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!
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!~
