This next tip will effect you for the rest of your life. Although photography can be pricey, you must realize that unlike the wedding photos last FOREVER and will tell your story of your wedding. So you decide, a train photographer or Auntie Mel's expertise.
Here are some tips:
1) Before choosing a photographer, it's a good idea to check the photographer's reputation with the Better Business Bureau.
2) Read your wedding photography contract carefully. Many couples are surprised to learn that their film and the rights to reprint the photos remain with the photographer in many cases. The photographer will ask you to sign a photo release or there might be a term in the contract granting all rights to your image and likeness to the photographer. If you wish to buy "all rights' to your wedding-day photographs, expect to pay a higher fee.
DON'T LET THIS DISCOURAGE YOU THIS IS THE USUAL...Remember Auntie Mel or a REAL Photographer!
3) Interview several photographers; discuss their styles and look at their portfolios. Some photographers take traditional portraits of the couple alone and with attendants, parents, relatives, the blended family, school friends, table groupings, etc. Others specialize in artistic candids that capture the excitement and emotion of the day. A photojournalistic style might resemble the spreads in a fashion or news magazine.
4) Ask for professional credentials, such as membership in organizations, and find out what code of ethics these organizations have.
5) Get several estimates and hire a photographer who charges an average fee.
6) Sometimes it's good to designate a close relative or friend with all of the key people in your life as the "point person"....SORRY AUNTIE MEL NOT U....at your wedding; make sure they are dependable.
They can help your photographer quickly round up all the people for each requested shot.
7) PEOPLE, PEOPLE DO NOT GET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER INVOLVE IN YOUR FAMILY ISSUES....Some of us might have sticky family issues or situation. Please, Please make your photographer aware of this. You know, like the fact Uncle Frank and Auntie Mel will get drunk on the way to the church; you might want to get their photos out of the way in the early. Or that divorce couple that don't want to be in photos together.
HERE ARE A LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES:
1) COLOR PHOTOS: Contemporary.
2) BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOS: Traditional, classic, dramatic,artistic.
3) PORTRAITURE: Posed photos of bride and groom with family members, wedding attendants etc., groupings,etc.
4) SOFT-FOCUS PORTRAITS: Sentimental and romantic this photographic style focuses softly on facial expressions.
5) CANDIDS: Photos snapped spontaneously to capture the excitement and flow of the celebration, in the moment.
6) PHOTOJOURNALISM: Documentary style of covering a wedding like a breaking news story, with a beginning, a middle and end.
7) SEPIA-TONED PHOTOS: Printing style which captures the old-fashioned romance of long-ago photographs printed in brownish hue.
8) HAND-PAINTED PHOTOS: Artistic technique in which black-and-white photos are hand-painted with oil paints in selected places.
9) PHOTOMONTAGE: Artistic technique in which a composite picture is created by cutting and merging several photographs.
10) VIGNETTE: Photography style in which the other edge gradually fades into the border.
11) DOUBLE EXPOSURES: Photos are snapped through a special filter; it adds "props" to dramatize the prints.
OK ....MAKE YOUR OWN CHECKLIST GIVE IT TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER SO HE/SHE CAN OFFER YOU THE PACKAGE THAT MEETS YOUR WANTS......PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE NOT MIND READERS....!!!!
But what if you want to risk it, hey I'm sure Auntie Mel is ready and willing to make your wedding a "memory".
However, I am one who loves to save a buck so although we might not want to depend on Auntie Mel we might be able to get those photos without completely depending on a professional.
1) Distribute disposable cameras to all guests to shoot candid and spontaneous shots. Have a bin near the exit to collect the cameras at the end of the reception; hire a photographer just for wedding-day portraits and key moments of the ceremony and reception.
2) Hire a photographer that offer a package that includes extra prints or reasonable rates for additional prints.
All in all, remember, it's the bride and groom story and how you want others to interpret it depends solely on your photos.
HAVE FUN AND GOOD SHOPPING!!!!!!
SEE YOU IN MY NEXT TIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
