Rabu, 23 Desember 2009

Commissioning Wedding Photography

What is Wedding Photography?

To many wedding clients, this might seem a strange question to pose, because after all, wedding photography must be, by definition, photography taken on your wedding day. Well yes it is, of course. But such a simple perspective glosses over how much wedding photography has changed in the last fifteen years; and indeed, even today why it means one thing to one wedding couple and a completely different thing to another.

Years ago, a wedding photographer was a technician who owned a mystical black box that very few other people would have been able to operate. Wedding couples were employing this person to produce a few nicely exposed, technically correct, record shots of the big day. And the photographer might have even attended up to six weddings in one day.

In 2009, virtually all wedding guests own a camera capable of producing well-exposed images at very little cost. So the digital revolution has meant the role of the professional wedding photographer has needed to change considerably. More importantly, technological advancements have given photographers the flexibility and empowerment to offer something radically different. This has attracted different type of people into the profession and resulted in the general standard of wedding photography improving significantly compared to previous generations. At their very best, wedding photographers offer stunning images that tell a narrative in a very artistic, flattering and evocative manner.

But at the same time, the economics of setting up as a wedding photographer via the internet now means that the range in quality and diversity of photography has also widened immeasurably. It is no longer right to say all wedding photography is same, and no longer right to assume all couples desire the same photography.

A Guide to Photographic Styles

A benefit of the internet is the ease in which you can examine the work of a large number of photographers. Surf through just a few photographers' websites, and not only will you come to terms with the range in calibre, but also the proliferation of photographic styles. Many of the terms used to describe these styles can also be confusing because they are used interchangeably and sometimes inconsistently.

Reportage photography is also referred to as photojournalism or documentary photography; and is often used to describe an unobtrusive approach in which the photographer does not direct the wedding couple or guests at all. Instead the photography captures the flow of the day - in a creative way as possible - as it would naturally happen.

Traditional wedding photography is probably the most confusing description, but many people use it to depict old fashioned line-ups of wedding guests and family. But it is also used to describe any photographic posing of the couple.

Contemporary wedding photography (sometimes confusingly used interchangeably with reportage photography because it is modern!) can refer, for example, to poses with modern, urban or colourful backgrounds. Or perhaps because the image has a strong camera tilt, an avant-garde feel, or simply just that it contains a new innovative fashion pose.

My advice is not to get hung up labels. First, the labels can be sometimes more confusing than helpful. Second, styles of photography often do not fit neatly into one category or another anyway. Third, it gives the impression that wedding photographers offer, or should offer just one style throughout the wedding (indeed I get bored listening to photographers' arguments about which style is superior).

My view is that weddings are rarely suited to just one style. Photographers will typically need to draw on many skill-sets during the day. Photographers cannot for example, start posing couples - or ask them to move to a better light - during the wedding ceremony. Equally, it is very rare for a couple not to expect some photographs within a formal framework which shows them in their best light. And even the most modern of weddings will still have a few traditional family shots.

Many photographers will of course excel in one type of skill over the other and indeed emphasise and market it. I often describe my own style as classical with a fashion edge, although I have to rely on a mix of genres - including reportage - during the day. I emphasise the importance of directed photography, because, within the very tight time scales of a wedding, I think that it is important to spend at least 30 minutes partially directing/posing the couple away from the attention of the guests. The key objective for me here is to give the couple flattering, fine art photographs that they will probably never have taken again.

Choosing Your Photographer

As a couple, the key starting point for choosing your photographer is your aspiration for the photography. Some couples see photography in much more traditional sense: they would like a professional, reliable record of the day; but they do not want to interrupt the flow of the day too greatly.

Other couples love photography in its own right, and having a creative and evocative set of photographs - particularly of themselves - is an important and integral part of the day. They might be aiming at high end photography.

Once you are clear on aspirations, examining photographers' galleries for quality and style is much more important than descriptive labels as we have seen. But galleries merely represent the photographer's best work, so it is important to also ask to see whole weddings to check for consistency and to see how the style translates itself into the different requirements of the day. Wedding couples and guests are not on a photo shoot, but there to celebrate the day and party, so it would be unrealistic to expect a whole set of images from a single wedding to look the same as the photographer's portfolio!

