Posts Tagged ‘wedding photographers’
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 | 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.
Premium Vendor Showcase: Bessie Black Photography
What was your inspiration for being a photographer?
I always knew I would own my own business. It wasn’t until high school that photography came about- I always took pictures, but when my cousin got married when I was in HS, I kind of put the two together and found my passion as a wedding photographer. During high school I was involved in Yearbook, which helped my photography grow with a couple of large projects to realize my love of the field. After high school I spent some time at Blue Ridge Community College in the Marketing & Business program, while also taking photography courses. . Once deciding that photography was my true focus, I found the art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and finished there with an Associates in Photography.
What makes you unique to brides?
- 10+ years of bridal shop knowledge (adjusting a veil, making a bustle, groomsmen boutonnieres, advice on do’s & don’ts – years of knowledge of the makings of weddings & actual day of!
- Always willing to lend a hand, very flexible, and willing to please.
- Always adding to my product line to ensure that there is something for everyone.
What services do you offer?
- Wedding services- wedding day coverage, various levels of professional albums, including the coffee table style albums, wedding prints & enlargements, Digital Image DVD, online hosting, engagement & bridal portraits, save the date cards, and surprise proposal storytelling (live from your day of engagement – capture it as it really happens).
What is your style of photography?
It changes from couple to couple, but I try to keep it simple & always about the bride and the groom and their personal style. Its really a mixture of traditional & candid photojournalism.
What are five tips that you can give to brides looking for a photographer?
- Be sure to ask all of your questions, but remember that this person will be with you all day on the most important day. You need to be comfortable with them and feel totally at ease in their presence. This to me is most important; I build relationships through my couples & families.
- Think about your wedding and where it is going to be. Make sure to make the most of all of your decorations & flowers. The little details and special unique personal touches can really enhance your wedding and the photography from it. Keep in mind that pictures resemble your day and we photograph the story as it is told.
- A photographer should show you what there is to offer, but it is also good to hear from you as well! If you know what you want, great! Share it with us. If you do not know, we will guide you and explain to you what the products and services are about, and talk about your day and what will work best for you and your budget.
- While attending a bridal show, the vendors are there for you. We want to share our information with you, talk about our services, how we can help you. Please do not be shy in stopping and looking through our albums and getting to know us!
- Enjoy your planning process, but be sure to hire trained professionals. This is essential in having a beautiful stress free day. We have done this before (and we love it) and so many times we can spot & resolve an issue before it becomes a problem. Trust who you are working with and you will have a wonderful day!
For more information about Bessie Black Photography, please visit her vendor profile.
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