How to Choose a Wedding Photographer
Oct 7, 2008 Photography
Experience
Is your photographer experienced, has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun? Is he or she a professional photographer?
Photographic Style
Are the images that you have been shown, what you would like to see in your album? There are “buzz” words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Ask your photographer to explain what these styles are and how best they would suite your requirements. Do you want a mixture of black and white or only colour photos or spot colour, is this an extra cost?
Pre wedding meeting
Is this the person you speak with, the photographer that will be taking the photographs at your wedding, or is he a salesman? 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 individual face to face.
Personality
Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the “chemistry” there? Do you feel comfortable with him/her?
Price
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. Do you get the copyright to all your images?
Proofs and Album
How long does it take to get your proofs back, thank you cards, your finished album, your album, your bridal portrait, etc.?
Package
Whether it’s bespoke 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.
What about deposits and payments?
What does he/she say about cancellations and the photographer not being there? Is the photographer fully insured? What deposit will be taken and when to pay the final balance.
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.
Tags: photographer, Wedding, Wedding Photographers
Why Maryland is the Perfect Place to Hold Your Wedding
Sep 2, 2008 Wedding Articles
Maryland, dubbed “America in miniature” is one of the best places to tie the knot. The state offers several attractions for that special day of union between you and your significant other.
Maryland has various wedding reception halls that offer the best of both worlds, whether you want a modern wedding or a ceremony that is close to nature. Contemporary and natural wedding reception sites are there for you to choose from if you know where to look.
Southern Maryland
The historic Southern Maryland will surely add drama to your special day with its historical sites and flower-filled landscapes. Say your vows in front of murals depicting St Michael’s life in the Eastern shore or go for a natural theme along tree-lined districts or floral gardens on Kent Island. The island is located at the foot of Chesapeake Bridge.
Southern Maryland has a number of ritzy hotels with balconies that overlook docks, where swans and blue herons thrive. Experience your dream honeymoon in any waterfront accommodation in the region.
Baltimore
The city of Baltimore is home to boutique hotels with wedding gardens on Fells Point, as well as reception halls in the downtown part of the city if you wish the city atmosphere to be part of your ceremony. Baltimore is also near the waterfront, where you could hold your wedding overlooking Patapsco or the docks.
Western Maryland
If you and you’re beau love the outdoors, then Western Maryland is the ideal place to hold your wedding. The region has several venues that offer skiing, hiking, fishing, snowmobile, and golf services to make your honeymoon more exciting. Western Maryland could also offer a beautiful mountain backdrop for your outdoor wedding. Allegany, Washington, and Garret counties are perfect for elegant and stylish weddings.
Washington DC
The national capital of Washington DC is ideal for its flexible climate conditions. Hold a romantic wedding either in the summer or in the fall for a touch of drama to the most special day of your life. DC is also home to wedding reception sites that highlight Maryland’s rich cultural and art history.
Book in Washington DC’s elegant hotels or opt for smaller, more intimate wedding locations.
Factors to Consider
After deciding which location in Maryland you wish to hold your wedding reception, timing and price are the two important factors you should consider next.
Timing. Book for a venue weeks, or even months in advance, to successfully reserve on your preferred date. See the place in person instead of just relying on a phone conversation with the manager. It would be better if your groom-to-be could accompany you. It is also his wedding after all.
Price. What you pay for is usually what you get so when you inquire about a place, ask the contact what your preferred package includes. Ask for details on such as whether the venue offers catering services, clean-up, whether they have enough chairs and tables for your guests, bathrooms, and cleanup, among others. Make sure you get your money’s worth.
Tags: Maryland, Wedding, wedding location
Wedding Photography Tips
Aug 1, 2008 Photography
Question to ask
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What is your photographic style?
This can be one or more of the following: traditional, photojournalistic, posed, candid, artistic, documentary.
My answer… -
Are you the actual day-of photographer?
If not, can we meet with the actual photographer? Should/Can you meet the assistants also? Some wedding photographers will sell you on them and send someone else to cover your wedding.
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Do you shoot in black and white?
If film, do they shoot in black and white? If digital, do they keep the orignals in color and do black and white in post-production? See this article on black and white digital photography.
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What is your experience with wedding photography?
How many weddings? How many years? Have you shot at our location? If so, what are the special photographic conditions of our location? Have you done a wedding similar to our size?
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Will you have other weddings that weekend?
How will that affect our wedding? If you at the tail end of a weekend (Sunday after Saturday and Friday weddings), can your photographer handle that? Some photographers do not have the physical or emotional endurance.
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Can we get negatives or digital negatives?
How long after the wedding date (get this one in print)? Are they full resolution files?
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What kind of equipment do you use?
Are there tripods? Wires? Can people trip? Is it obtrusive? Ask about the quality of the cameras, lenses, and lighting. This is to just roughly gauge their understanding of equipment. I can deconstruct most of my own photographs, telling you the light settings and lens I used.
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Are you insured?
This is just a measure of their professionalism as a business.
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What do you do in case of emergencies?
What if the photographer is ill or cannot make it? Do you have backup equipment? Do you backup photos (for digital photographers)?
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Can I see an entire wedding?
This allows you to see the consistancy in one day (as opposed to only having a few “keepers” from each wedding).
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How much is overtime?
Can they work overtime if asked to?
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How are you dressed?
Are they presentable. I’ve seen photographers show up in gray t-shirts and black lace tank-tops (not guys).
Tags: Add new tag, Tips, Wedding, Wedding Photography
