Posts Tagged ‘Wedding photographer’
What to Ask BEFORE You Hire a Photographer
Top 10 Questions to Ask BEFORE You Hire Your Photographer
1) Price and what it includes?
*Does the price include an assistant, second photographer, disc with images, how many hours, proofs, prints, albums, engagement photos, etc…
2) How long after the event will the proofs be ready?
3) Will you be the actual photographer at our wedding or will it be someone else?
4) Are you familiar with my ceremony and reception locations?
5) How many weddings have you photographed?
6) Where can we view samples of your work?
*Can we view an entire wedding (start to finish) instead of just a small portfolio?
7) Do you bring back up equipment?
How much time do we need to set aside for photographs the day of the wedding?
*Before and After the Ceremony
9) Will you be photographing other weddings the same day/weekend as ours?
10) Should the event last longer than scheduled, will you stay? How much is the charge?
Shoot Your Wedding: Choosing The Right Style of Photography
The style of your photographer does have some technical and procedural differencs in how your wedding is shot. The following tips should help you to decide which photographers that are compatible with you.
Level of Control
Traditional photographers and fashion style shooters do a fair amount of directing (you & your guests) in order to achieve their results. Photojournalist photographers tend to be less direct and more at a distance when they are shooting. This is a great alternative for couples who want to focus more on the day.
Quantity vs. Quality
The journalistic photographers will typically shoot thousands of photos and edit down to create a coherent and thoughtful story of your day. Traditional shooters will often spend more time per shot and so are more methodical in their shooting process. Their pace can be very different. In either case, it’s not quantity that matters but the quality of the final few (hundred?) delivered to you.
Your “Must Have” Shot List
If you have a super definite list of shots you cannot live without, you are probably are better off without a photojournalistic photographer. Their forte is to capture what is happening, and not a predetermined list you (or they) create. However, the traditionalists can be particularly comfortable with preplanned lists of ‘must have’ shots.
Post processing / manipulation
Be aware of a photographer’s manipulation style. Some photographers do minor edits, while some do extensive manipulation in order to achieve certain looks. Its essential to make sure the look of their photographs is consistent with their style.
Shoot Your Wedding | Four Tips To Help Your Photographer Capture The Photographs You Desire
Finding and hiring a professional photographer to document your wedding day is a sizable investment, in not only money, but time as well. By doing your research and hiring a professional that suits your style, you can be rest assured that he or she is going to capture your day exactly how you want. Here are a few tips to help your photographer capture the best images of you.
1. Develop a personal relationship with your photographer. By the time your wedding day arrives, you should consider your photographer a friend, not just another vendor. This can seem like a difficult task to accomplish, considering how busy and hectic the months leading up to the big day can be, but it can be done. Phone calls, emails, any form of conversation will work and it most certainly doesn’t need to pertain to the business of your wedding. The stronger this sense of friendship is between you and the photographer, not only will you feel more comfortable and relaxed around him or her, the rest of the wedding party will as well. As soon as the guard comes down, the photographic magic happens.
2. Be yourself. This may seem like common sense, but it can be more difficult than you might think. Most people aren’t used to having a photographer document their every move, especially with intimidating looking professional equipment. Though they may not realize it, people tend to carry themselves and act differently as soon as a camera is pointed at them, which looks stiff and unnatural in photographs. Others just freeze up altogether. Unless your photographer is giving you specific direction, the best thing you can do is relax, be yourself, and act as if the photographer wasn’t even there. If your nervous about getting your picture taken, then definitely do the research and pick someone that does not have a large crew and piles of gear that will take you away from your moment. Pay special attention to your hands, they are a good indication of how tense you really are. Relax your hands and the rest of you will follow. No need to put on an act, simply be yourself.
3. Look through magazines, on-line, and, of course, through your photographer’s portfolio for specific examples of images, scenes, and body positions that appeal to you and share these ideas with your photographer before hand. It will give both you and the photographer a better sense of direction when working together. Also, if you internalize these ideas and are able to carry and position yourself in a similar way without having to be completely directed by the photographer, the photographs will look much more natural. The more the photographer must direct, the more awkward you will feel and it will show in the images.
