Archive for category Photography
Stress Inducers…
Posted by Jill in Photography, Real Weddings on February 3rd, 2010
So in the midst of my fore mentioned ridiculously hectic week, I received a call from my wedding photographer, Scott.
Scott is a dear friend. I worked as his assistant for a summer during college. He taught me more about photography than I could have ever learned in a classroom.
When J and I first got engaged Scott was one of my “must haves” when thinking about our wedding. I was thrilled when he said he’d photograph it. I’m extremely picky. In fact, whenever someone asks my mom who will be photographing our wedding she says “don’t you feel sorry for that guy”.
Well, apparently Scott found out that I’m rather hard to please because the phone call in the midst of my hectic week was to inform me that he could no longer photograph our wedding. Our wedding which takes place in FOUR months. Our wedding which has a UBER tight budget. OUR wedding, where a picky photographer and a picky videographer get MARRIED. I was devastated. Thankfully I was too busy with work to focus too much on the grandeur of this announcement at the time. But now it’s sinking in.
See, Scott was planning on photographing our wedding with his own private company. He also shoots for a big name portrait studio in St. Louis. Despite Scott asking specifically for that day off, the big name studio tyrant is forcing him to work. Scott has found another girl to photograph the wedding and has said that he will be able to shoot the ceremony. Unfortunately, I have to say, I feel like I’m totally getting the shaft. I guess I should be grateful that he’s found me a backup, but I’m hesitant since I’ve only seen a couple of her images, and that I don’t have a personal relationship with her, like I do with Scott.
So, I’ve been tooling around online looking for a new photographer. And guess what? They’re EXPENSIVE. The cheapest decent photographer I found charges TWICE as much as Scott for HALF the service. The more I think about the whole ordeal, the more I want to sit in a corner and cry.
I have my mom’s voice echoing in my head “everything happens for the best”. I’ll keep repeating that to myself and go with the replacement.
Meanwhile, here’s some of Scott’s work for you to feast your eyes on….
Top 6 Mistakes Brides Make When Picking A Wedding Photographer
Posted by Chrys in Photography on January 25th, 2010
Wedding Photography is a hotly debated topic among wedding photographers and if you find it overwhelming, you’re not alone. Wedding Photographers offer a wide variety of packages and prices anywhere from $500 – $10,000+ and every photographer thinks that they are the best and the other guys are “cheap” or “overpriced” – “amateur” or “stuck up”. The biggest mistake that brides make is assuming that if they pay more, they’ll get better pictures. This is not always the case – in fact, I’ve had many brides who spent more for the more expensive photographer only to be sorely disappointed with the end results.
Wedding photography is important – it’s capturing those once in a lifetime memories you don’t want to miss – and you can’t do it over again. So how do you ensure that you’re getting what you want no matter what you’re budget may be? Choosing your wedding photographer is a process that should include plenty of research. To help you out, here are the top 6 mistakes brides make when choosing a photographer:
1. Failing to do the research – In just about any urban area there are hundreds of wedding photographers. Don’t limit yourself to 2-3 or “the photographer your cousin used” just to save time. Take time to visit bridal shows and local photographers’ websites to view as many photography portfolios as you can find. Narrow down your list to only those who’s work interests you and then start calling to find out which photographers are available for your date. Book consultations with photographers who are available on your date.
2. Hiring a photographer based on price rather then past work. There are exceptions but 90% of the time what you see in your photographers portfolio is what you’ll get. Many brides make the mistake of hirer a photographer because he offered a cheaper price and promised he could produce pictures just like her favorite photographer does. If you don’t love your photographer’s past work – there is a good chance you won’t love your wedding photos no matter how much you paid. Ask your photographer to see a complete portfolio or sample album from a recent wedding and immediately remove any photographer’s from your list if you are not impressed by their portfolio.
3. Forgetting to ask for a contract. If you learn even one thing today let it be this: ALWAYS have a contract. For every vendor you use – musicians, florists, venue, etc – you need a contract. This contract should include your package details, prices, any additional fees that may be incurred, etc. Having a contract helps to protect you from vendors who cancel at the last minute or fail to show up.
4. Not asking about emergency arrangements. What happens if your photographer is seriously ill on the day of your wedding? Who is their alternate? What does their work look like?
5. Not knowing the options. Many brides have regrets because they see friends with albums or other products from their wedding photos that their photographer did not offer. By taking the time to research a wide range of photographers, you will have a better idea of what your options are and what options are important to you.
