Wedding Advice – Here Comes the Blog

Archive for the ‘Photography’ Category

Even in the digital age, disposable cameras are still a fun way to add lots of casual photos to your wedding collection. The secret is to leave them on all the tables so that guests can take photos of the reception as they see it unfolding. No two people will see it from the same perspective, so you will get lots of different shots.

Disposable cameras are preferable over digital in this incidence because you can’t very well leave a bunch of digital cameras out on all the tables, but you can invest a few dollars in some disposable Kodaks and get some fun memories out of it.

A few thoughts. Many companies make disposable wedding cameras. They have white flowers on the casings or some other wedding themed design. While they are attractive, you may end up paying more for that design when it doesn’t add anything to the camera. If you don’t mind, that’s fine. But if you want to save a few pennies, see if you can buy regular digital cameras online in bulk. You may get a price break that way.

Make sure your cameras have flash capabilities. Nothing is worse than spending money to develop a bunch of black photos where you can’t make anything out. Make a note for the tables as to why the cameras are there. Even though the disposable camera idea is popular, not everyone will get it. Some might think they aren’t supposed to touch the cameras. Let them know that they are for them to walk around with and take photos. Let the guests know that you want them to use up all the film.

Beware of expired film. You may order a whole set of disposable cameras only to find that the film has passed its expiration date. It happens a lot because warehouses store the cameras until a sale is made. If you order online and can’t ask a live person ahead of time what the expiration dates are, open the package as soon as you get it home. Check the dates, and call the company right away to report an expired shipment. They will replace it if they are a reputable company. You’ve got your order number to prove when you ordered the pieces and you have a right to fresh film.

Be sure to assign someone the task of collecting all the cameras at the end of the reception. They can easily get forgotten. Of course, the reception hall will collect them for you if you forget, but it’s one less thing you have to do if you just have someone in your family take care of it.

Once you return from your honeymoon, have the film developed. If you can, find a mail order company that’s still in business, and try them, as they will have better prices than a walk-in store. Drug stores still have drop off services where you can leave your film and come back another time to pick up your photos. Yes, it will cost a few bucks to get the photos, but it will be worth it when you’ve got a whole album full of funny photos to look through.

For more ways to get great wedding photos, try this article on How to Choose a Wedding Photographer.

Getting those memories down on paper, or stored online for for many years to come, is only one of the big decisions you will be making in relation to your wedding. However, it is the decision that will have the longest life. Choosing the right photographer can be a tricky task. You should take a composite view towards this decision making process. Here is a guide to some of the things to be on the look out for. It is your special day, and so let's get it right.

• Experience. You may choose your photographer based on all of their experience. You may choose your photographer based on their experience with weddings. If you are looking for something unique, a photographer who is very skilled in their job, and not necessarily one who does weddings all the time, may still be a good choice. Think outside the box in relation to experience. What you are looking for in previous work is the quality and personality. Someone who does not do much work in weddings might have some unique angles. Choose the quality of the images and style over the type of experience.
• Intuitive. Photography of people is all about people. In other words, if someone can take the right photos at the right time, they are probably intuitive at all times. This could be described as 'a professional illness'. Those who make the best hospitality professionals can rarely stop after work. A photographer will be the same. Pay a little attention to this matter and see how well they can read you during initial discussions.
• Attitude. Many artists like to feel special. That is fine if you are chasing them for a high-paying advertising campaign, but this is your wedding. Someone who is generally interested in the project is also extremely important. If they act like they are doing you a favor, then you need to consider them no more. Interest level of the photographer will have a huge impact on the quality of the shot. Really good photographers are fanatical about their job or the project they are working on.
• Personality. Photography is all about catching the mood. You have to be honest about how you feel about the photographer. This doesn't mean being 'satisfied'. It means that you should really like the person a lot. This will come out in the photographs. A picture speaks a thousand thoughts and emotions. What you are thinking and feeling at the time of the photograph will change the quality of the shot. Just because other people liked the photographer, or they have outstanding work, does not mean that you should be choosing them. How you feel about that person, is what really counts.

At the end of the day, this is your wedding, and so don't compromise on your choice of photographer. Spend some time finding someone you like, and enjoy being around. Someone who is building their career could be a very good choice.  The combination of all the factors above will mean the best images possible. You don't want to be just another wedding on another company production line.

Today’s media has changed the way we do things. Weddings are not the same as they were even ten years ago. Technology is running at a fast pace and brides and grooms have to keep up. So how do you know what sort of video options are available to you? How do you choose a videographer when wedding planning?

Because of the changes in digital photography and videography, you can now have a crystal clear record of your wedding day. That’s the good news. The other side of that coin is that you need to find a videographer who is up on the very latest technology. The last thing you want is some guy showing up lugging an outdated, clunky old corded VHS tape recorder to capture your big moments. Digital is the way to go. If the videographer you are considering is trapped in the 80s or 90s, best to look elsewhere.

