Marlene and Mike had a wonderful wedding last month on Navarre Beach. It was a mix of Ecuadorian and American cultures and all broadcast via Skype to the members of Marlene’s family who could not attend the wedding and were still in Ecuador. One of the main differences that I noticed in the cultures of the weddings was that Marlene’s family told me that the cake is not cut and shared in their country. Isn’t it cool to go places and learn new things? It makes the world a much smaller and more interesting place I think!! In order for nobody to be left out, the ceremony and vows were both in English and Spanish and to me that was just plain romantic! Mike even toasted his new family in Spanish and Marlene in English. It was very cool indeed!
Jillian wanted tasteful beautiful photos of herself to give to her husband. She readily admitted that she was very shy in front of the camera, but wanted him to have some pretty images of her. At first she was a bit shy and reserved. Soon she warmed up and we had a ball!! She has some wonderful eyes and a fun playful side too! I’m sure her husband loves his present and now can admire his gorgeous wife anytime he wants. I can’t wait to meet the rest of Jillian’s family later this month when they come up for her graduation. I know that they will be just as photogenic and as much fun too!!!
Hey what do you know, we are entering the peak of wedding season once again. I swear the year just seems to fly sometimes. Maybe because I love what I do for a living! I have noticed many people asking some of the same questions and have decided to do an FAQ for wedding photography!!! So here you go!
What are the advantages of hiring a professional?
A professional photographer will be timely – arriving at your wedding promptly, and make sure you have quality products. A professional has just the right equipment and film for photographing your wedding. Having attended many weddings, an experienced wedding photographer will be at ease at your wedding. A professional uses a color laboratory that is in the business of meeting high professional standards of print quality. And, a professional is used to working with individuals, couples, and groups to make the formal photography go smoothly. When you think about the cost of photography, remember that the photographer’s fee is only part of your investment: You, your parents, your extended family and your friends will be investing time with the photographer during your wedding. Don’t waste time on your wedding day with a photographer who won’t produce results you love!
What is the first question I should ask a photographer?
First establish that the photographer is available for your date and location. Then you will want to ask, “If we select your studio, will you be the photographer covering our wedding?” Some studios have several photographers and you may be speaking to a salesperson. The sample albums may have been done by photographers who do not even work for the studio anymore. If this is the case, you should make arrangements to meet with and see the work of the particular photographer who will be doing your wedding. You should also ask for a commitment from the studio to that effect, in writing.
Shouldn’t I be asking “What do I get and how much does it cost?”
Even shopping for shoes or furniture you wouldn’t ask that question until you find the style and quality you like. After you have looked through a photographer’s portfolio – seeing candids, formals and illustrative pictures, you will know if this photographer has the technique, style and spirit to be the eyes through which you and your children will see your wedding day. Of course, you should determine if the photographer is within your budget, give or take a little, but what you really want from photography is memories and feeling. Look for an established and reliable photographer whose work moves you, whose technical quality is tops. If you find a photographer who makes you happy, you never will regret your investment, whatever the dollar cost. When we have invested in items that will be with us for the rest of our lives, our satisfaction has been highest when we have paid that extra bit for the best quality.
So, how much does wedding photography cost?
Prices range from $950 to $10,000, and even more! Photographs (and maybe video) will be your only permanent record of the day. You want good photographs, so be prepared to spend a minimum of $1,500. Reprints will begin at $15 to $45 each. Expect better photographers to charge the higher rates. In other words, it is reasonable for an unexperienced photographer to charge you as little as $10 for a print. And, it is reasonable for an excellent photographer to charge you $40 for a print of the same size. That is because you are getting better service and a better product from the experienced professional. If you are looking for a bargain and shop via phone for pricing, you are following a recipe for poor to mediocre photography. My research indicates that photography runs between nine and fifteen percent of the total wedding budget. When couples value photography highly and are on a limited budget, they will spend up to 30% of their wedding budget on photography.
We want to spend no more than $1,500, but all the good photographers start at $2,000 and up. Why is it so expensive?
Because photography is not a commodity, it is a well honed art. Because some people can see the difference between poor photography and good photography, and they are willing to pay for it. Because to make a living at photography, the artist must gross an average of $3,000 to $6,000 per wedding. Because if the not-good-enough-yet photographers charged more than $1,500 he/she would never get a chance to practice at a real wedding. Because a professional photographer knows that his/her expenses and overhead, even with digital photography, even with the smallest package, are $1,500 to $2,000 per wedding.
