When all
of the glitter and magic has settled from your wedding or special event, the
only things you will have left are the memories you hold and the pictures from
your photographer.
Whether
you choose to have digital still photos or videographer for your special event
the visual memories that you have will continue to last a lifetime and many
years after! Therefore, choosing the right photographer, whether it be still or
video, is of upmost importance. So, here are some tips on finding the right
photographer to make your event one for the books!
1.
Hire for Style
It's easy to
obsess over wedding photography price points and packages, but do yourselves a
favor and start your research process by nailing down a wedding photography
style first. There are countless types to choose from -- from the more
traditional, clean, straight-on shots to creative angles and inventive
backdrops (think: garage door with chipped paint) and knowing the aesthetic
you're after from the beginning will undoubtedly help you find a photographer
you love for all the right reasons. Can't find a photographer you like in your
budget? Call one you love and ask them to recommend a less-experienced shooter
(maybe one of their assistants) with a similar style.
2.
Streamline the
Family Photos
Don't waste time
trying to get every last combo of grandparents, siblings, and cousins.
Invariably your little nephews will run off, his grandmother will get tired of
waiting, and everyone will end up frustrated. Instead, put together a short(!)
list of the must-have family shots you want (like the two of you with your
immediate families) and then take one big family photo with everyone in it. Do
it this way and you not only buy yourselves more time at the reception, you
also free up your photographer to capture the more candid shots from the day.
3.
Don't Sweat
the Little Things
While it's
totally fine to show your photographer the types of shots you like, it's even
more important that you're flexible the day-of. So if it rains and you can't
get that sunny shot of you in a field, grab big umbrellas and a pair of bright
yellow rain boots and trust your photographer to find the right shot. Same goes
for your schedule: If you're stuck in traffic between the ceremony and
reception and don't have time to hit up all your favorite city sites with your
bridal party, pick a few favorites and move on. Trust your photographer to keep
you on-schedule, to frame the shots, and to know what will look best --
remember, that's why you hired them!
4.
Choose Your
Hues
Most likely, your
photographer will be shooting with digital film, but if you love the look of
black-and-white photos, it's a good idea to let them know that ahead of time.
In other words, don't just assume that because the photos look great in color,
they'll translate to black-and-white in the same way. Let your photographer
know your color preference, and that way they can be sure the lighting and
camera settings ensure a sharp, classic product.
5.
Get Engagement
Photos Taken
We know
engagement photos are an extra cost, but scheduling an engagement photo shoot
is well worth the money. Why? Besides the fact that you'll get gorgeous
engagement photos to share with friends and family, you and your fiance will
feel so much more comfortable having a camera pointed at you on your wedding day
if you've already been through it. That confidence will show through in your
wedding photos, so it's essential that you feel comfortable with your
photographer.
6.
Cover Your
Bases
Don't get carried
away, but providing your photographer with a top-five list of poses or moments
you want is a good way to guarantee you get the photos you're hoping for. Bring
in examples that you find online, or point out samples that they've already
taken at other weddings. A couple must-haves we love? The just-after-the-recessional
shot (when you're alone and married for the first time!); Mom and Dad at the
ceremony (looking proud); and a large overall shot of your reception (to
capture the feeling of the evening) are all good ideas. That said, it's still
important to trust your photographer to know what will look right for you.
7.
Add a Photo
Booth
It's going to be
virtually impossible to get a photo with every guest -- or even to guarantee
that your photographer will -- so renting a photo booth is the perfect
solution. Guests can let their personality shine, especially if you set up a
visually interesting backdrop and provide quirky props (funny hats, fake
mustaches, mini chalkboards for writing funny messages). The result is
guaranteed to make a great addition to your guest book or wedding album.
8.
Schedule a
Day-After Shoot
Okay, not as
essential as, say, engagement photos, but a great idea if you're worried about
seeing enough of your guests. Instead of taking time the morning-of or during
cocktail hour, schedule a session for the next day -- or even a week after --
to snap some couple shots. Yep, you read that right: Get back in the wedding
dress (when you're bound to be calmer) and shoot the fun stuff so that you're
not bogged down by it on the day-of. Do it this way and you'll also give your
photographer time to shoot the candid moments of the day.
However, if you
choose to take the other path of hiring a videographer, here are some great
tips that can assure that your wedding or special event are Oscar worthy!
Lighting
Give your videographer the heads-up about your venue’s
lighting. This will help your videographer get the clearest possible images.
INDOORS Video generally looks
better if the lights at the ceremony and reception aren’t turned down too low.
If the location is dark, the most unobtrusive choice for your videographer is
to use a low-wattage, on-camera light. Ask that he diffuse the light. This will
spread the light evenly and prevent squinting, which doesn’t look good on
video.
OUTDOORS An outdoor wedding
will look much better if the bride and groom, as well as guests, aren’t in
direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will wash out vibrant colors. Shady areas or
canopies that let in some light work best.
Positioning
Even the most thoroughly rehearsed weddings can make it
difficult for your videographer to get the best shots, especially if you not
aware of your positioning. Including camera positioning techniques in your
rehearsal can keep key moments intimate and ensure the best shots.
VOW EXCHANGE Facing your guests
during the ceremony, or facing each other (instead of the officiant), will give
you the best unobtrusive shots. If neither is an option, ask your videographer
to use small hidden cameras strategically placed throughout the ceremony location
for multiple camera angles.
KEY MOMENTS If you are lighting a
unity candle or including a sand ceremony, be careful not to block the candle
or vase by standing directly in front of it. Standing off to the side at an
angle where the candle is between the bride and the groom will give the
videographer the best shot. The same is true for the exchange of rings.
Little Things Mean A Lot
When capturing beautiful memories, it’s the little
things that count. Being aware of actions that can ruin your video will guarantee
your lasting impressions are memorable for the right reasons.
WHAT NOT TO DO: Smoking, eating, and
chewing gum generally look terrible on video.
ACTING NATURAL Try not to react to
the presence of the camera. The bridal party usually becomes accustomed to the
camera after the first hour during the bridal preparations. Never turn your
back on the camera as this usually renders the footage unusable. When in doubt
about whether to look at the photographer or videographer during traditional
shots, always look at your photographer unless the videographer specifically
requests otherwise.
The phrase
has been heard that a picture is worth a thousand words, and in a wedding or
special event these words could not be truer. Whether you choose to hire a videographer
or a simple and elegant photographer, remember to decide on one that fits the
style of both your event and all those involved.
By: Megan Loberg, A Memory Lane Event
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