Archive for the ‘Photographer’ Category
You’ve done it! Yes, you’ve decided to get married and the long crazy train called ‘Wedding Planning’ has just started to roll. Dress, rings, cake, venue, celebrant, invitations, the list goes on. At some point amongst it all, you will no doubt consider the photographic aspects of the day.
How do you choose a Wedding Photographer? Here are a few tips from the inside:
1) Importance of Photography
How important is Photography to you? If the answer is “not very”, then selecting a photographer should be very straightforward as the quality of the output is not going to make or break your wedding day. You are also probably not going to spend much time researching every option available. However, you will still benefit from following the tips below in terms of getting the most suitable photographer in Sydney for your needs.
2) Budget
First up is to establish the dollars that you have allocated to the Photographic elements of your wedding budget. Just as with any profession, fees can vary wildly from a few hundred dollars for the ‘shoot’n’burn’ weekend warrior to the full-time legends of the wedding photography world – think Cantrell, Ghionis, Buissink, Yervant, Ascough – any of the latter could run well into the five figures depending upon your requirements.
Secondly, be very clear on what you would like to include in your ‘package’ so as to allow you to make an ‘apples for apples’ comparison. Do you just want a copy of the images from the day or are you looking for an album? Do you want extra prints and parent albums included?
3) Apples for Apples
Be sure you understand the charging basis under which the photographers that you are considering operate. There is no point in trying to compare one package which includes a twenty-sided top quality album with one that includes twenty sided coffee table book as the costs associated with each are clearly very different. By the same token, even albums vary wildly in quality from highly crafted, hand assembled, locally produced to often inferior low quality overseas products.
4) Availability
Best advice here is simply to get in early. Many of the best photographers are booked over a year in advance. There is little point in drawing up a shortlist of unavailable photographers. Furthermore, few photographers will hold a date without a booking fee. My advice, therefore, is that once you have seen a wedding photographer in Sydney that you like, you really need to get their services for your day locked in with a signed contract and deposit to avoid disappointment.
5) Style
Some photographers follow a more traditional posed style of wedding photography whereby the day is highly directed so as to create every moment that is captured. Others are disciples of the more ‘Photojournalistic’ or candid style; the intent of which is to photography key events as they happen with minimal or no direction from the photographer. Both have their place and it is common to see some photographers mix a little of each into their work. Nor is there a right or wrong approach – it is a purely subjective choice for the couple to make based upon nothing other than personal preference. Be aware, though, that the more direction that there is on the day, the higher the awareness of and impact of the photographer on proceedings.
Finally, both bride and groom should ask to see some recent work of the photographer who will be shooting their wedding. At the very least this should be a complete album or two from recent weddings and not a mixture of images from different events.
6) Recommendation
I guess this is a bit like hiring a new employee. You have interviewed them, like their style and personality – they are definitely talking the talk. However, what is the reality of working with this individual? Nothing like following up on recent references to validate your gut instincts.
Of course you may well have arrived at a meeting with the photographer in question by way of a recommendation from a friend or relative. Again, this kind of information is valuable in helping you choose a photographer from Sydney Wedding Photography with whom you will be comfortable and confident with on the day.
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7) Professional accreditation
Again, just as when choosing the services of a number of other trained professionals, there are trade bodies that offer memberships those meeting certain criteria. Photography is no different. Take the time to find out who the relevant bodies are that operate within your particular location and bear this in mind when choosing your photographer.
Personality
Well this is final but probably the most important criteria from my perspective. Let us say you have found this amazingly talented photographer who is available for your big day and fits within your budget. Surely you should just go ahead and book him or her? Absolutely not! If you have not book yet, it is wise to go and meet them first. I have heard tales of couples booking a photographer only to find out on the day that the photographer that they had chosen had the most dominating and controlling style that completely took over their wedding day. Both Bride and Groom need to feel that they can work with the photographer and “click” with them. The other aspect to this is that not only is it a case of having to tolerate someone who is a major part of your big day but that your discomfort will shine through in the photographs. If you can not relax and enjoy your newly acquired marital status then that is exactly what will be captured on film.
My final advice on this point is that you absolutely must insist on meeting the photographer who will be shooting your wedding. Some studios will not allow this or will not commit to a particular photographer – I suggest you consider very carefully whether or not this scenario is one you are willing to accept.
I will finish this article with a brief true story: I recently met a lovely young couple that were looking for a wedding photographer to cover their wedding day the following year. They came down to the studio, sat down and promptly informed me that I was the eleventh photographer that they had seen! There is a moral to this story: having considered all of the above points and, in the words of one famous series of adverts, “Just Do It”! For more information on wedding photography you can visit: http://sydneyweddingphotography.com/.
Online stock agencies have opened up so many doors to the serious amateur photographer that they must be encouraged to submit their photographs to these agencies and reap a profit from them. These agencies do not charge them money to submit their photographs, but they do take a commission if their photographs are downloaded and sold. Many questions need to be answered before the amateur photographer can do this with ease and earn money.