4. Enjoy your wedding day. This may seem like common sense, but with the anticipation and stress involved in planning the perfect day, it can be difficult to actually enjoy it. While there is certainly no way to eliminate the stress and worry completely, you can minimize it. You have been planning this day for months, even years, and once it finally arrives, relax and enjoy it. You certainly deserve to and doing so will translate to more natural looking images.
Shoot Your Wedding: Basic Terminology For Brides
When searching for the right wedding photographer, you will need to know some basic photography terminology. First you will need to consider the style of photography you want. Two of the most popular are traditional and photojournalism. Traditional is the more classic, posed style where photojournalism is capturing the moments and documenting the day as it unfolds. If you are undecided on one or the other, some photographers provide a mix of both. You can read up on styles here.
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.
Shoot Your Wedding: The Engagement Session
The “Engagement Session” is undoubtedly one of the biggest trends in the wedding photography and videography industry, but its also one of the most helpful for your photographer/videographer. Since it is unlikely that you have ever worked with a professional photographer/videographer, it is natural that you might feel a bit nervous about having your photograph taken in a public setting. Since your wedding day is not the best time to realize those additional pressures, working with your photographer to capture photographs of your recent engagement allows you both to become more comfortable in front of the camera (and in front of other people). During the session the photographer will gain a better perspective of your personalities, best expressions, and quirks. The photographer will also offer a ton of advice related to planning and the ring exchange so that he can get the best possible images during those important moments. Not only will this advice help you during the wedding, but you can relax knowing what the photographer is like instead of being surprised at the wedding.
Choosing Locations
The location for your engagement session can vary based on your preferences or lifestyle. You may choose to meet where you were engaged or where you had your first date. Or you may want to meet somewhere like your home, the beach, a local park, your favorite restaurant, the zoo, or even Disneyland. Your choices are practically limitless and are bounded only by the restrictions of the venue.
Sharing The Photos From Your Session
Once you take the photos, you can use them for your invitations, guest book, and share them all your friends on Facebook or WhereToGetEngaged.com.
Here are some of my favorite photos and videos of the engagement session:
Images provided by Jodi Miller Photography
Vanessa & Armando Engagement Shoot from Ray Roman on Vimeo
Iva & Daniel – Cinematic Engagement Video from Robert Balasko on Vimeo
Popular Trends in Wedding Photography
While there is a large segment of the wedding photography industry that uses traditional techniques for posing, as well as the recreational events, many couples today are demanding a more contemporary approach.
The Photojournalism Style
Within the last ten years, trends indicate that the industry is moving more towards a photojournalistic style. A photojournalistic style is a method in which the photographer will not require the couple to pose for the camera. It is the same approach that often appears in journalism, and it is from this source that the name is derived. By taking photos of the event while everything is in motion, it is believed that they will be capable of capturing the true essence of that event. Instead of snapping staged shots — and those inevitable forced smiles — photojournalistic photographers focus on telling the story of your special day as it unfolds. Whether it’s the bride’s heartfelt hug with her grandpa or the best man’s dance with the flower girl, this style catches the spontaneous and touching moments in an artistic and unobtrusive way.
The Fashion Style
Some couples are opting to have wedding photography taken in a style inspired by the pages of fashion magazines like InStyle or Vogue. This type of wedding photography plays up the glamour and romance of the day. Fantasy is emphasized over reality, and a great deal of attention is placed on detail. Non-movie star couples can look like celebrities too with special photography techniques both behind the camera and in the editing room.
Al la Carte:
With many couples demanding more contemporary approaches to their photography, two popular trends take place before and after the wedding day.
“The Engagement Session”
The couple goes to their favorite spot or romantic place to emphasize their engagement while the photographer snaps away. These pictures are often used at the wedding (guest book cover, framed photo to sign, etc.), on a wedding website, to be sent in to newspapers with the announcement of your engagement, or to have as a keepsake. As an added bonus, it gives you time with your photographer and get to know them, so you feel the most comfortable on the day of the wedding.
“Trash The Dress”
A trash the dress session contrasts the elegance of the wedding with bizarre locations. Usually brides decide to have the photos shot on a beach, but other locations include city streets, rooftops, garbage dumps, fields, and abandoned buildings. It is typically shot after the wedding as a declaration that the wedding is done and the dress will not be used again. The trend is seen as an alternative to storing the dress away, which is typically never seen again.
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