic, commercial wedding look?
Your wedding photography should reflect who you are as a person- and match your tastes and style. When you evaluate photographer's portfolio, look for nuances and subtleties. Does the photographer see things as you do ? Is there as sense of beauty ? Does the photographer captures the light in people's soul ? Does the photography reflect the passion of the moment? Do the portfolio pictures speak to you ? Do they move you? Stir passions?
There is no easy formula. Follow your heart and look at as many photographers as necessary until what you see with your eyes connects with you intrinsically. Don't settle for average and never make stylistic compromises for the sake of time pressures and convenience. You will live with these photos for too long to have regrets. The photographer should be an extension of yourself and meet your highest standard. Be very picky!
Define and Articulate Your Expectations and Desires
Visualize in advance what your completed wedding album and framed photos should look like. Do you prefer the lasting elegance and sophistication of traditional black and white photography ? Black and white photography will not fade when framed and subjected to light, and will last for generations. Color prints may discolor and turn greenish with time when exposed to direct light. However, color is very beautiful, especially during outdoor weddings in a nice landscape and weather conditions. Color photos in albums will keep for decades. If you favor color photography do you prefer the "soft" touch often associated with glamour or model photography or do you want crisp, clear and sharp images? How many prints will you want and what sizes will you prefer. Do you like matte or glossy finish, with borders or without ? How do you envision your wedding album?
Consider your own preferences carefully. If you are uncertain let the photographer show you samples of different print formats and approaches. Ask about the lab the photographer deals with. Look at samples of actual weddings. Be aware of the large, glitzy show samples on the wall. Sometimes these impressive wall-samples are provided by labs and not even shot by the studio you are sitting in. Some photographers are like fast food restaurants. Somehow the burger you get never looks like the one on the poster.
Think carefully about what you want and communicate this to your photographer and assure that the photographer understands your expectations.
Plan the Wedding Day Photography from Beginning to End
It is wise to appoint a member of the wedding party to be the photo-coordinator during the big day, to organize the family groups and to point out people to be photographed. Remember that the photographer does not know your relatives and guests. A wedding day command such as "Make sure you photograph Uncle Wilbur and Aunt Mae" won't help the poor photographer.
Visit the location with the photographer and the photo-coordinator to preview the wedding site. The photographer needs to determine lighting conditions and become familiar with the overall environment . If you plan to photograph posed groups outside, plan for alternative locations indoors in case of adverse weather conditions. Let the photographer know during the site visit whether you prefer candid "document the event freely with your own eyes" approach, or a structured, formal posed-groups, or a combination of both.
Let the photographer know the sequence of the activities and who, what, when and where you want to photograph (or, not to). It is important to determine whether the photographer should photograph during the ceremony. Some houses of worship prohibit photography during the actual ceremony, in which case the photographer should be willing to come in during the rehearsal. If the photographer shoots during the actual ceremony this may trigger the guests to pull out pocket cameras with flashes and video cameras, which can be disruptive.
Also, consider whether it is important to the bride to get photos in her chamber, applying make-up, getting styled, etc. In such a case it would be appropriate to select a woman photographer.
Get Things In Writing
Most professional photographers will write a special wedding photo contract. Be sure that you read it carefully, especially the fine print. Be aware that by US and international copyright law, the photographer owns the negatives and has the sole right to reproduce the photos. If you wish to receive the negatives, and thus the copyright, you need to discuss this in advance. It is up to each photographer to accept or decline this request and to determine additional costs for this privilege.
The contract should clearly define all mutual expectations and requirements, including services to be rendered, fees, deposits and all related information.
Closely examine "price packages" to avoid unexpected, pesky "add-on charges". Contracts should clearly define what is included in the price and you should know exactly what you are getting in the end. Also, be sure to discuss cancellation, refunds of deposits and when payments are due. A good photo contract helps both parties define terms and conditions and assure a clear understanding of all relevant issues. Like any contract, don't sign anything you are uncomfortable with. If necessary, take it home and have the contract reviewed by your representatives.
Be Nice
When the photographer works hard at your wedding all day, please extend a host's courtesies. Be gracious, polite and friendly. Please offer food and drink and allow for periodic short breaks. Your kindness will be much appreciated.
All of this work and effort will hopefully help you assure that when it is all over, you will have a photo album to love and treasure forever - without a single regret.
The photographer should comprehend and realize your needs and expectations and understand your stylistic preferences and have a clear plan of how to execute the photo session and what to capture in image.
During the wedding, the photographer should be unobtrusive, quiet and cordial, efficient and accurate. The wedding party should not have to concern itself with the photo activity, which should proceed seamlessly "behind the scenes."
The final products should document the wedding in the way you wanted to see it, and reflect your stated tastes and preferences. The photo quality should meet the highest professional standards.
These common-sense guidelines to planning for successful photography will help you achieve your expectations and the best results:
Select a Photographer With Whom You Have Good Personal Chemistry
People underestimate the importance of the "personality" of the photographer, who will end up being a very personal guest at your most important day. When selecting a photographer establish as a key criteria not just the usual portfolio preview, but evaluate carefully whether you feel personally comfortable with this person. Mutual compatibility is paramount! Too often people regret their choice of a photographer not because they don't like the pictures, but they ended up not liking the person.
The actions, behavior and personal style of the photographer can literally ruin your event. All too common are complaints such as : I hated him! He stood out like a sore thumb, he was... obtrusive; pompous; arrogant; bossy; poorly dressed; greasy; ill-mannered; overbearing; egotistical; made bad jokes; loud-mouthed; and he ordered my guests around like he was the director of the event. Take your pick. You don't want either. I've even heard about a photographer getting annoyed and raising his voice to the guests while setting people up for a shot. Don't bring a photographer to your event which you would not otherwise feel very comfortable to have as a wedding guest. First find a photographer who you like as a person - then evaluate other criteria.
What To Look For In a Portfolio
Evaluating a photographer's portfolio depends entirely upon your own stylistic and artistic preferences. Fundamentally, do you prefer artistic photography, or the more generic, commercial wedding look?
Your wedding photography should reflect who you are as a person- and match your tastes and style. When you evaluate photographer's portfolio, look for nuances and subtleties. Does the photographer see things as you do ? Is there as sense of beauty ? Does the photographer captures the light in people's soul ? Does the photography reflect the passion of the moment? Do the portfolio pictures speak to you ? Do they move you? Stir passions?
There is no easy formula. Follow your heart and look at as many photographers as necessary until what you see with your eyes connects with you intrinsically. Don't settle for average and never make stylistic compromises for the sake of time pressures and convenience. You will live with these photos for too long to have regrets. The photographer should be an extension of yourself and meet your highest standard. Be very picky!
Define and Articulate Your Expectations and Desires
Visualize in advance what your completed wedding album and framed photos should look like. Do you prefer the lasting elegance and sophistication of traditional black and white photography ? Black and white photography will not fade when framed and subjected to light, and will last for generations. Color prints may discolor and turn greenish with time when exposed to direct light. However, color is very beautiful, especially during outdoor weddings in a nice landscape and weather conditions. Color photos in albums will keep for decades. If you favor color photography do you prefer the "soft" touch often associated with glamour or model photography or do you want crisp, clear and sharp images? How many prints will you want and what sizes will you prefer. Do you like matte or glossy finish, with borders or without ? How do you envision your wedding album?
Consider your own preferences carefully. If you are uncertain let the photographer show you samples of different print formats and approaches. Ask about the lab the photographer deals with. Look at samples of actual weddings. Be aware of the large, glitzy show samples on the wall. Sometimes these impressive wall-samples are provided by labs and not even shot by the studio you are sitting in. Some photographers are like fast food restaurants. Somehow the burger you get never looks like the one on the poster.
Think carefully about what you want and communicate this to your photographer and assure that the photographer understands your expectations.
Plan the Wedding Day Photography from Beginning to End
It is wise to appoint a member of the wedding party to be the photo-coordinator during the big day, to organize the family groups and to point out people to be photographed. Remember that the photographer does not know your relatives and guests. A wedding day command such as "Make sure you photograph Uncle Wilbur and Aunt Mae" won't help the poor photographer.
Visit the location with the photographer and the photo-coordinator to preview the wedding site. The photographer needs to determine lighting conditions and become familiar with the overall environment . If you plan to photograph posed groups outside, plan for alternative locations indoors in case of adverse weather conditions. Let the photographer know during the site visit whether you prefer candid "document the event freely with your own eyes" approach, or a structured, formal posed-groups, or a combination of both.
Let the photographer know the sequence of the activities and who, what, when and where you want to photograph (or, not to). It is important to determine whether the photographer should photograph during the ceremony. Some houses of worship prohibit photography during the actual ceremony, in which case the photographer should be willing to come in during the rehearsal. If the photographer shoots during the actual ceremony this may trigger the guests to pull out pocket cameras with flashes and video cameras, which can be disruptive.
Also, consider whether it is important to the bride to get photos in her chamber, applying make-up, getting styled, etc. In such a case it would be appropriate to select a woman photographer.
Get Things In Writing
Most professional photographers will write a special wedding photo contract. Be sure that you read it carefully, especially the fine print. Be aware that by US and international copyright law, the photographer owns the negatives and has the sole right to reproduce the photos. If you wish to receive the negatives, and thus the copyright, you need to discuss this in advance. It is up to each photographer to accept or decline this request and to determine additional costs for this privilege.
The contract should clearly define all mutual expectations and requirements, including services to be rendered, fees, deposits and all related information.