Photography awards are another guide to the quality of a photographer's work, and you would expect him or her to be a qualified member of a professional body such as the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) in the UK.

Equally importantly, as you will spend a fair amount of time on your wedding day with the photographer, you should ensure that you have a good rapport - and that you share the same photography goals. As well as photographic flair, you and your guests are likely to value a high level of experience, organisation and professionalism on the day. Finally you will need to consider the album ranges offered.

Budgeting For Photography

It is, of course, impossible to advise generally on the appropriate level of budget. But what should be given careful consideration is the allocation of your total wedding budget between the competing elements of your day.

Professional wedding photography will shape your memories of the day. You are entrusting a particular photographer to use their skill to represent your day through their eyes. Wedding planners often tell me about couples who regretted not allocating more of their budget on wedding photography. In fact, the wedding planners who I work with often advise clients to budget for a few high-end suppliers and, if necessary, cut back on guest numbers.

The price of wedding photography sometimes surprises prospective wedding clients. But is stands to reason that the scarcer the skill the higher the price that can be commanded by the best photographers. It should also be borne in mind that photographers need to plan the day, shoot the day itself, and then spend at least two further days on processing the images and designing the album. Ultimately you have to make a decision on the importance of high quality wedding photography and consider whether it is a price worth paying.

Gary Roebuck is a multi award-winning wedding photographer in Sussex who also provides wedding photography services for Surrey, London and the whole of the south east in the UK.

You can also visit his photoblog at http://garyroebuck.wordpress.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Roebuck

Sabtu, 19 Desember 2009

Wedding Photography Tutorial

Undoubtedly a wedding is one of the most precious moments in a couple's life. Preserving it through photos is one way to keep the memories alive for a lifetime. There are a variety of options that today's brides and grooms can choose from when it comes to deciding the kind of photographs they want to have for one of the most important days of their lives.

This digital photography tutorial will now reveal some awesome tips to produce the wedding photos of a couple's dreams:

1. Selecting the right photographer Before you can choose a wedding photographer the couple must first decide on the styles of photos they want.

Portrait photographers are perfectly capable of capturing both formal and casual photos, however he will most likely concentrate on the formal ones.

Photojournalists mostly take candid shots, not posed. This kind of photographer usually has experience in journalism photography.

Hobbyist photographers are typically a friend or relative who would offer their service for a pretty low price. Unless they have taken wedding photos before you probably won't know what kinds of photos they will take and you do run the risk of having photos not turn out as well as what you would receive from a professional.

2. Finding the perfect camera Wedding photographers usually use two basic camera types: the 35mm and the medium format. The 35mm has the tendency to produce pictures that are a little grainy, but its usually only the photographer themselves that notice the difference. 3. Color or black and white photos? Color is what is typically used in wedding photos however, black and white photos do lend a dramatic effect. Black and white photos will typically last longer than color photos, though color films capture the details of the event more appropriately. You can have your photos all taken in color and then converted into black and white once you have viewed the images.

4, Personality of the photographer Most couples want a photographer who can take great pictures but who is also friendly and sociable. Interview your photographer candidates and make sure you can work together. You also want to ask for references and view his portfolio of work to make sure his standards meet yours.

Following these tips will help couples get the perfect photos to preserve the memories of their special day. Great photos can be showcased proudly and passed down to future generations to cherish.

Did you enjoy this digital photography tutorial? Would you like to read further digital photography tutorials? Just visit the Learn Digital Photography Now blog to read the very best FREE Digital Photography Tutorials.

More wedding resource:
Sample Wedding Speech

Wedding Photography Tips

It's your wedding...one of the most beautiful days in your life. How else can you make the perfect occasion last? Capture the momentous event with great wedding photographs. Read this guide to make sure you choose the right wedding photography service for your big day.