We’re having a small wedding, with thirty people, and only wanted to spend $1,500 on pictures. What can we do?
The first thing to do if you want a professional photographer under these circumstances is to be flexible. A true wedding professional only can only work so many weekends a year, and reasonably expects one or two large weddings per weekend from May through October, or year round in tropical climates. If he/she reserves a prime Saturday or Sunday in October for you, then larger weddings will have to be turned away. If your budget is small, you will be choosing from the second and third tiers of wedding photographers. If you plan your wedding in the evening or especially early in the day, you might find a photographer who can fit you in after or before another event, and thus be able to work with your budget. Unfortunately, when you are limiting yourself to a smaller photo budget you can expect lower quality photographs.
What does Mari’s Paradise Images charge for a Saturday or Sunday Wedding?
Costs, which include an album and proofs, perhaps even the high-resolution files, start at $2,500.
What technical details in sample photographs should I watch out for?
Lighting quality is an important ingredient in superior photographs. The light in photographs should be natural and flattering, so that the pictures look three-dimensional. Overuse of on-camera flash can ruin wedding pictures. Watch out for flattened faces, harsh reflections off of cheeks and foreheads, and dark shadows directly behind or next to the subjects. With finesse, a fine photographer can work with almost any outdoor lighting situation without using flash.Look for a variety in subject size – a mix of distant, medium and close-up pictures. Even with groups, lighting and posing should be interesting. The well posed bridal portrait should minimize the subjects’ flaws (weight problem, blemishes, etc.) and express who the subject is and how he/she/they feel. The dramatic and scenic wedding image, like the red convertable on the show-room floor, attracts everyone’s attention, but most brides and their families, like most car buyers, want what suits them personally. You want pictures that tell the story simply, with immediate impact, and as if the photographer was not even there.
Some photographers ask that no one else take pictures during the formal photography. Is that reasonable?
Yes. If the photographer is trying to work quickly through a series of formal pictures, a snap-shooter might slow the process. A problem arises when there are several cameras aimed at a formal group – the subjects will be looking at different lenses. The diverted attention will ruin the professional’s picture. Or, if the professional is using a light-sensing trigger device (“slave”) on a second flash, other flashes will trigger this flash, ruining the pictures [that you are paying for] and wasting battery power. There are many other reasons why a professional might ask others to refrain from picture taking during formals. On the other hand, many guests find snapping a few pictures a pleasant part of attending weddings, so it should not be a big deal for your professional to be relaxed and let people snap away when formals are over. Ideally, guests should show respect for the bridal party and photographer and put down their cameras during the formal photos.
I want to make copies of my photos. Does my photographer really own the copyright of his/her pictures? Do I still have to pay the photographer if I make the copies myself at a copy shop?
Yes and yes. According to federal law, images produced by a professional photographer are copyrighted the moment they are created. Federal law prohibits copying or reproducing copyrighted material without permission from the owner of the copyright, i.e., the photographer. If you copy or scan your photos, the photographer should be paid just as if you were buying reprints. If you or your videographer transfer the proofs to videotape, the photographer should be paid just as if you were buying reprints. If you don’t feel comfortable paying for these copies, find a photographer whose work is so good that you are glad to pay. When I really appreciate something I purchase, like a purse, my child’s education, a good pair of shoes, or even medical care, I do not mind paying a premium for getting the highest quality. Look for the photographer who will provide you the satisfaction of paying for job well done.
Well, I hope this has answered a few questions for some folks. And please contact me at mari@destinweddingphotographer.com if you have any more questions you want answered!
Now on the the big news! We have added new a best of new wedding video! It is a compilation of some of our most fun weddings. Come and check them out!
I love photographing babies in the studio. Especially the cute giggly babies like Avery! She was just a gem with her little hair bow and big smile. She even allowed her big brother to sit with her and hang out for a few photos of the two of them.
Wow, can it already be here? The Red Dog Studio has been open for a whole year! What began as a dream about five years ago came to fruition last winter as I built one of the areas only full-service photographic studios from the ground up. I wanted a studio that was large enough to utilized both as traditional light studio as well as a natural light studio. Voila, a plan was formed! It was a ton of hard work. The structure was built to the specifications I needed including six foot windows, a sky light and loft storage area. We put in the insulation and painted it ourselves. By the way, that’s how it became named the Red Dog Studio. Jack Rascal Terrorists love chasing anything that sprays. By the time I was done painting the outside, I had one large red dog! Poor Mr. Noodles! We added hardwood flooring and some outside scenes and the Red Dog was set to go! Our sessions combine the use of our awesome studio and outside scenes along with areas at a beachside park across the street. We do offer the best of all worlds! Since the Red Dog has opened it has been the place to go for high school senior photos, pregnancy portraits and children and newborns! We just love our clients! Enjoy some images of the studio! And if you need any portraits, please feel free to call us at 850-699-3403. We are open by appointment only!
