Photography – Remembering the Day

Next to the ring on your finger, wedding day photographs are the most valued reminder of the day and the only one that can be shared with family and friends. It is one of the most expensive services you will contract so you need to understand how photographers work and what to expect. Although you may have a picture-taking relative or friend that you think is up to the job or volunteers for it, we strongly suggest against handing this job over to an amateur – there’s only one opportunity to get it right and it requires more than just skill with a camera.

Guidelines for Selecting a Photographer

To get a good photographer, book early, as much as a year in advance. Few experienced professionals have openings in the summer months, especially on weekends, unless there is a cancellation. It’s OK to go with someone starting out who may be cheaper and more available – everyone has to start somewhere. Just be sure their work is of sufficient quality.

Here are some questions to ask as you select a photographer.

• Ask for some referrals from previous clients. They should tell you how easy it was to work with them and if the results met their expectations.
• Have a look at their previous work. The more weddings they have shot, the better they should be able to handle the pressure of the day. Experience will allow them to be more creative and know what to expect.
• Determine what type of lighting equipment they like to use. If they prefer to introduce artificial lighting, either flash or fixed, be sure that it suits the location and your ideas.
• Ask how they charge for their work.
• Determine ahead if there are additional charges for travel, parking and special equipment.
• Determine how many hours they expect to spend photographing your wedding and what is their overtime rate if you exceed this.

There is a new expectation that photographers will release negatives and proofs to you at an agreed upon time and cost. If you want the originals, be sure that the contract includes this option. Professional photographers usually have a designation such as LPPO or PPO and are members of professional associations that require that they meet certain standards.

Photographic Styles

When selecting a photographer, look for someone with vision (no pun intended). They will have ideas of their own and suggest things you didn’t think of. If you trust them, go with their ideas and see what happens, you may be surprised. The photographer may be more daring, knows what works and has a viewpoint you don’t have. It’s very important that both bride and groom relate well to the photographer or it will show in the pictures. If you are relaxed with them, you will find it easier to take direction and pose as needed.

There are different styles in wedding photography and the type of shots that are taken. Most couples expect some formal shots of bride and groom and family members but it doesn’t have to stop there. Photographers have introduced a lot of innovations in the way they photograph weddings so you will see the use of props, unusual settings and casual arrangements of
people.

For simplicity’s sake we have divided pictures into the following types.

• Candids – casual shots, some-times of unexpected events like the groom falling in the swimming pool.
• Formals – line-ups of family, attendants and friends carefully posed with everyone looking their best.
• Journalistic – the events of the day chronicled as they happened. If you looking for this treatment from the photographer, they will need to shadow the key players (bride & groom) throughout the day.
• Portraits – close-up formal shots of the bride and groom, usually carefully staged.
  Stock photos – those images that seem part of every wedding – the bridal kiss, placing the wedding garter. If you are interested in this type of image, make a list before hand and discuss it with the photographer. They will be able to provide you with a few ideas of their own.

Be aware that a lot of photographers are not into the journalistic style as it requires a lot of time and can have unpredictable results. Their focus is usually on getting the right people together and getting the key shots that everyone expects.

Here’s how the
business side works

A photographers’ rates are influenced by expertise, reputation and professional qualifications, not just the number of prints you finally order. Most have a variety of standard packages, which includes their services and a number of prints that are presented in an album. Prices are commonly in the range of $1,200 – $2,000, more in larger cities. This does not include additional costs such as travel expenses (if the photographer is coming from out-of-town) and overtime charges (if you ask them to hang around to get pictures at the reception).

Amateurs or semi-pros may be willing to simply charge a flat daily rate and turn over the negatives to you. This is not necessarily any cheaper or better – prints will still need to be made and film processed. Professional photographers use labs that produce better results than typical photo-store prints and provide services such as cropping and retouching.

Although you are hiring the photographer and are the subject, the rights of ownership to the final images stay with the photographer unless your agreement clearly states the contrary. This means you are required to contact the photographer for the initial prints and reprints. The cost is commonly not a lot more than if you have it done yourself and the quality will commonly be better. There’s also an indirect benefit to this arrangement. Most photographers safeguard their negatives with their life so if you lose your pictures or need additional copies years down the road, you can get new prints made. If you are really concerned, ask for a contract that releases the negatives at a specific date and price and safeguards you against loss should they go out of business or move away. Don’t plan to borrow the proofs and have them scanned for your purposes. Until released, they are the photographer’s property and you can be sued.