Closely examine "price packages" to avoid unexpected, pesky "add-on charges". Contracts should clearly define what is included in the price and you should know exactly what you are getting in the end. Also, be sure to discuss cancellation, refunds of deposits and when payments are due. A good photo contract helps both parties define terms and conditions and assure a clear understanding of all relevant issues. Like any contract, don't sign anything you are uncomfortable with. If necessary, take it home and have the contract reviewed by your representatives.
Be Nice
When the photographer works hard at your wedding all day, please extend a host's courtesies. Be gracious, polite and friendly. Please offer food and drink and allow for periodic short breaks. Your kindness will be much appreciated.
All of this work and effort will hopefully help you assure that when it is all over, you will have a photo album to love and treasure forever - without a single regret.
Monday, August 22, 2011
The trends of 2012 are starting to be seen!
2012 Wedding Gowns Victorian styles are an inspiration for the 2012 bridal season. Have you seen them popping up in bridal salons? They have long, full skirts paired with corsets, lace, chokers, and high collars – these are the details that you’ll see on runways in 2012. Gorgeous Victorian-style wedding dresses where colors add drama and romance!
Ultra-romantic wedding bouquets will pair beautifully with classically-inspired wedding dresses. Soft colors such as ivory or light pink, and big, plush blooms like peonies, will be adorned with details like pearls.
Grooms cakes are becoming an essential part of the dessert course, going beyond sports-themed treats and becoming nearly as elaborate as the primary wedding cake. Full-on dessert tables will be a trend this year, with smatterings of pies, cupcakes, and other, often homemade, treats.
For a different twist, you can add the classic Good Night Station which includes a display of fresh hot coffee, hot tea or an ice cold bottle of water together with a small bag of heart-shaped cookies or chocolates. By switching from a hot to a cold beverage, this station works year round. If you are having a fall or winter wedding reception, the Good Night Station can be modified to include mini donuts and hot chocolate which are always a welcome treat on a cool evening. For a summer wedding reception, you can have traditional ice cream sandwiches and popsicles served to your guests with bottled water.
Multiple gowns: The recent trend of having a separate reception dress shows no sign of stopping. Many brides will choose to have a fuller, more ornate dress for their ceremony, and a more manageable or more casual dress for partying the night away. It is clear that the reception dress should be much more relaxed and fun. It is all over the blogs that Kate Middleton will jump on this trend too. We’ll have to wait for April 29th to see if it is true…
Ultra-romantic wedding bouquets will pair beautifully with classically-inspired wedding dresses. Soft colors such as ivory or light pink, and big, plush blooms like peonies, will be adorned with details like pearls.
2012 Wedding colors
There are lots of diverse options here. The bold color pairings of 2011 continue in 2012, such deep pink and sunny yellow. Neutrals and romance will make a comeback this in 2012, however, with choices that convey tranquility, such as beige and pale blue.
Grooms cakes are becoming an essential part of the dessert course, going beyond sports-themed treats and becoming nearly as elaborate as the primary wedding cake. Full-on dessert tables will be a trend this year, with smatterings of pies, cupcakes, and other, often homemade, treats.
More and more, couples are including a Good Night Station at the end of their reception for their guests’ enjoyment. With the wedding menus at Majestic Gardens, we always include chocolate covered strawberries as a good night treat but many couples incorporate additional goodies for their guests.
For a different twist, you can add the classic Good Night Station which includes a display of fresh hot coffee, hot tea or an ice cold bottle of water together with a small bag of heart-shaped cookies or chocolates. By switching from a hot to a cold beverage, this station works year round. If you are having a fall or winter wedding reception, the Good Night Station can be modified to include mini donuts and hot chocolate which are always a welcome treat on a cool evening. For a summer wedding reception, you can have traditional ice cream sandwiches and popsicles served to your guests with bottled water.
Another great idea is to have fresh bagels with cream cheese available for your guests as they depart. The bagels are packaged in bags labeled with your name and date, and make a great breakfast for the next morning. With the bagels, you can include a variety of mini bagels or for a really special treat, you can include a half dozen of bagels (usually two plain, two poppy and two sesame) with ½ lb of cream cheese for each couple. For couples having a Saturday evening reception, the bagels can be paired with the early edition of the Sunday paper.
2012 Wedding themes
Strong wedding themes will be big in 2012.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Engagement Photos Usage Tips
Aside from the wedding images, many couples won't have any other professional photos of themselves. The engagement session photos can be included in your wedding album to create a prequel; leading into the wedding day story.
If like most couples, you are looking for a fun way to entertain your guests during the wedding reception, consider using the photos as part of a slideshow. Reception slideshows have become a favorite choice because they are personal, easy to put together as well as operate, and they beckon for everyone's involvement in an unobtrusive way. The slideshow is something that your photographer can easily put together. However, if you are computer savvy, you can also create one on your own. The best part is that all of your guests will enjoy viewing photos of the newlyweds on a big screen. Below is a short list of affordable slideshow creation tools:
Another option is to use the images in a guest book where guests can sign on the day of the wedding. Your photographer can put together a beautiful custom guest album with blank space for signing along with your engagement photos. This is one of the more popular options because it makes a great memorabilia and everyone will enjoy looking through your photos during the wedding.
If you want a display piece, you can select one or two of your favorite photos from the engagement session to be enlarged and displayed at your wedding. The cocktail hall or gift table is a great place for this. Rather than a guest book, you can opt to have a signature mat around the enlargement where guests can sign. Usually, if your photographer is providing the enlargement, he or she can also provide an easel for the photograph.
These are just a few of the ways that engagement photos can be used. There are many great reasons to have professional engagement photos taken. It should come as no surprise that so many couples are seeking this option. If you are interested in learning more about engagement sessions, just talk to your photographer.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Wedding Photography
Choosing a wedding photographer is often a confusing process. You want to find someone who will take nice pictures, but how do you know what to look for? Between all of the different types of photography, cameras, films and all of the different personalities of photographers, it can often seem an impossible task. This guide will discuss styles of photography, film and how to choose a photographer that has a personality you can live with.
Selecting A Style
The first point we will touch on is style of photography and pictures. There are many different styles which photographers use, and the decision rests upon your tastes. The two most popular styles used in wedding photography are "photojournalistic" and "portrait". The two most common styles of pictures used are posed and casual.
The portrait style photographer should be able to take both posed/formal shots and casual shots. Generally, a photographer who uses this style will take more posed shots than casual because his/her experience has shown that couples' tend to buy more of these shots. This is fine if you are such a couple, but you may run into problems if want more casual shots than posed. One way to find out if a photographer uses one type over the other is to look through his/her portfolio. The photographer that uses a photojournalistic approach usually takes shots that are not planned, and because of this they are usually casual. Often a photographer using this style has experience in journalism (newspapers, magazines, etc.) photography. The shots taken are often spontaneous motion shots as well.
There is a third type of photographer as well. It's harder to gauge what type of pictures will result though, for this type of photographer is not a professional, and often has no portfolio. Whether it is a friend or relative, this person is a "hobbyist" photographer who will offer to photograph the wedding for free (or very low cost). Your pictures may or may not come out as well as if you hired a professional, and the best indicator in this case is experience. Just as with any photographer, you should interview and get references.
Camera Types
There are two basic types of cameras that wedding photographers use, 35mm and medium format. There is some contention, even among professional photographers as to which is best. The 35mm cameras will give you a slightly grainier appearance if the photo is enlarged than the medium format will. Unless you plan on very large enlargements, the only one that will notice this graininess is your photographer.
Film - A Return To Black And White?
Film comes in color or black & white. Color is the most popular choice in wedding photography, but black & white is gaining a foothold. Black & white film will give you a more artistic looking photograph no matter whether you a prefer portrait or photojournalistic style. It also lasts longer than color film. Color is the more versatile of the two. Color pictures will give you a more accurate portrayal of your wedding day. They can be made into black & white prints, but won't last as long as black & white pictures from black & white film. Photographers who use the photojournalistic style are more apt to use black & white film. The choice is usually made according to the couple's tastes.
Another consideration is the speed of the film. Most photographers will already have a standard that they use in certain situations, and the couple won't need to worry about the film speed. When using a "hobbyist" photographer, a discussion about film speed should occur. Since most hobbyist photographers use a 35mm camera, the focus will generally be on 100, 200 or 400 speed film. 100 speed is best in strong sunlight and is the least grainiest of the three. 200 speed is the middle ground and often used for partial sun or partial shade. 400 speed works well in low light. 400 speed is the most commonly used for wedding photography (by hobbyist's) because it can be used for indoor shots or outdoor shots.
Your Photographers Personality
Wedding photographers have a reputation for being high strung and haughty. Not all wedding photographers are this way, but some are. Most couples are looking for a photographer that takes great pictures, but is also sociable while doing so. The best time to find out what personality your photographer has is in the interview. Ask pointed questions and gauge his/her reactions. If you feel as if the photographer is putting on an act for your benefit, he/she probably is. Trust your instincts! Ask for references and then follow up on them. Make sure to ask about the photographer's personality. If the couple feels comfortable with the photographer and vice versa, it will show in the pictures.
The Perfect Portfolio - Beware!
Finally, always look through a photographer's portfolio. In the case of a hobbyist photographer, look through albums of pictures that he/she has taken. These photographs will probably be the best that the photographer has taken, (or they wouldn't make it into the portfolio) but should give you an indication of what to expect. Look for photographs where subjects are slightly out-of-focus, where attention is drawn away from the subject, colors are muted or too strong (lighting), streaks in pictures and so on. If you find any of these things, it's likely that the pictures of your wedding day will contain some of these elements as well.
Selecting A Style
The first point we will touch on is style of photography and pictures. There are many different styles which photographers use, and the decision rests upon your tastes. The two most popular styles used in wedding photography are "photojournalistic" and "portrait". The two most common styles of pictures used are posed and casual.
