Wedding Photographer

Hiring a photographer for a wedding is a must. So much planning goes into a wedding that a couple will certainly want to have mementos for the big occasion. Plus, family members and friends are going to want photographs to remind them of the happy day. While amateur photos are nice in some instances, there is nothing like a complete professionally compiled wedding album to reflect on and enjoy.

Couples should begin the process of looking for a wedding photographer at least a year in advance of the wedding date. This will give the couple ample time to interview several different wedding photographers and to get a good sense of how each photographer works. Couples that intend to wed will need to budget the cost of the photographer into the wedding budget and can expect to pay up to 8 percent of their entire wedding budget on a professional photographer.

While the cost of a wedding photographer may seem a bit exorbitant, in truth, to not hire a professional photographer a couple is opening themselves up to the possibility of disappointment. While family members and friends may take fantastic photos on vacations and the like, there really is no guarantee that they will take outstanding photos on the wedding day. Besides, family and friends should be focusing on the fun day, not on working during the wedding!

When meeting with wedding photographers for the first time there will be much for the couple to discuss. Couples will want to examine the wedding packages a photographer has available, and they will also want to closely review any price lists that the photographer has to offer them. Again, price, although important, should be a secondary consideration when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer. Couples need to be looking for an experienced photographer that produces quality photos.

It is a good idea to examine a photographer’s portfolio. A couple should never just take the word of a photographer, but should examine work done in the past. By examining a photographers portfolio, the couple can get an idea of the quality of the work the photographer produces as well as an idea of what kind of images they would like to have produced for their wedding day.

It is a good idea for the couple to have their wedding plans mapped out before sitting down with any photographer. Essentially, the couple will need to know when the wedding will take place, where the wedding will occur, and if the reception is occurring at a different location. At the consultation, the photographer will ask if the couple wants formal photos taken before or during the wedding ceremony and if they want photos of the bride and the bridal party getting ready for the big event. It is important that a couple have a good sense of what they are looking for before they visit the photographer. A nice way to prepare is to take a photo pose checklist to the photographer indicating the types of poses the couple is interested in. Such checklists are available on the Internet and can be downloaded and printed at no charge to the couple.

Both the bride and groom may not only be interested in wedding photos, but they may find that they would like to have engagement photos as well. Some wedding photographers also offer engagement photo sessions, while others do not, focusing solely on weddings. Thus, it may become necessary for brides and/or grooms to seek out a separate photographer for engagement photos.

Engagement photos are often used next to newspaper announcements, letting the world know about the couple that intends to be wed. A professional photographer takes various poses of the bride and her fiancé and then later submits the images to the newspapers of the couples choosing. Yet, there are several other uses for engagement photos that couples may not first imagine. For instance, an engagement photo can be used on handmade wedding invitations: a nice way to personalize creative invitations! Moreover, the photos can be used on thank you notes: a nice touch when sending one’s gratitude for the gifts received from loving friends and family members.

Engagement photos also make outstanding personal photos for one’s home or as a gift for family members. They also make nice pictures for work, placed in a frame they can compliment and office desk thereby making the office more welcoming. Meanwhile, some couples create their own wedding websites: if the photo is digitalized, or scanned and uploaded, they can use the image on their website, making the site express their joy in a personal way!

The different types of wedding photo poses that a couple can choose from are vast. In addition to getting photos of the bridal party preparing for the big day, the couple can get formal photos taken at the wedding and reception location. Some couples have the photographer arrive about an hour before the ceremony begins. This gives the photographer ample time to set up all of the equipment he or she may be using to capture images at the wedding. Once the photographer has set up equipment, he or she is likely to take photos of the wedding location’s interior, the parents of the bride and groom upon arrival; and guests of honor.

Other common wedding photographs include the entrance of the wedding official; the arrival of the groom and the groomsmen, the wedding ushers, and the arrival of the bridesmaids and flower girl as each walk down the aisle. Plus, the photographer will capture images of the ring bearer, and the bride as she is escorted down the aisle by the individual of her choosing.

The photographer will take hundreds of photos and the couple will later be able to choose from the proofs or digital images. The more photos a professional photographer takes, the more images the couple will be able to choose from. Finally, if the couple wants specific photos of certain people in the wedding or certain guests, it should be made known during the initial consultation with the photographer.

There are many poses that can be captured by the photographer. Again, a list of poses should be used so that the photographer knows precisely what the couple to be wed has in mind. Some other poses to consider include the moment that the bride is given away; the exchanging of vows, the exchange of rings, and of course, the moment that the bride share their first kiss as husband and wife.

After the ceremony the photographer will require a period of time where they can take photos of the bridal party. The bride, the groom, bridesmaids, matron or maid of honor, the groomsmen, and the best man will all need to be available for photos and should be alerted to the time period they are needed. The parents of the bride and groom, the ring bearer, the flower girl, and honored guests will also want to be available for pictures.

At the reception the process begins again, and the major players in the wedding will be getting their photos taken. The photographer will capture images as the bride and groom enter the reception area, as well as the bridal party entrances. Special moments like the first dance of the bride and groom, the dance between the bride and her father, and the dance between the groom and his mother will also be photographed.