Here are some questions you should ask a videographer before you hire him or her:

• What sort of equipment does he have? Is his camera digital? Ask for the specifics of the camera make and model (so you can secretly look it up at home before you book him).
• What sort of product is he going to produce for you? Will you get the files over the web? Will you get DVDs to hand out to family and friends? How many copies will he produce for you with no extra charge?
• How much of his time are you buying? Will he capture the whole wedding ceremony as well as the entire reception? It seems funny that you’d have to ask, but many a couple has been unpleasantly surprised when the videographer is nowhere to be found near the end of the wedding reception. If you want yours to stay the whole time, be sure to get it in writing.
• Ask if he will have any assistance. Are you paying extra because he’s bringing someone to help him with extras you don’t need? Be sure to get a breakdown of his fees and if another person is needed, ask exactly what that person will be doing.
• Do you like his appearance and personality? Unfortunately, not everyone shares your sense of reception decorations or tastes. What if he shows up in a white sequined tux and white patent leather loafers? If he is going to clash with your style, he’s not the proper choice. Some couples like a funky videographer who will “get in guests’ faces” to get a great shot. If that though mortifies you, choose a more professional type who will blend into the crowd to get your shots.
• Are there any essentials that cannot be left out? Write it all out. If you want the part of the ceremony where Aunt Doris walks down to her seat, be sure to tell him in advance. If Dad is going to make a toast and you want to capture it, notify the videographer in advance so he’s not caught off guard (or in the bathroom when the speech takes place!). The more specific you can be, the better the results you’ll get.
• Above all else, ask to see his prior work. You may discover that he’s done only three other weddings and the quality was poor. If he has few samples and/or is reluctant to let you see any of his work, then he’s not the one for you. A good videographer is happy to brag about his great work and will gladly let you watch entire weddings on DVD or online that he has filmed. Beware if he will only let you see clips and not entire weddings. There may be a reason. Perhaps he’s not good at segues or editing.
• Go with your gut. If you like a person and feel he’ll do a good job, go ahead and sign a contract that details every last bit of his job requirements. If you get a bad feeling, run as fast as you can and don’t sign anything.

What about a wedding photographer? Read this article on How to Choose a Wedding Photographer.

Guest blogger: Marisa Taylor Photography

I had the special opportunity of photographing the wedding of Jessica and Kyle on August 14, 2010.  Jessica and Kyle were married in a intimate ceremony at Canal Front Park located in Lewes, DE.  They were surrounded by their closest family and friends.  The decor was gorgeous. Lots of pinks, peaches, and blues with touches of the beach added in.  Jessica looked amazing in her wedding gown. After the ceremony, a boat passed by and all the sailors screamed their congratulations to the newly wedded couple, it was pretty awesome I must admit.

Wedding Images by Marisa Taylor Photography

The interesting part of the day was the time set aside for the formal pictures.  Myself, Jessica and Kyle headed to the beaches of Rehoboth for their formal pictures.  I, have actually never been to the beach before, so it was quite an experience.  Especially when I had to step into the water to get their shots.

The reception was a blast to shoot, I definitely felt like part of the family while there.  It was amazing seeing Jessica and Kyle together, they are very much in love and you can feel it.  The highlight of the evening was the slideshow produced by their parents that was shown at the reception.  At the end of the slideshow, there was not a dry eye in the house!

Congratulations once again to Jessica and Kyle!

Best,

Marisa

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Marisa Taylor is a professional wedding photographer located in the Newark, DE area. Her passion for beautiful photography shows in each and every photo she takes. Visit her website at www.MarisaTaylorPhotography.com to see more of her work.

What’s the latest fun trend in wedding photography? The photo booth! That’s right--just like the ones they have in malls and arcades. Couples are now renting photo booths to add to the spontaneous and festive atmosphere of their weddings.

What’s the allure of the photo booth? Maybe it’s that guests love that they get to be themselves and make silly poses inside the privacy of the booth. It’s a time to let loose and show off your real personality. And guests also like the immediacy of the results. They can take their photos with them to remember the event. Another special touch would be picture frame favors. These are great keepsakes that play off each other well.

Sure, you’ll still have your formal photos taken. But you’ll also want to step into the booth and take some crazy pictures as well. Make sure to encourage older or shy guests to get involved in the fun too. And offer to pose with your guests in the booth. After all, you are the star of the day.

So, how do you go about having a photo booth at your wedding? Simple. You can either hire a booth or set up your own.

If you want to hire a booth for the event, just keep in mind that they are expensive. If money is no object for you, then go ahead and contact local vendors who will bring the booth to your reception site. Ask ahead about how long you can keep the booth (you don’t want it being dragged out in the middle of your reception) and how many photos your guests can take. A good photo booth vendor will have all the details for you. You can find these people online by searching ‘local photo booth rental.’ Make sure you get a picture of the booth you’ll be getting well in advance. If it’s ugly and beat up, you may want to select a different vendor.

If cost prohibits you from renting a booth, why not make your own? All you need is a camera with a flash and some creativity. Hang a custom photo booth backdrop or use a white wall at the reception hall. Set up some props like a chair or bench and maybe an urn full of ivy. Put the camera on a tripod and attach a remote to it. (They sell remotes in camera stores or online). People can come by at their leisure to pose and snap their own photos. The secret to making this fun for everyone is having the area somewhat secluded so people can feel free to be themselves. Use a digital camera and have a printer ready to print your guests’ photos instantly. Make sure you have enough ink and photo grade paper to last the night.

Guests will love the idea of doing their own photo shoot rather than being photographed stiffly by your professional photographer. You can keep copies of all the photos just by asking everyone to leave you a print in a basket by the printer.

Whether you rent or set up your own photo booth, you’re going to have a great time with friends and family. Plus, you’ll be right on trend with all the couples in the know who are making this the newest wedding craze. Add a zany personalized and choreographed dance to the reception and you’ve got a hip and happening wedding that’s very 2011.

For fun reception ideas:

• Wedding Reception Accessories
• Personalized Reception Items
• Emcee of the Wedding Reception
• Add a Unique Coffee Bar to your Reception