Ahh, Valentine’s Day, candy hearts, little winks and super fun happy cards! Or at least that’s what it was like so many years ago when I was in elementary school. It was fun and sweet. We are bringing that all back with a twist! For a limited time we are offering no sitting fee and a complimentary set of 5×5 Valentine’s Day cards at Mari’s Paradise Images. Cathy received an invitation to attend our event and brought her daughter Addie. What a doll! We had a great time and Addie had even taken the time to create me a really special handmade Valentine card. How stinkin’ thoughtful was that? I was so surprised and tickled! You can see it if you want, it’s hanging up in the studio! She really made my day! Anyway, enjoy Miss Addie’s Valentine Session!
Adam and his family came to visit me at the Red Dog Studio recently. We had an absolute blast! His kids Jonah, Noah and Eden were all so much fun and had such very different personalities that it made the shoot go by quickly! Eden is the sweet heart of the bunch but she was able to show her sassy and fun side. Noah was going for his GQ look, while Jonah is just a riot with fun faces and a very open and wonderful personality! I really had a ton of fun with them and hope you enjoy their images as well!I had a blast with Adam, Jonah, Noah and Eden at the Red Dog Studio!!! They were 90 to nothin’ and having a great time as we did their family photographs! Eden is so pretty. She has that fun sassy look but is so sweet too! Noah was working on his GQ look and Jonah was all fun! Enjoy!!
Johnni came all the way from New Orleans to have her pregnancy photos taken by me at the Red Dog Studio! She was positively glowing! We had a great time and hopefully little Jaxson will have some great images of when he and his mother were one together. I can’t wait until March when he makes his debut….you know you’ll be seeing images of the little one here!!
We're waiting for you little Jaxson man!!
I love the serenity of the wind blowing her dress!
Here it is….the moment all of you have been waiting for. We may even add some more images that I may have forgotten!! It’s the Mari’s Paradise Images best of ‘09 Wedding Photography!! Oh okay….so you have me. I do love all of my couples and it took SOOOO long to cull through images for the best of. I wanted to put them all online, but well…I don’t think anyone has time to look at ALL of those images! So without further ado…here they are!!!!
I just loved Amanda's southern elegance at Eden State Gardens!
Ashley had some great details!!
Asha, Abby and Kelly three great girls!
Studman Elvis Jr. danced at Kara and Jason's wedding as Regina was sexy in Seaside!
Anne's Apalachicola bouquet and Tara's moonlight poses!!
Megan and Sean....awww so cute! Loren...one of the most beautiful bridals of the year!
I love guys who are man enough to show emotion!!
Sabrina and Mavi, Asha and Mike's great departure and Bethany's "breast stroke"
The Emerald Grande is a great wedding destination!
The bouquet toss is also a sporting event. Love the beautiful Ashley and flower girl!
This is how he proposed to her on the side of the road
Love the tin can phone
Linda and Chad's wedding aisle kiss...so romantic. Regina looks awesome in the Seaside Pavillion.
Vivid colors are a must!
A kiss is just a kiss....unless it's on your wedding day then it's the best in the world.
This is from a great wedding I second shot with Candice K!
I love this image.... I call it "Jump Start"
Megan and Sean wanted to do this after the first kiss at the alter. It was cute.
I love the graphics in all of these. New Orleans makes some pretty images.
I would love to see you here in the '10 Best of Weddings!~
As the new year is beginning, I was looking through some of our ‘09 weddings. Oh we captured so many fun and happy memories and were fortunate enough to get to spend the most wonderful day of their lives with dozens of couples this year! We are truly blessed! One of our most fun memories was Ashley and Brad’s wedding in Apalachicola. Monika and I spent two wonderful days in the quaint town scouting photo locations and photographing the wedding of a very sweet and dear couple! It was a ton of fun and Ashley and Brad along with their friends and family were just super too!! Since I was fondly reminiscing about them, I thought I would share their wedding album with you.
