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Photography

Your vision of captivating images of the two of you declaring your devotion in a glorious setting may have been one of your primary motivators to marry outdoors. What you need to know is that behind every striking wedding image you’ve ever seen is a brilliant photographer. Finding the right photographers for your event can be time-consuming, and their work can be costly. But if you choose wisely, you will wind up with photos and maybe even a video to cherish anniversaries hence.

Selecting a Photographer

Photography is part art, part science, and part sport. The best photographers know how to compose interesting candid shots and pose formal portraits. They understand, both technically and intuitively, the results achieved through the combination of shutter speed, aperture, film, lenses, filters, and lighting. They possess a knack for being in the right place at the right time and have the reflexes to capture for posterity scenes that last but a moment in time. As you search for the right photographer, you will need to consider each individual’s style, skill level, and eye for catching a wedding’s most dramatic images.

Style and Substance

Most couples begin their search for a wedding photographer by focusing on a particular style of photography that appeals to them. Just as no two watercolor artists paint in precisely the same way, no two photographers have exactly the same approach. However, wedding photography generally falls into three basic styles:

Within these basic categories, you will still find that photographers differ greatly in many ways, such as use of light and shadows, propensity to zoom in or to use a wide angle, use of soft versus sharp focus, emphasis on scenic as well as people elements, and reliance on or avoidance of props. Because many outdoor celebrations tend to be more casual in nature, a photojournalistic approach is often preferred. In the course of their search, however, most couples discover that they would prefer a photographer who can blend several styles. Be sure to see a variety of work by each photographer you are considering as you make a decision about whose style best aligns with your wishes.

Beyond style, it is important to consider each potential photographer’s substance, as well. Seek out a photographer who has extensive experience, not only with weddings but specifically with outdoor weddings. You also want the photographer you select to be reliable, so evaluate how quickly candidates respond to your phone calls or e-mails and how thoroughly they answer your questions. In addition to technical and artistic prowess with a camera, good wedding photographers also have strong interpersonal skills and genuine passion for the work they do.

Costs and Conditions

Sticker shock often accompanies couples’ first meetings with professional photographers. Not only will it cost thousands of dollars to hire a pro to shoot your wedding, the initial fee you are quoted usually covers only the photographer’s time plus film and development costs. Additional charges will apply to all prints and albums you order after receiving your proofs. It is not uncommon for photography to eat up 10 percent or more of a couple’s wedding budget.

Before you contemplate asking your cousin to take on the job of photographing your wedding with her point-and-shoot camera, consider the importance of having a quality visual record of your special day as it unfolds. Your wedding will be over in a flash, but images will remind you and your loved ones of the promise and hope of that day for many years to come. While photography prices may seem exorbitant, take into account the fact that a wedding photographer’s job is not an easy one. In addition to working weekends, lugging equipment, and catering to demanding clients, wedding photographers are under enormous pressure to produce stunning images at every wedding, even though conditions may not always be optimal, and brides and grooms may not always resemble movie stars.

In spite of the cost, hiring a professional is the best way to maximize your chances of getting great photos of your wedding. You will find as you begin to prospect for a photographer that those who specialize in weddings vary widely in their level of experience, their price, and the quality and freshness of their work. Because photography is a demanding profession, many photographers dabble in it part-time or pursue it only for a little while. You will need to manage your expectations a bit. Remember that the photographers who shoot magazine spreads charge even higher commercial rates, working with professional models, jetting off to exotic locations, and not likely spending their weekends trying to get just anyone’s grandma to smile for the camera.

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Few couples realize that their photographer will own the rights to all of their wedding images. Federal law dictates that copyright is established the moment a photograph is taken. Unless you arrange in advance to retain rights or to purchase negatives, you will need to obtain any prints and reprints through your photographer according to his pricing and terms.

Once you have found a photographer whose style you admire and whose price you can afford, you must still review the contract and understand exactly what you are purchasing. Your agreement should spell out who specifically will photograph your event, the number of hours and rolls of film included, the specific shooting locations, the format via which proofs will be delivered, ownership of the proofs, pricing including any charges for travel expenses, and payment schedule. Carefully read any clauses pertaining to cancellation or postponement of the event and the photographer’s liability for not fulfilling contractual obligations. Be sure to obtain a current price list for albums and prints with a guaranteed date through which these prices will be honored.

