Photojournalism is a big buzzword in wedding photography and has been for quite a while. In this discipline, the photographer should blend into the scene while capturing candid memories of the day’s events. A photojournalist may use a flash, but would never bring along additional lighting. This is the type of photographer that will not interfere with your guests or tell your wedding party how to pose. The result is natural and honest images. Some may find this style to be a little too honest and prefer more interaction from the photographer in order to present themselves in the best light.
Other newer takes on wedding photography styles are fashion or lifestyle. This involves a great deal of interaction from the photographer to achieve the desired results. If you’re hoping your wedding photography will look like it belongs in a magazine, this may be the choice for you. A word of caution though, this type of wedding photography may require additional coordination with your photographer in terms of scheduling and determining locations for post-ceremony shoots, etc. To some in your bridal party, the extra attention involved in this style of photography will be a treat. However, for the camera-shy, it may involve a little coaxing. This style also tends to come with a bigger price tag, as there is more planning, time, and photographic equipment involved.
Many photographers define themselves as portrait journalists, with a hybrid style of photojournalism and creative photography. This may be a happy medium for those who are looking for something in between photojournalism and fashion/lifestyle wedding photography. A portrait journalist is typically a photographer who does not want to commit to being defined by one style or another. And in turn, this style of photography is more difficult to define, as one photographer may be more involved with setting up “the perfect shot” than the next. If this is the type of wedding photography you’re interested in, the photographer’s personality and willingness to cater to your preferences should be factored into making your decision.
And last, but not least, there are the traditional wedding photographers. In this style, the photographer typically works on a print-sales based model. The fee for coverage may be lower up front, but considerable costs can be incurred when purchasing prints or albums after the wedding. This style ensures attention to detail as crooked bowties or stray hairs deter print sales. Traditional wedding photographers may prefer to work from a shot list and are a safe bet for those who prefer a no-nonsense approach to their wedding photography.
Each style has its place, but what appeals most to you?
Once you’ve determined your preferred style, you could narrow the selection of your photographer based on personality, pricing and packaging options. For instance, there is a benefit to hiring a traditional wedding photographer when you’re looking for standard coverage with the option of only purchasing the essential prints. If you want your photographer to share every detail of the day, you should look for one with a creative fee structure. The creative fee is payment to the photographer for their time and talent in return for a disc of images from the day. In most cases, the disc comes with the rights to print the images as you see fit. If you are looking to get prints and/or album/s as part of the package, this is yet one more way to decide what makes the most sense for your needs.
Did I mention the film vs. digital consideration? Many wedding photographers nowadays prefer to work in digital photography. The benefits of digital photography include faster turnaround and the ability to share your photos digitally. Also, one clarification on digital photography – the photos still require editing in a “digital darkroom” as they are not ready to print straight out of the camera. This process is much like processing film and making adjustments. If you prefer the aesthetic of film, don’t fret—there is still a dedicated group of wedding photographers out there who choose to work in film. Although it is sad to note that their resources are not in abundance as they once were. Makers of film and emulsion-based photo paper have discontinued some of their products as there is less demand.
Part Two: An Overview for Selecting and Securing Your Wedding Photography
/by kmillerYou can approach this process in a number of ways, depending on what’s most important to you: hiring your preferred photographer or securing your preferred location. If it’s the photography that means the most to you, then contact your preferred photographer first. If you are more concerned about the location, then that is the best place to start. Of course the further in advance you plan, the better the chances of securing both preferences. This process is much like piecing together a puzzle and there is no right way to go about it. Take comfort in knowing that you can weigh all of the aspects involved and make your decision based on the factors that matter most to you.
The availability of your photographer, ceremony and reception location are primary concerns. Factors involved in these decisions are your bridal party, guest list and budget. Disc jockeys or other entertainment may also be a primary concern. The dress, flowers, invitations, etc. may be the most enjoyable decisions you’ll make regarding your wedding, however these are secondary concerns. Again, this can be overwhelming if you think about all of the decisions at once, so I suggest focusing on the primary concerns first. Wedding planners can be very helpful in this case—not to mention their role of ensuring all the details are attended to on the day of your wedding.
Once you determine if the photographer you’re interested in hiring is available, it is generally a good idea for you and your fiancé to meet with the photographer. This allows you the opportunity to get a feel for the photographer’s personality. Even though you’re not paying for their personality, it plays a major role in the tone of your day. An overbearing personality can be particularly upsetting on this often-emotional day. In addition to getting to know this person, you can ask about their packages and contract, view samples of their work and discuss the schedule for your wedding day, particularly the timing and location for formal portraits and the post-ceremony photo shoot.
Most photographers require a retainer fee or down payment to reserve your date. And a contract is essential for all parties involved to document the agreement of services, products and fees. A liability clause is often included in wedding photography contracts and should detail the terms of responsibility in the case of an emergency (casualty, illness, act of terrorism). Should an emergency arise, make sure the clause details are satisfactory. For instance, does the clause ensure an alternate photographer with the same skill level?
If you’re having trouble making a decision, an engagement session is a low-risk way to determine if a photographer is right for you. Plus, family members love receiving photos of their newly engaged relatives. On-location engagement sessions offer a creative alternative to the standard poses in a studio.