The first thing to do is to give the most opportunities for the photographer when scheduling activities during the wedding day. When planning the time of the wedding ceremony and of the reception, couples should incorporate the time that the photographer requires to capture all of the couple's special moments. There should be a gap between the end of the ceremony and beginning of the reception, to allow for more photographs for the bride, groom and wedding entourage, especially if they are in two different locations. The photographers and subjects will have a more relaxed shoot and will enjoy all the parts of the wedding if the events are well spaced out.

Next, think of important factors when selecting a wedding photographer. The photographer should be able to show more than one complete set of wedding photos. Couples should not accept someone who shows only selected prints of their best photographs from different weddings. Ideally, all photographs from 3 to 4 complete wedding sets that are at least satisfactory should be a criterion of a professional wedding photographer.

It is also good to have a photographer that gives a package with unlimited coverage for the whole day. Again, this way, photography will not be rushed.

Next, try to be aware of photography companies or individuals that contract out jobs to a pool of wedding photographers or even freelancers. Salespersons often pose as actual photographers and try to woo customers. Make sure companies deal openly, and ask them to show 3 to 4 complete weddings from each of the photographers they offer you, so you can choose. Make sure the one chosen is the one that will cover your wedding. Otherwise, it is better to find a photographer that personally shoots weddings. A two-person team is an even better package because two points of view of the wedding can be taken.

Some photographers only offer the traditional wedding photography style, or strictly a photojournalistic style. It is best to find a versatile photographer that can do both.

Lastly, couples should take note of some important questions to ask a prospective wedding photographer:

· Are colored and black and whites included, or would he charge extra for B/W? Dramatic effects can be made with black and white photographs, so ask if this is a premium.

· Are hand and digital coloring or digital color separation included in the package or would he charge extra for these? Better pictures are developed when the photograph colors are separated first, improved, and then printed.

· What kinds of cameras does he use? Does he use medium format equipment and have a back up? Does have a "leaf" shutter or "focal plane"?

· What lenses does he use? Does he use only one, or will he change lenses? Make him show you photo effects that he is able to achieve with different lenses and choose the ones which you like to appear with your photographs.

· Is he willing to customize a package that is within your budget?

Asking intelligent questions will encourage photographers to deal openly with customers. Remember, it's your special day, and you should make sure that the wedding photography is something that will help you and your loved ones relive those wonderful memories.

Wedding Photography Blueprint

The Wedding Photography Blueprint is being described as the most in depth and informative wedding photography tutorial system for sale on the web. It comprises of footage taken from a full, 2 day wedding photography course as well as an actual wedding in order to give you a full and comprehensive understanding of what to expect and what to do when shooting weddings.

Also intertwined at various and well timed intervals throughout, are screen recordings of sometimes problematic images being worked on in Photoshop in order to salvage excellent looking wedding photos from somewhat mediocre RAW files (basically, cock-ups). These are placed alongside many other traditional Photoshopping tutorials which includes the use of recommended software and add-ons to make your images really stand out from the crowd.

The author and professional photographer behind the project is Nick Stubbs, a seasoned, full time professional with over 25 years experience using Medium format, SLR's and DSLR's to shoot weddings, portraits, stock and commercial work.

Nick understands the fears and reservations people may have about going it alone as a wedding photographer (either part or full time) but also understands the buzz and excitement this career path can take.

"Many people are sometimes put off by what they read online or hear at their local camera club about shooting weddings. What we are trying to do is alleviate that fear and encourage all beginners by producing a highly detailed blueprint that will act as a complete foundation course upon which they can build their own style over time."

As well as the above, the DVD set also includes;

• An in depth 99 page eBook with set tasks and "homework" to keep you on your toes

• All you need to know about camera and flash settings needed throughout the day to ensure you get the "safe" shots before playing with natural light and more artistic shots

• Editing Tips and tricks to salvage poorly exposed, must have shots

• Low light photography

• Flash and natural light photography

• Group shots

• Interviews with other successful wedding photographers

• An interview with a wedding couple about their wants and needs from their wedding photographer

• Plus much more including bonus eBooks

For more information you can visit their website below:

Go to http://offto.net/photography_c135/

Best Regards,

sigit irawan

Hull Wedding Photographers: Yorkshire Wedding Photography

With many couples choosing to get married at the country's various beauty spots, or flying to the four corners of the globe to tie the knot, it may seem unfashionable to hold the ceremony in your own city. But for couples in Hull, you can enjoy your big day here or in the surrounding countryside. And not only will you be able to save yourselves and your guests the expense of long distance travel, you will be able to take advantage of the excellent Hull wedding photographers.