Questions to Ask

Before you schedule meetings with photographers, narrow the field. You can hone in on a few likely candidates by perusing friends’ and family members’ wedding albums, clicking through photographers’ online portfolios, attending a bridal fair, or browsing through ads placed by photographers in local bridal magazines. Once you have decided that a photographer deserves your consideration, pay a visit and ask questions, such as:

  • How many years have you been in business, and how many weddings have you photographed?
  • What experience do you have with shooting outdoor weddings and outdoor scenes in general?
  • Are you familiar with the site(s) we have selected for our wedding?
  • Will you be the individual photographing our wedding, or will there be another photographer in addition to or instead of you? If so, can we meet this individual and see samples of his work?
  • Do you have a backup plan in case illness or emergency prevents you from covering our wedding?
  • What specific equipment and films do you use, and what do you see as the advantage of these formats? Do you use a flash or other ancillary lighting?
  • What packages do you offer, and what is included, both in coverage time and in the number of rolls of film that will be exposed? What schedule of payment do you require?
  • Will you take direction as to what photos we would like to see taken on our wedding day?
  • Can we have a copy of your standard contract and price list to review? Can we see samples of the albums you make available to customers?
  • Will we be able to purchase proofs? Negatives?
  • Who develops the film you shoot, and what is the production timeline for proofs and prints?

As with any wedding vendor, checking a photographer’s references is a prudent step. Be sure to ask not only whether the newlyweds are satisfied with the images they received but how well the photographer fulfilled special requests and interacted with them and with guests. You may also want to ask about the turnaround time they experienced on proofs and their final album.

The Proof Is in the Proofs

Couples are often surprised to learn that it may be many weeks after their event before they see proofs of their wedding photos. When the proofs arrive, they are sometimes equally astonished by the great number of unacceptable images. What happened?

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The wedding photographers you interview will all be eager to show you their best work. In addition to reviewing each photographer’s portfolio, either online or in person, be sure to ask to see a proof book from a recently photographed wedding so that you can get a sense of the overall body of work each candidate is likely to produce.

The answer is that even skilled, experienced photographers must take many shots in order to come up with a few winners. This is even more evident when a photojournalistic style is employed and few, if any, images are posed. Keep in mind that you will only select thirty to forty enlargements for your wedding album. The key is to realize that within the hundreds of proof images that you receive, those few dozen gems usually do exist.

Before or After?

For those who choose to include formal portraits on their photography wish list, deciding where a posed photo session will fit into an outdoor wedding schedule can present a bit of a dilemma. There is, of course, a commonly held but somewhat antiquated notion that on the day of a wedding, it is bad luck for a groom to see his bride before the ceremony. However, there are some distinct advantages to getting the formal portraits out of the way before guests arrive and the proceedings get underway.

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When camera-wielding amateurs try to horn in on the formal portrait taking, it often creates two problems. First, it makes the whole process take longer, and second, it creates a situation in which subjects may be looking in the wrong direction at another shutter, rather than at the hired photographer. Completing formal photography before guests arrive minimizes this potential disruption.

One primary benefit of posing for photos early is that it eliminates the concern that participants’ appearances won’t be at their best later on in the day. Even if your ceremony is brief, thirty minutes in the beating sun or raging wind can leave hair disheveled, makeup marred, and attire moist. If your formal portrait list is long and requires participation from a large number of family and wedding party members, after-ceremony photos will also delay many people’s enjoyment of the festivities. That includes the two of you, and the time you will have with your loved ones will seem far too short when all is said and done.

Your photographer may also have concerns about the time of day when photos will be taken, particularly if your ceremony is scheduled for late afternoon and the daylight hours remaining afterward may be limited. Be sure to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of various chronologies and to weigh any preferences your photographer expresses. The final decision will be a matter of your own beliefs and desires and the photographer’s availability, but if images are one of your top priorities, you may want to dispense with tradition.

Out of the Shadows

Though you may be disappointed with a day that is overcast, your photographer may be delighted. Not only do colors appear more vibrant in soft light, the absence of harsh sun also helps to eliminate one potential problem associated with outdoor photography—shadows. Of course, shadows in and of themselves are not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, the long shadows of early morning or late day can add depth and a three-dimensional illusion to outdoor photos. A shadow that makes the bride look as though she’s grown a beard is, however, definitely a problem.