6. Failing to negotiate! I am sure I am going to get hell from photographers for this one but yes, you should consider negotiation possibilities. Remember – your photographer’s time, skill and experience are worth money but each package will include different amounts of coverage, final products, etc. If you find a photographer you love, you may be able to negotiate price based on the type of package you want. For example: if your package includes more albums or prints then you need, ask if you can have those items removed for a savings.
Do you have other tips? Leave your tips and ideas in the comments section!
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Wedding Pictures – A Must Read if you Entrust Them to Uncle George
Posted by Chrys in Photography on February 21st, 2008
A friend of mine asked me for advice on how he could take the pictures at a relatives wedding to save money.
I reminded him that wedding pictures will last a lifetime, and every minute of that special day must be captured in great detail.
Consequently, I would not recommend anything other than a professional photographer, but if finance is tight, following this proven outline should lead to a collection of “treasured memories”
Initially, I would recommend close ups of centerpieces and the place settings, name cards and menus.
This can be followed up with wide shots of the venue before guests arrive and of course an overall view of the guests seated.
The bride and groom’s first dance is essential, plus the happy couple dancing with their parents. Photos of the bridal party dancing always prove popular and guests dancing in happy situations are other important subjects
Close ups of the cake prior to the cutting should not be overlooked and remember to show the bride displaying her new ring to the guests. Photographs of the toasts to the couple will always be treasured memories. Remember to show close ups of happy smiling faces.
Include close ups of guests’ faces, having a great time. These are best taken later in the evening …after they have loosened up a little. remember to depict varying situations both sitting at tables and dancing
Family members and children also make great subjects together with close ups of the band, DJ and the Master of Ceremonies.
The bride and groom cutting the cake is always a highlight so take plenty of shots covering this situation.
Traditions vary from country to country with removal of the brides garter by the single males and the catching of the bouquet by the single ladies being two that I am familiar with. Whatever tradition is prevelant in your country, make sure it is included in your photographs.
Final shots should be of the couple being farewelled by guests and of course departing in their vehicle.
Remember, you only get one chance at these situations so take plenty of photographs and you are sure to gather a great collection of treasured memories.
Author Antony Wilton is a hobby photographer with a keen interest in wedding photography. His site http://www.weddings.bestbuysite.com is a total guide to arranging the perfect wedding
Album Shown: Polka Dot I Do Album from Target.com
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Another day, another fantastic photographer
Posted by Chrys in Photography on February 20th, 2008
Free photo packages seem to be the thing to do this wedding season, with many high end photographers holding competitions and rewarding the winners with a free wedding photographer package. It’s great for you guys – I hope you are entering all of them! Here is another one for you from Karenscape Photography! Share your story of how you found “the one” for a chance to win a $9700 photography package! They are giving away one package every 3 months. They are located in Manhatten, and will travel up to 75 miles before charging travel fees. But – for a $9700 free package, I’d pay a fair amount of travel expenses, lol.
Here are a few samples of their fabulous work:
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Free Photography with Kate Triano
Posted by Chrys in Photography on February 16th, 2008
Kate Triano is giving away a free wedding photography package – but you have to get on this TODAY. The deadline in Feb. 20!!
The prize includes:
-8 hours of wedding day coverage by me
-all images hosted online for one year
-an online slideshow
-30 photo 8×8 album
In order to qualify you must:
-anyone getting married in 2008 with a set date
-must have a great LOVE story and reason as to why they deserve this above anyone else!! (anyone can enter you and you can also enter yourself)
How sweet is that? Get the rest of the details on her blog.
Same samples of Kate Triano’s work:
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Save On Wedding Photos
Posted by Chrys in Photography on February 16th, 2008
Hi,
I am in desperate need of some photography options for my wedding that aren’t going to cost me thousands of dollars. Most packages that I see on the internet are over $1000. Do you have any ideas?
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
There are some ways to save money on your wedding photography. First of all, you can certainly negotiate with a photographer. Be clear with him/her that your budget will only allow a certain amount. No-one says that you have to buy a big package. Have the photographer only do certain poses for you. Then have friends or family members take digital action shots for you and have them email the photos to you later.
It is also not unusual for a photographer to snap pictures then sell you the proofs which you can have processed yourself.
You also have the option of hiring a student photographer. Just be sure that you interview the student and that they can show you some good samples.