The portrait style photographer should be able to take both posed/formal shots and casual shots. Generally, a photographer who uses this style will take more posed shots than casual because his/her experience has shown that couples' tend to buy more of these shots. This is fine if you are such a couple, but you may run into problems if want more casual shots than posed. One way to find out if a photographer uses one type over the other is to look through his/her portfolio. The photographer that uses a photojournalistic approach usually takes shots that are not planned, and because of this they are usually casual. Often a photographer using this style has experience in journalism (newspapers, magazines, etc.) photography. The shots taken are often spontaneous motion shots as well.
There is a third type of photographer as well. It's harder to gauge what type of pictures will result though, for this type of photographer is not a professional, and often has no portfolio. Whether it is a friend or relative, this person is a "hobbyist" photographer who will offer to photograph the wedding for free (or very low cost). Your pictures may or may not come out as well as if you hired a professional, and the best indicator in this case is experience. Just as with any photographer, you should interview and get references.
Camera Types
There are two basic types of cameras that wedding photographers use, 35mm and medium format. There is some contention, even among professional photographers as to which is best. The 35mm cameras will give you a slightly grainier appearance if the photo is enlarged than the medium format will. Unless you plan on very large enlargements, the only one that will notice this graininess is your photographer.
Film - A Return To Black And White?
Film comes in color or black & white. Color is the most popular choice in wedding photography, but black & white is gaining a foothold. Black & white film will give you a more artistic looking photograph no matter whether you a prefer portrait or photojournalistic style. It also lasts longer than color film. Color is the more versatile of the two. Color pictures will give you a more accurate portrayal of your wedding day. They can be made into black & white prints, but won't last as long as black & white pictures from black & white film. Photographers who use the photojournalistic style are more apt to use black & white film. The choice is usually made according to the couple's tastes.
Another consideration is the speed of the film. Most photographers will already have a standard that they use in certain situations, and the couple won't need to worry about the film speed. When using a "hobbyist" photographer, a discussion about film speed should occur. Since most hobbyist photographers use a 35mm camera, the focus will generally be on 100, 200 or 400 speed film. 100 speed is best in strong sunlight and is the least grainiest of the three. 200 speed is the middle ground and often used for partial sun or partial shade. 400 speed works well in low light. 400 speed is the most commonly used for wedding photography (by hobbyist's) because it can be used for indoor shots or outdoor shots.
Your Photographers Personality
Wedding photographers have a reputation for being high strung and haughty. Not all wedding photographers are this way, but some are. Most couples are looking for a photographer that takes great pictures, but is also sociable while doing so. The best time to find out what personality your photographer has is in the interview. Ask pointed questions and gauge his/her reactions. If you feel as if the photographer is putting on an act for your benefit, he/she probably is. Trust your instincts! Ask for references and then follow up on them. Make sure to ask about the photographer's personality. If the couple feels comfortable with the photographer and vice versa, it will show in the pictures.
The Perfect Portfolio - Beware!
Finally, always look through a photographer's portfolio. In the case of a hobbyist photographer, look through albums of pictures that he/she has taken. These photographs will probably be the best that the photographer has taken, (or they wouldn't make it into the portfolio) but should give you an indication of what to expect. Look for photographs where subjects are slightly out-of-focus, where attention is drawn away from the subject, colors are muted or too strong (lighting), streaks in pictures and so on. If you find any of these things, it's likely that the pictures of your wedding day will contain some of these elements as well.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Define Your Personal Style:
When booking a photographer, be sure to communicate the style of photography that you want. If you only want traditional pictures, make sure your photographer knows that. If you want photojournalistic pictures, make sure your photographer knows how to capture those candid moments. Communication with your photographer about the style of pictures you want is key!!
I always encourage my brides to collect samples of photos that they love - and photos that they don't like... when I see these images, it gives me a clear idea of their style!
I always encourage my brides to collect samples of photos that they love - and photos that they don't like... when I see these images, it gives me a clear idea of their style!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Tears and Tissues
Tissues are a mess so instead try this: Place a cotton handkerchief in the grooms' pocket, the bride has no where to put one. This way if she tears up the groom can take out the hankie offer it to her or dab the tears himself. It will be a beautiful moment for everyone. You may need to practice this so he doesn't ruin her makeup. And who knows, plenty of grooms tear up too. This is more elegant than the back of his hand
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Photos Before the Ceremony
We tell many of our brides to rethink the only-one-hour-between-ceremony-and-reception-for-pictures rule. Here's how that standard timeline really works (imagine you're the bride): The ceremony begins a little late, because a bridesmaid couldn't find her shoes. You're totally flustered, but it's time to walk down the aisle. You eagerly await that "First Glance" of your groom. Except the you're coming down a long aisle, or from down the beach, or the back of the room. The guests stand, and all you groom sees is the top of a veil moving toward him. He may get choked up, but by the time the you reach him, he's masked his emotions again.
The ceremony ends and it takes 15 minutes for the guests to file out of their seats. That 1 hour is cut down to 45 minutes. You and the bridal party will also need about 15 minutes to get to the reception site and get settled. 45 minutes is now only 30. In that half hour, we can do all the "must have" pictures -- family, bridal party, lined up side by side. But that's all. Then you're whisked away to the reception, where family and friends tell you how great you look, and there's a first dance, and a cake cutting, and dinner, and dancing... Everyone has a great time, but there's a problem. On the most romantic day of your life, you haven't had the chance to say more than 3 words to your new hubby! The night ends, and you go home, totally exhausted.
Now let's rewrite that script. You plan for your bridal party to be completely dressed and ready an hour and a half before the ceremony. No last minute rush. You and your groom have arranged a pre-ceremony reveal. You leave all your bridesmaids behind for a special rendezvous. Outside, in a courtyard, or perhaps on the beach, your groom nervously waits for you. His back is turned.
You silently walk up behind him and tap him on the shoulder.
He turns and sees you for the first time, close enough to touch, his eyes full of love. He can see every little detail up close. You giggle, he looks down at his shoes, you hug, you kiss. You two are alone in the world for this special moment.
When the butterflies in your stomach subside, you have a chance to talk. You tell him how you could hardly sleep last night; he tells you that he couldn't find his socks and is wearing a mismatched pair. After you've reconnected, your photographers (who've secretly been photographing all along) take the time for some romantic photos that you wouldn't have had time for after the ceremony.
Now, there's still an hour until the ceremony, so we bring the bridal party and the family out for the must-haves. It's all out of the way. A half hour before the ceremony, you and your groom go back inside and sip champagne in a private room and chat until it's time to walk down the aisle.
During that cocktail hour? Let's wander around and take those fun pictures with the bridal party that you always wanted!
The ceremony ends and it takes 15 minutes for the guests to file out of their seats. That 1 hour is cut down to 45 minutes. You and the bridal party will also need about 15 minutes to get to the reception site and get settled. 45 minutes is now only 30. In that half hour, we can do all the "must have" pictures -- family, bridal party, lined up side by side. But that's all. Then you're whisked away to the reception, where family and friends tell you how great you look, and there's a first dance, and a cake cutting, and dinner, and dancing... Everyone has a great time, but there's a problem. On the most romantic day of your life, you haven't had the chance to say more than 3 words to your new hubby! The night ends, and you go home, totally exhausted.
Now let's rewrite that script. You plan for your bridal party to be completely dressed and ready an hour and a half before the ceremony. No last minute rush. You and your groom have arranged a pre-ceremony reveal. You leave all your bridesmaids behind for a special rendezvous. Outside, in a courtyard, or perhaps on the beach, your groom nervously waits for you. His back is turned.
You silently walk up behind him and tap him on the shoulder.
He turns and sees you for the first time, close enough to touch, his eyes full of love. He can see every little detail up close. You giggle, he looks down at his shoes, you hug, you kiss. You two are alone in the world for this special moment.
When the butterflies in your stomach subside, you have a chance to talk. You tell him how you could hardly sleep last night; he tells you that he couldn't find his socks and is wearing a mismatched pair. After you've reconnected, your photographers (who've secretly been photographing all along) take the time for some romantic photos that you wouldn't have had time for after the ceremony.
Now, there's still an hour until the ceremony, so we bring the bridal party and the family out for the must-haves. It's all out of the way. A half hour before the ceremony, you and your groom go back inside and sip champagne in a private room and chat until it's time to walk down the aisle.
During that cocktail hour? Let's wander around and take those fun pictures with the bridal party that you always wanted!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wedding Photography Tips for Brides
Brides want their marriage ceremony to be perfect. Part of making this memorable occasion nothing short of spectacular is to involve the right people behind the scenes. Everything from the cake, to the music, to the photographs need to be spot-on. However, when it comes to pictures, wedding photography tips for brides can help assure the bride-to-be that she will look absolutely stunning.
The first thing for a lady to do is take the time to know her photographer. Making the extra effort to meet with the man or woman photographing the event will allow both the subject and the photographer to gain a feel of what to expect from each other. Sending an assistant to do this is usually not recommended. The bride will want to discuss options such as black and white pictures, an assistant will not always know what the bride truly wants.
Photographer’s who have been in the business for many years are very good at knowing what poses compliment different body types. More often than not a series of pictures of the bride, and in some cases the wedding party, are taken before the actual ceremony. This allows more than enough time for posing for the camera.
Photographer’s are artists. While they do not paint with a brush or make clay sculptures, they bring together contrasting colors coupled with light and emotions. Pictures can be bold and sharp or dreamy and subdued. Brides are encouraged to relay any ideas ahead of time as far as poses or backgrounds are concerned. Backgrounds make a huge difference in the outcome of a photograph. Studio shots and outdoor shots should both be discussed.