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In addition to shadows, you should also be mindful of any background elements that could create strange optical illusions, such as trees that appear to grow out of people’s heads. A cluttered backdrop can present particular problems if you have opted for black-and-white photography.

When a scene is masked in shadows, most skilled photographers know how to effectively use a fill flash to brighten dark areas. However, your images still may not be optimal if heavy shadows obscure vivid colors. Friends and family members who want to take snapshots may have a particularly difficult time getting good images in a shadowy environment. Unless he is intimately familiar with the property, your photographer should visit your wedding site with you in advance in order to scout out angles, assess what equipment will be required, and provide guidance on how best to use the natural environment you have selected as a backdrop for your wedding images. Together, discuss any potential problems presented by such things as overhead trees, rocky cliffs, tall structures, or latticed arches, which may cast shadowy patterns on your ceremony scene.

Makeup Touchups

If you’ve ever watched a television taping, been on a film set, or viewed a behind-the-scenes clip about movie production, you probably know that makeup artists play an active role in keeping stars’ appearances polished. On your wedding day, when the cameras will be following your every move, it may make sense to have a person assigned to keep your makeup fresh. Even if you intend to do your own makeup at home before arriving at your ceremony site, you may find it difficult to sneak away for the frequent touchups that may be necessary on a sweltering, sticky day in the outdoors. On top of all this, your restroom facilities may be cramped and poorly lit, providing a far-from-ideal place for primping.

ask the wedding planner

Will dark under-eye circles show up in photographs?

If weather worries have kept you from getting adequate beauty rest, use a yellow concealer under your foundation to camouflage dark circles. The yellow counteracts the blue hue of under-eye blood vessels, particularly as it is seen by the camera’s lens.

If the cost of hiring a professional makeup artist to tail you throughout your event is a bit rich for your budget, there are a few alternatives. Ask the salesperson at the cosmetic counter where you shop whether she freelances. Contact a local cosmetology school to see if a student might be available at reasonable rates. If you have a friend or family member who always looks put together and who doesn’t have other wedding-day duties, perhaps she would lend a hand, particularly keeping a watchful eye out for makeup disintegration during your formal portrait session.

Creative Effects

No other art form has been as substantially impacted by technological advancements as photography. Both at the instant a photo is captured and later, during the development and editing processes, a skilled photographer can manipulate images in unique and inventive ways. Improvements since its inception have made digital photography a legitimate option for weddings, opening new avenues for creative enhancement thanks to the ease with which digital images can be altered. Still, there is timeless appeal to black-and-white film photography, and while neat effects might be fun, many couples who marry outdoors prefer photographs that are more natural and true-to-life.

The Negatives and Positives of Black and White

It may seem contradictory, but black-and-white photography is both classic and contemporary. Now, as always, the documentary quality of black-and-white images allows viewers to feel as though they are witnessing a moment as it occurred. There has been an upsurge in interest in black-and-white photography for weddings, and a talented photographer can effectively capture many moods, expressions, and details in shades of black, white, and gray. Many outdoor wedding locations, particularly those with historic significance, lend themselves well to a wedding shot in black and white.

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A word of caution: no matter how classic and artistic a theme you are pursuing, if you decide to have only black-and-white images taken professionally at your wedding, you may wind up regretting that decision.

The good news is that you really don’t have to choose between opposite ends of the color spectrum. Most wedding photographers have experience working in both color and black and white and will gladly provide you with a mix. If you choose a photographer who works with an assistant, you may be able to request that one concentrate on black and white while the other handles color work.

Beyond its look, black and white offers certain advantages. It gives the photographer superb control in both the image-making and developing processes. Black-and-white prints also have better archival qualities and tend not to fade as easily as color. The best black-and-white images come from black-and-white film, so your photographer should plan on shooting several rolls if black-and-white images are important to you.

Even if you do not specifically request black-and-white photography, it is a simple matter to render color originals in black and white. Color negatives can be printed in black and white, and vibrant digital images can be converted to shades of gray with the click of a mouse. It is very important to realize that the opposite is not true; black-and-white images cannot easily be transformed to color. Hand-coloring of black-and-white images is an available service, but it is expensive. While the technique may yield lovely images, they will not be an accurate representation of your event in all its colorful splendor.

