02/05: What to look for when choosing your wedding photographer
Category: General Photo News
Posted by: admin
So the date has been set and you have a plethora of things to do to make the 'big day' happen, from choosing the reception venue, finding the perfect gown, hiring the limousine or horse drawn carriage, selecting the wine to quaff on the day.
There are just so many things to consider making this a prefect day, but take a moment to think a little further ahead, that is after the wedding the cake has been eaten and the dress cleaned and put away. So when your wedding is over, what will you have? Of course, you will have each other and some great memories, but how will you preserve those memories, not only for yourself, but also for future generations? The easy answer is with pictures of your wedding, but the truth is that it's not really that simple. When preserving such a special and unique day, you can't trust just anyone. To make sure that your special day is captured in the best way, make sure to choose a professional wedding photographer that meets your expectations.
So what are the benefits of hiring a professional photographer? Importantly a professional photographer will be timely - arriving at your wedding promptly, and getting the results to you on time. A professional has just the right photographic equipment for photographing your wedding, with a choice of lens's, powerful electronic flashes and back up cameras . Having attended many weddings over the years, an experienced wedding photographer will be at ease at your wedding and help calm those nerves to ensure that your memories are just perfect. A professional has access to a wide range of albums and uses specialist techniques to create something special for you.
A professional is accustomed to working with individuals, couples, and groups to make the formal photography go smoothly, they will work quickly and efficiently and ensure that all your guests can enjoy the day too. When you think about the cost of photography, remember that the photographer's fee is only part of your investment that you are making in using their people skills.
How to find your wedding photographer is now easier than ever, many have web sites so you can have a preview of their work, to see if they offer the style of imagery that you have in mind. To start your search you can 'Google' for a wedding photographer in your area, though this may not produce the targeted search that you are looking for, it may be quicker if you go directly to one of the associations sites who list photographers by county and county thus making it easier for you to choose. The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) has a compressive listing of wedding photographers. The site can be found at: www.swpp.co.uk.
So one of the first things to consider is to make sure that you feel at ease with the photographer, this can be done simply by make appointments to view their work and to get to know them. Ask yourself is this someone with whom you would be comfortable spending a day with and would they 'blend' in with your guests.
Once you have established that the photographer is available for your date and location, you will want to ask, "If we select you as your studio, will you be the photographer covering our wedding?" Some studios have several photographers and even though you may be speaking to the owner they may use operators to cover their weddings. If this is the case ask to see the work of the photographer who will be covering your wedding and make a further appointment to meet them before you make a commitment.
Discuss with the photographer what special images you would like taken on the day, particularly groups of friends or relatives as some of them may be travelling great distances to be with you and of course you may not have seen them for some while. Do be prepared as organising groups can take a few moments especially when everyone is keen to congratulate you. But and it is a big but it is well worth making the time for these shots to be taken, these are the ones that you will see all your important friends and family in. Their faces will be clear and not obscured as can happen in the fun reportage images, these can also be taken and will show everyone what a great time you where having, but it is the more formal pictures that are the ones that couples tend to cherish.
Having great wedding photographs is a team effort; it needs the cooperation of all of the principle parties at the wedding, all of whom need to be informed of the photography schedule. Just to make certain that they do not sneak of to the 'bar' just a little too soon. As searching around for guests can be costly in time and frustrating for those standing around waiting, especially if the weather is a little less clement.
A professional photographer will be flexible and adaptable; they will be able to cope with just about any given circumstance. They will know when enough is enough and be able to handle the crises that come along, so have confidence in what they can do for you.
There are three types of wedding photography: Photojournalistic (candid or reportage) wedding photography, Traditional wedding photography and Artistic wedding photography. Even though the three types of photography are quite unique, most experienced wedding photographers can provide all the types available. All three types are very different which ultimately be reflected in your wedding album.
Photojournalistic (candid or reportage) wedding photography can be described as being similar to images which appear in newspapers. The images can be taken from unusual angles and capture events as they happen. The photos always show the wedding guest, bridal party and family being themselves and sometimes the coverage can be referred to as being 'a fly on the wall approach'. These documentary style wedding photos are taken from the beginning to the end of the full wedding day and will consist of a substantial amount of images that make up a lively and vibrant album.
Traditional Wedding Photography is a more formal approach. The groups are organised to create pleasant geometric shapes. Each person within the group is posed and the photographer will carefully check to make sure that there are no unwanted distractions in the background and that everything is in place before they press the shutter.