Good Luck and congratulations,
LeeAnn
This tidbit came from a recent issue of the Cheap Weddings EZine. To subscribe, visit http://cheap-chic-weddings.com
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Hire a non-wedding Photographer!
Posted by Chrys in Photography on January 13th, 2008
Did you know that a professional photographer who does not specialize in wedding photography will often charge 50-75% less then a wedding photographer? You can often find qualify professionals, with photography knowledge and experience, for a fraction of the cost!
TO ensure you get the photos of your dreams, a little planning does help. While this is a more affordable option, your photographer does not have a lot of wedding experience and will not always automatically think of all the photo options and ideas a wedding photographer would. To make sure you get the images you want, browse online and in magazines for those unique and interesting photo ideas, and then make some lists for your photographer:
1. A list of posed shoots needed – shots with family members, wedding party, the couple, unique set ups, etc.
2. Set-up shots – what areas do you want pictures of? make sure you list any special items and decorations – the cake, the centerpieces, the alter decor, etc.
3. Candid shots – what aspects of the actual ceremony and reception activities do you want photos of?
These lists will help ensure that nothing gets forgotten!
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Joanne's Wedding – Candid Photos
Posted by Chrys in Bridal Gowns & Accessories, DIY Weddings, Decorations, Flowers, Photography, Real Weddings, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Favors on October 24th, 2006
So, Joanne is offically a Mrs. now – the wedding took place this weekend and was even better then we had hoped. The professional pics are not back yet of course, but here are some pictures I took myself.
This is the alter at the front of the church. During the ceremony, the photographer was the only one allowed to take pictures to avoid distractions – so I will have to wait to show more of the ceremony. It was a fairly flawless ceremony: except for a flower girl who’s dad helped her up the aisle. She was only three, and the crowd scared her, but it was so cute. The ceremony also included two vocal solos by a friend of the bride that were beautiful.
Following the ceremony, the wedding party climbed into a limo with the photographer for a series of surprise photo shoots. The first stop was McDonald’s were the couple posed with the child attendents and wedding party for some fun shoots before the little ones headed home for some down time before the reception. The rest of the wedding party the continued on to a number of surprise locations including: a Convertible Mustang in a Ford dealership, the fire hall, a local park with a gazebo, an elegant home in town with an amazing fireplace setting and more.
The reception had a fall / daisies / orange & yellow theme. Here, you can see the table settings, as well as a close up of the centerpieces with the cutlery set and favors. Below you will see the head table, with a centerpiece that was also used as the unity candle arrangement standing on the signing table during the ceremony.
The forecast for the weekend called for thunderstorms with a chance of snow, so to be safe, the decorator set up two photo sets in the reception hall. This one, on the left of the head table, featured hay bales, leaves, flowers, plants, pumpkins and more – even accented with a few fake mice and a spider! Family pictures were taken in front of this set-up. The arch from the ceremony was placed on the other side, with plants, candles and a wrought iron bench for a second photo spot, as well as a backdrop for the area were the presentations and speeches took place.
And last but not least – the cakes. If you follow my blog regularly, you’ve been waiting for this! This is my first attemted at a wedding cake in fondant! The larger cake is white, the smaller is chocolate (in retrospect, more people wanted chocolate so the larger should have been chocolate). The topper is a discontinued design from 1982 that we found on eBay for $60 (similar models in store were $125 – $150). As promised, I will be posting more on the cake-making process, including the things I learned in the process – in another post:)
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Scam Alert from Stephi
Posted by Chrys in Photography on August 18th, 2006
Do you enjoy being taken advantage of?
Well of course NOT!
Neither do I…
And that’s why I simply refuse to sit around and allow “so-called” wedding professionals TRAP you into SPENDING FAR MORE than you need to!!!
Today I share details about a typical “bait and switch” tactic some wedding photographers use to
prey on un-Savvy brides…
You definitely want to BE ON THE LOOKOUT for this one!
I’ve posted all the specifics here:
http://www.fireyourweddingplanner.com/PhotographyScam
Your friend,
- Stephi
A true advocate for brides everywhere!
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The Best of the Best
Posted by Chrys in Photography on June 29th, 2006
If you are looking for a top-of-the-line, professional photographer in your area, you should check out this new site I found today: Photographix.
They have photographers listed for many states already, and they are constantly growing! Make sure you always research more then one photographer in your area – after all you only get married once! Those pictures are irreplaceable – make sure you are getting the best.
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