Special Effects

Special photography effects, such as those created with a fisheye lens, a star filter, infrared film, Polaroid transfer, or multiple exposure techniques, have been around for years. The advent of scanning and digital photography has made it possible to achieve even more unique effects, from altering the color of the sky to supplanting your officiant with Elvis. As you visit photographers and review their work, pay attention to whether and how well they use these types of techniques in their finished work. While some effects are subtle and artistic, others are a bit unnatural, such as those that use multiple exposure to create an image of the bride and groom looking at themselves. You may be intrigued by the tricks that photographers can employ. Still, keep in mind that having chosen a natural environment for your wedding celebration, you may be happier in the long run with a photographer who concentrates on documenting the event as it truly appeared.

Digital Photography

When it was first introduced, digital imaging could not rival the quality and richness of film photography. Like computers, cellular phones, and other gadgets, however, digital cameras have evolved and improved at a remarkable rate. The result is that the differences between images captured digitally and those committed to film have become nearly imperceptible. Some professional photographers have even made the decision to embrace digital exclusively.

Digital photography is becoming an increasingly popular option with brides and grooms, particularly those who are tech savvy. A chief reason is that digital proofs are often available much faster than print proofs. If the photographer offers online previewing, images can easily be shared far and wide with loved ones, who can usually order prints directly from the photographer, saving the newlyweds the effort of showing proofs to interested relatives and friends and coordinating order-taking. Digital photography also offers couples enhanced peace of mind that they will have plenty of wonderful images from which to choose. That’s because a photographer can monitor the quality of the images he is taking throughout. He can easily adjust settings on the fly without having to change lenses or films. Also, it’s possible to shoot hundreds of images much more affordably than with film. This lets the photographer experiment freely, taking advantage of the tremendous capacity and flexibility that digital imaging offers.

If you want to consider digital photography for your wedding, seek out a professional photographer who has been working with digital for quite some time and is completely comfortable with the format. Ask to see samples of all-digital weddings, and also compare the photographer’s digital work to images he has taken using traditional film cameras. Above all, do not select a photographer simply because he offers digital imaging. You still must be impressed with the individual’s talent and style and find him personable and eager to fulfill your photography wishes.

A Shot List for the Photographer

You won’t need to give your photographer implicit instructions to take photos of your best man delivering a toast or of the two of you cutting the cake. Experienced wedding photographers are accustomed to anticipating these wedding rituals. However, you should prepare a shot list for the photographer that includes anything that might be unexpected; anticipated highlights of the day; specific locations that you particularly want to use as backdrops; and a detailed outline of formal family and wedding party portraits that you would like to arrange.

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When it comes to specifying family groupings for formal portraits, some couples struggle with whether to include potentially impermanent family members, such as the bride’s brother’s girlfriend. To avoid hurt feelings while still allowing for future changes in your family, have your photographer pose a variety of groups, some just family and some with dates and significant others included.

Type or neatly print your list of important images so that the photographer can easily scan it and check off items as they are completed. While you should try to introduce your photographer to the people he will be photographing, it doesn’t hurt to also provide a quick cheat sheet with the names of parents, grandparents, and bridal party members to which the photographer can refer. Keep your must-take photograph list manageable, allowing your photographer to spend most of his time moving about freely and operating on instinct. The images brides and grooms treasure most are often those that were spontaneous.

Videography

When consumer-grade video cameras were first introduced, they were hulking machines, perched atop monster tripods. Often, they were equipped with lights that shone like high-beam headlamps upon the head table, causing the entire wedding party to squint throughout the celebratory meal and to seek cover as soon as the cake was served. Still, many brides and grooms were thrilled to have video cameras on hand to diligently record every mouthful and utterance. Why? There is simply something incomparably powerful about reliving events through video.

Memories in Motion

Videography has come a long way. Now, weddings can be filmed unobtrusively, images are stable and crisply focused, and desktop computers can be used to edit raw footage so that the finished product is cinematic in quality. All of these improvements have fueled rapid growth in the number of couples who choose to have their weddings captured in full motion. An outdoor setting often provides an ideal arena in which to shoot video, as locations for concealing cameras are many and ambient light is almost always sufficient.