The absolute most important thing is attitude. Emotions show in photographs. The bride is encouraged to ignore the fact there is even a photographer present. She should do her best to calm her mind and simply let her own personality shine through. There is no need to always look into the camera, it is the photographer’s job to capture a variety of angles.
Facial expressions become fake if they are held for too long. Photographer’s know this. The goal is to capture the emotion in an instant. This is one reason why numerous pictures are taken. When all elements are right, no other picture can surpass the bride’s.
Paying attention to detail makes a big difference. Well-manicured fingernails are a must. Chipped polish and jagged edges are obvious in pictures. This is not what a bride will want to see in her pictures. Hair and make-up needs to be finished off just right. Runny eyeliner and mascara should not be worn as most brides do shed a tear or two on her big day.
There are many wedding photography tips for brides available. Personal friends, relatives, and wedding planners can share their ideas. Gaining input from other photographers and art directors are excellent methods for creating age-defying portraits.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Color is our friend...
It is surprising the number of brides I encounter who are either afraid of, or resistant to, using color in their weddings. Like many aspects of wedding planning, choosing a color palette can seem overwhelming at first. Often I hear brides say “We are just going to stick with natural tones,” but in most cases what they are really saying is, “I am scared to commit to a color palette, so I’m just not having one.” This just makes me sad. Color is a wedding’s best friend. If you are capable of making the huge decision to spend the rest of your life with this guy, you are capable of committing to a color palette. Here are some things to remember when trying to get over that scary COLOR hurdle:
“Color palette” does not have to be synonymous with “matchy-matchy”.
I have heard this on several occasions: “I’m not really into the whole ‘matchy-matchy’ look.” OK cool. You don’t have to be. Utilizing a color palette in your wedding decor doesn’t mean that every single detail of your wedding day down to your toenail polish has to coordinate. Think about it like you would think about your wardrobe. You may not be the kind of girl who matches her bag and her shoes every day, but you still try to put together some sort of cohesive look. The same can apply to your wedding. Like Stacey on What Not To Wear says, “It doesn’t have to ‘match’ is has to ‘go.’ If you are afraid of the matchy-matchy syndrome, maybe you pick 6 colors instead of just 2 or 3 so that there are plenty of options at each turn and you end up with cohesion but not matchy-matchy.
Flowers come in colors, not in transparent.
It’s likely that flowers are going to play a fairly significant role in your decor, so give your florist something to work with. I’m no botanical expert, but if you go to him/her and say “We are just using shades of taupes and grays” you are kind of limiting what they can do for you. While all-white flowers can be stunning, adding color can really give your wedding a huge “wow” factor. In most cases a smaller arrangement of brightly colored flowers will add the same amount of drama as a larger arrangement of white/ neutral flowers. And even without being an expert on the cost of flowers, generally speaking I can tell you that buying less flowers is cheaper than buying more flowers
Using a color palette is a FREE way to personalize your event.
Everyone wants their wedding to be special and personal to them. If your friends and family know that you love a certain color, they will be delighted to see that color at your wedding. But even if you use a palette of colors you have never even thought about before in your life, if you use it throughout the event from invitations down to decor details and favors, you will have personalized your wedding.
Color can transform a space.
Especially if you have an indoor venue, you are not working with a completely blank canvas when designing your wedding. You may have wall colors, carpets, etc. to contend with. By having a color palette for your wedding decor, you are essentially saying to your guests “Things in this color palette are part of our wedding.” This can be a good thing if there are permanent design elements in the space that you don’t necessarily love. Your guests eyes will be drawn to the things that are part of your wedding, and away from the things you cannot control. If your wedding is being held in a space where your guests have been many times before, like your childhood church or a popular ballroom, utilizing a color palette will help transform it so that it looks completely unlike the way they have seen it in the past.
If you’re not creative, you don’t have to come up with the color palette yourself.
Your vendors can help. Believe me when I tell you that your wedding planner, florist, and even stationery designer would all be delighted to give you ideas about color. But even just leafing through one of your favorite clothing or home decor catalogs can give you ideas. And of course the online resources are endless.
It’s ok if your fiance doesn’t want to give input on this.
I have spent many an hour of my life in invitation consultations where the bride keeps asking her fiance “Which color do you like best?” and he responds “Whatever you like best, honey.” And repeat. Finally I jump in and say “If (insert fiance’s name here) felt strongly about this I think he would give you his opinion. Maybe you should take the reins on this one.” The hard truth is that unless you insist that every aspect of the wedding must be Pepto pink, dudes really just aren’t that interested in color schemes. Does this mean that they don’t care about you or the wedding? No. It just means that this is not something he feels strongly about, so if you pick something that makes you happy then he will be happy too. Let him give input on things he has an opinion about, like what band to hire or what brand of bourbon to serve.
The bottom line is DON’T BE AFRAID OF COLOR. Unlike your fiance, you are not marrying the color palette for better or for worse. You are just dating it throughout the course of your wedding planning process. If you decide after the wedding to break up with it and move on to a different palette, then on harm, no foul. It served is purpose and nobody got hurtWednesday, April 6, 2011
Remembering Your Wedding Day
It goes without saying that remembering your wedding day for the rest of your lives is very important. Undoubtedly one of the best ways to do this is by having some great pictures to look back on. Photography is one of the most essential aspects of any wedding, and it's vital that you get it right. Photos can do so much more than just document the event, they can capture atmosphere and emotions of the wedding day, and while you will probably always remember what you felt like on your wedding day, it's great to be able to recall the occasion from a third person's viewpoint.
You'll want to make sure that getting the right photographs is a priority, and keep it mind from the onset of planning. Perhaps the first stage of planning comes when selecting your venue. You will want to make sure that the venues you are having your ceremony and reception at allow for photographers to be present. It may sound silly, but believe it or not some venues have restrictions on photography. While the vast majority of wedding venues allow photographers, it's always sensible to check, especially if you are getting married somewhere unusual.
Keep in mind that more and more photographers are taking wedding pictures as a source of additional income. It is important that you can make a determination between which photographers know what they are doing, and which ones are simply trying to make a bit of extra money on the side.
Another early planning consideration is the style of wedding photography you want. Traditional style photography involves you and your guests posing for pictures, often in a variety of different locations. While some people who are trying to keep their costs down will simply opt for pictures in one location only, a variety of shots against different backgrounds are recommended. You may find that traditional style photography can be very time consuming, and may not capture the atmosphere of the wedding, and even though these can make for great pictures, they may not be exactly what you are looking for.
If this is the case, a photojournalistic style may be the best option for you. Photojournalism is often associated with b&w wedding photography, and involves the photographer taking pictures at their own discretion; you will not be posing for anything, instead shots will be taken as the events unfold. For this reason you may find that photojournalism is often better at capturing the true atmosphere of the occasion than traditional photography. But while the photojournalist has free license to shoot whenever he or she wants to, you may end up getting some pictures taken when you are not ready. With a good photojournalist this is usually not a problem.
When hiring somebody to take photojournalistic pictures you will probably end up paying more in the end. There are two reasons for this. First off, they will probably take more photos, moving around, capturing the wedding when they see fit. Also, these photographers usually stick around much longer, if they are charging an hourly rate, the cost will climb.
For most people, combining both styles of photography is the best way to go. It will allow you to get traditional photos that you pose for, as well as some that capture the atmosphere of the events as they unravel. Why not try to work a deal with a photographer for both services at a price you can afford?
If you are on a tight budget you may want to consider hiring a professional to take traditional style photos, but then having guests help you out with the other pictures. Chances are if you ask around, you should be able to find somebody that can take pictures during the reception. They may not be of the highest quality, but you will get the pictures that you want without having to pay a professional rate. This is an option that more and more people on a budget are exercising.
Finally, make sure that you know if you are getting black and white or color photos. There are advantages to both, but you will probably want to make sure that you get some of each. B&W wedding photography photos are often more emotional, but at the same time you may want to have some color photos because they will allow you to capture how the wedding and the people actually looked. This is something that you can talk over with your photographer. They may be able to do a bit of both so that you cover everything.
Wedding photography is important. Choose a photographer you are comfortable with and start planning early on to help ensure you have a visual record of your day to look back on for a lifetime.
Monday, April 4, 2011
.:.: Choose Your Style :.:.
Get your hands on as many wedding pictures as you possibly can. Look online, in bridal magazines or on mantles and desktops -- wherever wedding pictures may be. Sneak a peek at your best friend's album (something tells us you won't have to twist her arm). The point is, familiarize yourself with all the photo styles out there: formal portraits, candid photojournalism, black-and-white, color and sepia prints. Try to identify the styles that intrigue you, and that you'd like to see in your own wedding album. You'll want your photographer to excel in the style you love best.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Stand and Be Photgraphed! Traditional Vs. Candid Photos For Your Wedding
It's sassy, spicy, and sensual. That once unchartered territory on the edge of 'too risqué' is now a growing trend in the photography industry. More and more women, especially brides, are flocking to the idea of giving their guy a truly unique and personal gift for their big day rather than the traditional watch or cuff links.
Boudoir photography. It's not a new idea by any means. 'Boudoir' is an old French word that referred to a woman's changing or pouting room. It is the place where women would prepare for a night's festivities or escape from the crowd for a moment to gather her thoughts. It was a personal and usually elaborately decorated space. And many photographers keep that intimate feel when photographing boudoir.
Women book their sessions for countless reasons... weddings, anniversaries, overseas deployments, or just to celebrate a newly revitalized body after having children. The most important thing to remember is that it's a day for YOU - from mimosas, to music, to a full hair and makeup session - make it a day to celebrate and pamper yourself. Your boudoir photographer should know how to hide the things you dislike, and accentuate the parts of your body you love. Be sure to employ a photographer who is highly skilled (lighting, technical aptitude, etc.) and who has the sort of personality that makes you feel comfortable and uninhibited.
