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You
may be tempted to ask an acquaintance who dabbles in photography
to serve as your wedding photographer. The truth is, that unlike
a novice, professional photographers have the experience, equipment
and know-how to make your photographs sensational. They understand
the different moods created by proper lighting and posing and
use reliable techniques and equipment to create quality images.
Remember,
your photographer has but one opportunity to get it right. There
are no second chances.
STYLE
Wedding photography generally falls into two categories: traditional
and photojournalistic. Traditional photographers master the perfectly
composed or more formal portrait. If your wish is for the pristine
posed picture, the traditional photographer is for you. Photojournalistic
photographers are geniuses with candids. They tell a story through
a series of photos which resemble snapshots. Determine your style
by flipping through magazines, borrowing friends' wedding albums,
and perusing photography books. Notice if the photographer shoots
in primarily black and white or in color. Decide your preference
and choose a photographer whose strength is your style.
PORTFOLIO
A photographer's portfolio is a collection of their work. Do you
like the way the pictures are displayed? Remember, a photographer
has to have a good eye. Look at the most recent weddings. If a
particular shot appeals to you, get the photographer to explain
how the idea came about. You want to hire a photographer who knows
how to think on their feet and who finds good images under intense
pressure. Finally, ask if they are involved in associations and
trade groups. A photographer should invest time in staying current
with technology and trends.
PACKAGES Expect packages to vary depending on the photographer.
Most photographers offer a range of prices that include a block
of time, reproduction and post-production charges. Keep
in mind, post production work is very labor intensive. If you
prefer to have the photographer professionally organize your album,
enlarge your proofs, and transfer your images onto a CD, expect
to pay for this quality of care. Interested in owning the negatives
and handling the reproduction yourself? Be prepared to weed through
hundreds of pictures, arrange for photo retouching and someone
to develop the prints, and to construct your own album.
THE
COST You are hiring a photographer for their time to shoot your
engagement photos, the day of the wedding, processing or editing,
reviewing proofs, the final order of images, and assembling each
of your albums. Not to be overlooked is the photographer's level
of experience and creative talent. A lot more goes into photographing
a wedding than showing up with a camera.
BOOK
IT Secure your photographer 8 to 12 months in advance. Provide
the exact locations and times for the ceremony and reception and
agree upon a time for pre-wedding photo sessions such as those
with the bride, bridesmaids and parents as well as the groom and
groomsmen. Although there are certain requisite shots for most
weddings, it still helps to provide your photographer with a checklist
of these and other shots you absolutely must have. It is also
a good idea to provide a schedule of events such as the arrival,
the first dance, cake cutting, etc.
Once
you feel confident that all bases have been covered, let the professional
you have hired go to work. The final result will be photographs
that truly capture the essence of your wedding day.
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