Photojournalistic
vs. Traditional
Traditional
Traditional photographers use a contemporary approach to wedding
photography. The usually used a medium format camera and usually
poses their shots for poise, smiles, settings and lighting.
In the hands of a master, these can truly be some unique portraits.
The typical traditional photographer will usually take a few
candids during the real ceremony, and then have the wedding
party stay after the wedding for posed shots.
Photojournalistic
Is a relatively new form of wedding photographic coverage.
Similar to the way a photojournalist covers an event this
style of photographer covers a wedding as a news photographer
would cover an event.
This
style of photographer will typically utilize modern professional
level equipment and state of the art matrix fill flash to
capture the mode and abeyance of the location you are married.
This type of lighting is known for its contrast and colors
of the natural lighting affecting the portraits. Yet when
done by a professional photographer with years of experience
these captured moments will not only capture the mode and
abeyance of the natural lighting the fill flash will fill
in the faces and wedding attire with a white light to maximum
effect.
What
to Look For
Personality –A good experienced photographer is patient,
professional, friendly, and can always keep smiling regardless
of the circumstances. Only this type of person can motivate
a large group into a great group shot.
A
good question to ask yourself is, does the photographer make
you feel at ease. After all, it’s your day, and you
should not have to worry about personalities conflicts.
Appearance
– Yes, this too is important. You would not want Goober
showing up to your country club formal wedding in washed-out
blue jeans, sweatshirt and tennis shoes. The best way to determine
this is at your meeting; determine if the photographer is
well groomed and dressed appropriately for your meeting. Then
ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress for your
wedding.
Price
Range – In Plato’s world money had no value. Everyone
worked at their given profession for the pure joy of it. Unfortunately,
that is not the case today and although the last thing you
want to do when shopping for your all-important day is to
choose a photographer based merely on the lowest price, the
cost of your wedding photography must be addressed and this
coast must fit into your overall budget. First, make sure
you are only comparing photographers who have the same style
of photography. (Photojournalistic or traditional) Then if
your favorite photographer is more expense than you originally
planed to spend, you have to ask yourself is the captured
moments of your wedding worth the extra expense.
After
all when it’s all said and done the only thing that
last you a lifetime is the portrait and candids of your wedding.
If there is just no way you can afford your favorite photographer
look in to other areas, and see if there is some other area
you can cut to makeup the difference? A good example is at
your reception is to offer a cash bar instead of an open bar.
Before you cut other areas, look one more time to make sure
you have considered all the photographer in your area that
offer the style of wedding photography you want. Then review
their package that best fits yours needs. The choice may be
confusing and even frustrating because no two photographers
will offer the exact same packages. Regardless, make sure
you understand what the whole package is going to cost including
the enlargements and wedding albums.
Delivery
- Some photographers are so busy that it may take months before
you receive your proofs, and others will offer you 24-hour
service. Instead of being surprised, its better to ask how
long it takes to get your proofs back. And if your photographer
tells you can have your proofs in 24-hours be leery. Do you
really want one of the most important day of your life developed
at a discount one-hour “mart” ?
Don’t
settle for less - Be adamant that you’re wedding photography
must be processed by a professional lab and if your photographer
says he will give you the negatives to have developed wherever
you want then be extra leery.
Professional Lab - A high-quality photographer is only as
good as his/her professional lab. Some will try to skimp on
this because professional labs are expensive and some photographs
feel that it does not matter because they are just proofs.
However, the negative and digital images are the foundation
for all the portraits and candids, and if they are ruined,
the essence of your day will be lost forever.
Proofs
- Do you get to keep the proofs, and finally are they marked
as proofs on the face the way why were when you took home
your school proofs when you where in grade school.
Contract
- Do you understand the photographers’ contract? Is
it fair? Is everything spelled out including what is expected
for deposits and payments? Does it have a clause dealing with
cancellations and the photographer not being there? If you
are not sure, ask your legal counsel. |