Photographing Your Wedding

One of the biggest decisions (among the many) you have to make concerning your wedding day, will be the photographer. You want put these precious memories in the hands of someone you can trust. You will be taking a big risk if the photographer is no someone you know to be professional and who will guarantee the results. The official wedding photos are most likely the best visual record you will have of this very special day in your life. A beautiful wedding album that can be displayed in your home and shared with friends and family who visit throughout the years is not even outdone by a video of the wedding. Even if it is a state of the art kind, with animation and vocal.

Interview the Photographer.

You should look for certain criteria when you are interviewing photographers. Find out how much experience they have with weddings, first of all. Ask to see some samples of other weddings they have photographed, second. Make sure the photographer is able to use creativity and originality in his studies, besides looking for the quality of the photos. You will want to look at the pictures of the ceremony and the reception, group pictures of the wedding parties and families, as well as individual shots. You want to see photos that have a natural feel, and that don't all look posed. But, you will want some portraits as well. Look around some more, if this work doesn't please you.

The Wedding Album.

The wedding album of shots that have been set up by the photographer should have a mix, such as group shots of the wedding party, the families of the bride and groom or the newlyweds alone. Don't just concern yourself with the kind of photograph. A good photograph will reflect the full range of human emotions and you want to see love, humor, pride etc., on the faces of the people who are sharing your wedding with you. Part of your wedding album should not show stiff, serious, emotionless faces. You want this keepsake to be special, but it would be a shallow record of such and exciting day, if none of the faces showed emotion. So, make sure you find a photographer who can capture the emotions of all of the people in your wedding.

Meet the Photographer who will shoot your wedding

Meet directly with the photographer who is going to be photographing your wedding and speak with him or her directly. Make it a point! Do not make the assumption that the person at the studio who's showing you the samples of their work will be the one who's going to do your wedding. Meet with your photographer to review any questions, concerns or to give specific instructions. Since style of photography can vary, look at the samples of the specific photographer who will cover your wedding, and discuss workmanship, type and quality of the photographs, pricing, special effects, retouching and charges for proofs. All this should be done before the wedding.

How will your proofs be viewed.

Many studios now offer viewing of the proofs online. If that is an option that is available, you will be able to make a lot of decisions regarding your album in the comfort of your home. Friends and family may also be able to view online, and add their input. Get the web address of the photographer to be able to do this. You may need to work out a payment plan with the photographer, since this whole project may be very expensive. If ordering online is an option in addition to viewing online, be sure that the packages offered, including the prices are clearly defined. Some studios will also design the album for you as well.

There are few things quite as exciting as a wedding, and the amount of money that's required to obtain a photographic history of it can be exorbitant. Although there's a great deal to do in preparation for that special day, don't skimp on the time that it takes to ensure a truly memorable photographic experience that can never be recaptured.
 

Hiring the Perfect Photographer

A picture-perfect day starts with a picture-perfect shutterbug. Here's how to pick the best.
Choosing a photographer isn't easy: You want someone who understands your style, is easy to work with and most of all, someone you trust. The following guidelines will help you choose a photographer who will record your sentimental journey the way you want to remember it.

Know where to look

Ask recently married friends for recommendations or consult wedding professionals (reception center managers, wedding consultants, bridal dress owners, etc.) for suggestions. Open up the Yellow Pages or, better yet, check out services on this web site.

Think about what you want

Are you into a photojournalistic style, where you get lots of candids, instead of posed, shots? Or do you like a more traditional look, with every picture artfully set up? The most important thing is finding somebody whose style fits yours. If the photos in the portfolio aren't what you want, use someone else. Even if the photographer says he can do it, most of the pictures will be what he's used to doing.

See the proof

Ask to see a client's proof book-the collection of all the shots the photographer took at a wedding. It'll give you a more accurate picture of his work. View a whole wedding not just the best of their work.

Ask about specialties

Many photographers have mastered special techniques, such as hand-colouring, infrared, black—and-white or sepia-tone photographs. These unique effects will set your album apart. Also, ask to see all album choices (leather? cloth? colours?) to be sure you like the "whole package." Don't forget to ask about digital photography, too. When it comes time to send photos to everyone, it's a lot easier to just upload a file and set up a wedding site for friends and family to visit.

Get to know the photographer

Your photographer will be by your side all day, so your personalities should click. Nothing would be worse if you and your photographer clashed, it would show in your photos.

Beware of the bait and switch

Make sure you're meeting with the person who will take your pictures—and that you're seeing his work. At some studios, a marketing person talks to you, but then you're assigned to a freelance photographer whose work you haven't seen and some times they are hired only weeks before your wedding.

Make a battle plan

The photographer should have a good sense of how to keep the day running smoothly. If a photographer isn't organized, you can miss the kiss, ask how and when they will shoot the formal photos.

Ask for backup

Find out if the photographer brings extra equipment and memory chips in case something goes wrong. If he doesn't, you may risk missing the ring-exchange shots because the flash was on the fritz. Also, make sure they have a backup photographer in case of an emergency.

Hire extra help

If you have a large wedding party, a photographer's assistant may be worth the extra cash. He or she will organize the shots, fix your train and hold backup equipment so the photographer can snap shots more easily and quickly. Weddings are so hectic, and one person can't be in all places at all times. If you get two photographers, you have two different perspectives on the wedding, two people capturing the details & nothing is lost.

Check references

Your potential picture-taker should have a list of former clients. Call a few to see how satisfied they were with their pictures. Some photographers are members of a association and others are not, when choosing your photographer look at a large range of their photographs and you will see if they are the photographers for you. Some photographers have formal training and some don't. Photography is a art, the photographer has to be able to interact with people, and know what they are doing.

Handle the nitty-gritty

Find out about the payment plan, how many proofs you'll get, how much time they'll spend shooting at your wedding and what packages they offer. Be sure you get everything in writing, in your contract.

Remember that photos are a worthwhile investment

Pictures appreciate in value, as time goes on, you forget things, and pictures are the only record you'll have. Photography can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, it's up to you on how much you want to spend.