There’s not a lot of room to negotiate the photographer’s price. Most have their price structure and packages they offer although you may get some discount if you are ordering a large number of prints. Prices for weddings mid-week may be slightly lower because there are more openings, however, it will be minor. If you have found the pro you want and the price is higher than you are comfortable with, order fewer prints initially and get more later when your financial situation improves. Just make sure that the price is not exorbitant.

Expect to pay a non-refundable deposit of around 25% of the expected final cost when you book the photographer. Some photographers may be able to change a date later if they are free but don’t count on it. If you call the wedding off, you will usually lose the deposit because the photographer has probably turned down another job for that date.

The Planning Process

Like most other services related to your wedding, the planning is done weeks and sometimes months in advance. It’s not just a process of paying them their fee and having them show up on the day. This will usually mean a couple of meetings before the day.
The initial appointment is when you first meet the photographer to view sample work and discuss pricing and the packages available. Its an opportunity for the photographer to determine the approach you prefer, formal or casual, and your chance to get ideas by seeing what other couples have chosen for location and poses.

Here’s what you should discuss and need to assess.

Pricing and packages.

Possible extra costs such as travel expenses and overtime costs if you exceed the expected amount of time.
Decide on the formal poses and shots you will require.
Whether pictures will be exclusively colour or black & white will also be included.
Possible settings indoors or out. If you have a favourite location in mind, discuss it with the photographer.
Assess the photographer’s style, which is represented in their work.
Find out what type of equipment they will be using. Most use medium-format cameras that offer higher resolution. This is important if you are considering enlargements. Up to 8 x 10 there is little visual difference in these smaller sizes between medium format and 35mm.
The personal relationship – they will be directing you on the day of the wedding and working with other members of the wedding party so be sure that their personality suits your own.
Their professionalism – if they are struggling as they help you determine what shots you require, are vague about costs and options or are excusing their work, consider someone else.

If the same person is shooting the engagement photo, you will see them again a couple of months before the wedding. The photographer will use this opportunity to see how you act in front of the camera – are you relaxed or uptight. Grooms are usually less comfortable, probably because they have been photographed less.

The photographer will usually make contact one month before the wedding to finalize all of the details – what group shots are required, the location, and confirm times. Be sure to have a complete list of required pictures realizing that changes at this point may impact on the final price – be prepared to discuss this again.

If you have situations such as a separated family and have parents that should not be posed together or even in the same room together, be sure to tell the photographer. They can work around this but it will require some duplication of shots. For example, the typical picture of the bride and groom with parents may require separate shots with each parent – doubling up on some of the standard poses.

There are several formal shots that are standard for most weddings. When assessing the photographer’s work see how well he/she handles these and what originality they can impart. This is a good way to separate the pros from the amateurs.

Bride and groom alone

Bride and groom with complete wedding party
Bride alone with her attendants

Groom alone with groomsmen

Bride and her parents

Groom and his parents

Similarly, there are several casual shots that have become part of the typical photo album – the bride placing the garter on her leg, preparations before the wedding, leaving the church and shots at the reception that follows. These pictures may not show you at your best but can still be an important record of the day even if they do not appear in the official family album. This is where a talented amateur photographer, usually someone not in the wedding party can come to your aid, filling in where the professional leaves off. The standard for these pictures is usually lower and are not as critical as the formal shots.

Additional Considerations

The following are some of the most important things to consider before you sit down with the photographer. It’s OK to have your opinions but be guided by the photographer – they’ve been to more weddings than most people will attend in a lifetime and know what does and doesn’t work.

Location – Indoors/Outdoors

The trend now is for wedding pictures to be taken outdoors, weather permitting and the existence of a suitable location. The lighting is better and make pictures seem more natural. In either case, the backdrop can have a lot of impact on the final result so if the photographer is unfamiliar with it, they may want to check it out in advance. Remember, when picking a location as a backdrop, look at it entirely.

