Photography - FAQs
by Tying the Knot Photography

Memories of your wedding are the most precious gift you can receive.  Your photographer will be the one to capture those memories for you, so your choice of photographer will impact how those memories are preserved.  Follow these basic tips to get just what you are looking for.

THE COST
When planning a wedding, your budget is very important.  However, if you are going to splurge in any area, make it your photographer.  Each studio has a different price policy so look closely at what each package includes and decide what you need to meet your requirements.  Most photographers offer a range of complete packages that include your coverage, enlargements and albums.  These are often a less expensive alternative to a custom package where you start with the basic coverage of the day and add items on.  Whatever you decide, remember that the popular photographers are also the more expensive photographers and they book quickly.  Consider an off-season wedding or a day other then Saturday and ask if the studio offers a discount for those days.  It never hurts to ask for a deal, but don’t be surprised if the photographer turns you down.

THE SHOTS
We often think that quality is more important that quantity.  In the case of wedding photographs, that may not be true.  Look carefully at the number of proofs you will receive relative the number of hours the photographer is there.  When it is your wedding day, the photos should tell a complete story – from the moment you step into your wedding dress, to the cutting of the cake.  Two hundred proofs may sound like a lot, but that is only 4 and ½ rolls of film.  Question the photographer about film limits and the number of proofs received.  For six hours of coverage, it is not unreasonable to expect around four hundred proofs.  Quality is important too – look closely at the photographers’ books for consistent and creative images.

THE PROOF
With photography, the proof is definitely in the pudding.  Be sure to ask to see a complete wedding album as well as a proof book, if possible.  The more complete weddings you are able to view the better idea you will get of the photographer’s consistency.  Look for emotion, movement, and depth in your photographers’ albums.  Are the cake shots always the same?  Do the poses look similar?  Look for something different with each couple’s album.  This will give you an indication whether the photographer shoots on a “formula” or shoots to capture your personality.  The overall style should be consistent, but each wedding should also be unique.

THE MAN (OR WOMAN)
You will spend more time with your photographer then with any other person on your wedding day.  It is, therefore, absolutely critical that you like him or her or them.  Is this someone you feel comfortable with?  Do you want them at your reception?  Are you relaxed and able to talk to them as an equal?  These are important questions to ask yourself.  If you don’t like your photographer, odds are he doesn’t like you and your photos will reflect that.  The interview process works both ways, and many photographers decline contracts with people they don’t feel comfortable with.  Although it is a business and you are engaging in a contract, it is also an emotional and personal commitment.  Your memories are all you have left once the last dance has been danced and your photographer catches it all for you.  If you don’t have a connection, on some level, with your photographer, find someone else.

THE PHOTOS
Of course, one of the most important factors in your decision is whether you like the photographer’s work.  None of the above matters if you don’t find the wedding photos she shows you both compelling and moving.  Style aside, the best photographs will make you feel something and draw you into them.  But, style is important too. The trend here on the West Coast is away from the posed and traditional and towards a more relaxed and fun urban style. Photo journalism is a very popular phrase these days and it reflects a candid and un-posed style of shooting;  capturing the moments behind the moments.  But, just as important, is that time alone with just you and your photographer.  It is a more structured shooting time, but it provides you with intimate and meaningful portraits of you and your new mate.   Make sure you tell your photographer what you are looking for and then let her capture it in her own way.  It is that element of trust that helps create great wedding memories.

THE TECHNICAL
To distinguish between the real professionals and those who are not so professional can be difficult, but there are a few key questions to ask.  What kind of equipment does he use?  Does she bring back-ups for every piece of equipment?  How do they handle different lighting conditions?  Do they scout locations and help you choose the best place for photos?  Do they have references?  What is their policy on negatives and why?  Don’t get caught up on the number of weddings they shoot and the prices they charge.  Rather, trust your instincts.  Schedule more than one meeting to go over their books and take the time to get a feel for the kind of studio you are dealing with.