As for all couples, you will have a million and one things to think about before the big day. But one thing you must give due consideration to is a wedding photographer. Once the memories of the big day begin to fade, your wedding album, filled with beautifully taken photographs, will become a treasured possession. And as you flick through its pages in years to come, those memories of your wedding will come back to life.

A beautifully created wedding album will not only recreate memories of the wedding ceremony or the reception. The excellent wedding photographers here in Hull will help you collect a pictorial collage of the entire day, and the days leading up to it should you so choose. Having pictures taken throughout the entire day may be something you have not considered before. But it will help bring those memories of your wedding day here in Hull come alive as you peruse your wedding album in future years.

So, how to find a local wedding photographer in Hull? Probably the first place that the majority of people would turn to is the Hull Daily Mail. As the only large local newspaper the Mail always carries plenty of advertising from local photographers and will often print special wedding pull-outs featuring advertising from many different wedding organisers and event companies who have their own in-house photographers. And don't forhet to look in the glossy magazine published by the Hull Daily Mail. The Journal will often carry advertising from the better local photographers and will sometimes feature special photo-spreads so you can see the quality of the photographers work.

A very popular alternative are the wedding fairs held in local hotels such as the Quality Royal and the Willerby Manor. These fairs are always well attended and provides you with a chance of chatting first hand to several photographers. The larger wedding fairs are held around three times a year but there are often smaller events taking place at other venues in the city.

The Hull Yellow Pages is another obvious place to look but the choice can be overwhelming as their are dozens upon dozens of Hull wedding photographers listed. Probably the best approach is to work out a short list from the Yellow Pages and then visit the photographers website to view examples of his or her work. If the photographer doesn't have a website than it would probably be wise to strike them off your list as all reputable photographers will have a website showcasing their work.

Once having chosen you wedding photographer it is advisable to visit him or her and tell him exactly what you want. The photographer, having worked for many couples and covered many wedding days, will also be able to give you excellent advice. He will be able to advise on the beauty spots in Hull and its surroundings for the shoots. Obviously you will want the pictures taken close to where the wedding ceremony is being held, but your wedding photographer may be able to advise on beautiful locations that you may never have considered for the photo shoot

While most people associate wedding photography with stills, your wedding photographer may also be able to arrange a video recording of your wedding day. So instead of just having wonderfully taken photographs, your wedding day will be remembered for years to come with the sights and sounds of the occasion.

Having your wedding day in your home city is certainly well worth considering, and Hull's first class wedding photographers can help preserve those memories for the rest of your lives.

Insight are Yorkshire wedding photographers based in Hull. They travel all round the county shooting Yorkshire wedding photography and you can view their online portfolio at their website.

Visit http://www.insightphotographers.co.uk today & experience the best!!

Inexpensive Wedding Photography

Now more than ever brides are looking for a way to trim fat out of their wedding day budgets, and one of the most expensive slugs in that budget is the professional wedding photographer. Professional photography can easily cost five, six or even ten thousand dollars. So how can you bring down that cost without sacrificing your memories?

One trick that brides & grooms have been using for decades is to put a disposable camera or two on each of the guest tables (or hand them out prior to the ceremony) and encourage guests to use them. This is a win-win for everyone, the guests have a fun time taking photos and the bride & groom get the benefit of 100+ photographers covering their wedding. These "guest photos" tend to be more fun and candid than ones takes by the pros and often end up being the lucky couples favorites.

