Wedding Photographer, Wedding Tips

Wedding photographs need to be a balance of both candid and posed photos.

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I know there are many photographers that believe in shooting a whole wedding candid or traditionally posed, I would never take that stance.
Recently I met with a couple who was busy interviewing photographers for their up coming wedding. During our meeting, they ask if I was a Photo-Journalist wedding Photographer or was I more traditional {meaning are my shots posed}. I have to say I love this question! My answer is that I am both. When documenting a complete wedding I think you need both.
Some moments simply can’t be staged.. Everything during a Ceremony, Reception Events (like the first dance, bouquet toss etc) Every bride wants those photo-journalistic shots that capture the emotion of the day {people laughing, crying, hugs}. When you’re with your photographer one-on-one you’re going to want to be posed and directed. As a wedding photographer sometimes we need to create moments and sometimes simply document moments.
I tend to use a couple examples when I’m meeting with brides to show them why they want both here are two wedding examples. One is posed and the other is candid.

 

Photographer, Wedding Photographer, Wedding Tips

Second Photographer

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A second photographer provides more coverage, different angles and additional back up for a wedding. While the main photographer usually starts with the bride getting ready, a second shooter generally starts with the groom. During the ceremony, the second shooter will simply capture other angles of the event. While the main photographer is shooting formals the second is shooting the cocktail hour and reception details. During the reception the second photographer helps to get table shots and additional candids of the event.

A second photographer is a must for every wedding, which is why I include one with all my weddings.

Wedding Photographer, Wedding Tips

Picking the right wedding photographer..

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Picking the right photographer can seem overwhelming there are so many things to consider cost, style, personality, and skill.
The first thing I tell people to do is to look at several photographers’ portfolios. When you’re looking at their portfolio don’t make the mistake of falling in love with just one single image. Make sure you love all their work. Also keep in mind a photographer’s portfolio represents what they consider their best work. After you’ve picked a couple photographers go and read their reviews. Anyone can take a couple great photos but reviews don’t lie. I have been shocked after reading a photographers reviews. Next, ask for pricing to see if their services fit within your budget.
Finally meet with them ask a lot of questions and consider their personality. Your wedding photographer is going to be standing next to you capturing the most important day of your life you want to like them.
You also want to ask lots of questions and see lots of photos.  Typically when I meet with clients I try to give them a feel for what their wedding photos will look like. If the couple is planning an outdoor wedding and the whole event is going to be outdoors I show them a wedding that is outdoors.  Lighting and location are things to consider and go over with your photographer.

Wedding Photographer, Wedding Photography, Wedding Tips

Fall and Winter Timeline

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Today one of my brides asked me about her December wedding timeline. She asked if it was ok to plan her beach wedding during sunset. A really great question! As a photographer, I like to figure out lighting and try and plan the wedding and my shots accordingly. The month of December is right smack dab in the middle of the winter solstice, which means days are shorter. During the summer solstice sunset can last for hours, but during the winter they’re very short. Meaning if your heart is set doing a winter sunset wedding you should seriously consider doing all formal photos before the ceremony or not at all.  If I could I would make sunsets that last for hours all year long. Another thing to consider is it’s going to be very cold on the beach in December. Finally, if you’re planning to do a December sunset wedding you’re going to have to spend a lot of time make sure your timeline allows for delays. In December the sun sets so fast that if you run behind even a little your ceremony will be in the dark.

Wedding Photographer, Wedding Tips

Can My Guest Take Photos?

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I get asked this all the time.

Oh course they can! Will they get in my way? Probably. Do I mind? No.
I have no problem walking in front of a guest, or asking them to move. At the end of the day, my photos are going to turn out better and I’ve been hired to be there. The only thing I tend to have problems is the Cake Cutting. All of the guests stand behind me and take photos. Their cameras admit a focusing light that shows up on the cake or the bride and grooms face. The light shows up in the photos as a red or green light. Since I tend to have this problem I over shoot the cake photos, which means I always get the shot.

Wedding Photographer, Wedding Photography, Wedding Tips

Wardrobe Malfunctions

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I give advice on my blog for a couple reasons… Unlike a lot of other wedding vendors I actually witness first hand every single thing that goes on during a wedding. I use my blog many times to point out things that could go wrong and seem somewhat obvious if you were to sit doing and think about it but because a wedding is so hectic and has so many moving parts people don’t have time to really consider the minor details.

 

Wedding wardrobe malfunctions… Happen all the time. Rentals never fit properly. People should try them on before they leave the store? I can’t tell you how many times the rental measurements have been wrong. If you’re planning to wear a veil for an outdoor ceremony the veil needs to longer than hip-length or weighed down somehow (maybe crystals) or sew the veil into your hair (I’ve seen it done), otherwise the wind will cast the veil during your ceremony. The thing is when things go wrong with your wardrobe on your wedding day it usually goes wrong when no one can help you. I always ask my brides to cut out the inside straps, that people use to hand their dress on the hangers. The reason I ask my brides to cut the straps out is because they sneak their way out. They tend to come out during the first dance, which is a moment when I can’t come up and help you. Plus you can always sow them back in if you want. Shoes… I love gorgeous wedding shoes but I think it’s a smart idea to bring a comfy pair as a backup. 

Photographer's Tips, Wedding Photography, Wedding Tips

Being Camera Ready

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 In general, I find there are two types of people when it comes to getting their pictures taken. There are those people that are simply natural at taking photos. We all know these people they are our photogenic friends that can’t take a bad photo. Many times I find it difficult to get candid photos of these people because they track the camera, and as soon as I go to shoot they look and smile. Then there are the normal people that don’t know their angles, aren’t used to taking photos. I always suggest that these people book an engagement session. Only because if you’re not used to getting your picture taken you might not know what your angles and you might be doing wrong. If a photographer gets the opportunity to photograph you before your big day they will know how to photograph you before your event. I always say engagement sessions aren’t for engagement photos, there for the wedding photos. 



 

Photographer's Tips, Wedding Tips

Camera Distortion

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We’ve all had our picture taken and thought I look fat….

When I think of camera distortion I take into account two things my lens and posing. Some lenses can make you look tall and skinny and others make you look short and fat. A good photographer will know which lenses are appropriate to use.
Posing is a little tricky… My basic rule of thumb is whatever is close to the camera looks bigger. That being said if you hate the way your arms look you want to pull them back, so they look smaller.
Here is a video that will go more in depth into posing.

Wedding Photography, Wedding Tips

Advice for the Moms

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Finding the right dress can be difficult especially for the mothers of the bride and groom.  Often times The Moms are as much a part of the as the bride and groom and it’s important to find the right dress. I find that most moms find it comforting to bring someone with them to help find a dress. Below are a couple examples of the dress I see most often. This style comes in lots of colors, so you can find colors that both complement you and match the wedding theme. One thing that’s really nice about this dress is it comes with a matching jacket. I find that most of my moms are self-conscious when it comes to their arms.
*Since this is the Brides day… Don’t wear a dress that is any shade of white. While the Bride might not care, you don’t want guests to get the wrong impression.