Wedding Memoirs: A Photography Package Primer
by Fritz Liedtke - FritzPhoto

I remember how overwhelming it was, at times, to plan our wedding: with every decision I completed, I found five new ones had cropped up. While some couples want to keep things simple, others (as I did) want to put all their creative energies into planning this special occasion. Most important, we all want to remember it for the rest of our lives as a joyous celebration of our vows, in the company of our friends and family.

That's where photography comes in: it helps us remember. But, you might then ask, what kind of photography, and what kind of photographer, will I enjoy most? What package will best suit me, and what are my options?

To help you sort through the myriad of options, here is a primer on the basics of wedding photography. There's a lot to sort through. But if you find a good fit, you'll enjoy sorting through your wedding photos for years to come.

What styles of photography are there?

Traditional: Usually this means there are many posed shots of family, wedding party, and the standard events of the day, with some soft-focus filters thrown in during the ceremony. (Your parents' album is most likely quite traditional.) Depending on the photographer, this can be elegant and classy coverage, or tired and repetitive.

Photojournalistic: A more recent trend in wedding photography, photojournalism covers everything from dressing to dancing, with no (or limited) formal or posed pictures. The aim is to tell the story of your day through images. Usually there is no limit to the amount of film shot, and this can result in a lovely record of all the little details of the day.

Combination/Alternative: Some photographers blend the 2 styles, shooting as many formals as you want, as well as documenting all the little details of the day at length. Some will vary the types of film shot, and depending on your tastes, even bring along a variety of cameras and lenses to add a playful element to your coverage. It's artistic and documentary at once. This is the type of coverage FritzPhoto offers to discerning customers, and it is as exciting and unique as your wedding day.

What options and products are available?

Proofs/Prints: Did you know that proofs and prints are the same thing? Photography packages can include a full set of prints for you to keep, a partial set of prints, or no prints at all. Those who don't include prints may either lend you a set of "proofs" or a CD of low-resolution scans, to order from at additional cost. Thus, a full set of prints included in your package price can easily be a $2500-$4000 value.

Reprints : Always check a photographer's reprint prices and policies. Some will offer you a bargain price to shoot your wedding, but include no prints in your package price. You may then discover that their reprint prices are high, and you may be required to place a minimum order. Also consider the types of prints you may want later: many studios offer black & white or sepia-toned prints (that warm brownish tone you see in old photographs) as well as color prints.

Albums : Large, small, elaborate, simple, digital or traditional--there are about as many options as photographers. Check with the studios you're considering to see if their album offerings suit your style. See if they give everyone the same type of album, or if you can choose what you want, customizing it to your tastes.

CDs: With the digital age have come all sorts of digital options: slide shows or DVDs with music and images, low-resolution digital proofs, screen savers, and more. Some photographers may give you a CD of low-resolution images, others may sell you the high-resolution digital files for an additional fee.

Websites: Wedding photography websites can be a fun and valuable option. Most of them allow your friends and family to view and order your wedding photos online from anywhere in the world, directly from the photographer‑-a nice option if you have friends and family from out of state or out of the country. Websites can also save you money and hassle, since you don't have to ship your proofs off to your families, and people can purchase their own prints.

Negatives: Some photographers include negatives in their packages, some will sell them for a fee, some won't sell them at all. Receiving the negatives (or high-resolution digital files) can be a nice way to archive your wedding pictures for the future, and you may (assuming the photographer gives you the reproduction rights) may prints for yourself. While acquiring the negatives may save you a little money in reprint costs, keep in mind that you will have to organize and store hundreds of negatives, sort out your own orders, and deal with labs. More importantly, the quality of prints you end up with at "QuickiePhoto" probably won't be as good as what your photographer gets from his professional lab. Keep in mind, too, that a low-price photographer who is giving away the negatives is also giving away his motivation to take exceptional, reprint-worthy images.

Color, Black & White, and Alternative Films: Both digital and film shooters will often offer the choice of color and/or black & white photos. For the more adventurous couple, some photographers will also offer alternative films, such as cross-processed and infrared, and some will offer hand-tinted or digitally-manipulated prints, all of which can add whimsy and flair to your album.

Cameras: Does it matter if your photographer shoots medium format, 35mm, or digital? With the increased quality in professional films and digital cameras, the answer any more is pretty much: not really. Even huge enlargements from any of these formats will be quite good. Equipment and film quality are less important than how well a photographer uses them. Some photographers use little old cameras and do top-notch work, and others use big medium format cameras and do boring work. Look at the photographer's work: do you like it? In the end, to take a spin on Dizzy Gillespie, "If it looks good, it is good."

Engagement Portraits: An engagement portrait session can be a fun way to remember those months prior to your wedding. Include a print with your invitations, give one as a gift to your parents, include some in your wedding album. Some photographers will take the portraits in a studio, and others will travel with you to a favorite park or locale for even more beautiful and personal images.

Signature Mats or Books: Instead of having your guests sign a guestbook, have them sign the matboard surrounding one of your engagement photos. Once framed, it can be a delightful reminder of your wedding day and those who attended. Many studios also offer albums with your engagement photos in them, for guests to sign when they arrive on your wedding day.

Framed Wall Prints: Large prints can be made, elegantly mounted, and custom framed for you. Often your photographer can create beautiful effects or retouching, and you can even have prints mounted on canvas as if it were a painting.

In conclusion...Sorting through the various photography offerings can be a little overwhelming. Start by asking yourself: what do I want in the end? What style of photography, what end products, and what personality of photographer do I feel comfortable with? Armed with some good information and some good questions, you can find the right photographer to tell the story of your wedding day. Your wedding memories are worth it!

Fritz Liedtke - FritzPhoto