Planning
Wedding Photography
Your wedding photographer
is the person that will be capturing your wedding
day for you on film and will help you remember your special day
in the years to come. Finding someone who is professional and
whose style is similar to your taste is important. Their attention
to details is an absolute must. You want your photos to be "picture
perfect". You also need a professional that is not afraid
to speak up to people to make the pictures right and to motivate
people so that all the pictures get be done in the allotted time.
You will also want your photographer to have
a lot of experience capturing weddings on film.
Book a consultation with your photographer and
bring a list of shots you want taken on your wedding
day. You can discuss posses, events, styles, and locations that
your want taken by your wedding photographer.
Always book your professionals, including your photographer,
as promptly as possible after your engagement. As soon as you
have a confirmed wedding date you can start reserving
their services. Most photographers are booked
a year in advance, or more.
Hiring a Wedding Photographer
When looking at different photographers'
portfolios see if 
their
style of creativity is consistent with yours. Some photographers
are more playful and candid in their style while others are more
serious and posed. Also, make sure their photos are clear, with
good colour, and check for attention to details. Look for things
that take away from the photo like odd objects
in the background or things that are out of place, like someone's
tie that isn't straight.
Some couples decide to have their pictures
taken before their wedding ceremony. If you don't
mind seeing one another before meeting in the aisle, you will
not only look fresher, but it will also give you more time after
your wedding ceremony to spend with your guests
in celebration. You can meet in a very special and/or beautiful
location and really enjoy the moment of seeing each other for
the first time without the formality of the place of wedding
ceremony. It will also allow you to have extra time for special
photos with just the two of you or with your
wedding party later if you wish. You can take
advantage of sunset times, and get more romantic and/or candid
shots taken for your wedding album.
If you want candid pictures taken, it
can be a lot of fun to leave single use cameras on each of the
wedding guests' tables so your guests can snap
pictures throughout the celebrations. They are
available in multi packages for weddings, to
save you money. Leave a little card with the cameras explaining
what they are for and asking the wedding guests
to leave them on the tables when they are done with them.
The pictures you will
really want to display around your home will be the unique ones
and often the more candid photos. Some photographers
have a real talent for taking photos that can
be hung on a wall as more than just a memory but as a piece of
art.
Another great item that some photographers
offer is a coffee table photo album. The pictures
are mounted so it looks like a book and the photos
usually tell the story of your wedding. It is
a wonderful thing to have for your wedding guests
to browse through when they are visiting you after your wedding.
This is a beautiful keepsake for you to treasure and look back
on.
Make a list of photos
you would like taken and discuss them with your photographer.
If you are not sure of the location where to have your photos
taken, ask your photographer if he has any suggestions.
Chances are they will know a few great locations in the area.
If you are being married
in a church make sure to ask if cameras of all types are allowed
in all parts of the sanctuary. Some churches have policies about
picture taking. Be sure to inform your photographer
of any such policies.
