Wedding Photography

"If a picture paints a thousand words – and it does – then you’ll want to make sure you have a true artist with a full palette of colours and nuances at their disposal to capture this day you have planned."

The photos (and video) are the most important recordings of your special day so these should be ‘top priority’ in the planning process.

The task of photographing your wedding is a critical one as the average bride and groom spend approximately 12 months planning an event that will last 4 hours and as many couples claim afterwards their special day is over ‘in the blink of an eye’.

But nothing will warm your heart more and bring back wonderful memories than the photographs (and video/cd/dvd) of your Wedding day.

So it is very important that these images are of the highest quality and this can be achieved by hiring a reputable, talented photographer who works in the style that you would prefer whether it be colour or black and white, formal and posed or casually candid. Qualified Photographers can be found on NZ Institute of Professional Photographers website.

A good photographer will capture the feel and emotion of the day from the youngest flowergirl and ring bearer asleep on the sofa after a long and busy day to your Grandparents on the dance floor with love shining in their eyes and you see the promise of what lies ahead as you begin your life together. These gems can be easily missed so don’t cheat yourself out of discovering the lovely hidden treasures of your wedding day and just how memorable it was by scimping on the photography.

Decide on the style of photography you both like, the photography budget, referrals and get ready to ask lots of questions. Most good photographers are booked months to a year in advance so after you have set the date, booked the venue and officiant the very next important person to book is the photographer.
 

How to find a Photographer:

• You may have had friends or family,who have recently married, so ask them about their photographer and view their albums.
• Ask your wedding planner, officiant, florist, caterer or reception venue co-ordinator who they would suggest. Local knowledge of your Wedding venue is of the utmost importance and makes all the difference between good images and outstanding ones.
• Bridal fairs and bridal magazines are where wedding photographers will advertise – it is very important that your photographer specializes in weddings and isn’t a commercial or part-time photographer who occasionally handles a wedding.
• Choose a photographer who you feel is most competent and whose personality will make you and your guests feel comfortable. Feeling comfortable is very important because to achieve those lovely shots everyone has to be relaxed and happy. Ensure that this photographer is the person who will be at your wedding and also that there is only your wedding penciled in their diary for that day.
   

It is most important to discuss the time of your wedding with your photographer to ensure there is enough time and light to capture the photographs you want.

Some questions to ask a Photographer:

1)      How many weddings have they photographed? Ask to see albums.

2)      Have they photographed at your chosen venue?

3)      What packages are available?

4)      Do they shoot colour and black & white images?

5)      Do they have wet weather options?

6)      If the photographer is ill – what is the back up plan?

7)      Do they provide an album?

8)      Is the photographer comfortable with guests taking photos?

9)      How long does it take before photos can be viewed?

10)  Do they charge for traveling?

 

Some Photography styles

            Traditional – the standard wedding photos over the years of incorporating images before the wedding, at church/ceremony venue and beginning of reception. Photos are predominantly shot in colour and you will be told where to stand, how to smile and where to look.

            Candid – slightly less formal than traditional which still incorporates group shots but also some less formal and impromptu pictures are taken. Photographer will cover speeches and first dance as part of this package. Colour as well as some black and white will be included.

            Photojournalism is a totally informal and relaxed approach style of photography. Rather than you posing for your photos the photographer will follow you through-out your wedding day and capture special moments and emotions as they happen completely unrehearsed. The photographer moves virtually unnoticed through the guests and captures perfect moments of people just simply being themselves.

 

It is wise to take pictures involving small children and elderly guests as early in the day as possible before they become too tired and have wilted!

To save time with family photos give your photographer a list of group and family photos you want taken.

I have an extensive Photo and Video check list which I’d be happy to give you if you email me at Belinda@theweddingangel.co.nz

 

Talk to your photographer to determine what time frame you should allow for formal photos. This will depend on how far away and how many different venues you intend going to.

Photographers get criticized for holding up the guests at the Reception – ensure you have a plan time for the Photographing of the Bridal Party.

Ensure you have a picnic basket of food and drinks for your Bridal shoot – a lovely way to relax as well as some great candid photos being taken. Often before the Ceremony everyone has been too busy and nervous to eat and your guests are probably eating and drinking as they wait for you so this is a good time for the Bridal party to recharge their batteries away from formalities.

 
Be careful when trying to cut costs on photography. At least use a professional photographer for the Ceremony photos. These pictures represent lasting memories which will be shared with family and friends for many years to come. When the day is over, it’s too late to do anything about bad photos.

 

Some photo ideas:

            Place a disposable camera on each table at the reception. Instruct the guests to take photos during the evening which will give you a lot of entertaining candid shots. Do organize for someone to collect all the disposable cameras at the end of the reception.

            Have poloroid photos taken of each guest alone or with bride and groom to give as a favour when they leave the reception.

            If there is a guest book to be signed – on that same table there could be a display of bride and groom photos from birth to marriage. You might also like to include wedding pictures of both sets of parents and grandparents.

 

Another investment you may like to make to ensure you enjoy your wedding for many years to come is to have it videoed – your entire wedding day on film. A videographer can put your video on to CD or DVD – another beautiful way to view your special day.

Videography will be a whole new article so I will wait for feed back as to whether clients want knowledge on this investment or maybe everyone is happy with just having a photographer to record your once-in-a-lifetime occasion?

“In our life there is a single colour, as on an artist’s palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the colour of love”. Marc Chagall