So you decide to book a session. Now what?? The first thing most women ask when booking their session is 'What do I wear?'. I always recommend a hint of a man... something to show your guy that you had him in mind when making his gift. It could be anything - his favorite jersey, the tie he's wearing on the wedding day, or even his favorite cocktail in the background. From there, wear something that reflects your personality, because that's what he fell in love with in the first place! If you're a jeans and t-shirt type of chica, grab some frilly boy shorts or torn up jeans with a simple bra. More of the fancy type? Play it up with a corset, stockings, and stilettos. And for something simple but sexy, covering just the essentials with a white sheet will do wonders for his imagination.
It's an exciting way to show your sexy side, and the idea of giving a truly personal gift is catching on as women become more and more comfortable with their bodies. The traditional one year anniversary gift is paper, and personally, I can't think of a better piece of paper than a few boudoir photos.
There is no reason why the ‘candid’ shots or reportage photography can’t do this for some people, in fact the above paragraph summarises the justification for taking photographs at weddings, in whatever style. But when we take that moment to pose for a group photograph, just after the ceremony to stand and actually be photographed. Not everybody enjoys this part; it can feel stiff, uncomfortable and awkward to be placed in the shot and then instructed to ‘smile!’ However this has become a part of a traditional wedding, as it is a time when the whole family can get together and be photographed. It is a time to be ‘immortalised’ in the photograph and for that period of your family’s history to be documented. And even if it is uncomfortable to smile on demand, just think how lucky we are not to have to sit for an hour while someone paints us instead!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Creating Fun Family Photos
For lots of people, the words "fun", "family", and "portraits" don't mix well. Nothing's worse than a static image of a family with matching outfits staring straight ahead with stilted, forced smiles. Is that what you want hanging over your fireplace mantel? How can you get family portraits that capture the spirit of the family and the personality of each individual? Consider turning your family portrait session into a lifestyle session by adopting some of these family-friendly strategies.
Just Do It! (Something Fun That Is): The best way to get natural, interesting photos is to do something interesting that your family does naturally. Go get ice cream at the local ice cream parlor; plan a photo shoot at the bowling alley; visit the zoo. The venue adds interest and depth to the resulting portraits; certainly more eye-catching than a black backdrop!
Mix It Up; Don't Match Up: Does everyone in your family wear matching shirts every day? If not, why should you look so "matchy-matchy" in your family portrait? Instead of wearing the exact same thing, choose a color palette (three colors or less) and have everyone create their own outfit within that palette. Look through your favorite magazines for photos; look at how the model families wear individual outfits that complement one another, and mimic their style!
Don't Act Natural--Be Natural: Cameras can make you uneasy; they can also make even those most animated individuals turn stiff. For years, parents have taught their children to smile with one simple word: "Cheese!" How natural is that? Spend time talking to each other; adults should interact with the kids--hug them, play with them, kiss them. Let grandpa tell that story that puts the whole family in stitches every time while the photographer capture those priceless reactions.
Timing is Everything: Choose a time of day that will be best for everyone in the family and for the photographer to make the best use of light. If little Susie takes a daily nap at 3 pm or if the sixteen-year-old doesn't wake up until noon, mid-afternoon or early morning sessions are probably a bad idea! Harsh sunlight is tough on the eyes, especially for young children. Listen to the suggestions from your photographer--he or she knows best!
A Day in the Life: Instead of choosing an hour that will work for everyone, why not book a photographer to spend an entire day with your family? A journalistic, day-in-the-life approach can reveal some of the most intimate, emotional connections your family shares. Photographs of parents telling bedtime stories to their kids, grand-kids baking cookies with grandma, the family gathered at the dinner table; these moments can produce memorable, original photographs that tell your family's story.
Just Do It! (Something Fun That Is): The best way to get natural, interesting photos is to do something interesting that your family does naturally. Go get ice cream at the local ice cream parlor; plan a photo shoot at the bowling alley; visit the zoo. The venue adds interest and depth to the resulting portraits; certainly more eye-catching than a black backdrop!
Mix It Up; Don't Match Up: Does everyone in your family wear matching shirts every day? If not, why should you look so "matchy-matchy" in your family portrait? Instead of wearing the exact same thing, choose a color palette (three colors or less) and have everyone create their own outfit within that palette. Look through your favorite magazines for photos; look at how the model families wear individual outfits that complement one another, and mimic their style!
Don't Act Natural--Be Natural: Cameras can make you uneasy; they can also make even those most animated individuals turn stiff. For years, parents have taught their children to smile with one simple word: "Cheese!" How natural is that? Spend time talking to each other; adults should interact with the kids--hug them, play with them, kiss them. Let grandpa tell that story that puts the whole family in stitches every time while the photographer capture those priceless reactions.
Timing is Everything: Choose a time of day that will be best for everyone in the family and for the photographer to make the best use of light. If little Susie takes a daily nap at 3 pm or if the sixteen-year-old doesn't wake up until noon, mid-afternoon or early morning sessions are probably a bad idea! Harsh sunlight is tough on the eyes, especially for young children. Listen to the suggestions from your photographer--he or she knows best!
A Day in the Life: Instead of choosing an hour that will work for everyone, why not book a photographer to spend an entire day with your family? A journalistic, day-in-the-life approach can reveal some of the most intimate, emotional connections your family shares. Photographs of parents telling bedtime stories to their kids, grand-kids baking cookies with grandma, the family gathered at the dinner table; these moments can produce memorable, original photographs that tell your family's story.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Dear Brides: Love Your Photographer
It’s the day you have been waiting your whole life for.
It’s your day to indulge in everything you’ve ever wanted and look your most beautiful.
It’s all about you.
We get it.
But there are certain things you can DO and DON’T to help enhance the relationship you have with your photographer on your big day.
While you are the star of your day, we are the director coordinating the whole show, stressing behind the scenes not wanting to miss a single moment, yet keeping a smile on our face to provide you with amazing customer service like you deserve. However, we need you to help us help you. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help your photographer pull off your day as nothing less than fabulous.
1. DO make photography a priority in your budget. Photography is an investment, and just like any investment, you get what you pay for. If you try to find someone cheap to save a few dollars, more than likely, you will be unhappy with the quality of your photos. Yes, in the digital day and age, anyone can whip out a point and shoot camera, as most of your guests will probably be doing, but true photography is an art and worth the little extra you pay for a rock star wedding photographer who delivers stunning and emotionally rich photos. If need be, pay by credit card and pay it off later. Or sacrifice the extra unnecessary frou frou decoration to pay for a few extra pages in your coffee table album. When your wedding day is over, your photos and album are the only things that remain and last forever. Remember, your grand-kids will be looking at these photos one day. You want a photographer who can capture the true emotion of why their grandparents fell in love, not a photographer who can cut you the best deal right now.
2. DON’T just look for a photographer in your market. If you can’t find a photographer you like in your area, don’t settle for one just because they are close by. Most photographers love to travel and shoot destination weddings. Don’t be afraid to pay a little extra in travel fees to be able to hire a photographer who better fits your style. Plus, you are fabulous enough to fly in only the best, right?
3. DO your research, but DON’T compare photographers’ packages. Each photographer offers different packages to best showcase the art we create for you. Just as unique as your photos will be, a photographer’s packages are just as individualized. Photographers can be insulted when you try to insist our competitor offers A, B, and C in their package at X amount of price, and then ask us to do the same. If you want that A, B, and C package at X amount of price, then go with that photographer. We want brides who want us because they connect with our style of photography and appreciate our art, not brides shopping around for the best deal.
4. DON’T ask us to make an exception for you on the price of our packages. We don’t care what budget you have and if our price fits in your budget or not. Would you go into Louis Vitton, find the purse of your dreams, go up to the counter and ask the sales person to give a discount on the purse because it’s not in your budget? No! Please don’t do that to us either. Just because it is a service we provide, doesn’t mean the value is any less than a tangible good.
5. DO hire a wedding planner. While the photographer is responsible for how your day flows visually, a wedding planner is an expert in how to coordinate your day to flow with as less stress as possible. It helps us get the best photos when we can concentrate on simply being the photographer, not the director too. And you shouldn’t be worrying about all the details coming together either. It’s your day to be a princess and catered to, not stressing about if the bows are tied on the seat covers or having to track down the florist because the bouquets were the wrong shade of magenta. A general rule: Something will always go wrong, and these minuscule details are worth the stress you can save for the price you can hire a wedding planner to handle it for you. Photographers like brides who are relaxed, not stressed. Relaxed brides make for more beautiful photos.
6. DON’T plan your ceremony at sunset. A given on any wedding day is that things will always go behind no matter how much you try to plan ahead of time. Yes, sunset lighting is the most gorgeous for outdoor weddings, but set the ceremony time half an hour before in order to actually be walking down the aisle by the time it is actually starting to set. And if you can, start the ceremony an hour before in order to give your photographer enough day light after the ceremony for the required family formal photos that follow.
7. DO see your groom for a First Meet before the ceremony. Yes, it’s traditional to wait for the groom to see you walking down the aisle. And while photographers respect tradition if need be, from our perspective, we prefer you to see your groom beforehand. It will not only help the flow of your day, but also help you get the best photos possible with your groom if you allow time to meet him before the ceremony. Normally, by the time the ceremony is over, you are relieved it is over and ready to party, and it should be your time to relax and mingle with guests and soak in your congratulations. Don’t stress yourself out further by having to further squeeze in your photos with your groom after the formal family photos and before the DJ is ready to announce you. Your guests will be starving and ready for dinner. The more photos you can get out of the way before the ceremony, the more time you have to truly enjoy the experience of your day in the midst of the whirlwind that is swirling around you.