• Are there ugly elements in the background such as a garden shed that have to be worked around or covered up?
• Does the location allow photography? Do not immediately assume that photo sessions are allowed in public places. Be sure that it is open on the date and time that you require. Some locations are available but will charge for the service and others require a permit.
• Consider the time of year. If you have selected a location that you have only seen in the spring and the wedding is in the fall, the colour of foliage and overall lighting can significantly change the look.
• Does it conflict with the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses? Colour clashes will adversely affect the look of these shots.
• Is there enough space? If you are considering a backyard, you need to have enough clear space with a relatively neutral background and room to assemble the groups.
• Consider the travel time, which can place added pressure on the photographer or result in delaying the reception.
• Look for special features of the location, architectural details, flowers, landscaping, sculpture, rustic buildings etc. These can add character to the shots but should not be allowed to dominate.
• If it’s an indoor location, will it be open on the day? You will also need to consider what lighting is available and the architectural details that are going to appear in your pictures. Choose places with lots of windows so the photographer has the option to use a combination of natural and artificial lighting sources.
• If it’s a public place remember that it’s just that and you may have curious onlookers.
• Do not be afraid of overcast days they actually make colours more vibrant. Photographers will usually move you to a slightly shaded position out of direct sun for this same reason and to prevent dark shadows on faces.

Photographers commonly have their favourite locations because most of the problems such as space are solved. They may also have access to some locations such as private gardens that you may not be able to arrange on your own. However, if the photographer consistently uses the same locations, your photos may look like those of every other couple.

Common locations

• The grounds around the church or house of worship.
• Architecturally interesting public buildings.
• Public parks and recreation areas.
• Private gardens and properties.
• Farm fields and rustic country settings.
• Unusual settings that mean something to you as a couple.

Before or After the Wedding

Some photographers prefer to get some of the pictures taken before the wedding, commonly those of the bride with her bridesmaids and perhaps with her parents. It reduces the time pressure trying to shoot everything after the wedding and before the reception. It can require as much as hour to get these pictures so it may leave the bride sitting around in her wedding dress longer than she would like.

Most photographers do not photograph the bride and groom together before the wedding as they feel it reduces the impact the bride has on the groom when his first sight of you in your wedding dress is as you begin the walk down the aisle. This may not be the same case with second weddings or in every circumstance so it’s usually your call.

Colour or Black & White

Some people feel that black and white photography has a timeless quality to it – perhaps more the result of browsing old family photographs than it being a practical consideration. Today’s processing methods allow colour photos, whether film or digital, to be printed in black-and-white, colourized, sepia-toned or produced with other effects whereas black-and-white cannot be printed in colour. It is for this reason that most photographers shoot exclusively in colour and limit black-and-white images, if any, to candid shots.

On the Wedding Day

It takes about 4 – 5 hours to shoot the typical wedding. If pictures of the bride and her party are being taken before the wedding the photographer will be there about an hour-and-a-half before the wedding. This commonly happens at the bride’s parents home, the couple’s home or location where the bride is staying. It takes more time with these shots to arrange the people, flowers and dresses.

Remember, handheld flowers need to be available at this point to be included in the photos so make sure that the florist knows.

Candid shots of the bride and bridesmaids during the preparation can be a nice touch but may not show everyone at their best. They’re more for a remembrance of the day and can be great additions to a scrapbook. Some photographers like to shoot these and others don’t. It will also be affected by the time available.

The photographer will appear at the ceremony location with enough time to setup and assess the location. Photographers like to introduce themselves to the person presiding over the ceremony and confirm the guidelines for taking pictures during the ceremony. If they know who is presiding, chances are they already know the ground rules.

Do not assume that pictures may be taken during the actual wedding ceremony. The person presiding (officiant) usually decides this or there may be religious considerations.

In all cases, talk to the officiant in advance and get the ground rules and let the photographer know. If the photographer has a rapport with the officiant and has been unobtrusive in the past, they may be given much more latitude than someone they don’t know.

There may be specific points in the ceremony when photographs are allowed.
If you want shots at certain points in the ceremony be sure to tell the photographer and make sure they know when they occur.

If the photographer is unfamiliar with the location they may need to check it out beforehand. In small towns, they will likely know most houses of worship. The photographer will commonly be situated at the back of the church, in the wings or the balcony.

Some officiants may allow photographs but request that flash not be used. The photographer can usually accommodate this by using high-speed colour film and using the available light.

If pictures are not allowed, they can be staged immediately after the ceremony – shots of the rings being placed and the bridal kiss being common. If this is required, notify the officiant so they are available to pose.

These rules also apply to family members and guests that should be notified in advance if there are restrictions on photography. There is also the personal consideration – it’s a solemn occasion that can be seriously disrupted is someone pops up and fires a flash in the middle of it. It is advisable to leave the picture taking to professionals and allow friends and relatives to get their pictures later.

Even with limitations on pictures during the ceremony, there are several points before and after that will be OK and are some classic moments – the bride being lead down the aisle, arm in arm with her father, and the bride and groom coming down the aisle as a newly married couple.

