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.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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).
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Late Booking Discount
There are times when it's unavoidable and there are times when you've just made a mistake! Perhaps it's just that uncle George has decided his photography really isn't up to being the official photographer. Whatever the reason it's possible you end up with no photographer just before your wedding day.
Well we have a similar problem, there are times when we have no bookings for a weekend (or even a weekday wedding). Therefore if we are available at short notice - (within one calendar month of your wedding day) and you are looking for a last minute photographer then we will offer up to 20% off our pictures only package. (Payment in full due at time of booking!)
You're helping us so we'll help you! Call us to see if we're available!
Note: This discounts may not be combined with any other discount or sale price. You won't get both! And the late booking is merely an additional service for when things go wrong. Please do not rely on it!
Well we have a similar problem, there are times when we have no bookings for a weekend (or even a weekday wedding). Therefore if we are available at short notice - (within one calendar month of your wedding day) and you are looking for a last minute photographer then we will offer up to 20% off our pictures only package. (Payment in full due at time of booking!)
You're helping us so we'll help you! Call us to see if we're available!
Note: This discounts may not be combined with any other discount or sale price. You won't get both! And the late booking is merely an additional service for when things go wrong. Please do not rely on it!
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