How to Choose

As an art form, photography is a powerful way to capture the essence of a moment. The money invested in hiring a reputable, professional photographer for your wedding day helps avoid the risk of lost moments, blurry faces and the inevitable red-eye that so often characterizes snapshots taken by untrained shutterbugs—even if your Uncle Albert with his digital camera means well!

Here's help to take you through the process of finding a wedding photographer that suits your style.

• Word-of-mouth goes a long way, so start by relying on family and friends who have already exchanged "I Dos" and can recommend a reputable studio or photographer.
• Attend a wedding show, and look at the different styles of photography to decide which ones appeal to your eye.
• Interview several photographers, and select someone who makes you feel very comfortable. When you "click" with the photographer, chances are your photos will also look more natural.
• Before you hire, it's important to closely consider the portfolio of anyone you are thinking of enlisting for the job. Consider the following when looking at their work: Are there a variety of poses and expressions illustrated? Do the people look relaxed? Is there a variety of locations and set-ups? The final choice of photographer will be influenced by your taste in photography and the theme of your wedding day.

What to Ask Before You Pick a Shooter

• Can you see samples of the photographer's wedding work? If you're dealing with a studio, will the person you speak with during a consultation actually be the photographer assigned to your wedding day?
• How much experience has the photographer had with weddings? Ask for testimonials or client referrals and call a couple of these references.
• How are fees charged: by the hour or for a flat-fee package? Make certain to detail any additional costs; from special techniques used, to types of wedding albums that will be provided, right down to the photographers' travel or parking expenses.
• What options are available? Can your photographs be a combination of colour and black and white?
  
• Can they suggest a location for pictures to be taken between the ceremony and the reception?
• How will the photographer and his or her assistant dress on the day of the wedding?

Cheers,

Shopping for Wedding Photography

Photography is one of the most important (and can be the most expensive) aspect of your wedding planning. The reality is, long after the big day is over many of your memories will come from the photos, which you’ll also want to print, display and share with your friends and family!

Photographer Haley Shandro of Shandro Photo in Edmonton, Alberta recently wrote a blog post for the Professional Photographers of Canada giving tips on why and how you should budget for a wedding photographer. Here is what she said:

Do I need a professional?

My uncle can do it for me. These days anyone with a camera thinks that they are a photographer, but a professional has the experience, equipment, personality, and backup equipment to ensure that your photos are stunning and safeguarded.

How much is too much?

A few years ago, you could hire a great wedding photographer for $2,000-$3,000. These days, people are spending more on their photographer, and it’s not unusual to pay $6,000+ for an amazing professional photographer for full day coverage with an album. Why is it ‘so expensive’? There is a difference between amazing photography and poor photography. The talent of a true professional photographer can be the difference between ho-hum photos and stunning images of your most important day. Photography is one field where you do get what you pay for.

How much coverage do I need?

Gone are the days of stiff portraits after a traditional ceremony. Many brides now want documentary-style coverage of their wedding. However, not everyone wants photos of getting ready. Or, your budget might not allow for hiring a pro for the whole day. Rather than hiring a mediocre photographer for the whole day, consider spending a bit extra and hiring a professional for less time.

Do I get a disc of images?

To some brides a disc is important, to some it is not. If you are a bride who values having a digital archive of your photos and the ability to print what you want, check to see if the disc is included, or if there is an extra charge. If the initial package price is low but there are fees after the fact, this may affect how a photographer will fit into your budget. Also, understand that there is a difference between a disc of high-resolution files that you can print to a large size, or downsized files (or low resolution) that can only be used for the web or small prints.

Do I need a wedding album?

You may have intentions of printing off wedding photos for your friends and family, or putting together your own wedding album. However, many brides find that after the wedding life gets busy, priorities shift, and the disc of wedding images gets put on the shelf. Also, technologies change and that disc will eventually be obsolete or may deteriorate. Files on a disk now may not be able to be opened in 15 years. Anyone still using 5 1/2" floppies? A good quality album will safeguard your memories for years. You should ensure your budget has enough room for a professional wedding album.

Can I personalize my wedding with photography?

You can combine other items from your budget, such as a guest book, thank you cards, and even invitations into your photography budget. Ask your photographer to do custom extras with your engagement and wedding photos.

Shouldn’t I get a discount for getting married on a Sunday or in the winter?

A photographer works just as hard on a Saturday in the summer as on a Sunday in December. You shouldn’t necessarily expect a discount if you’re not getting married on a Saturday.

Thank you Haley for writing those tips. Next post we'll help you choose the right photographer for your day.

Cheers,

Gear is just Gear

All cameras have the same purpose: to assist in capturing the spirit of what the photographer visualized in his minds eye.

Of course, it's not the camera that makes the image but the photographer. The Equipment is a means to an end whereas Seeing is everything.

Remember, your camera does not matter.

Now go out and See.

Just Give it some pillock

This is how they caravan in the UK. Love it.
(thanks to Steve for finding this video)