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!

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.

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!

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.

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.