Artistic Wedding Photography is where the photographer uses at their disposal specialist photographic techniques to create stunning and unusual images. Sometimes exaggerated colours are used in the final image using specialist digital computer techniques or by using specialist films such as infrared or by using age old techniques such as hand coloured images. The finished product however will be completely individualistic and original.
Another option to consider and is well worth discussing with your photographer is to have some black and white images in your finished album. Black and white photos give an old touch, making the photos look artistic and timeless. Since most professionals now use digital equipment to capture your day, producing black and white or toned images such as sepia is now by far superior than in the days of film as the photographer is not limited by the choice of material used on the wedding day.
It is well worth asking the photographer as to what training they have received, many are regular attendees at workshops and courses which are designed to extend their photographic skills. Many professionals have gained accreditation for their work and hold distinctions letters after their names, an explanation of these accreditation can be found on the SWPP web site.
Gone are the days when a photographer would cover several weddings on a Saturday a professional usually just covers the one. The advantage of this is that a professional will give you their undivided attention and will photographically tell the story of your special day.
This often starts at the bride's home, maybe a shot of the bridal gown, or the hair stylist and make up artist attending to the bride and bridesmaids to the brides father pacing the floor. It may be the younger bridesmaids having a last 'play' in the garden or getting ready to leave in the limo.
Then for the photographer it is off to the wedding to capture the groom and the best man along with all of the principle guests arriving. Next it is 'here comes the bride' as she arrives with her entourage, all of a tremble with nerves and anticipation. Your photographer will then swing into action throughout the ceremony, maybe shots of the scene or exchanging the rings and signing the register.
After the ceremony in the throng of guests wishing to congratulate you, your photographer will be busy organising the groups and recording the fun moments that go to making this day such as special occasion.
The at last a chance for a moment together as you speed of to the reception and get the chance to sip a glass of champagne. Your photographer will be one step ahead of you though, to capture you as you arrive in splendour at the reception. It is here that special, romantic images will be created for you and then it's off for 'cutting of the cake' shots and maybe your first dance.
It is therefore essential that you trust the important duty to a trained professional, because after the cake has been eaten and the dress has been put away, the only thing you will have left are the memories of the day and what better way to keep those memories for ever then a beautiful album of images professionally taken.
Find a photographer: www.swpp.co.uk
Phil Jones
CEO SWPP & BPPA
There are just so many things to consider making this a prefect day, but take a moment to think a little further ahead, that is after the wedding the cake has been eaten and the dress cleaned and put away. So when your wedding is over, what will you have? Of course, you will have each other and some great memories, but how will you preserve those memories, not only for yourself, but also for future generations? The easy answer is with pictures of your wedding, but the truth is that it's not really that simple. When preserving such a special and unique day, you can't trust just anyone. To make sure that your special day is captured in the best way, make sure to choose a professional wedding photographer that meets your expectations.
So what are the benefits of hiring a professional photographer? Importantly a professional photographer will be timely - arriving at your wedding promptly, and getting the results to you on time. A professional has just the right photographic equipment for photographing your wedding, with a choice of lens's, powerful electronic flashes and back up cameras . Having attended many weddings over the years, an experienced wedding photographer will be at ease at your wedding and help calm those nerves to ensure that your memories are just perfect. A professional has access to a wide range of albums and uses specialist techniques to create something special for you.
A professional is accustomed to working with individuals, couples, and groups to make the formal photography go smoothly, they will work quickly and efficiently and ensure that all your guests can enjoy the day too. When you think about the cost of photography, remember that the photographer's fee is only part of your investment that you are making in using their people skills.
How to find your wedding photographer is now easier than ever, many have web sites so you can have a preview of their work, to see if they offer the style of imagery that you have in mind. To start your search you can 'Google' for a wedding photographer in your area, though this may not produce the targeted search that you are looking for, it may be quicker if you go directly to one of the associations sites who list photographers by county and county thus making it easier for you to choose. The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) has a compressive listing of wedding photographers. The site can be found at: www.swpp.co.uk.
So one of the first things to consider is to make sure that you feel at ease with the photographer, this can be done simply by make appointments to view their work and to get to know them. Ask yourself is this someone with whom you would be comfortable spending a day with and would they 'blend' in with your guests.
Once you have established that the photographer is available for your date and location, you will want to ask, "If we select you as your studio, will you be the photographer covering our wedding?" Some studios have several photographers and even though you may be speaking to the owner they may use operators to cover their weddings. If this is the case ask to see the work of the photographer who will be covering your wedding and make a further appointment to meet them before you make a commitment.
