One picture is worth ten thousand words- Ancient Chinese Proverb
When your wedding is over and the months of preparation leading up to your big day are done, what you have left are your memories! And those memories are preserved in your wedding photographs.
John Lyons Weddings, Windsor/Essex County – Will travel
Your pictures are a tangible of your joyous day and have the power to evoke those special moments. As the years go by, your photographs assume a large and greater importance, not only to remember your memories, but they will be of great interest in the future, to your children and grandchildren.
Choosing your photographer is one of the most important wedding decisions that you will make. A reputable professional will be booked a year or more in advance, and for that reason, it is suggested that you engage their services early in your planning process. There is nothing as disappointing as having your pictures turn out less than acceptable. There are no make- goods of your day. You only have one chance to get it right.
When you meet with a photographer, make sure you look at their sample work and ask questions regarding their style; is it journalistic, traditional or a combination of both? Be prepared to let the photographer know your expectations; what moments you want captured and what you envision in the final product. It is important for you both to be on the same page. Also, ensure that a contract is written with everything that you have discussed- quantities, hours, extra photos, an album, CD or memory stick storage, social media posting, ordering services online for your guests, a Plan B, etc.
You want to ask about their experience; you don’t want a photographer using your wedding for a practice run. What is included in their packages and how will the final product be delivered? Will you be receiving edited images that are print ready, will there be an album included in the price? Will he have more than one memory card to hold the images? It is recommended that they use one for each event throughout the day. With new technology, will you receive your 50 best images, emailed to you a couple days after the wedding in a digital mobile album?
It is of importance to know if they will have a second camera, just in case there is a problem. You’ll want no surprises on your wedding day. Be sure to ask about a back-up plan, if your photographer can’t make it due to illness; a broken leg or who knows what. Make sure that point is added to the contract so you are not left high and dry. You will also need to ask about a secondary plan, in case of inclement weather. You may have wanted those outdoor pictures at that unique location in the worst way, but a torrential rain will ensure that it won’t happen. You need to know what the alternative spots will be, in advance of the day.
Mike Kovaliv Photography, Windsor, Ontario
Your photographer will be spending time prior to the ceremony; possibly at two homes and then shooting your reception in its entirety, making it a 10 hour plus day. Be sure to provide a meal during the dinner hour.
In this age of technology, where everyone has a cell phone with a camera, it is important to note that you may want your wedding ceremony unplugged. That way your guests will have their full attention on you and your spouse taking your vows and the photographer will have an unhampered view of you both in order to capture what you are paying him for.
Once you are satisfied that you have conveyed all your wishes, relax and let your photographer fulfill them. A professional will gently capture the formal posing, unobtrusively capture the candid moments, and produce the photographs that genuinely reflect s your love and happiness you and your families share on your wedding day.