8. DON’T expect your photographer to tell you every which way to pose for your bridal photos and photos with your groom. Yes, your photographer will be happy to suggest poses, but you ultimately know what your best side is and how you feel most flattering. We love when you work it for the camera! The more fluid and into your photos you can be, the better it looks. This is probably the one time in your life you will have professional photos done, so live it up. Bring out your inner supermodel and pretend the photographer is your mirror that you secretly strut in front of when no one is looking. Watch shows like America’s Next Top Model to see what works and doesn’t work. Study fashion magazines to practice poses in front of the mirror before you are in front of the camera. In the shots with your groom, don’t be afraid to show passion with your man! So what if your grandma is a few feet away watching you make out with your new hubby in a few shots. You are in love, celebrate it! The more you can work it for the photographer, the more your photographer will be inspired creatively to provide you the best photos possible. Anyone can take a photo of you and your groom smiling at the camera. Your photographer wants to see the laugh you share, the sweetness in your eyes when you look at each other, the way you snuggle up together, the sassiness of knowing you look hot on your wedding day, the way your groom knows he’s with the hottest girl in the world, etc.
9. DO communicate with your photographer what photos are important for you to have, but DON’T give them a list of pre-planned unnatural photos (i.e.: Mom holding veil of bride and smiling at the camera). As artists who shoot from the heart, not by a list, we would rather capture the natural emotion of your mom crying as she’s putting on your veil, not the posey-stop-and-smile-at-camera-in-between-every-move shot. Especially to true photojournalists who capture the day as it unfolds naturally. If your photographer needs you to stop and smile at the camera, they’ll let you know. Trust me.
10. DON’T forget to feed your photographer. By the time your reception starts, your guests aren’t the only ones starving; we are too! Having been on our feet all day running around like crazy, we need a quick moment to rest and recharge before the party gets started. Please remember to include us in your budget for a regular meal when counting heads for the reception meal. Don’t provide us a lunch boxed “vendor meal”. We aren’t in kindergarten. But we will always save room for dessert, so reward your photographer for a hard day’s work with a piece of cake at the end of the night!
It’s your day to indulge in everything you’ve ever wanted and look your most beautiful.
It’s all about you.
We get it.
But there are certain things you can DO and DON’T to help enhance the relationship you have with your photographer on your big day.
While you are the star of your day, we are the director coordinating the whole show, stressing behind the scenes not wanting to miss a single moment, yet keeping a smile on our face to provide you with amazing customer service like you deserve. However, we need you to help us help you. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help your photographer pull off your day as nothing less than fabulous.
1. DO make photography a priority in your budget. Photography is an investment, and just like any investment, you get what you pay for. If you try to find someone cheap to save a few dollars, more than likely, you will be unhappy with the quality of your photos. Yes, in the digital day and age, anyone can whip out a point and shoot camera, as most of your guests will probably be doing, but true photography is an art and worth the little extra you pay for a rock star wedding photographer who delivers stunning and emotionally rich photos. If need be, pay by credit card and pay it off later. Or sacrifice the extra unnecessary frou frou decoration to pay for a few extra pages in your coffee table album. When your wedding day is over, your photos and album are the only things that remain and last forever. Remember, your grand-kids will be looking at these photos one day. You want a photographer who can capture the true emotion of why their grandparents fell in love, not a photographer who can cut you the best deal right now.
2. DON’T just look for a photographer in your market. If you can’t find a photographer you like in your area, don’t settle for one just because they are close by. Most photographers love to travel and shoot destination weddings. Don’t be afraid to pay a little extra in travel fees to be able to hire a photographer who better fits your style. Plus, you are fabulous enough to fly in only the best, right?
3. DO your research, but DON’T compare photographers’ packages. Each photographer offers different packages to best showcase the art we create for you. Just as unique as your photos will be, a photographer’s packages are just as individualized. Photographers can be insulted when you try to insist our competitor offers A, B, and C in their package at X amount of price, and then ask us to do the same. If you want that A, B, and C package at X amount of price, then go with that photographer. We want brides who want us because they connect with our style of photography and appreciate our art, not brides shopping around for the best deal.
4. DON’T ask us to make an exception for you on the price of our packages. We don’t care what budget you have and if our price fits in your budget or not. Would you go into Louis Vitton, find the purse of your dreams, go up to the counter and ask the sales person to give a discount on the purse because it’s not in your budget? No! Please don’t do that to us either. Just because it is a service we provide, doesn’t mean the value is any less than a tangible good.
5. DO hire a wedding planner. While the photographer is responsible for how your day flows visually, a wedding planner is an expert in how to coordinate your day to flow with as less stress as possible. It helps us get the best photos when we can concentrate on simply being the photographer, not the director too. And you shouldn’t be worrying about all the details coming together either. It’s your day to be a princess and catered to, not stressing about if the bows are tied on the seat covers or having to track down the florist because the bouquets were the wrong shade of magenta. A general rule: Something will always go wrong, and these minuscule details are worth the stress you can save for the price you can hire a wedding planner to handle it for you. Photographers like brides who are relaxed, not stressed. Relaxed brides make for more beautiful photos.
6. DON’T plan your ceremony at sunset. A given on any wedding day is that things will always go behind no matter how much you try to plan ahead of time. Yes, sunset lighting is the most gorgeous for outdoor weddings, but set the ceremony time half an hour before in order to actually be walking down the aisle by the time it is actually starting to set. And if you can, start the ceremony an hour before in order to give your photographer enough day light after the ceremony for the required family formal photos that follow.
7. DO see your groom for a First Meet before the ceremony. Yes, it’s traditional to wait for the groom to see you walking down the aisle. And while photographers respect tradition if need be, from our perspective, we prefer you to see your groom beforehand. It will not only help the flow of your day, but also help you get the best photos possible with your groom if you allow time to meet him before the ceremony. Normally, by the time the ceremony is over, you are relieved it is over and ready to party, and it should be your time to relax and mingle with guests and soak in your congratulations. Don’t stress yourself out further by having to further squeeze in your photos with your groom after the formal family photos and before the DJ is ready to announce you. Your guests will be starving and ready for dinner. The more photos you can get out of the way before the ceremony, the more time you have to truly enjoy the experience of your day in the midst of the whirlwind that is swirling around you.
8. DON’T expect your photographer to tell you every which way to pose for your bridal photos and photos with your groom. Yes, your photographer will be happy to suggest poses, but you ultimately know what your best side is and how you feel most flattering. We love when you work it for the camera! The more fluid and into your photos you can be, the better it looks. This is probably the one time in your life you will have professional photos done, so live it up. Bring out your inner supermodel and pretend the photographer is your mirror that you secretly strut in front of when no one is looking. Watch shows like America’s Next Top Model to see what works and doesn’t work. Study fashion magazines to practice poses in front of the mirror before you are in front of the camera. In the shots with your groom, don’t be afraid to show passion with your man! So what if your grandma is a few feet away watching you make out with your new hubby in a few shots. You are in love, celebrate it! The more you can work it for the photographer, the more your photographer will be inspired creatively to provide you the best photos possible. Anyone can take a photo of you and your groom smiling at the camera. Your photographer wants to see the laugh you share, the sweetness in your eyes when you look at each other, the way you snuggle up together, the sassiness of knowing you look hot on your wedding day, the way your groom knows he’s with the hottest girl in the world, etc.
9. DO communicate with your photographer what photos are important for you to have, but DON’T give them a list of pre-planned unnatural photos (i.e.: Mom holding veil of bride and smiling at the camera). As artists who shoot from the heart, not by a list, we would rather capture the natural emotion of your mom crying as she’s putting on your veil, not the posey-stop-and-smile-at-camera-in-between-every-move shot. Especially to true photojournalists who capture the day as it unfolds naturally. If your photographer needs you to stop and smile at the camera, they’ll let you know. Trust me.
10. DON’T forget to feed your photographer. By the time your reception starts, your guests aren’t the only ones starving; we are too! Having been on our feet all day running around like crazy, we need a quick moment to rest and recharge before the party gets started. Please remember to include us in your budget for a regular meal when counting heads for the reception meal. Don’t provide us a lunch boxed “vendor meal”. We aren’t in kindergarten. But we will always save room for dessert, so reward your photographer for a hard day’s work with a piece of cake at the end of the night!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wedding Photojournalism - A Photographers Definition
Wedding Photojournalism is here to stay! Stacks of bridal magazines with conflicting information can help to complicate the search for the right wedding photographer.
Brides looking to sort out the confusion over the term photojournalism need only read a newspaper and look at the storytelling images found within.
It was from newspapers that “wedding photojournalists” borrowed the phrase to describe a documentary approach to wedding photography focusing on real moments, instead of staged moments. Remember that picture of dad getting pushed into the church by his groomsmen? While such an images may inspire a chuckle or prompt a sudden gag reflex, it was very common for traditional wedding photographers to direct and stage beyond the standard posed portraits.
In the 1990s a few brave wedding photographers dared to begin marketing with the word “photojournalistic’ to describe their approach to wedding photography. Instead of stopping action to get their shot, they stayed in the background and looked for real interactions and emotions that told the story of the day.
As magazines picked up on the new trend, others hopped on the bandwagon as well, including those that still faked real moments. Adding to the confusion, several other styles developed during the same period – elements of fashion photography, beauty photography, and fine art photography were all being used in wedding photography.
