Choosing a Photographer/Videographers
You've dreamed of it for years, you've planned it for months and then
your wedding day arrives and flies by in a blur! That's why it is so important
for you to have great professional wedding pictures.
Locating and hiring a good photographer to capture your special day will
require some work on your part but with these tips you can have beautiful
pictures that capture your wedding day in all its glory.
The first thing to do is call and arrange an appointment to meet with
the photographer and to see samples of their work. Some studios employ
several photographers and it's important to meet the actual photographer
and see his/her work before signing any contracts or agreements.
The next step is to visit at least 3 studios and compare quality. Photographer's
styles can range from traditional colour- more posed images, to the newest
trend, Black and White Photojournalistic looking images. Be sure to ask
about number of hours included in the price, if there is an extra charge
for the album itself and overtime charges. Get all the information in
writing including the time the photographer is to arrive and the time
they are to leave. Don't assume they will stay to the end as you hop in
your limo, the photographer could have left hours earlier!
You want to find someone that you feel comfortable with. Personality
plays a major part of how well the photographs will turn out. Remember
you will be spending a large amount of time with this person and the last
thing you want is someone who is unpleasant.
Also ask about reorder prices. That is what extra portraits will cost
should you decide to add more portraits to your album, or want or need
extra prints for your family and friends.
One of the latest conveniences is on-line session proofing. Some photographers
are now offering to put the Bride and Grooms wedding images on a web site,
which will allow your family and friends all over the world to view the
wedding images and purchase prints directly from the web site!
You should plan on spending about 20% of your wedding budget on the photography.
After all, it is all that will be left after your wedding day is over.
You and your spouses' wedding album will become an heirloom and something
that you will want to pass down to your children and their children's
children. Be very careful... horror stories have happened when couples
let a relative or a friend photograph their wedding, or have chosen the
cheapest photographer.
It takes a trained professional to juggle all the elements of a wedding
day. You will never regret hiring a professional, just follow the above
steps and you should wind up with a beautiful wedding album, featuring
all the love, beauty and romance of your special day.
Choosing a Videographers
Since the quality of recorders and video equipment has improved dramatically
in recent years, it should come as no surprise that video taping is becoming
as traditional as photography. Video taping the wedding helps to preserve
a very precious memory that the bride and groom can review- enjoy- and
share with family and friends for many years to come.
Quality is what matters.... Price is secondary
Find a good Videographers, then pick the package you can afford.
Ask to see a sample tape.
Things to look for
Professional video equipment.
Smooth and steady camera work.
Spontaneous and natural shots.
Seamless editing techniques.
Good coverage of the ceremony.
All the important parts included.
Clean titles not too many flashy graphics.
Good colour and a sharp picture.
Good Audio.
Consumer level cameras available at the local department store can't
produce the quality needed to video-tape, edit, and make copies. Above
this level are many variations. Some 'so-called' professional videographers
use a standard video format (VHS or 8mm) and provide the original to the
bride and groom. Copies made from this tape will be of sub-standard quality.
A true professional uses a hi quality format. (SVHS, Hi8, BetaSP, DV,
etc.) Copies made from this type or tape will be better quality and every
copy will be the same.
No matter how good his cameras are, a Videographers must have good camera
skills. If you get sea-sick watching the demo, it's time to move on. Look
for those special shots that 'make' the moment.
You'll have to do your homework. Many videographers have different packages
based on what you want included in the video. Remember, the more he tapes,
the more he has to edit onto the master copy. Extras may cost you so ask
up-front.
Flashy graphics may be great for MTV, but you want the focus to be on
you. If you notice the effect, it takes the attention off of you!
Most 'on-camera' mics' are not enough to capture good audio. Wireless
mics' and wired hand held mics' are the best way to achieve good sound.
Types of Wedding Video
There are various types and qualities of wedding videos, along with a
wide range of prices. Personal preference and budget will determine the
best type of video to use. Rules and regulations concerning videotaping
vary according to the ceremony site used and may affect the way your video
will come out.
The following list describes three popular types of wedding videos
Straight-shot Footage
The Videographers only uses one camera, starting at the beginning of the
ceremony and capturing highlights the reception using only in-camera editing.
Since there is no post-editing, and only one camera, it is the least expensive
option. With in-camera Titling, He can add a special touch by putting
the couple's names and wedding date at the beginning of the tape. This
format has the quickest delivery time. He can also add music, usually
for an additional charge.
Nostalgic Format
This type of video can be as long and as nostalgic as the couple wants
to make it. The Videographers usually starts by showing photographs of
the couple as children; then progresses to photos of romantic; fun times
they have shared together; followed by scenes from the ceremony and reception;
sometimes ending with shots from the honeymoon (This may delay delivery
of the final tape.) For photo sequences, music is copied to the master
tape then still photos are dubbed in at appropriate points creating just
the right mood. The other events surrounding the wedding are then added
to the master tape. This format needs to be post-edited and requires more
editing time. Therefore, it costs more.
Wedding Documentary Format
This type of video documents the day. The segments of the day's events
tell a story similar to the way the events occurred. It usually starts
with shots of the bride and groom getting ready, then progresses through
the ceremony and reception, capturing spontaneous moments and interviews
with family and friends, then ends as the bride and groom leave the reception.
This video format is the most popular, most commonly used, and is the
best value. Many videographers use two to three cameras to obtain better
quality. Then post-edit adding titling and music to create a smooth visual
effect.
Photo Tips for Wedding Guests
While most couples hire a professional photographer to photograph the
ceremony and reception, there's still plenty of room for you to also capture
your perspective of this joyous occasion on film. There are lots of moments
that happen among the guests that will never be captured by the professional
wedding photographer. Stay out of the pro's way. He or she has a big job
to do. And, never shoot over the pro's shoulder. That won't be appreciated
and could interfere with the job.
Instead, concentrate on recording the fun that you and your family and
friends have at the wedding. Not only will you have a record of the wedding
for your own pleasure, but imagine the joy of the happy couple to receive
prints of events that the professional photographer did not see or wasn't
asked to cover.
For instance, many wedding photographers no longer shoot those "table
shots" of the guests because these photos don't usually get purchased
by the bride and groom. This is the perfect opportunity for you. But shoot
these like a pro: Have some of the people at your table stand up and move
behind those still seated and take a group shot. Avoid showing the entire
table complete with half-eaten food, instead concentrate on the faces
of the guests.
Another photo opportunity exists at your table. Many bridal receptions
now include disposable "single use" cameras at every table.
You may need to get the show rolling and coax your table mates to start
taking pictures. Remember, the bride and groom can't be at every table
to take part in the festivities so candid photos from these cameras can
show the guests having fun in a way that professional photographers aren't
likely to capture.
A couple of hints on wedding photography etiquette. If you want to take
photos at a church, synagogue, mosque or chapel, take your cues from the
professional photographer hired by the bridal couple. If you see that
he or she is not taking photos at the ceremony, chances are it is because
the clergy told the photographer not to do so. Respect the tradition and
don't take pictures. The same thing holds true for flash photography.
Some places of worship will allow it at the ceremony, others will not.
If you see that the pro is shooting, then take an aisle seat. It's the
best place to get nice close shots of the couple that fill the frame as
they leave the church.
One other suggestion on wedding photography is to be respectful of the
professional photographer. Don't get in that individual's way. You don't
want to ruin the photos that the bride and groom are paying the pro to
take, and the pro can do a better job of capturing many parts of the event
than you can. As we've indicated, there are plenty of different kinds
of shots for you too. |
