Wedding Photography

A good photographer will provide you with your most lasting memories of the day, things that you may be too busy or excited to pay much attention to at the time. In addition to using our vendor questionnaire for photographers, be sure to take these factors into consideration when considering your options.

Discuss the Tone:

Some people want formal portraits, others want a more candid feel to photographs. Look through your photographer’s portfolio carefully to determine how he or she prefers to capture a special event. If you have a specific viewpoint about your photographs, be sure to convey it early on. If you don’t know much about photography but think the work in your photographer’s portfolio is excellent, be sure to ask him or her for their input on the best way to record your wedding.

Consider Video:

While photographs can be marvelous keepsakes, a wedding video will provide you with an even more thorough look at your wedding day. Many photographers offer video services as well as traditional photography for an added charge. If the expense is too great, ask friends with good digital cameras if they would mind taping the ceremony or important highlights for you. In this age of excellent consumer digital cameras, you’re sure to find someone on your guest list to help you out.

Set Limits:

Photographers are sometimes so consumed by their desire to get great shots, they can monopolize your time at the wedding. Be sure to set a strict time limit for formal photographs and insist they stick to it. Chances are, after the ceremony, you are going to be hungry and excited to mingle with your guests- don’t make the mistake of spending two hours standing for pictures while your stomach growls in protest.

Check Venue Rules:

Some churches and other houses of worship do not permit photographers to approach the altar during the ceremony, because it can be a distraction. Be sure to check with your venue coordinator about any photography rules, and try to stick with them out of respect for the location. Even if there are no rules against it, you may want to ask the photographer to stand in a fairly unobtrusive place during the ceremony, to prevent distraction.

Meals:

In general, it is considered polite to allow your photographer to take part in the reception meal. Some caterers will offer a set number of meals for on-site vendors such as the DJ or photographer at a discounted price, or even for free. Make sure you check with your caterer to find out their policy on vendor meals.