destination wedding
How to choose your wedding photographer
Tips On Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
6/01/2016Zelna
1. How do I pick a good photographer when there are hundreds
listed?
Choose a photographer based on your style and personality. You want a
photographer that captures you, reach deeper and surprise you with
images that will tug at your heart. Make sure that you not only look at their
portfolio on their website but set up a time to look at a complete photo album.
2. How many photos
do I get?
The number is not in question as much as the importance of getting the
images that gives expression to your day. You can end up with a 100 beautiful
photographs that tells the story of your day.
We never truly use all 300 images it’s the handful that tugs at our heartstrings.
However, I do add the number of images you get on my packages :).
3. I found one
photographer whose images look soft, one who uses filters, one whose images look clean,
and one whose images look like they were shot on old camera. Why is it all so
different?
Every photographer has a different eye and something that speaks to him
or her. It’s an art form that shapes their expression. As potential client you
have to choose the photographers whose work screams at you.
4. Why is wedding photography so freakin' expensive?
The reality is that our
equipment is so freaking expensive, we end up carrying equipment up to the
value of a R100 000 at your event, we splurge on our equipment, we want
equipment that works well, fast and capture it beautifully. Beside the fact
that our equipment is expensive, we have worked years in the field and we know
the value, if we could, we would
do it cheaper.
However it is not just our equipment
that helps with capturing a photograph this will be useless without our
creative eye, how to compose a photograph and the beauty of post production to
give expression of your day. We work weeks through your wedding photographs. We don’t just
work on the day, we spend extra six weeks if not more working on our
photographs. It just a matter of us feeling our worth and not creating images
out of heaviness and that we are valued for our craft.
5 How can I make sure I look good in my photos?
My mom always said : ‘A bride
can wear a potato sack and still look beautiful” I fully believe this to be
true. No doubt you will look
beautiful. A happy bride radiates beauty and bliss this is bound to come
through in your photographs.
However it is important to hire
a photographer that can capture the heart. Your relationship with your
photographer is very important it will create an trust that she/he will capture
your day beautifully.
6. I keep hearing
about "shoot and burn" photography.
This is a unedited image, the photographer shoots the day and burns all
your images on a disc. Without adding an expression of your day. Though the photographs
are beautiful it leaves out the essence of your day. When we as photographers
edit your images we add to it the spirit of the day. We want you to feel the
deep emotion we sensed on your day. Hence sometimes we choose to bring a certain colour, filter. This
how we know that this shot
will be black and white…
I would not advise you to go for this option, it will leave you
frustrated, most photographers wont edit another photographer’s work you will
end up with unedited images, which will remain, on your laptop. {sad face}
7. Do I really need
a second photographer?
Not really, but having a second shooter allows for different perspective,
while the groom kisses the bride the one gets the emotion of the father of the
bride, its always nice to capture the emotion. Your photographer will also be
more relaxed allow him or her to be creative not just focus on the must have
shots.
8. How far in advance should I book a wedding photographer?
As soon as you can and you ready
to put down a deposit. As photographers we require a deposit to book your date,
this is normally non-refundable.
Most professional photographers are booked in advance. If you do not
find your most loved photographer don’t fred ask them to recommend someone to
you.
9. Do I have to like my photographer?
Yes, yes, yes and again yes. It’s
important that you get along with your photographer, you will see them the
first thing in the morning and the rest of the day. They will always be there.
You need to have someone around that you like having around. This is why it’s
so important to set up a meeting with your photographer. Make sure you have good
chemistry and that you trust her in her direction. If you don’t feel
comfortable choose another photographer. I know as a photographer I would
prefer working with someone I get along with.
A trust in your photographer
makes beautiful photographs. Knowing my bride trust me makes it easy for me to
see them and capture them.
10. Do you need to eat?
Yes. Most of my weddings the
couple provide us a table to sit and eat. I’m also happy to pay for my own
seat. If this is not an option, please do tell us and we will make sure that we
pack ourselves a lunch.
11. Is there ever shots that you miss?
It’s important that you
articulate what you want to be photographed. Make sure that your photographer
know the parents of the bridal couple. Honestly, there is shots we miss but we
will never tell you, Lol. Unless you ask for that one particular picture, that
can easily be due to time not
allowing us or it was not clearly communicated.
12. What else would you like me to know?
q Choose a good makeup artist,
good makeup sets the tone for your photographs for the rest of your life.
q Don’t worry about not knowing
how to pose, a good photographer will be able to guide you into beautiful poses.
q If you can, Invite me to the
rehearsal, this is super helpful when I photograph in churches that has certain
requirements – I will know where to stand and the priest can let me know what
is expected of me. Being at the rehearsal will also help me to position me
correctly to photograph.
13. You say we?
Yes, my assistant and I. I work
with an assistant, she carries my bag, make sure your flowers is facing me,
makes sure your lips stay pretty, carries what you need her too. Will sometimes
go in search of the mother of the bride. Irion a shirt, make sure the groom
shirt is tug in, help where she can.
She is my saving grace, my sanity and will be yours too. Keep in mind
she is not the second shooter; though she is quite capable of taking a good
focused shot.
I hope these questions have
helped you in what you should expect, ask or look for in a photographer.
If I’m not the girl for you, its
okay, really. I do hope that you
find a photographer that will capture your day beautifully just the way you
always imagined it would be.
I pray for long, fruitful
prosperous years on your unity.
Much Blessings,
Zee
1 comments
lovely
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