Choosing a Wedding Photographer
Wedding photography has evolved due to changes in social thinking and technology. The photographs of family groups forced to conform to rigid standards have changed and the need for people to stand motionless for long periods of time to avoid blurring has disappeared.
Today there are different styles available to the bride and groom to help them capture their story their way. So it is important to discover your style and flavor. We encourage you to search through bridal magazines and other key sites to help you see what is out there and discover what appeals to you.
Let’s look at some styles:
Classical: Formalized poses and following traditional rules. This is basically the wedding photography of past generations. Incorporating certain components of this can help complete a wedding album.
Documentary/ Photojournalism: This comprises of both unpoised and techniques where the subject is aware of the camera. It seeks to capture the story throughout the day. It is important to give some direction and refinement to ensure the story is captured your way.
Reporter: This involves no intervention by the photographer and it seeks simply to capture what happens as it happens. The photographer seeks to make the subject unaware they are being photographed. Done right it can capture the excitement and emotion of the day.
Fine Art: This involves the photographer using the background and placing the subjects in key places so that the total composition tells the story. Ideally, the photograph helps pose but then allows the subject to naturally pose and blend with the “bigger picture” of the background creating a masterpiece. For example in the classical church photos the bride and groom and bridal party are placed in set positions on the altar for group photos. With a fine art approach the bride and groom may be photographed at different places throughout the church and photographed at different angles. The photographer sees something through his or her camera and places the subject then takes the photos at the right angle to capture something ideally incredible.
Editorial: Here the photographer takes inspiration from many sources such as fashion or lifestyle magazines. It does require a lot of direction and control from the photographer. In many ways it is similar to fine art except fine art allows more freedom from this direction and control from the photographer.
Vintage: For some couples they want a retro or vintage look to their photographs. Vintage is not just about how the photograph is processed but also the posing and set up is important. There are many flavors to vintage photograph so work closely with your photographer to find the style that suits you. For example you can have a reduced contrast or slight toning to certain images. They can have a yesterday feel but still are modern and fun.
Combination: Obviously, for many they want some kind of combination. So ask your photographer to see what styles they are comfortable with. In addition how much control do they have over the whole creative process? With some companies the photographer simply takes the photos and someone else post processes them.
In order to ensure your day is captured your way it is strongly encouraged that you have a pre wedding meeting. We actually love to do an engagement session with our couples so we can get to know them and their style. By spending one to two hours with the couple both parties can learn about each other and become comfortable with each other. So if it is in your budget I strongly recommend an engagement shoot.
In addition, bring styles of photographs you like and show them to the photographer. Let them see what you really want. Invest not just financially but also with time and effort into your wedding photography to ensure you get the results you want. This will also let you know if you have the right photographer. Are they willing to invest time to discover your style? Answer your questions? Make suggestions? Or are they simply doing a job?
If the photographer does not share a passion for wedding photography and more importantly your day, then a red flag may be waving. Money should not be the determining factor in choosing a photographer. Do you feel they really get you and your style?
For more information please check out our wedding Website- www.robertpearsweddingphotography.com
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