Wedding Photographers
Months of preparation has paid off and the day has finally arrived - your wedding day. I attended a wedding over Thanksgiving weekend and the bride commented, "This whole day has been a big blur". Most brides seem to experience some form of amnesia on their wedding day. Fortunately, for them, photographers exist. Couples are able capture the day - even moments they were not part of - and remember it forever through photography and video.
Make sure they have a website. Smith has two separate sites for her photography - one for fashion the other specifically for weddings. Not only does she post pictures but also includes a blog about each couple she works with.
Find someone with emotion. Beth not only cares about the photography but for the couples themselves. She has formed lasting bonds with the couples she has worked with. If a photographer is distant, anti-social and generally hard to approach, the images will suffer. A photographer should make people feel comfortable so that images look natural and not forced. Moreover, photographers who want to get to know their clients likely have a more vested interest in capturing quality pictures compared to those who take your money and leave you in the dust.
Get proof of their experience. A website goes hand in hand with this tip. But some photographers may only post their “best” images and neglect to include a handful of insufficient shots. Ask them how long they have been a professional photographer. Professional is a key word here. Many people claim to be photographers but have no education in the field. Get their credentials before hiring them.
Just like with shopping for the perfect wedding dress, don’t pick the first one you see. Shop around before settling on a photographer. Every photographer has a different style, whether it is angle, lighting, editing etc. If you want to capture emotion make sure your photographer isn’t big on landscapes and backgrounds. This could jeopardize how you want to remember the moment.
Make sure the fee is reasonable. You found a photographer that matches all the above criteria but their price is beyond your limit. Ask them if there is a way to lower the cost. A photographer who has an emotional interest in their clients will find a way to even marginally drop some of the fees. Smith says, “I always feel bad taking money for this kind of thing. It’s their wedding and I get to enjoy the beauty of it, that should be payment enough".
To view all her stunning photography visit Beth Kaye Smith on her wedding website.
Wedding Videographers
Pictures capture moments of emotion, but a video can bring these moments to life. A video is a wonderful addition for any wedding memory. Videographers help piece together the moments that make every wedding so special. However, couples should be cautioned when approaching a videographer. You will likely spend a great deal of money on this person, so it is imperative you do your research beforehand.
In John Brunke's article "Choosing Your Videographer," he outlines the main concerns clients should consider. First, you should select a package that highlights the events you deem most important. He also suggests that when looking for a videographer find one whose, "emotional style clicks with your own".
Here are some questions Brunke recommends asking before hiring a videographer:
What type of lighting will the videographer use?
How will the videographer be dressed at the wedding?
Do you have sample videos I can see?
How long have you been in business?
What packages do you offer?
Do you use Professional Quality equipment, accessories and supplies?
How many cameras do you use?
Do you have back-up equipment that is comparable in quality to the original?
Do you use wireless microphones?
Do you offer Non-Linear Digital Editing?
Do you copy-protect or scramble the videotape?
What are your guarantees and liabilities?
Do you have a written contract?
Are you unobtrusive?
Will the shoot interfere with the proceedings in any way?
How much do you charge for additional hours beyond the agreed contract?
Do you work with the photographer to ensure mutual cooperation?
Are you there throughout the entire reception?
Will you go to a location (like the beach or a park) without additional charge?
How much are additional copies of the wedding tapes?
Do you have references that I can call?
Not everyone has the pleasure of starring in a wedding show on TLC but a fantastic videographer can be an exceptional replacement. Check out videographer, ErikAnderson's wedding blog. The video's posted are simply magical. A wedding should be remembered this way, without exception.
If you're looking for a videographer around the GTA take a lot at The Perfect Wedding Guide, they provide a directory of professional videographers in the area.
