Wedding Information
You need to know!!!
Here is some information for you to consider when choosing a wedding photographer because you don't get a second chance .... for great wedding photography!
Selecting a photographer to capture all of the details and special moments you have planned can be very difficult. After all, this is the person you are entrusting to capture the memories of one of the most important days of your entire life. How can you possibly choose?
That's the reason for this information! To give you some tips on choosing the perfect photographer for you! Every photographer is different. Some do mostly posed photographs, some do a more Storytelling style, and some do both. This information will help you find the perfect photographer for you.
- You might ask, "I don't want to be taken away from my guests all day for pictures!" This is one of the hardest aspects of wedding photography. You want great photographs, but you don't want to spend all your time with the photographer, away from your friends and relatives! That is where education, background and years of experience count. Newer photographers, many times, don't have the skill to work quickly and still create beautiful images.
- "I want to relax and enjoy my wedding" You don't want to have to worry about photography! You want to relax, knowing your wedding memories will be captured the way you dreamed! You want to look your best. You want a photographer that specializes in helping brides minimize the time needed to be away from their guests for photographs. This allows you more time to enjoy the wedding and still receive beautiful memories for your day. That's why this is such an important decision!
- "What about equipment?" You want your images to be as beautiful as possible, that's why using the finest photographic equipment available is so important. Dose your photographer bring back up equipment to every wedding? Is your photographer using a pro lab or wal-mart for your images? You only want the best for your wedding images!
- " What are the Certified Master Craftsman of professional photographer degrees" These are degrees awarded by the Professional Photographers of America. They are given for excellence in photographic images and technical knowledge. This assures you of the quality you deserve.
- "Who will be the photographer?" Make sure you know who will photograph your wedding and meet with him or her. Is it the owner or a hired photographer? You will spend a lot of time with the photographer on your wedding day, it is important that you like his/her personality. You should feel that the photographer will work well with the others involved in your wedding. including the clergy, videographer and consultant. Some studios send two photographers to insure that nothing will be missed. It is also best that one of the photographers is a woman. A female photographer can go places a male photographer can't go.
- "Great cameras don't guarantee great images, how do I know my photographer can make me look my best?" You're right, the best equipment can't insure great wedding images. An investment in education is crucial. You want to look your best! The top photographers from around the country continue to study to improve their photographic talents. Your photographer should be a member of local, state and national photographic organization. The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the most prestigious photographic organization. They offer degrees in photography, the Photographic Craftsman Degree, the Master of photographer Degree and Certified Professional Photographer Degree this is a five year program that the photographer has to be tested.
- "How soon should we reserve our date?" Now, if not sooner! You want to get your date on the calendar, before someone else does. Many photographers only photograph one wedding a day, which limits how many weddings they can do. So call today!
- "What should we expect to get?" Memories, the whole wedding, the way you dreamed it would be! You have several options, from engagement and bridal portraits to complete wedding coverage. With your ideas and style, a wedding album that tells the story of your special day.
- "How much is all of this going to cost?" There is an old saying, "The bitter taste of poor quality lingers long after the sweet taste of a low price has long been forgotten!" A rule of thumb is 15 - 20% of your overall budget should be invested in your wedding photographs. You get what you pay for!!! You didn't buy the cheapest wedding dress, so why buy the cheapest wedding coverage. Make sure you know what the final cost will be, including album, photographs, photographers time, etc. Some wedding photographers will book your wedding at a lower fee, knowing you will have to spend more to get all the photographs you will want. Reputable photographers tell you exactly what your wedding photographs will cost... to get everything you want to remember your wedding by.
- "Are there hidden costs!" Find out exactly what you are getting for your money. Yes, I know, some studio price lists are as hard to understand as the Federal Income Tax Code! Make sure you understand everything. Three things increase in value after the wedding, the ring, the photographs and the relationship between the bride and groom. Don't scrimp on any of these items.
- "Don't forget to also allocate money for:
- Engagement portraits - something for the newspaper, a nice portrait for you and several smaller ones for family and friends.
- Bridal portrait - the typical size to display at the reception is a 20x24 enlargement.
- Albums for parents and grandparents.
- "Why do so many wedding albums look the same?" Do you feel you have seen the same photographs over and over again? Chances are you have! Most traditional wedding photographers are trained to photograph "Set Shots". That is way most wedding albums are full of posed, stale and stiff photographs. There are options which can now be found in the Brazos Valley, they are a refreshing new approach to wedding photography. The images have a natural, spontaneous and artistic impression. Wedding Photojournalism or Storytelling wedding photography departs from the old ways and instead captures what really happens at your wedding in an exciting and creative way.
- "What about Black & White photography" Black and White coverage is one of the most exciting styles in wedding photography today if it's done right! This is not the old fashioned black & white photography your parents had, but an exciting way to tell the whole story of your wedding. Most brides want this Storytelling Style to be included along with the beautiful color images.
- "How long will it take to get my final album?" Some brides don't recive their final wedding album for many months or even a year after the wedding. Make sure you know what to expect. You should have your final album, with all the enlargements, within six weeks of your wedding.
- "How can I distinguish good photography and good photographers?" If they all seem the same, then you haven't found the right one. Don't accept any excuses for sloppy photography. If the sample looks fuzzy or off-color, expect the same if you hire that candidate. Colors and tones should be natural and accurate. You should see detail in the white (gowns) and dark parts of the image. Look for wedding albums that portray the feeling and events of the day and make the people look genuine and natural, while flattering. There are many good photographers for you to choose from. Most want you to know you are buying and will try to help you understand. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It is your wedding!!!
Below is a summary of question to consider when hiring a photographer for your wedding:
- Who is the actual photographer going to be?
- What type of photography does the studio specialize in?
- What type of equipment do they use?
- What is their educational background?
- What is their experience, how many years have they been photographing weddings?
- Can we see a list of references?
- Can we see several complete wedding album samples?
- What are the time limits?
- Is there a limit on the amount of exposers used?
- What exactly is included with the packages?
- Exactly what will it all cost when I get my album and all of my photographs?
- How long will it be before I get my completed album, not just the proofs?
- Do they also do specialize in Black and White?
- Does the photographer attend conventions and seminars to keep up with the latest techniques and innovations?
Thank You Rodney McClanahan CPP M.photogr. Cr. photogr.
