What Brides Need to Know about Wedding Photography

The digital age of photography has made it easy for just about anyone to pick up a camera and take some snapshots. It's also made it so that people think it's an "easy" way to make money, and to do it "professionally."

The economy has made people more aware of their spending and priorities have shifted...this is not a bad thing. We are seeing this with weddings as well, and quite honestly, while your wedding day IS important, the more important part is the days, months, and years that follow the day.

Perhaps you have heard, "I'm photographing now, I can do your wedding,"or "I'll

take the pictures and just give you a CD" or "It's easy, let me take your pictures for you."

Those are red-flags that should give you pause. It's your wedding day, and you do want to preserve those memories. So, we have some tips when looking for a photographer:

1. ALWAYS ask for references, or to see samples of their work. If they can only provide a limited amount of samples, you may want to consider, a little more thoroughly, as to whether they are the photographer you want/need.
2. Beware of those who will snap the pictures and "give" you a CD. Be sure you know what quality image and print size you are getting.
3. Is your photographer insured?
4. Do they have backup equipment? This is VERY important. IF a camera, or a flash isn't working properly, do they have an extra camera, or flash so that you still get your images. This is not the time when you want someone to find out that their camera is not working, this the person capturing your memories, they must be prepared!
5. How did your photographer learn their craft? Have they taken classes, seminars, attended training? The industry changes constantly, and it is important to be knowledgeable about your trade.
6. You get what you pay for. I'm not saying you have to break your budget for a photographer, but you do need a professional, and if you settle for the lowest priced, sometimes, your portraits will represent that.
7. Be sure that you and your photographer have a great working relationship. You want to make sure that you are at ease with this person, because they will be part of a special day that requires communication.

I can tell you that photographing a wedding takes a lot of time and hard work.

• It starts with meeting with your client meeting with your client, taking the time to explain to them everything, and then answering the questions that come later.
• It's photographing any sessions prior (such as engagement and bridal) and having those ready for the wedding day.
• It's the two hours prior to the wedding to pack, load and check all of your equipment so that you are prepared.
• Then there is the four to six hours that you photograph on the wedding day.
• Carrying the 25+ pounds of equipment.
• It's going back and unloading, and checking all equipment back in.
• It's converting the images and making adjustments.
• It's uploading all images so that you are able to share your wedding day with family and friends.

And that's just to photograph.

If there is an album, there is the processing of each image that will go in the album. It's color-correcting, cropping and placing to make sure that everything flows to tell the story of your day. Then there is placing the album online for review, and then making any necessary changes, before sending it off for completion.

Weddings are wonderful events. They are what RoseAnn and I love photographing the most. We are invited into our client's lives to be a part of something so beautiful, and then sharing their story with others. It is truly a labour of love for us, because we are so incredibly blessed to be able to do something that we love!

Until next time, have a wonderful day!

-Tonya & RoseAnn