Discuss with the photographer what special images you would like taken on the day, particularly groups of friends or relatives as some of them may be travelling great distances to be with you and of course you may not have seen them for some while. Do be prepared as organising groups can take a few moments especially when everyone is keen to congratulate you. But and it is a big but it is well worth making the time for these shots to be taken, these are the ones that you will see all your important friends and family in. Their faces will be clear and not obscured as can happen in the fun reportage images, these can also be taken and will show everyone what a great time you where having, but it is the more formal pictures that are the ones that couples tend to cherish.
Having great wedding photographs is a team effort; it needs the cooperation of all of the principle parties at the wedding, all of whom need to be informed of the photography schedule. Just to make certain that they do not sneak of to the 'bar' just a little too soon. As searching around for guests can be costly in time and frustrating for those standing around waiting, especially if the weather is a little less clement.
A professional photographer will be flexible and adaptable; they will be able to cope with just about any given circumstance. They will know when enough is enough and be able to handle the crises that come along, so have confidence in what they can do for you.
There are three types of wedding photography: Photojournalistic (candid or reportage) wedding photography, Traditional wedding photography and Artistic wedding photography. Even though the three types of photography are quite unique, most experienced wedding photographers can provide all the types available. All three types are very different which ultimately be reflected in your wedding album.
Photojournalistic (candid or reportage) wedding photography can be described as being similar to images which appear in newspapers. The images can be taken from unusual angles and capture events as they happen. The photos always show the wedding guest, bridal party and family being themselves and sometimes the coverage can be referred to as being 'a fly on the wall approach'. These documentary style wedding photos are taken from the beginning to the end of the full wedding day and will consist of a substantial amount of images that make up a lively and vibrant album.
Traditional Wedding Photography is a more formal approach. The groups are organised to create pleasant geometric shapes. Each person within the group is posed and the photographer will carefully check to make sure that there are no unwanted distractions in the background and that everything is in place before they press the shutter.
Artistic Wedding Photography is where the photographer uses at their disposal specialist photographic techniques to create stunning and unusual images. Sometimes exaggerated colours are used in the final image using specialist digital computer techniques or by using specialist films such as infrared or by using age old techniques such as hand coloured images. The finished product however will be completely individualistic and original.
Another option to consider and is well worth discussing with your photographer is to have some black and white images in your finished album. Black and white photos give an old touch, making the photos look artistic and timeless. Since most professionals now use digital equipment to capture your day, producing black and white or toned images such as sepia is now by far superior than in the days of film as the photographer is not limited by the choice of material used on the wedding day.
It is well worth asking the photographer as to what training they have received, many are regular attendees at workshops and courses which are designed to extend their photographic skills. Many professionals have gained accreditation for their work and hold distinctions letters after their names, an explanation of these accreditation can be found on the SWPP web site.
Gone are the days when a photographer would cover several weddings on a Saturday a professional usually just covers the one. The advantage of this is that a professional will give you their undivided attention and will photographically tell the story of your special day.
This often starts at the bride's home, maybe a shot of the bridal gown, or the hair stylist and make up artist attending to the bride and bridesmaids to the brides father pacing the floor. It may be the younger bridesmaids having a last 'play' in the garden or getting ready to leave in the limo.
Then for the photographer it is off to the wedding to capture the groom and the best man along with all of the principle guests arriving. Next it is 'here comes the bride' as she arrives with her entourage, all of a tremble with nerves and anticipation. Your photographer will then swing into action throughout the ceremony, maybe shots of the scene or exchanging the rings and signing the register.
After the ceremony in the throng of guests wishing to congratulate you, your photographer will be busy organising the groups and recording the fun moments that go to making this day such as special occasion.
The at last a chance for a moment together as you speed of to the reception and get the chance to sip a glass of champagne. Your photographer will be one step ahead of you though, to capture you as you arrive in splendour at the reception. It is here that special, romantic images will be created for you and then it's off for 'cutting of the cake' shots and maybe your first dance.
It is therefore essential that you trust the important duty to a trained professional, because after the cake has been eaten and the dress has been put away, the only thing you will have left are the memories of the day and what better way to keep those memories for ever then a beautiful album of images professionally taken.
Find a photographer: www.swpp.co.uk
Phil Jones
CEO SWPP & BPPA
