Capturing Memories:
Even some memories fade over time.
That is why a wise couple will set
aside a portion of their wedding
budget for quality photographs.
For
most people, photographs are memories they can hold in their hand and
actually see. Their intimate nature makes them the ideal way to capture
a wedding-forever. Couples want to ensure someone with expertise,
creativity, and experience handles these moments.
Professional or Amateur?
While it may be tempting to entrust a friend or relative with the task
of taking photographs at the wedding, most professionals agree this is
a mistake. It may save a little money, but it won’t get a
professional-quality product at the end. And remember—this is forever!
"Professional photographers are always learning new techniques and
updating their equipment to give their clients the best photos
possible," explains our expert. "A professional is trained in lighting,
posing, composition, and making sure no detail is overlooked."
Besides having a trained eye, an expert photographer also has the most
current equipment, and it’s professional equipment, too. He or she uses
professional grade film and has the film developed at a high-quality
lab. This ensures the best-quality photos.
"Anyone can take a picture," our expert points out, "but only a professional can produce portraits."
Choosing a Photographer
Be
sure to do research before choosing a photographer, advises our expert.
Check out the Shopping Directory, the WEDDING Planner & Guide
bridal show, and ask friends and relatives. Couples should decide on
the style of wedding photographs they want, how long they want the
photographer to be at the wedding, and how much they can spend before
calling photographers.
What should a couple look for when
hiring a photographer? "The most important thing should be the style
and quality of the photographer’s work," says our expert, "then the
personality of the photographer." Remember, he or she will be around
all day long—couples want someone enjoyable and helpful, not abrasive
and pushy. Be sure to meet with and see the work of the photographer
who will be shooting the wedding.
But there’s one last thing to consider when hiring the photographer.
"Then (consider) price," our expert states. "Don’t be willing to
sacrifice quality or sanity just to save a few dollars."
Our expert goes on to add that a photographer is a wedding expert, with
plenty of experience for a bride and groom to call on.
Film or Digital?
Although digital cameras have become very popular for hobbyists, not all professional photographers have made the switch.
Which is better? The best answer to that question is to see the work
produced by the photographer. Some digital photos may have a lower
resolution and can become pixelated when enlarged; however, many
digital cameras have resolution that rivals film. Just be sure to check
the quality of the photographer’s work and their equipment.
The power of digital offers many added bonuses, including instant
on-the-spot viewing, easy photographing in both B&W and color, and
greater customizing before final printing. Typically recieving proofs
from film can take 4 to 6 weeks after your wedding. Digital
photographers can make proofs almost immediately, but many
photographers will provide a CD to view on a computer, or even an
online wedding gallery.
Whether choosing digital or traditional film, the end product should be
a collection of exceptional photographs that tell the story of your day
forever.
Photographic Styles and Choices
Creativity is key in today’s wedding photography. Couples should
educate themselves about what is available and then choose which style
suits them best.
"The current trend is traditional black-and-white photos and an even
mix of ‘photo-journalistic’-style photos," says our expert. "(These)
are generally taken from a distance so the subject is unaware and does
not pose, creating a more natural look with true emotions."
Gone are the stiff poses of the early part of the 20th century,
according to our expert. "Outdoor photos with a touch of creativity are
also very popular," he notes, adding that the creativity can encompass
something like a bride and groom sitting or laying in the grass.
To cut the time between ceremony and reception, many couples choose to
have photos taken before the ceremony. But if they’re more traditional
and don’t want the groom to catch sight of the bride then, the
photographer should be willing to work around that desire. It’s still
possible to cut time by taking photos of sets of people (bride and
bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen, families, etc.) ahead of time.
A professional photographer will help make decisions about photographic
style, poses, and even who should be photographed when. He or she will
also have suggestions that might not have been thought of, such as
unusual or beautiful outdoor spots.
Calendar and Cost
Professionals urge couples not to dally in seeking out a photographer.
It doesn’t hurt to hire one a year or more before the wedding,
especially if your wedding falls in the peak season.
"A couple can find packages as low as $750 and as high as $5,000,"
reveals our expert. "The key is knowing what you are getting." For
instance, at the low end, a couple may get photos on film and pay to
have them processed. On the higher end, the photographer may shoot
everything in a higher-quality film and include several enlarged photos
and a top-grade wedding album.
"Always compare apples to apples" warns our expert. "Never compare
quantity. Seven hundred photos of low quality may not be woth as much
as two hundred high quality photos."
After the wedding, anticipate a two- to three-week turnaround to see
the wedding proofs. This is especially true during the peak wedding
season of April through October.
Advice
Couples are encouraged to take extra care to choose the highest-quality
photographer that they can possibly afford. If a photographer makes
them feel intimidated, uncomfortable, or has a hard time communicating
with them, think twice before hiring him or her. Be sure the
photographer offers an easy-to-understand contract or brochure that
states explicitly what is included for the amount of money they are
paying. If a photographer tries to sell unwanted items, don’t hire him
or her.
"This is the bride and groom’s day," our expert emphasizes. "They should decide how it will be enjoyed."