Your Wedding Photographs

Don’t err on the side
of politeness… or economy… when
friends or relatives volunteer
to take your wedding photographs.

Get a professional, one who thoroughly
understands lighting techniques and who
is skilled at creatively capturing the
tender, joyous and humorous moments of
your wedding and reception on film.

Interview photographers early, at least six to twelve
months in advance. Visit their studios, review their
portfolios, and talk about the pictures you envision
of your wedding. Be sure to inquire about special
effect photography and decide if you want it included
in your wedding portfolio.


Determine your photography budget clearly at this meeting.
Don’t forget to allow for additional prints you might want
to give as gifts later. Agree on a firm figure for both
the deposit and the final payments; pay both promptly.

Discuss with your photographer the type of wedding you’re
planning. Include the location and time of both the ceremony
and reception. Be sure the photographer reviews considerations
regarding the lighting. Some churches do not allow extraneous
lighting during the ceremony.

You will come up against one photographic dilemma. When should
the formal portraits be taken? After the ceremony is the
traditional time, but many photographers feel that there is not
enough time between ceremony and reception to allow for all group
pictures plus the beautiful, romantic shots which you will surely
wish to have. Besides, this is the time you want to spend with
your guests. Taking all formal groupings before the ceremony
seems to be a better choice when a large, formal wedding party is
involved. This allows time after the ceremony for more relaxed
photos with family and friends in attendance. Discuss this question
thoroughly with your fiancé and your photographer to understand
everyone’s preferences. Considering your wedding day schedule and
the size of the wedding party, the three of you will reach the
right decision about the best time for this important photographic
session.

If your wedding party is large, or you have large families, you may
want to appoint a photographic assistant. They should know everyone
in your family by sight and be able to assist the photographer by
making sure all essential family groupings are taken. Don’t forget
to inform your photographer of any sensitive situations in your
respective families, such as recently deceased grandparents,
divorced parents, stepparents, etc.

The photography contract is a complex one. Be sure you understand
exactly the quantity and size of the prints you will be buying, when
proofs will be available, the type of proofs provided, when the
finished work will be ready, and how long the negatives will be
kept in the photographer’s filing system.

Once you’re satisfied that you have conveyed all your wishes to the
photographer, relax and let him/her fulfill those wishes. The result
will be an album that genuinely reflects the love and happiness you
and your families share on your wedding day.

For more information see Wedding Photographers

Image by Carissa Woo Photography