Once you’ve chosen the style you are looking for, you will also want to have an understanding of some other basic terms to help you with your search.

Digital Imaging

Digital imaging is one of the most exciting innovations in wedding photography. The image is viewable right on the camera so the photographer can immediately know if the image is good or if he needs to shoot again, he doesnt have to wait until the film is processed to find out. Images can also be preserved on CD-ROM instead of negatives.

35mm – Film

The 35mm camera is favored by photojournalists or candid photographers because it has a quicker shutter action, creates better shadow, color contrast, and depth, and is easier to use in more casual situations. The downside is that is has to be processed and the image cannot be instantly reviewed at your wedding. Its also more costly and some of its look can easily be duplicated in digital.

Negative

A negative is the film that has been processed. If its 35mm, it will be rectangular, and if its medium format it will be 2 1/4 inches square.

Camera Originals / Proofs

After the wedding most photographers will setup an online gallery for the Bride and Groom to choose their final pictures to be printed. Usually the photographer will have two or more proofs of each group pose or special moment, such as cake cutting, the bridal party, both sets of parents, etc.

Print / Image

The print or image is the finished product that is yours to frame or put into an album. They have been retouched and airbrushed if you had requested it. Sizes of prints or images usually come in 5X5, 5X7, 8X10, 10X10, 11X17, 16X20, 20X24 and 30X40.

Panoramic

Panoramic refers to the use of a wide angled or panoramic lens to capture a large group portrait or background. This type of shot is often used for the center pages of an album to create one beautifully large photo.

Cropping

Cropping means that something is cut out of the photo or on particular part of the photo is enlarged.

Soft Focus vs. Out of Focus

If you know what to look for, you can notice the difference between a photo that is purposely shot with soft focus or if it was just plain out of focus. If the photo is in focus, you’ll be able to see the “catch light” in peoples eyes.(catch light is the reflection of the flash off the cornea of the eyeball) Even if other parts of the photo look fuzzy, the eyes themselves should be sharp and clear-cut.

Airbrushing and Retouching

Airbrushing and retouching is usually done on digital images to enhance their look and feel. For example, erasing crow’s-feet, eliminating a double chin, or retouching glares or refletions on eye glasses.

Sepia

Sepia is a term describing a photo with an antique quality to it, using a brown tone print.

Natural Color

A Natural color film produces more of a neutral contrast. This gives the photo a look closer to natural sunlight and shade without the use of artifical light.

Vivid Color

The color stands out in the photo because of very well defined tonality in the colors of a print.

Engagement Portrait/Picture

The engagement photo is of the couple either in a studio or outdoors. Its used for save the date invitations and to work with the photographer. Please read our feature on it here.

Bridal Portrait / Picture

The bridal portrait is most often taken in studio, but can also be taken outdoors at a favorite site. Usually the bridal portrait is shot six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Wedding Portrait

The Wedding Portrait process is the same as the Bridal Portrait, except that the groom is also in the picture. This can be done before or after the wedding. You can decide if you want the groom to see you in your gown before the wedding or you can dress up again after the honeymoon. Or you can simply have it taken at the wedding!

Formals

These are posed pictures taken either before or after the ceremony. They’re usually of the two of you with your parents, with the bridal party, etc.

A La Carte vs. Packages

Prices will vary from photographer to photographer. Keep in mind that you are not just hiring someone to take pictures, you’re paying for the creativity and expertise of the photographer.

Photographers may set up a package, or they may charge a shooting or sitting fee, then charge additionally per print(depending on size ordered).

Portfolio / Albums

Your album is made up of the final prints you chose and put together to tell the story of your wedding day. The album may be made of archival paper and have a leather or faux-leather covering, and the prints might have a mat around them or be flush to the edge. A complete album usually takes about forty inserts, with photos on both sides. Albums are usually monogrammed with the name of the bride and groom and the date of the wedding with a photo on the cover.

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