One of these questions is; which of their photographs would they submit to an online agency? Many amateur photographs look at their portfolio and select the photographs they like from a subject point of view; and they would choose the photographs they like; assuming the quality is suitable. I mean the ones they personally and emotionally like, the ones they love to talk about, and un-ashamed to show them to those who share their interest.
Here is the mistake. Just because the photographer liked them; that does not automatically mean that they will be liked by others, regardless of how good they are. If they are accepted, then the proof that they are popular will be confirmed by the amount of times the photograph is downloaded, and by how much they make every time the photograph is sold. So all I am saying here is that you should not submit a picture that means a lot to the photographer and expect others to share that emotion.
A professional photographer has to be cold and calculating when taking a photograph, a photograph that they know will sell; after researching a particular market. The photographs must be taken from a buyer’s viewpoint and not from a personal emotional viewpoint.
The budding photographer first has to realize that submitting a picture that means a lot to him or her self can be a problem; but it can be turned to their advantage once they have acknowledged that problem. It will then stop them from being a snapshot photographer and turn them into a more professional photographer. It will make them plan and prepare their shots, as opposed to shooting aimlessly at a subject; a snapshot shooter. From taking a picture when they are out on a walk, to going out on a walk to take a picture.
I am not saying that snapshots do not turn out well, or that they will not sell, but snapshots are not taken with the level of control that is necessary to take a good photograph time, time and time again.
I find taking a good photograph is like fishing where before you go out you prepare your equipment and plan roughly where you want to fish. You then, (if weather suitable), find a location and set up the tripod. You then sit down and plan and aim your shot. Patience is your best weapon, waiting for that correct moment in time, then shoot, and reel your photograph in. If it is only a small one, wait and shoot again and again, until you have reeled in the big one. today are fantastic, letting you shoot time and time again until you are satisfied. When you get home you gut your catch using a computer. You throw away the bad ones and doctor the good ones to perfection which an image editing package. Then sell your best to whoever wants them. Don’t forget to keep the originals however; as your buyers may want to gut them themselves. Good luck, and I hope you catch tons.
Firstly, congratulations on your forthcoming wedding, we hope your plans are going well and you are looking forward to your big day.
When your thoughts turn to choosing your wedding photographer to capture those special moments for you how do you make the right decision. There are many things you should consider before choosing your wedding photographer so we have compiled a list of the 10 things we believe are important.
Have you seen the photographers work ?
Initially the photographers website is a good place to start, try to view a selection of images taken throughout a typical wedding day from a number of different weddings. Be prepared to call your photographer to have an informal chat about your requirements or better still arrange a visit to meet.
Who will take your wedding photographs ?
If you hire a photographer from a wedding photography studio it is wise to know exactly who will take your wedding pictures on the day and see samples of their work.
What about the \’style\’ of wedding photography ?
Would you like your wedding photography to be classicly formal or strictly reportage or as is normally the case a mixture of both. Make sure your photographer has the ability to deliver your preferred style of wedding photography in a confident manner.
Will your photographer work alone ?
Many photographers prefer to work alone though if your preference is for a mixture of photographic styles for your wedding photography then an assistant/second photographer can be a real bonus. If this service is available is it an extra cost or included within the price of your wedding photography package.
Have you met your photographer ?
We believe this plays an important part in choosing your photographer, you will learn much by meeting in person. Your photographer will be with you throughout your wedding day and you need to feel not only confident in their ability but comfortable in their prescence. If it is not possible to meet your photographer in person before your wedding day then ask for testimonials from previous clients. If the photographer has an assistant/second photographer then try to meet them as well. Don\’t be afraid to ask how your photographer will be dressed for your wedding day.
Is your photographer qualified ?
Whilst not essential a qualified photographer has a level of professional attainment and has the benefit of continuous education through meetings, programmes, access to educational materials and sharing knowledge with their peers. Belonging to a professional photographic body ensures the photographer adheres to strict ethics in both their photography and business practices.
Everything is going well but what if ?
Hiring an experienced photographer will greatly reduce the \’what if\’ factor. Things like having backup to cover equipment failure, professional equipment like fast lenses for low light work, studio lights for indoor photography on dark days are all essential consideraions. Your photographer should also have the experience to know how to adapt when things go wrong often without you even being aware of a problem.
Local knowledge ?
When choosing your preferred wedding venue how good is the photographers knowledge of the area. This may make a difference when it comes to ideas for suitable locations for your wedding photography.
Does your photographer have insurance ?
If not, why not?
And finally are there any hidden extras ?
Whilst considering your photographer and wedding photography package ensure there are no hidden extras and that all prices are well defined and transparent. Is the assistant/second photographer included? Are there any additional travel costs? How reasonable are the after sale prices?
We hope this has been helpful and of interest in enabling you to choose your wedding photographer.