The importance of choosing the best photographer for your wedding cannot be understated.
When it is all said and done, your wedding images are what you have left. It is the most important wedding vendor decision you will make. Equipment, personality, style and knowledge should all be considered when making your choice.
First, I have a Liberal Arts Degree in Photography. This photography degree is not just an online course but was received after attending a university for years of training. After graduating, I gained experience in the volume of weddings photographed over decades, using every style desired by today’s bride. Your photographer should be well rounded and adhere to the technique the couple desires. Knowledge in professional posing AND candid journalism is a must. I have photographed over 3500 weddings.
Couples should also be aware of the fads created due to photographers lack of knowledge. The latest of these being, shooting with only natural light and not using any artificial lighting. Inanimate objects and a few sun flare images of the couple are beautiful with this technique. Silhouettes at sunset can be amazing. But shooting your entire event in this style does not create the best memories. You will also want flattering photos with catch lights in eyes and no dark circles under them. Professional lighting enhances a bride’s beauty and flatters everyone else. After all, brides usually pay for their makeup to be done. Why would you not want to appear in all the pictures at your best? Also, even if your style is photojournalistic, you will still want some professional posing for family portraits and images that properly show off your figure and your dress.
The finished product of your wedding memories does not end with the shooting. Professional editing is also key. An editor who knows how to bring out the best in the sky and environment without compromising natural skin tones, has knowledge and talent few have. Turn around time for a properly edited wedding is usually 2 weeks to a month. Waiting on your wedding images for months is unnecessary and you are not receiving the attention your event deserves.
An overused editing fad is to use software to create special events like purple skies and grainy images. Once again these can be awesome for a few images but the majority of your event should be the colors the bride chose for her wedding and the true element shades of the day.
The best advice for couples is to not only ask a lot of questions concerning the above information but to request to see ALL images presented to couples for three weddings. This way you don’t only see a few good pictures, you see the entirety of a sample of what you will receive.
You and your photographer will want you to look back at your images and remember all colors, family, friends and smiles exactly how you dreamed they would be.