Some other special images that couples may want include the tossing of the floral bouquet, the moment that the bride’s garter is removed, some more hand shots of the newly exchanged rings, a single shot of the bride’s bouquet, the guestbook area, and of course, the wedding cake! Meanwhile, the photographer is apt to take hundreds of candid shots of all of the wedding guests present.

So how can a couple determine they are dealing with a wedding photographer that is going to give them the quality photos they desire? What kinds of questions should a couple pose when they talk to the photographer? First and foremost, a couple should ask if the photographer has any experience and if so how much. Next, the couple should request samples of the photographer’s prior images. Also, the couple should ask the photographer if they do this professionally or if it is simply a hobby—being a professional makes a big difference when it comes to wedding photography.

If a couple is interested in different styles of photos they should ask the photographer what kinds of photos are available. For example, some couples want colored photos, others want antiqued, still others want black and white. Meanwhile, some couples about to wed want some of all the latter mentioned photo possibilities.

The cost of the wedding photos is obviously going to be part of the discussion that occurs between the couple and the photographer. See if the photographer offers a professional contract. If not, it is time to seek one that does. A contract will ensure that the couple gets precisely what they are asking for from the photographer. At that time, the couple may also want to discuss payment arrangements: is a deposit required? Further, when will the rest of the payment be required? It is imperative that the couple is clear on the payment method and expectancy. Finally, a couple should definitely ask for recommendations. If a photographer cannot provide them, the couple should be suspicious. It is important that the photographer can provide adequate references.

When it comes time to discuss the cost of a wedding photo package, couples may be surprised to find that many packages are 1500 dollars or more. The majority of packages cost right around 2000 dollars. While this may seem like a hefty price tag, the couple needs to seriously weigh the alternatives. If an amateur is used for the job, the photos may come out unclear, blurred, and shoddy or the subject of the images may be inappropriate. There’s no turning back: the wedding day only occurs one time.

Most photographers require that a deposit is paid. Some photographers require one third of the entire package as a down payment. Other photographers may request half of the entire cost. Still other wedding photographers want payment upfront in full. It is important that the couple is clear on what they must pay and when the payment is due.

If a couple is interested in saving money on the cost of wedding photos, then they may want to consider having disposal cameras at the reception. Each camera can be placed on the table and guests can take candid shots of the wedding. This will cut down on the cost of candid shots the couple has to pay the professional photographer for. The couple will have to ask the photographer if they mind having someone else take candid shots while they are shooting photographs however: some photographers will refuse, others are more accepting of the idea.

When it comes time for the big day the couple is going to constantly have to keep the photographer in the back of their mind. In other words, ample time is going to be needed for the photographer to take photos, particularly those that involve formal poses. It is a good idea if the couple schedules specific time slots for the formal poses and this can and should be discussed with the wedding photographer. Both the bride and groom should speak with the parents, guests of honor and the entire bridal party to make them aware of when the photos will be taken. This will ensure that there are no snags in terms of scheduling and getting to the reception in a timely manner.

It may be a good idea for the photographer to visit the wedding and reception location along with the bride and groom so that they can get a sense of the area they will be photographing. This will ensure that all photos have the proper lighting and that the photographer has all of the equipment they need to produce the photos that have been requested.

A couple should hire a wedding photographer that they are utterly comfortable working with. They will be working with the photographer one on one and for a period of time. Planning the wedding should be a fun occasion, not one that makes the couple upset or nervous: therefore, trust is a total must.

If a couple decides that they want extra photos taken of the bridal party getting ready the couple should ensure that the photographer will arrive at a specific time. Everything should be arranged before the contract is signed. Furthermore, the couple should be absolutely clear on what the contract entails and covers. Also, a couple may want to see if the photographer offers any kind of guarantees or if they are insured in the event that something doesn’t work out as planned.

A couple may also want to see if the photographer is willing to produce duplicate photographs, outside of what the package covers, if guests should request them. In addition, they should ask the photographer if they keep the images they capture and for how long. A couple should take a few minutes to consider what would happen if something should happen to all of the photos due to a house fire or other unexpected terrible event. Would the photographer have additional photos in storage for reordering? How long will they keep the pictures of their wedding on file?

Amateur vs. Professional Wedding Photography

If a couple does decide on using an amateur to photograph their wedding there are several things they should consider. They should talk to the individual, discuss their needs and see if the individual is really up to the task. The couple will need to question the amateur photographer about their particular picture taking style, and what kind of creative touches they are capable of adding to images.

The same questions that a couple would ask a professional wedding photographer should be asked of the amateur. What will be the cost of the photos taken? How many photos will be taken? Will the amateur photographer be able to fill the tall order that the couple is requesting? How long will it take to get the photos? What format will the photos be delivered in? Further, what type of equipment does the amateur have?

In conclusion, whether or not the couple hires a professional photographer or an amateur one they will need to get to know him or her. It is critical that the couple develop a personal relationship with the photographer. It will ensure that the wedding day is captured in a way that will give the couple many fond memories to come.