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Organizing a Photographer for Your Wedding Day
Organizing a Photographer for Your Wedding Day
Organizing your wedding can be a very daunting task and choosing a wedding photographer is a very important part of that process. You’ve probably heard horror stories about weddings ruined by the photographer taking bad photos, being a tyrant during group shots, or stepping all over the ceremony, but relax … although bad wedding photographers do exist they are usually the exception than the rule. That said, you should of course research a number of different photographers and decide on whether the style and approach they have matches what you would like on your wedding day.
A wedding photographer is an investment worth researching because you will only have ONE chance to have the photos of wedding done correctly! There are no second takes for your wedding photos, so unlike other areas of your planning it’s definitely something to get right. Most people start looking for a photographer very soon after they have booked the ceremony or reception venue, as the best wedding photographers are highly sought after and will book out 12-18 months in advance!
Look Closely at the Photos
Perhaps the most important aspect of choosing a wedding photographer is the photos they take! Be critical when viewing their work: do you like the photos? do they evoke emotion in you? do you laugh or do you melt? what do you think of the album design, layout and construction? are the photo colors bright and clear and are all pictures in focus? are the shots technically good, dust free, and well exposed? are the group photos nicely composed? do the poses of the bride and groom look fake, unnatural, spontaneous or set up?
There’s a lot to consider, but trust your instincts and tune in to what you like and whether the photos you are seeing match up well! If they don’t, you might be best to look elsewhere. The great thing about wedding photography is there are numerous suppliers to choose from, so you are bound to find someone who matches your style and takes the kind of shots you’ll end up loving.
Check the business
The larger wedding photography studios will have several photographers, so check and see which one will be doing your wedding and make sure you see their work! We’ve all heard stories about booking a larger studio photographer only to end up with the apprentice for some or all of the day. So if you decide on a large studio, make sure you get the photographer you want. The other option is a smaller operator. Usually you know exactly who you get on the day, you’ve seen only their work in display albums, and their level of service can be a lot higher as you only deal with this one person.
Planning your Photographic Requirements
Once you find a professional wedding photographer you like, you should sit down with them and plan your day in terms of the photography and the photos that you would like from it. It pays to have a plan because the day and the photography will be much more relaxed and memorable if you space things out and allow enough time to get everything done, including an un-rushed photo shoot in the best possible light.
Take into account things like sunset times), likely weather (always have a wet weather back up photography plan!), travel to and from photo locations, traffic, and the booking times you’ve made for the ceremony and reception around Sydney.
When discussing your day with your photographer, you will also need to decide on the amount of coverage you would like. Do you require the photographer for the full day or just for certain parts of the day. You photographer should be able to guide as to how much coverage is necessary to meet your requirements. This can also help in keeping your photography costs down.
Your day can be broken down into four photographic stages the pre wedding shoot, the ceremony, the organized set shots or location shoot and the reception. A brief outline of these stages can be found below.
Pre Wedding Shoot
Here your photographer will be looking to take informal shots of the bride, the groom and the bridal party getting ready for the wedding ceremony. The main emphasis will be on the brides preparation. He will be looking to capture the fun and excitement of the build up to the wedding ceremony.
Wedding Ceremony
Shots of the groom, family and friends awaiting the bride’s arrival. The brides arrival. During the wedding ceremony, close up shoots of the bride and the groom exchanging vows. Followed by family and friends congratulating the happy couple. The focus here is to capture the close, intimate nature of this special occasion. Group family shots are also included at the end of the wedding ceremony.
Organized Set Shots
Here your photographer will be looking to provide you with relaxed, natural looking Wedding Photographs as well as more classic formal photographs that will encapsulate your wedding day. These photographs will be the ones that you frame to enjoy for years to come. This photography session will last around 1 hour and can be arranged to be undertaken before or after the wedding ceremony at a location of your choice.
The Reception
Relaxed, fun photographs of the party, family and friends mixing and having fun, the speeches. the cutting of the cake and the first dance.
Relax, Smile and Enjoy Your Wedding Day!
Once you’ve locked in your wedding photographer it’s time to sit back, smile, and enjoy your wedding day. Don’t stress about the photos on the day because it will show in the shots and you might be disappointed that you didn’t just relax a bit more and really be yourself! The best photos are when you are being natural and yourself, so let that wedding day happiness shine through and really show!
This article by: David Curzon
DC Photographic offers a quality professional Wedding Photography service in and around Sydney.
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