Some of the most successful wedding photographers dabble in several different styles. But some photographers have carved out a niche, focusing on one style in particular. There are photojournalistic purists who will not tamper with any part of a scene, not even to move a beer bottle that may be in the way of their perfect cake shot. Others do not play by the same rules, or any rules.
Some traditional photographers insisted photojournalism was merely a fad or a “buzzword.” But the buzz has persisted and many of the country’s top wedding photographers use a documentary approach. We are now past the point of calling photojournalism a “fad.” It’s simply what many brides want.
Another popular misconception is that this new generation of photojournalists do not understand the equipment because digital photography has made photography so easy. While it’s true that digital photography has simplified the process somewhat, most experienced wedding photojournalists have a great understanding of their equipment. In fact, many of the top wedding photojournalists have come directly from the newspaper industry, where they were leaders in the photojournalism field.
Others may argue that wedding photojournalists really do stage their moments.
But for a true wedding photojournalist to stage or try to recreate a moment goes against everything the term stands for. While such staged moments could fool the average onlooker, the bride and the photographer will always know it is fake, and the image may not stand the test of time.
Hiring a wedding photojournalist does not mean you’ll be forsaking all portraiture at your wedding. Newspaper photographers have been taking portraits for decades. Many wedding photojournalists focus on relaxed portraiture – a directed image where the subject may or may not be looking at the camera. While such images can give the impression of being candid, a wedding photojournalist would never try to pass off the picture as a real moment.
In the end, the trite arguments of photographers are of no consequence to the discerning bride and groom. They will pick the photographer that is right for them based on style and budget. And if wedding photojournalism is right for them, they will know the difference.
Brides looking to sort out the confusion over the term photojournalism need only read a newspaper and look at the storytelling images found within.
It was from newspapers that “wedding photojournalists” borrowed the phrase to describe a documentary approach to wedding photography focusing on real moments, instead of staged moments. Remember that picture of dad getting pushed into the church by his groomsmen? While such an images may inspire a chuckle or prompt a sudden gag reflex, it was very common for traditional wedding photographers to direct and stage beyond the standard posed portraits.
In the 1990s a few brave wedding photographers dared to begin marketing with the word “photojournalistic’ to describe their approach to wedding photography. Instead of stopping action to get their shot, they stayed in the background and looked for real interactions and emotions that told the story of the day.
As magazines picked up on the new trend, others hopped on the bandwagon as well, including those that still faked real moments. Adding to the confusion, several other styles developed during the same period – elements of fashion photography, beauty photography, and fine art photography were all being used in wedding photography.
Some of the most successful wedding photographers dabble in several different styles. But some photographers have carved out a niche, focusing on one style in particular. There are photojournalistic purists who will not tamper with any part of a scene, not even to move a beer bottle that may be in the way of their perfect cake shot. Others do not play by the same rules, or any rules.
Some traditional photographers insisted photojournalism was merely a fad or a “buzzword.” But the buzz has persisted and many of the country’s top wedding photographers use a documentary approach. We are now past the point of calling photojournalism a “fad.” It’s simply what many brides want.
Another popular misconception is that this new generation of photojournalists do not understand the equipment because digital photography has made photography so easy. While it’s true that digital photography has simplified the process somewhat, most experienced wedding photojournalists have a great understanding of their equipment. In fact, many of the top wedding photojournalists have come directly from the newspaper industry, where they were leaders in the photojournalism field.
Others may argue that wedding photojournalists really do stage their moments.
But for a true wedding photojournalist to stage or try to recreate a moment goes against everything the term stands for. While such staged moments could fool the average onlooker, the bride and the photographer will always know it is fake, and the image may not stand the test of time.
Hiring a wedding photojournalist does not mean you’ll be forsaking all portraiture at your wedding. Newspaper photographers have been taking portraits for decades. Many wedding photojournalists focus on relaxed portraiture – a directed image where the subject may or may not be looking at the camera. While such images can give the impression of being candid, a wedding photojournalist would never try to pass off the picture as a real moment.
In the end, the trite arguments of photographers are of no consequence to the discerning bride and groom. They will pick the photographer that is right for them based on style and budget. And if wedding photojournalism is right for them, they will know the difference.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Planning your Wedding Day Photography
At a wedding, there are a variety of factors to take into account when deciding how the day is going to flow. Organizing all of your pre-wedding tasks can feel challenging as the big day draws near.
Getting Ready
Most photographers encourage ”getting ready” photographs, which occur when the excited bride is finalizing her wedding preparations with her loved ones. This is a wonderful time to capture candid photographs of mothers, grandmothers, sisters, bridesmaids, and any other individuals who are important to the her. At this time, it’s helpful to the photographer if your flowers are already delivered, any jewelry or heirlooms (like a handkerchief) are displayed on a dresser, and that your dress is hanging in a nearby bedroom. The excitement a on a bride-to-be’s face is precious to capture during this time of anticipation and joy.
The Ceremony
During the ceremony, your photographer will allow you to proceed with your plans while he carefully documents the vows. Yet, it’s always important to check with your officiant far in advance to determine if there are any restrictions for photography during the ceremony. Be sure to make your photographer aware of any rules well before the wedding day, so there are no mis-communications about what you are and are not going to receive in your final proof set.
Formal Portraits
Although many couples traditionally take formal posed photographs after the ceremony, more brides and grooms are choosing to see each other before their ceremony to take photos. The advantage to seeing each other beforehand is that your formal photographs will be completed so you can enjoy time with your guests after the ceremony. Additionally, you may also not be as constricted for time if the photographs have already been taken. On the other hand, this is a non-conventional approach in most cultures, which may not work if you prefer to maintain tradition.
The Reception
After your ceremony and formal photographs, it’s time to party! Relaxing, enjoying your reception, and having fun are the best things you can do for your photographer. Remember that a happy and relaxed bride is a photogenic bride. It’s less important that your flowers are perfect or that your dress has a few wrinkles, and more important that you spend your day thrilled knowing that you are marrying the love of your life.
Getting Ready
Most photographers encourage ”getting ready” photographs, which occur when the excited bride is finalizing her wedding preparations with her loved ones. This is a wonderful time to capture candid photographs of mothers, grandmothers, sisters, bridesmaids, and any other individuals who are important to the her. At this time, it’s helpful to the photographer if your flowers are already delivered, any jewelry or heirlooms (like a handkerchief) are displayed on a dresser, and that your dress is hanging in a nearby bedroom. The excitement a on a bride-to-be’s face is precious to capture during this time of anticipation and joy.
The Ceremony
During the ceremony, your photographer will allow you to proceed with your plans while he carefully documents the vows. Yet, it’s always important to check with your officiant far in advance to determine if there are any restrictions for photography during the ceremony. Be sure to make your photographer aware of any rules well before the wedding day, so there are no mis-communications about what you are and are not going to receive in your final proof set.
Formal Portraits
Although many couples traditionally take formal posed photographs after the ceremony, more brides and grooms are choosing to see each other before their ceremony to take photos. The advantage to seeing each other beforehand is that your formal photographs will be completed so you can enjoy time with your guests after the ceremony. Additionally, you may also not be as constricted for time if the photographs have already been taken. On the other hand, this is a non-conventional approach in most cultures, which may not work if you prefer to maintain tradition.
The Reception
After your ceremony and formal photographs, it’s time to party! Relaxing, enjoying your reception, and having fun are the best things you can do for your photographer. Remember that a happy and relaxed bride is a photogenic bride. It’s less important that your flowers are perfect or that your dress has a few wrinkles, and more important that you spend your day thrilled knowing that you are marrying the love of your life.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
{ Never-mind the Photographs }
Why your photographer could be the most important part of your wedding day!
Nobody is better placed to help your wedding day along than your chosen wedding photographer. A bold statement, but stay with me.
You’ve paid out a small fortune for other people to look after everything, and you’ll be a little bit pre-occupied of course, what with getting married etc.
The groom will go along with whatever you want, darling. As will dads. Men, huh?
Moms will help a little, enough, or a lot…I’m not going there.
And your friends have come for the party.
Your cake and flowers will be delivered. The DJ will set up later.
The venue will feed and water you. And the 90 other people you’ve invited. But not at the church, or on the boat, or even the dance-floor.
Only your wedding photographer will be focused on you through all of it. To record the day’s events, we have to always be there…around…watching. Not in your face, in the background. Experience tells us when to expect things to happen, when to nudge them along and when to stay out of the way. We might take photos of your flowers, your table plans, your decorations, but we will always know where you are and when. Right up until it’s time to leave.
We’ve joked with grooms and best men to calm their nerves.
We’ve told the bride she looks wonderful seconds before she faces the world.
We’ve asked the flower girls to jump on the page boys, just to see what happens.
We’ve filled-up when your dad’s voice cracked during his speech.
We’ve worked out which is your mom and which is your step-mom.
We’ve made friends with your Labrador!
We’ve taken you both aside for a few minutes to give you a breather and remind you you’re there for each other.
Oh, and we’ve taken a few photographs too!
Nobody is better placed to help your wedding day along than your chosen wedding photographer. A bold statement, but stay with me.
You’ve paid out a small fortune for other people to look after everything, and you’ll be a little bit pre-occupied of course, what with getting married etc.
The groom will go along with whatever you want, darling. As will dads. Men, huh?
Moms will help a little, enough, or a lot…I’m not going there.
And your friends have come for the party.
Your cake and flowers will be delivered. The DJ will set up later.
The venue will feed and water you. And the 90 other people you’ve invited. But not at the church, or on the boat, or even the dance-floor.
Only your wedding photographer will be focused on you through all of it. To record the day’s events, we have to always be there…around…watching. Not in your face, in the background. Experience tells us when to expect things to happen, when to nudge them along and when to stay out of the way. We might take photos of your flowers, your table plans, your decorations, but we will always know where you are and when. Right up until it’s time to leave.
