It’s really simple….
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Some moments are simply too important to trust to a camera phone. Your wedding will be one of the most memorable times of your life and no one can capture it better than a professional photographer. Do not fall for the “I am a photographer” friend. Make sure you hire a real pro. So how do you find the right one? As you begin the interview process, here are ten questions to help you determine if you’ve found the best photographer for your wedding.
1. Does the photographer have a gallery of wedding images you can review?
Reviewing sample work allows you to see the photographer’s strengths and weaknesses – don’t fool yourself, every photographer has them. You’ll also be able to get an idea of their style. Are they formal with an eye for the perfect picture or do they love to capture the hidden moments when no one is looking? Look for images that you can see yourself in. Think of three words that describe you and share those with your photographer. Every photographer has a style and reviewing their gallery can help you determine if theirs is right for you.
2. What is the photographer’s working style?
Some photographers are orderly and operate like wedding planners. Others prefer to sit back and let the events of the wedding unfold. It’s important that you find someone who can understand and meet your expectations. Discuss this ahead of time and ask away, so that you understand how well the photographer’s working style matches your own.
3. Is the photographer available for an engagement session?
An engagement session does more than provide you with priceless images together before you get married. It’s also your first opportunity to work with your photographer and develop a relationship that will allow you to be completely at ease on your big day. Use this session to confirm if the photographer is indeed the right person to capture your wedding.
4. Will the photographer create a detailed shot list?
This list will ensure no important photo is missed during the commotion and excitement of the big day. You should be able to create that list together, add to the list leading up to the day and have a copy of that list the day of. Take an honest look at what images really matter and fill your photographer in on situations he or she might need to be aware of in order to prevent awkward moments, and to ensure that he or she can get the shots that matter most.
5. What kind of lighting will be used?
Whether you have an indoor or outdoor wedding, you’ll want to make sure your photographer has professional grade lighting equipment to deliver the images your wedding deserves.
6. Does the photographer have backup equipment?
You’ve prepared contingency plans for every other aspect of your wedding; your photographer should as well. A true professional photographer won’t miss your perfect shot because of a technology issue. He or she will always bring one or two backup cameras, lenses, flashes, additional lighting equipment, extra memory cards, and batteries.
7. Does the photographer have liability insurance?
Accidents happen at weddings and if one of your guests trips over your photographer’s light stand, it’s good to know you both are protected. Your reception venue may even ask the photographer to submit a certificate of liability ahead of time.
8. Will there be one photographer or two?
A second shooter increases the probability that no shot will be missed, especially if you are having a large wedding. If there will be two photographers, ask to meet them both to get a feel for their personalities and how well they might blend in on your big day.
9. What will happen to the images after your wedding?
Will your images be backed up to a hard drive or the cloud once processed? How long will your photographer keep the images afterward? Will they be kept for a couple of years or dumped immediately? If you have any concerns about losing your photos, knowing what the photographer plans to do with your images after your wedding is important.
10. When will you get your photos?
No, you won’t get your pictures the day after; no photographer can deliver that quickly. It’s a good idea, though, to get a general idea of the timeline ahead of time. You might even be able to agree on getting a couple of images ready for social media use very quickly. But obtaining your photos will likely take several weeks. To help with the wait, some photographers will send you a sneak peek with a few images. Just ask ahead of time!
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This is the most photographed generation ever! Everyone you know has some type of portable device with photo and editing capabilities. However, there is so much more to getting great photos than the camera in hand.
Can You See the Difference?
Most people do not realize the vast differences in an amateur’s photo and one taken by a professional photographer…..until they are placed side-by-side.
The two images below were taken at the same time and place—one by an amateur, one by a pro. Can you tell which one a professional took?
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If you guessed the pro took the image on the right, give yourself a pat on the back. Now that you can see the difference, can you tell what makes them so different?
The next image will explain.
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It’s not Just the Camera
It’s not just the camera that makes the difference. It’s experience and education, in addition to equipment that turned what could have been just a snapshot into a portrait.
Why? Professional photographers see a finished image in their minds when selecting locations. They know how to pose clients, enhancing natural beauty and showing personality. Their equipment balances light and focuses on the subject, not the background.
Of course, not every photo taken of you has to be a portrait. Snapshots have their place in your scrapbooks, photo albums, and social media sharing.
But when it counts—weddings, reunions, and life’s milestone moments—pick a pro. They’ll provide images you’ll want to print, give as a gift, or hang on your wall. Everytime.
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It’s a family gathering, not a pro photographer in sight….and you have been assigned to capture memories of the day. As the designated family photographer, what do you do?
We have 5 quick tips from a pro that will help with your dilemma.
Tip 1 – Choose It
What do you want your portrait to show about your family? “Choose it” is about clothing worn in photographs.
If you have the option and can get the word out before your event, throw out a few ideas on what to wear. (We go more in-depth about that HERE.)
Keep it comfortable. Make it attractive. Easier to do if this is a family portrait. If it’s a quick reunion type gathering, you may have no say and you get what you get so just work with what you have.
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This family planned ahead with comfortable and attractive, color coordinated outfits.
Tip 2 – Bend It
Most people naturally stiffen up when a camera comes out. The rule for posing is “if it bends, bend it.” This helps people relax and lose that stiff, posed look.
Bend a knee placing weight on one leg instead of both. Bend at the elbow, hook a thumb in a pocket or place hands on hips. Turn the body a bit and get them to relax.
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Smiles are quick and easy when your subject is relaxed. Notice all the “bends” in this pose?
Tip 3 – Stagger It
“Stagger it” refers to head placement. A column of heads is pretty boring. People are not totem poles. Use height to add diagonal lines and add interest. You can also use seats or something in the area around you—steps, a fence, bench, or tree—to stagger heads.
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Sometimes you have it easy and kids’ height makes for perfect staggering.
Tip 4 – Let It
Have you heard the phrase “let kids be kids”? That’s what tip #4, “Let It” means. Kids will naturally do something delightful, showing personality that you can capture.
Don’t pressure them to perform. Make it fun. Let them play and run around a bit. You’ll get better images that way.
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He was tired of posing and tried to sneak away. We ran with it! It’s one of our favorite shots from this reunion session.
Tip 5 – Express It
The last tip is “Express it.” This means let your families show who they really are. Let them laugh, joke around, and be playful. Let the love show, depicting deep family connections. You’ll get natural smiles instead of cheesy grins.
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This image is one of a series we took while getting this fun family posed. Joking around was plentiful and made getting those expressions easy.
Hope these few tips help if you are the designated photographer. If you have advance warning a prefer to hand the task over to a pro…..you can always call us!!
Want more tips? Check out our How-To posts on posing, backgrounds, and best times to take photos.
Thought you might need a little levity during these crazy days so we’re posting MORE photography funnies.
There’s nothing like a few corny jokes to put a smile on your face. Well, maybe a smirk…..or just a little grin, but hey, why not give it a try.
Drop us a comment if we made you smile!
(Did you see Photography Funnies to Make You Smile? For the photographer in you, check out some of our Favorite Photography Quotes.)
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