If you are on the fence about whether to have your wedding recorded, consider this. While photography can immortalize a wedding’s visual splendor, the day is about much more than still, unmoving images. From the music that is played, to the words of love that are proclaimed, to the loving glances that are exchanged, a wedding ceremony and reception are filled with dramatic action and palpable emotions. You may believe that you can rely on your recollections and that photographs will adequately jog your memory of the events that transpired, but the unfortunate reality is that much of the detail will begin to seep out of your brain within a few months after the big day.

newlywed know-how

If you are interested in locating a professional wedding videographer in your area, a good place to start is the Web site of the Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (at www.weva.com), where you can browse an online directory listing videographers by state.

Video has a way of bringing past events back to life. The sounds of laughter. The tinkling of glasses. The blush and shy grin of the young man who caught the garter to thunderous applause. With the touch of a play button, faded memories can be refreshed each time your wedding anniversary rolls around.

Many couples shy away from video, only to regret that decision as time passes or sometimes even immediately following the event when they realize how quickly it all flew by. While budgetary restrictions may be a factor, video cameras are so widely owned these days that you probably can find a willing volunteer to videotape your day. The only solid reason for forgoing video entirely is if you are prone to stage fright and know that awareness of the camera will make you too nervous to confidently recite your vows and too uncomfortable to enjoy the day.

Selecting a Videographer

Technological advances have made it possible for amateurs to do an admirable job of shooting video. If there is a video buff on your guest list, that person may even be eager to donate his services as your appointed cameraman. While this is certainly a budget-friendly way to go, there are a few things to consider before choosing this route. One is that while the resulting tape may be something you cherish, it may not approach a professional level of quality. Another is that while your friend may be happy to keep the camera rolling during your ceremony, he may want to actually enjoy the party that follows, so the coverage following your pronouncement as husband and wife may be spotty at best.

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If possible, your videographer should attend your rehearsal in order to get a sense of where and in what order events will transpire. Be sure that your videographer is aware of your plans to relocate your event in the case of rain and will be equipped to adapt if a sudden shift to an indoor environment is warranted.

Finding the right professional videographer is very much like selecting a photographer. In fact, it is a good idea to hire your photographer first and then to seek a videographer whose style and personality are complementary. A photographer charged with capturing classic black-and-white images may wind up at odds with a videographer who operates as if he is shooting a rock video. Your wedding photographer may even have recommendations on video professionals you should consider. As with a photographer, it is important to review many samples of a videographer’s work and to be satisfied with the visual quality and style of his productions. You should evaluate the packages and options that are offered, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of various recording formats and equipment, and feel confident that the videographer will be dependable.

Questions to Ask

Before you meet with videographers, try to familiarize yourselves with video technology by reading magazines or visiting Web sites targeted to video enthusiasts. Decide in advance how much you want to spend, and have an idea of what features are most important to you so that you can remain focused if the videographer offers a tempting menu of add-ons. Be prepared with a list of questions like these:

  • How many years have you been in business, and how many weddings have you filmed?
  • Are you accustomed to shooting outdoor weddings, and how do you usually operate in an outdoor environment?
  • Are you familiar with the site(s) that we have selected for our wedding?
  • Will you be the individual filming our wedding, or will there be another videographer in addition to or instead of you? If so, can we meet this individual and see samples of weddings he has filmed? Will remotely operated cameras be employed?
  • What specific equipment and formats do you use? In what final formats can we purchase copies of the video?
  • What system do you use for capturing audio? Will we need to wear microphones?
  • What weather conditions, such as high winds or light mist, would affect your ability to videotape our event?
  • Do you do your own editing? How long will it be before we receive a completed video?
  • What packages do you offer, and what is included in coverage time, final video duration, and editing services? What schedule of payment do you require?
  • Can we have a copy of your standard contract and a list of references to review? Can we see full samples of videos that you have produced, not just clips?

Many videographers will attempt to dazzle you by screening their most elaborate and expensive video productions when you visit. You may see montages of baby and family photos, a full-blown recounting of the couple’s love story, interviews with wedding guests, and even some honeymoon footage. While these bells and whistles may be nice if you can afford them, keep in mind that they will not only cost more money, they will require added time on your part in rounding up photos and sitting for interviews. If your budget for video is limited, your main priority should be to obtain quality raw footage of the event as it unfolded. You can always spring for enhanced editing and added features in honor of a future anniversary when you aren’t as taxed by other wedding expenditures.