The busiest part of the day is the interval between the wedding and the reception when the formal shots of the newly married couple, the wedding party and parents are taken. It can require one to two hours so allow for this when arranging the reception time. To help it go smoothly, be sure that the wedding party is assembled quickly, no stragglers making unplanned stops in between and limit the consumption of alcohol. Make sure that everyone has been told that the photographer is in charge.

Although other family members may want to shoot shots over the shoulder of the photographer, there is little time for this because the photographer is working on a tight schedule. Don’t force the photographer to wait while other family members shoot the same picture the photographer was paid to orchestrate and take. Remember who is being paid to do the job and who is not.

Few photographers hang around for the reception so they will stage the standard shots at the reception location. This includes the cutting of the cake, the wedding toast and the first dance. The photographer can get their work done and leave you and the rest of the wedding party free to relax without concern that you will be facing a camera. The reception is when friends and family take over and may want to arrange some of their own group shots and pictures of the newlyweds.

Other considerations

Props
Some photographers like to include props as decorative elements or to represent common interests, like a bike if you cycle together. If you are choosing, make it something meaningful. Some photographers are well prepared and will have a variety of props and standard shots they use them with – a fishing pole held by the bride and pinned to the groom’s coattails “She’s reeling him in”. Staging these shots
injects humor into the day and can break the tension helping everything else run smoother.

Ethnic Weddings
If the photographer is not familiar with the wedding rituals of your faith, hire someone that is or take the time to explain the ceremony and the events before and after which you want included. Photographers will use this to develop a simple script for the day, which is to make sure that required pictures get taken.

Disabilities
Photographers are able to work around the problems that might arise when the bride or groom has a disability. For example, if the bride required a wheelchair, the photographer may introduce items such a decorative chair and pose seated shots. It is not an attempt to conceal but rather put the focus on what is important.

Good Side/Bad Side
Most people have one side that is more photogenic than the other although few people can tell you which it is. As well, few people are confident about the way they look in pictures. It is best not to concern yourself with how you appear or pose for the pictures to the point that you are overly self-conscious. This “stiffness” comes across on the pictures in the form of forced expressions and
awkward body language. A skilled photographer knows how to handle these situations, can put you at ease and knows how to make you look your best. For this to happen, you will need to take some direction. Do what they ask unless it makes you feel very uncomfortable in which case state your concern. You can’t see through their viewfinder so you are not the best judge of what looks good at the moment. You have hired them to do their job, let them.

Documenting It Yourself

As mentioned earlier, your wedding day is a one-time event so it is not wise to gamble on the outcome by entrusting the job to someone without experience. Photographs last well beyond the day and will be your primary means of remembering the thrill of the day. However, a friend or relative can take over the journalistic reporting of the day, catching informal shots before and after the wedding. These can be used to augment the formal pictures provided by the hired professional and incorporated in the album or assembled into a scrapbook with other memorabilia.

Selecting the Photos

This is the last leg of the process, the time when you see the results. The photographer will take several dozen photographs from which you will make your selection to create a photo album – your record of the day. This is where you may end up spending a lot more money than you counted on because there is a lot to choose from. Images are selected from proofs, multiple small pictures on a single sheet or standard snapshot size. Some photographers keep these to use for future reference in-case reprints are required and others will be released to you. You will likely see several versions of each pose – it’s hard to get everyone with the right expression on their face at the same time. When it comes to selection, take the photographer’s advice. They’ll also be able to suggest adjustments such as cropping (cutting out unnecessary background), dodging and burning (lightening and darkening) and retouching (removal of unwanted detail such as a blemish on the bride’s face). Photographers use professional labs for their processing that offer these types of services – the cost is higher but the results are better. These are not one-hour photo stands so you need to allow about two weeks before you can view the proofs and about 3-4 weeks to receive the final prints.
Remember, the photographer has a vested interest in your pictures looking great because a lot of business comes from referrals – couples looking at the pictures of other couples.

The final picture selection is presented in an album and there are many styles with differing prices. Albums are limited in size with the maximum enlargement usually 8 x 10 – anything larger is likely for framing and can be printed separately at almost any size up 24 x 36″. A typical wedding album includes 8 – 8×10, 8 – 5×7 and
8 – 4 x5.

Photos can be converted into digital images, which are suitable for viewing on-line in a web site or displayed in the form of a slide show after being copied to a CD and a simple to use viewer program is installed. It’s a unique way to quickly share your day with family and friends at a distance.