Wedding Photography Advice
The following advice has been written by Fujifilm Professional.
Photography plays an all important part in any memorable wedding, not to mention other important milestones in your life. Hiring a professional photographer to record the day is a wise decision, and one which you’ll thank yourself for as treasured memories live with you for years to come.
Choosing a photographer is perhaps the most important decision you’ll make when planning your wedding. Your wedding photographs are an investment not a cost, and your photographer can ensure that your wedding day will always be remembered as it was – the most wonderful day of your life.
Someone To Turn To
As the big day approaches you will find the experience and creative ability of your photographer invaluable. In the run up to your wedding you will probably have at least one meeting with your photographer. This is your chance to discuss arrangements, look at some of the photographer’s previous work in both colour and black and white, and decide just what you want from your wedding album. This meeting also gives your photographer the chance to develop that special relationship which can be the key to natural, relaxed pictures that show the real mood of the moment, which after all, is what you want.
Photographic Style
Nowadays, many people like to include candid, spontaneous shots in their wedding album: pictures that capture natural, informal impressions of the day in a modern reportage style. These are the pictures that don’t only portray the dress, the flowers and the speeches, but also the faces and feelings of you and your guests. Ask if your professional photographer can mix these with your traditional wedding poses to give you a complete reminder of the day.
Coverage and Costs
Most photographers offer several types of coverage to suit your requirements. The cost of your photographs depends largely on three factors: how long you would like the photographer to be in attendance, the number of pictures supplied and the type of wedding album that you choose. The more experienced and creative your photographer, the higher the cost is likely to be. Make sure that you speak to the photographer who will be covering your wedding, that way there is no room for misunderstandings. Finally, when calculating what type of coverage you can afford, remember that, unlike most services you will be buying, wedding photographs are with you for always.
The following is the advice of Cosmopolitan Bride.
Finding your photographer
Finding a good photographer should go straight to the top of your to-do list to ensure those perfect moments are caught on film.
Wedding Know-How
We agree that anyone can take a few happy snaps at a wedding, but it takes technical skill and creative flair to bring them to life and tons of experience to cope with the various pressures involved in a wedding. This kind of photography is a speciality, so book an expert in this field, not someone who usually takes portrait shots in a controlled studio environment. A professional will have plenty of advice on how the day should run, how long things should take and which pitfalls to avoid. They will fit in with your guests and make you feel instantly at ease in front of the camera.
Your wedding will be unique, so think about which of the different styles of photography will match it. A good way to see images is via the internet. The more pictures you see, the more you’ll get to know what you like.
Get Professional Help
Consult a professional body such as the Master Photographers Association, which has lists of members who are guaranteed to be of a high standard. Don’t forget the best photographers are booked up in a flash – so choose yours at least a year in advance to guarantee a gorgeous album.
A good photographer will…
- Become your friend - Your photographer should know exactly what you want so make sure you speak to the person who will be covering your wedding.
- Organise a pre-wedding meeting - You should be able to discuss your day in detail, and see exactly what ideas they have to offer.
- Visit your venue before your big day - This will allow them to get an idea of the style of your wedding and to choose the best backdrops for your pictures so things run smoothly on your big day.
- Show you examples of their work - It’s important that you see at least 20 shots from one wedding, not just a selection from weddings over the years. You are looking for a consistently high standard of work.
- Move the photo session along quickly - Jot down a list of the shots you want with your photographer before your wedding, as this will also help them to work as efficiently and quickly as they possibly can.
Here are some of our tips:
Avoid choosing your photographer purely from a website, brochure or by telephone – it is very important that you feel relaxed in your photographer’s company.
Have your wedding as early in the day as possible – this will allow more time for you to relax and talk with your guests – it will also give optimum conditions for your photography. The more relaxed you are the better your images will look.
Discuss timings for your big day with your photographer, preferably before booking the time for your wedding breakfast , his/her experience will make him/her an expert in how long things take. You may want to allow time for chatting and mixing with your guests as well as for the photography.
When thinking about how many formal pictures and group shots you would like, remember that the more of these shots you request the less time you will have to spend with your guests.
