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.

.:.: 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.

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!