 All
brides experience some degree of nervousness about the way
they look on their wedding day. It can be intimidating to
be the centre of attention, but as any photographer will tell
you, a relaxed, happy bride that is clearly caught up in the
day is always going to be photogenic. Images
courtesy of DigiQUICK
STAND
AND DELIVER
Over time, new styles of wedding photography have emerged.
Traditional, rather staid, formal
wedding poses can add extra pressure to the proceedings and,
while there is still a place for such shots, a much more fluid,
immediate and intimate style of wedding photography now prevails.
“Couples should consider carefully the style in which
they would like their wedding photographed as this has a bearing
on the running of the day as well as the finished product
– this is before even looking at individual photographers,”
asserts Harvey Collard.
Many people believe that there are just two
types of photography, but really there are now three:
- Photo-journalistic, also referred to as reportage or documentary.
This is the choice for couples who want a no-fuss, real
photographic record of the day. Nothing is set-up or contrived,
allowing everything to happen at the natural pace of the
day.
- Traditional. This is a set up number of poses and, while
there is still a place for this, it’s nowhere near
as popular as it once was.
- Designer. This is an off-shoot of photojournalism, with
certain traditional elements. Shots are made to look natural,
and the finished product is heavily dependent on Photoshop
and similar software programs.
 If
you are still unsure about the differences in styles, head
to one of the county’s many wedding fayres and chat
to some of the exhibiting photographers. All will have extensive
portfolios of work, and you’ll be able to see exactly
the kind of look you’d hope to achieve in your wedding
photos. Alternatively, contact photographers direct to arrange
a visit. All should be able to answer any questions that you
may have.
FILM
OR DIGITAL
Many photographers have now switched to digital as duplicate
images can be taken quickly, it’s relatively easy to
‘touch up’ shots and, because their costs are
reduced, it is possible to offer extremely competitive photography
packages. “With film, the exposure needs to be ‘spot
on’ at the time of taking…strong composition and
the correct use of light is the basis for a quality image
if any photographer is to call himself a photojournalist,”
asserts Harvey.
TROUBLESHOOTING
When booking the time of your wedding, it is worth considering
how this will affect the look of your photographs. After-all,
a 4pm church ceremony in summer is ideal as the sun doesn’t
set until around 9pm. In winter, however, it’ll be dark
before you emerge from the church, so if you had your heart
set on some daytime shots then you’re going to be disappointed.
“An experienced photographer can adapt to any given
situation and should be able to record the day’s events
as they unfold,” asserts Harvey Collard. “The
choice of season or time is the couple’s decision, and
good photojournalism records it as it is. More important is
for the bride and groom to have complete confidence in their
photographer and to just enjoy themselves!”
PHOTO
FINISH
Viewing your wedding photos for the first time can bring back
all the emotion and joy of your big day. That’s why
it’s often worth investing in a beautifully bound wedding
album. Most photographers will choose the best photos and
compile an album for you – the price of which will depend
on the quantity of photos involved. Another option is to order
a custom made, hand-bound wedding book. Over 650 photographers
across the UK offer this service, so access www.graphistudio.co.uk
for details.
TOP
TIPS
Determine whether your photographer has professional
indemnity insurance. This will
cover them for most problems that could occur, including
accident and injuries.
-
Always find out whether the
photographer you are speaking to
will be covering your wedding. If
it’s a colleague, ask to view his/her
work as well.
-
Ask to see a complete wedding
portfolio, not just sample shots.
Some photographers will post
recent weddings on their websites.
-
Find out what would happen in the
unlikely event of your photographer
falling ill on your wedding day – it’s
best to be prepared.
-
Ask how long it will be before
you receive your wedding photos
– after-all, you don’t want to be
waiting for months on end.
Contacts
Videographers
you may want to contact
include the following:
- Moving
Memories: 07810 446 707
www.moving-memories.co.uk
- Ross
Campbell Videography:
01376 344 355
- Treasured
Moments: 01787 479 278
www.treasured-moments-dvd.co.uk
- Colmar
Photo Productions:
01206 303 764
www.colmarvideo.com
- PKPhotoVideo:
0800 977 5479
www.pkphotovideo.com
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LIGHTS,
CAMERA, ACTION
Too
many people rely on a family friend to record a film
of their wedding, that is, if they decide to video the
big day at all. But hiring a professional videographer
has numerous benefits…
-
You can choose from a fly-on-the wall or documentary
style video.
-
You’ll be able to remember the embarrassing
best man’s speech and touching words from the
father-of-the-bride forever.
-
Catch amusing and emotional moments on camera that
print photography won’t pick up.
-
You can record the vows, one of the most special and
meaningful moments of the ceremony.
-
A professional videographer will be able to edit footage
to produce a fully polished film of your wedding,
much better than Uncle Bob’s shaky camera angles
with fuzzy sound!
-
You and your family and friends can look back on your
big day and relive the special occasion time and time
again.
-
A video can capture the day as it really was; the
people who were at the wedding, how they looked, how
they dressed and wore their hair (all of which becomes
increasingly funny as years pass and fashions change.)
-
It’s easy to create copies of the film for any
friends and family who wanted to share your big day
but weren’t able to attend.
-
Post production! Add in music, sound bytes and all
manner of special effects.
- You
could even save money – trawl the film afterwards
for all kinds of mishaps, from guests falling over
while doing the conga, to chaos-causing pageboys,
and send in the film to You’ve been Framed for
an easy £250 a time!
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