After signing a contract, you can expect your photographer to be in touch again at about one or two weeks prior to your wedding to go over the schedule of the day and any other new details that were not discussed during your introductory meeting. Some photographers do this by phone while others prefer to meet in person. Either way, this can be helpful in relieving any concerns you may have about your photography prior to your wedding day.
Part One: What’s Your Style?
/by kmillerPhotojournalism is a big buzzword in wedding photography and has been for quite a while. In this discipline, the photographer should blend into the scene while capturing candid memories of the day’s events. A photojournalist may use a flash, but would never bring along additional lighting. This is the type of photographer that will not interfere with your guests or tell your wedding party how to pose. The result is natural and honest images. Some may find this style to be a little too honest and prefer more interaction from the photographer in order to present themselves in the best light.
Other newer takes on wedding photography styles are fashion or lifestyle. This involves a great deal of interaction from the photographer to achieve the desired results. If you’re hoping your wedding photography will look like it belongs in a magazine, this may be the choice for you. A word of caution though, this type of wedding photography may require additional coordination with your photographer in terms of scheduling and determining locations for post-ceremony shoots, etc. To some in your bridal party, the extra attention involved in this style of photography will be a treat. However, for the camera-shy, it may involve a little coaxing. This style also tends to come with a bigger price tag, as there is more planning, time, and photographic equipment involved.
Many photographers define themselves as portrait journalists, with a hybrid style of photojournalism and creative photography. This may be a happy medium for those who are looking for something in between photojournalism and fashion/lifestyle wedding photography. A portrait journalist is typically a photographer who does not want to commit to being defined by one style or another. And in turn, this style of photography is more difficult to define, as one photographer may be more involved with setting up “the perfect shot” than the next. If this is the type of wedding photography you’re interested in, the photographer’s personality and willingness to cater to your preferences should be factored into making your decision.
And last, but not least, there are the traditional wedding photographers. In this style, the photographer typically works on a print-sales based model. The fee for coverage may be lower up front, but considerable costs can be incurred when purchasing prints or albums after the wedding. This style ensures attention to detail as crooked bowties or stray hairs deter print sales. Traditional wedding photographers may prefer to work from a shot list and are a safe bet for those who prefer a no-nonsense approach to their wedding photography.
Each style has its place, but what appeals most to you?
Once you’ve determined your preferred style, you could narrow the selection of your photographer based on personality, pricing and packaging options. For instance, there is a benefit to hiring a traditional wedding photographer when you’re looking for standard coverage with the option of only purchasing the essential prints. If you want your photographer to share every detail of the day, you should look for one with a creative fee structure. The creative fee is payment to the photographer for their time and talent in return for a disc of images from the day. In most cases, the disc comes with the rights to print the images as you see fit. If you are looking to get prints and/or album/s as part of the package, this is yet one more way to decide what makes the most sense for your needs.
Did I mention the film vs. digital consideration? Many wedding photographers nowadays prefer to work in digital photography. The benefits of digital photography include faster turnaround and the ability to share your photos digitally. Also, one clarification on digital photography – the photos still require editing in a “digital darkroom” as they are not ready to print straight out of the camera. This process is much like processing film and making adjustments. If you prefer the aesthetic of film, don’t fret—there is still a dedicated group of wedding photographers out there who choose to work in film. Although it is sad to note that their resources are not in abundance as they once were. Makers of film and emulsion-based photo paper have discontinued some of their products as there is less demand.
Bride’s Guide to Wedding Photography: Intro
/by kmillerThis guide provides some helpful tips for getting the most out of your wedding photography.
There are many decisions to be made in planning a wedding. While this guide is meant to simplify your planning, it may also inspire you to explore styles, practices, and products in wedding photography that you haven’t yet considered – no matter how big or small your wedding may be.
The guide will also provide an overview of some basic things you should know about wedding photography as well as updates on some of the latest trends. The decisions you make regarding your wedding photography are important. After all, your photography should serve to document the story of your day so that you can savor the moments long after you say, “I do.”
Wedding photography products by Captivating Imagery
/by kmillerBecause digital wedding photography is relatively new in the grand scheme of things, I thought I’d show the Captivating Imagery products that are included with the engagement sessions and wedding photography packages.
Engagement sessions and each of the wedding photography packages come with a CD or DVD containing the edited, ready-to-print digital images. DVDs are used to hold more/larger files. If your computer does not read DVDs, please indicated the need for CDs.
The DVD is labeled with a couple’s names and date and printed with a photo from the engagement session or wedding.
Albums are available as part of the Traditional and Premium Wedding Packages. They can also be ordered separately through Captivating Imagery. Clients can view the album design online as part of the review process before the album is created.
Albums are available in a variety of covers. This is a leather-bound cover.
This is a gallery wrap cover.
Epiphany Catholic Church
/by kmillerEpiphany Catholic Church was my last stop of the day. It’s the big church by the Mellon Arena at the edge of Pittsburgh’s Hill District. This church was in danger of being torn down to make space for a new casino and arena, but was saved as it’s designated as a National Historic Landmark. One unfortunate thing about this church is that it smells like a fish fry, or at least it did while I was there—during lent on a Saturday, so it’s likely that it just needed to be aired out from the previous day. A very kind member of the church showed me how to get up to the organ and choir loft. This staircase to the loft has nice directional light and graceful curves. I think it was my favorite find in this historic church.