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.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
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.
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