We’ve joked with grooms and best men to calm their nerves.
We’ve told the bride she looks wonderful seconds before she faces the world.
We’ve asked the flower girls to jump on the page boys, just to see what happens.
We’ve filled-up when your dad’s voice cracked during his speech.
We’ve worked out which is your mom and which is your step-mom.
We’ve made friends with your Labrador!
We’ve taken you both aside for a few minutes to give you a breather and remind you you’re there for each other.
Oh, and we’ve taken a few photographs too!
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Professional Wedding Photography Difference
Weddings are expensive and complex events, and it often seems tempting to a couple to accept the services of a friend or family member in order to save money and time. However, there are several very clear benefits to having a professional wedding photographer. With a combination of experience, artistic approach, and choice of equipment, the professional wedding photographer’s work will stand out.
Experience
The very best reason to hire professional photographers is their experience in dealing with all the possibilities of the wedding day. Even though a non-professional who photographs weddings may be quite a capable photographer, the experienced professional wedding photographer has the ability to deliver work of a higher standard in a wide variety of situations.
Although brides and grooms spend months planning their weddings, in the end, a wedding will always be an uncontrolled and spontaneous event. Timelines frequently change on the spur of the moment. This is where an experienced photographer can improvise and adapt. Experience gives the professional photographer knowledge of the flow and timing of a wedding day, and allows them to capture images that highlight the most important moments throughout the day—the emotions, the laughter, and the spontaneity.
A wedding is also the time when family members from afar meet each other again. The portraits, whether formal or candid, become a timeless keepsake of friendships and relationships. Quite often, however, the time allotted for the portraits becomes compressed when things run slower than intended. An experienced wedding photographer will be able to create these important family photographs, even under pressure and working within unexpected time constraints.
Finally, a professional photographer also knows to look for and react to key moments, especially the subtle ones that others might miss. For example, one of the key moments that I always look for during Catholic ceremonies is during Mass when the bride and groom sit next to each other during the ceremony. This is the first time that attention is not directly on them and inevitably the newly wed couple will lean closer and whisper to each other. As an experienced photographer, I expect this moment and am prepared to photograph it when it happens.
Artistic Approach
Modern wedding photography may veer more towards a story-telling or photo-journalistic approach, but it is still equally important to photograph the family groups and help portray the relationships within the families. An experienced photographer knows this and can fluently mingle approaches to give the bride the best possible images.
The portrait session is another time where the professional photographer's approach gives a very specific signature to the wedding photographs. Through the portraits a photographer can help lend a sense of drama or playfulness to the photographs of the newlyweds.
In this way, wedding photography becomes collaboration between the couple and the photographer. The couple’s choice of photographer also becomes an artistic choice. The client chooses how they want to be portrayed on their wedding day.
Equipment
The professional wedding photographer’s cameras and lenses also make a big difference. At a fundamental level, a professional wedding photographer will have extensive experience with the equipment he uses; he will have backup equipment in case of failure or damage.; he will most likely have professional quality gear that is more likely to withstand extremes of temperature or humidity; he will most likely have access to a wider variety of lenses, lights, and accessories than the non-professional will.
This translates into a stronger stylistic expression on the part of the experienced professional. Being able to pick from a variety of lenses, lighting accessories, and so forth to obtain a specific look or feel to the photographs, becomes a choice for the photographer. The experienced photographer is then not limited by his equipment.
By the very nature of the work, professional wedding photographers love working with people, and tend to be warm and personable. And coupled with being sensitive to people on a very important day, the bride and groom will often feel as if they are having a friend photograph the wedding. A very capable friend.
All of this, along with the photographer’s artistic sensibility and vision, will allow the bride and groom and their families to have the best possible photographs of the day.
Experience
The very best reason to hire professional photographers is their experience in dealing with all the possibilities of the wedding day. Even though a non-professional who photographs weddings may be quite a capable photographer, the experienced professional wedding photographer has the ability to deliver work of a higher standard in a wide variety of situations.
Although brides and grooms spend months planning their weddings, in the end, a wedding will always be an uncontrolled and spontaneous event. Timelines frequently change on the spur of the moment. This is where an experienced photographer can improvise and adapt. Experience gives the professional photographer knowledge of the flow and timing of a wedding day, and allows them to capture images that highlight the most important moments throughout the day—the emotions, the laughter, and the spontaneity.
A wedding is also the time when family members from afar meet each other again. The portraits, whether formal or candid, become a timeless keepsake of friendships and relationships. Quite often, however, the time allotted for the portraits becomes compressed when things run slower than intended. An experienced wedding photographer will be able to create these important family photographs, even under pressure and working within unexpected time constraints.
Finally, a professional photographer also knows to look for and react to key moments, especially the subtle ones that others might miss. For example, one of the key moments that I always look for during Catholic ceremonies is during Mass when the bride and groom sit next to each other during the ceremony. This is the first time that attention is not directly on them and inevitably the newly wed couple will lean closer and whisper to each other. As an experienced photographer, I expect this moment and am prepared to photograph it when it happens.
Artistic Approach
Modern wedding photography may veer more towards a story-telling or photo-journalistic approach, but it is still equally important to photograph the family groups and help portray the relationships within the families. An experienced photographer knows this and can fluently mingle approaches to give the bride the best possible images.
The portrait session is another time where the professional photographer's approach gives a very specific signature to the wedding photographs. Through the portraits a photographer can help lend a sense of drama or playfulness to the photographs of the newlyweds.
In this way, wedding photography becomes collaboration between the couple and the photographer. The couple’s choice of photographer also becomes an artistic choice. The client chooses how they want to be portrayed on their wedding day.
Equipment
The professional wedding photographer’s cameras and lenses also make a big difference. At a fundamental level, a professional wedding photographer will have extensive experience with the equipment he uses; he will have backup equipment in case of failure or damage.; he will most likely have professional quality gear that is more likely to withstand extremes of temperature or humidity; he will most likely have access to a wider variety of lenses, lights, and accessories than the non-professional will.
This translates into a stronger stylistic expression on the part of the experienced professional. Being able to pick from a variety of lenses, lighting accessories, and so forth to obtain a specific look or feel to the photographs, becomes a choice for the photographer. The experienced photographer is then not limited by his equipment.
By the very nature of the work, professional wedding photographers love working with people, and tend to be warm and personable. And coupled with being sensitive to people on a very important day, the bride and groom will often feel as if they are having a friend photograph the wedding. A very capable friend.
All of this, along with the photographer’s artistic sensibility and vision, will allow the bride and groom and their families to have the best possible photographs of the day.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Woking together recording your day
Photography needs fitting into the day's events, but it is not the reason for the day!
Keep it in perspective.
The best wedding photography is achieved when the photographer and the bride and bridegroom work in close harmony. This is why we insist on meeting with you beforehand to plan the day's schedule, discuss the pictures and draw up a timetable.
As your photographer we will advise you on the best places to take photographs. Often, the formal groups are taken at the church or registry office (or wherever the actual ceremony is being held) and the less formal and more artistic ones at the reception. However, as the photographer we may suggest stopping at a park or local beauty spot on the way to the reception. This provides the opportunity for a few portraits of the two of you together, away from the hurly-burly of activity and in a setting with an attractive backdrop for pictures that are more than just smiling faces.
This interlude should not take more than 20 to 30 minutes and we would expect to take about the same time photographing the groups at the church. If you add these times on to the length of the ceremony, traveling times, receiving guests (often longer than you think), informal chat with your friends, you will find that you should allow about two-and-a-half to three hours between the start of the ceremony and sitting down for your wedding meal. We will do our best to help you plan a timetable so that you can enjoy the day without getting too anxious about time or the meal getting cold!
It is a good idea for the bride to have portraits taken at home before the ceremony. There is a time before she leaves home when the bride is perfect, with "not a hair out of place". Once outside, a wisp is soon disturbed by the wind; and once the confetti is thrown, you are never the same again! A few family portraits at home beforehand make a worthwhile addition to your record of the day. This need not only be the bride and her family; so long as time allows it may be possible to take photographs at the home of the bridegroom (if not we will take pictures at the ceremony venue).
Keep it in perspective.
The best wedding photography is achieved when the photographer and the bride and bridegroom work in close harmony. This is why we insist on meeting with you beforehand to plan the day's schedule, discuss the pictures and draw up a timetable.
As your photographer we will advise you on the best places to take photographs. Often, the formal groups are taken at the church or registry office (or wherever the actual ceremony is being held) and the less formal and more artistic ones at the reception. However, as the photographer we may suggest stopping at a park or local beauty spot on the way to the reception. This provides the opportunity for a few portraits of the two of you together, away from the hurly-burly of activity and in a setting with an attractive backdrop for pictures that are more than just smiling faces.
This interlude should not take more than 20 to 30 minutes and we would expect to take about the same time photographing the groups at the church. If you add these times on to the length of the ceremony, traveling times, receiving guests (often longer than you think), informal chat with your friends, you will find that you should allow about two-and-a-half to three hours between the start of the ceremony and sitting down for your wedding meal. We will do our best to help you plan a timetable so that you can enjoy the day without getting too anxious about time or the meal getting cold!
It is a good idea for the bride to have portraits taken at home before the ceremony. There is a time before she leaves home when the bride is perfect, with "not a hair out of place". Once outside, a wisp is soon disturbed by the wind; and once the confetti is thrown, you are never the same again! A few family portraits at home beforehand make a worthwhile addition to your record of the day. This need not only be the bride and her family; so long as time allows it may be possible to take photographs at the home of the bridegroom (if not we will take pictures at the ceremony venue).
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