Feature Article
by Tracey Baxter
At the end of your wedding day, your marriage has already begun but the wedding will already be just a memory. How well, and an in many cases if you remember all the intricate details you created or exactly how uncle Sal looked in his groovy rust colored tux will depend entirely on your photographer. Capturing your event on film –or in modern terms, digitally, your photographer has the ability to keep your memories vibrant and alive. It’s important to know the difference between features and results when choosing a wedding photographer. And features do not necessarily achieve the expected result. For example, the feature would be a state of the art digital camera that only 10 people in the world own. A result would be eliciting the kind of memories you desire. But that state of the art camera may or may not get that result you desire depending on which of the 10 people are using it!
Your wedding photography begins with the results!
Do you long for traditional portraits or your story in a journalistic montage? Or maybe blending these styles is more your goal? Photographers will present you with their best work samples in a consultation so before you scout out photographers to interview; it’s helpful to know your preferences because this is the result you are looking for! Look for photographers who capture the emotion you want to feel when you look at these pictures in three years… 10 years… 25 years and more from now. Some couples want to feel reverent and others glee when reflecting on their wedding photos. Whatever that feeling is you desire, it is critical to pinpoint. Until you know this first, you will not be able to find a photographer that is able produce that result for you.
What features are important to you?
Once you have narrowed down photographers by the style and feeling they can evoke in their photos of you in your price range, it’s time to determine what features are relevant to your needs. Not every photographer offers the same features even if within the same price range. What features you need and what can you do without depends again on your style and personality. There is not necessarily one right feature set for everyone. Here are some features to consider when choosing your photographer:
1. Do they have a second photographer shooting the event?
2. Will there be a time limit or is service for the full event day?
3. Will the photographer(s) travel to locations other than your ceremony and reception sites on your wedding day?
4. Is there a limit to the number of photos they will take? Some photographers still set a limit on the number of shots taken.
5. Do packages in your price range contain more than 2 elements that you don’t want? And if so, can you negotiate trading for something else. For example, if you don’t want a 4x5 album for your parents, can you trade that for additional hours, an engagement shoot or something else?
6. How much does it cost for prints?
7. Who gets the copy rights?? In other words, must you order prints through the photographer?
8. Will you see actual printed proofs or will only online viewing be available?
9. Does the photographer touch up the photos in any way?
10. How long will it take to see proofs and then get finished products?
Your Wedding Planning Homework:
Knowing your style and desires for how you want to reflect on your wedding is the key! No other photo album will be as emotionally charged as your wedding album or scrapbook. Take time to really ponder how you want to feel when you look at your wedding photos in the years to come. .
Want to use this article in your e-Zine, blog or website? You may as long as you include this complete statement:
Wedding Solutions Specialist Tracey Baxter publishes the "Aisle Do" bi-weekly e-zine. Get your Free Report: "5 Fun and Fabulous Reception Ideas for a Reluctant DIY Bride” at www.aisledoweddings.com
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