Choosing a Wedding Photographer

As many of you brides-to-be begin to plan for your wedding day, there are a few important decisions to be made.  Wedding dress,  groom's tux, bridal party attire, wedding rings, location of the wedding, invitations, flowers, and photography to just name a few. 

I always encourage brides who come to me seeking a photographer to meet with a few other photographers before making a final decision.  Although I would be completely honored to be such an important part of any wedding, it is far more important to be sure that I am best suited for the couple.  There are several factors to consider when choosing the right photographer for your wedding day.

Information Source:  www.frugalbride.com/choosingphoto.html

Important Things To Consider When Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Experience Level - Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun?

Photographic Style - Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Do you want a mixture of black and white or only colour photos?

Truth in Advertising - Is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is available. Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and that you see HIS/HER work and meet with that individually face to face.

Personality - Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the "chemistry" there?

Appearance - Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. Is this person well groomed?

Price Range - Although, the last thing you want to do is shop by price, is this person within your budget? If not, is he or she worth the price difference? Make sure you understand what everything costs, including reprints and albums.

Delivery - How long does it take to get your proofs back, thank you cards, your finished album, your bridal portrait, etc.?

Offering - Whether it's a la carte or a package, do you understand what you are getting? Is there any room for changes and will it cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time? Make sure that you know what's coming.

Contract - Do you understand the contract. Is it fair? Is everything spelled out? When it comes down going to court, only what is WRITTEN really counts, not what was promised. Make sure that you have no doubts before signing. Read it ALL.

What about deposits and payments? What does it say about cancellations and the photographer not being there? If the photographer protests, ask him why? This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a long time.

References - A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire.

Portrait Session: What to Wear

I am often asked what clothing one should wear for portraits and what is the best way for a family to coordinate. There are several things to consider when preparing yourself for your portrait session.

Information from www.ehow.com/way_5135751_family-portrait-clothing-tips.html 

Coordinating Clothing
When choosing clothing for the family portrait, it's important that everyone wears complimenting shades of the same color. When everyone is wearing something in the same color family, the clothing will unify the individuals within the photo and pull the attention from the clothing to the faces of those in the portrait. Once a color tone is decided on, each individual should choose a top that is in the same tonal range so that no individual stands out from the others within the portrait.

Choosing Colors
When choosing the color theme for your portrait clothing, it's important to consider the background of your portrait. When taking an indoor portrait against a dark backdrop, medium and dark shades of blue, green and burgundy work best. If you're taking your portrait outdoors, medium shades of purple and blue work best. Light colors or white will work well in a portrait that is set against a light or white backdrop, but if light colors are worn in a portrait taken against a dark background it will draw the attention away from the face of those photographed. Bright colors, bold colors and tops with patterns will also take away from the portrait, drawing the focus to the clothing rather than the faces of those being photographed.

Selecting Styles
When choosing a style of clothing to wear for a family portrait the rule of thumb should be keep it simple. Simple turtle necks, v-neck shirts or collared dress shirts work well for family portraits since they all draw attention to the face. All family members should wear long sleeves so that the focus is drawn to the face, rather than to the arms. Any accessories should be very simple and understated so they do not take the attention away from the faces of those being photographed.

Your wedding budget

Although your wedding day is a special day, you shouldn't go into your marriage in significant debt as a result of spending for your wedding. First you should decide on the total budget you are willing to spend on your wedding day. Once you have decided this, here is an idea on the amounts you should spend with each vendor.

Information from www.bwedd.com/cebride/cebnewsletter_13.asp

Wedding and Engagement Rings (15%)  

Wedding Dress and Veil (5%)

Reception (Site and Catering) (35%)

Photographer/Videographer (10%)

DJ/Band/Entertainment (4%)

Invitations/Stationery (4%)

Flowers (10%)

Cake (3%)

Wedding Party Gifts (2%)

Rehearsal Dinner (2%)

Officiant/Ceremony Fees (1%)

Decorations (3%)

Limo/Bus/Car (2%)

Tuxedos (1%)

Pre-Wedding Parties (3%)