Union
Photography
Why hire a professional photographer?
The answer to this may not be obvious, but it is very important to understand: The majority of us only get married once! Do you want to trust the happiest and most memorable day of your life to a non-professional photographer who uses substandard equipment (and perhaps no backup equipment). Or a photographer who sticks to a series of boring, unimaginative images that he/she can cruise through with little to no effort?
When hiring a professional photographer you will be secure in the knowledge that he/she will arrive at your wedding early, prepared, and relaxed with the intention of creating incredible images and then delivering the results to you on time. With the experience of having photographed many weddings, a professional photographer should be at ease during your wedding. As a professional photographer, he/she will be completely comfortable working with individuals, couples and groups to make the formal (semi-posed) photography go smoothly. When you think about the cost of photography, remember that the photographers fee is only part of your investment. You, your parents, your extended family and your friends will be investing time with the photographer during your wedding. Make sure to pick a photographer whose company you enjoy, a person whom you are relaxed with, one whom you can laugh and joke with, and one who lets you be you. This helps the photographer produce wedding photos that you will love!
Although a professional photographer will mean a little more of an investment, is it not a day that warrants spoiling yourself? Do you want cookie-cutter-style photos that the photographer has done so many times that he/she looks bored? Or would you like beautiful, original images that capture the moments of your wedding as professionally and creatively as possible?
How much will wedding photography cost?
Even when shopping for shoes or a new dress, you wouldnt ask that question until you find the style and quality you like. After you have looked through a photographers website, seeing candids, formals and creative pictures, you will know if this photographer has the personality, technique, style and spirit to record the precious moments from your wedding day. Of course, you should determine if the photographer is within your budget, give or take a little, but what you really want from your wedding day photography is all those special moments and memories captured and recorded so that the feelings that you have on your wedding day will be present in those images for decades to come. If you find a photographer who makes you happy, you never will regret your choice, whatever the investment. Have you noticed, when we have invested in things that will be with us for the rest of our lives, our satisfaction has been highest when we have paid that extra bit for the best quality?
What should I look for when I am looking at a photographers work?
Lighting quality is an important ingredient in superior photographs. The light should be natural and flattering so the pictures look three-dimensional. Overuse of on-camera flash can ruin wedding pictures. Watch out for flattened faces, harsh reflections off cheeks and foreheads, and dark shadows directly behind or next to the subjects. With finesse and a little technical know-how, a fine photographer can work with almost any outdoor lighting situation without overusing flash.
Look for a variety in subject size - a mix of distant, medium and close up pictures. Even with groups, lighting and posing should be interesting. The well-posed bridal portrait should minimize the subjects flaws (weight problem, blemishes, etc.) and express who each subject is and how he/she feels. You want pictures that tell the story simply, with immediate impact, and as if the photographer was not even there. Its like dyeing hair or applying makeup so that it looks natural.
You should expect the same quality work at your wedding that the photographer shows you when you first visit, especially if the sample images match the setting and time of day of your
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