While this is a great money-saving technique, the decades old technology does have several disadvantages:

* Disposable cameras typically only have enough film for about 25 photos
* The quality can be quite poor, especially if you use the cameras outside their intended lighting/speed conditions, or if you opt for the "all-purpose" variety
* No way to tell if the photo you just took was a success (everyone is smiling, eyes open, etc)
* You end up having to pay to develop the entire roll, including photos that you are just going to throw away
* Unless you opt for the more expensive digital disposables, you can't easily share your photos via email, facebook, flikr, etc

One alternative that is becoming increasingly popular is to rent a set of digital cameras and use those instead of the disposable kind. You get all the benefits having your guests capture all the fun and candid memories without the negatives of the decades old disposable camera technology.

There are several companies that have cropped up to serve this market and some offer great additional services. For example, in addition to it's digital camera rental, fotocera.com takes care of uploading the photos from the cameras, provides free hi-resolution hosting of all your photos, provides free damage protection for the cameras and offers a free archive DVD with all of your photos. Additionally their cameras offer the ability to take HD video clips, which adds a whole new dimension and is great for recording messages to the bride and groom. Their basic cameras cost $29.95, which might seem like an arm and a leg when compared to the disposable variety, but since each camera can take literary thousands of photos and since you can choose which photos you want to print, it actually comes out cheaper than the disposable camera option (Fotocera has a great Digital vs. Disposable comparison on their website).

So if you are looking for a way to trim your wedding day budget, or you are having trouble fitting into the budget you already set, take advantage of this 21st century version of an old technique. You can use these "guest cameras" to completely cut out the professional photographer bill, or you can just downsize your package (less hours, less photographers).

Kamis, 17 Desember 2009

Elegant Wedding Photography

Wedding photographs are truly something to be cherished throughout your life. These photographs speak a lot about the moments of enjoyment, the presence of the couple, the feeling of joy and everything that the bride and the groom experiences. Wedding photography should capture every move and every emotion that comes once in a lifetime.

It is also about a lot of advanced planning and management, or else, your wedding photographs could be a great disappointment. Even if you have hired the best photographer and had the best crew to assist you, incomplete arrangements can prove to be disastrous.

The key to elegant wedding photography is communication. Good photography begins with the development of good relationship with the photographer. Discussing all the intricacies of photography, including the style and the approach will give an insight to the person who would be taking the photographs. This helps in making these photographs a memorable experience and the photos seem more real.

You can as well give your photographer the liberty to use his own shooting philosophy. Depending on the different aspects of the wedding, such as venue, style, event etc. The photographer can use his imagination to produce excellent photographs.

If you also want to help your photographer in creating the best and the most beautiful photographs for that special day of your life, you must also look into the attribute layout of the site, the lights, the overall atmosphere and the hues used to make sure that everything is perfect.

The elegance of the photographs lies in the natural looks, the ambient light and the overall decoration. Simple is perfect for photograph. But the lights make a great difference. When dark places are chosen for weddings, which happen occasionally, the photographers are left with no other option but to use the flash lights.

Every wedding photograph is like a memory of overwhelming emotions. From the point the bride is being dressed, till the time the couple kiss each other, every moment is worth capturing. From the wedding gown to the rings, to the cake and the flowers, the ceremony and the venue, everything is important. Concentrating on the close-ups is also a must.

Some classic examples of elegant wedding photographs can be seen in different websites. The background, the attire and the colors are so well matched that it seems natural and not just photography.

Classiness also lies in the different positions and angles used for photography; it isn't everybody's forte. Only a handful of photographers can give you those perfect shots to make your wedding photos stand out in the crowd.

Capturing every emotion is also another sophistication of photography. The bride goes through countless emotions on the weeding day - sometimes happy, sometimes sad, and sometimes nervous and sometimes longing for the groom. Remembering these emotions can give you heart-felt joy even after years of wedding. These photographs can freshen up your memory whenever you want to experience that special day once again.

The groom cannot be left out - he also enjoys, feels nervous for the newly acquired status and responsibility, has a great time with friends and longs to kiss his bride. They hold hands, they hug and then the wedding kiss - an ever joyous moment.

For further information, please visit Elegant Wedding Photography Website