Capturing Moments
& Memories
You may spend
a year or more planning for the perfect moment.
When the moment actually arrives, it is delicious,
intoxicating, just the way you dreamed it would
be...and over so quickly. But you don't have
to let it slip away. Your wedding photos can
freeze the moment and provide a lifetime of
wonderful memories.
A few practical
steps in planning your photography, will help
you capture the romance of your wedding.
Your
Responsibility
The bride and groom decide when,
where, and who- for the photos. The most difficult
part of getting your photos done-and done quickly-is
assembling the cast. You can't expect cooperation
from your bridal party if they don't know what
has been planned. You must let them know what
you expect of them. A great time to tell everyone
is immediately after the rehearsal or at the
rehearsal dinner.
If you don't
have a wedding coordinator, ask a friend, who
is not in the wedding party, to assist. Her
biggest job will be keeping amateur photographers
and the curious as bay, while the professional
gets the shots you want. A friend on site is
also useful if one of your wedding party goes
astray. Otherwise, you send one person after
that person, and another after the second person,
and pretty soon there is no wedding party at
all.
If you are
employing both a still photographer and a videography,
let them both know that in advance. You might
want them to consult briefly to work out a few
logistic details in advance of the wedding.
When?
If you don't mind seeing each
other before the ceremony, it is possible to
take formal pictures prior to the wedding. If
that just "isn't an option," the best
time is immediately following the ceremony.
Do one or the other. Doing both actually takes
more time, involves an elaborate game of "hide
the bride" from guests, and costs you a
lot more money.
Professional
photographers plan poses in a sequence, for
a reason. Generally, the bride's parents are
released first. The bride's parents are "hosting"
the reception and should be there as soon as
practical. The groom's parents are released
next, followed by the wedding attendants, and
finally the bride and groom. If, for some reason,
this is not how you want it done, tell your
photographer at your initial consultation.
Where?
The ceremony site is a practical
choice for your formal photos, especially if
the reception is elsewhere. Your photographer
will assume you are most interested in photos
of people not places, so if you want specific
photos of the location, be sure to mention it.
In a church,
the altar steps are perfect for displaying an
elaborate train on a wedding gown. A neutral
backdrop is best. Avoid mirrors, blank walls,
glass and even polished wood in the background.
Guests and amateur photographers can be a distraction
(more on that later!), so if possible an isolated
location is preferable.
Natural outdoor
light is beautiful. That said, it is also unpredictable.
And it is hard to find an outdoor setting that
is as controllable as an indoor setting. Even
if you plan outdoor formal photos, you will
need an alternative indoor site. We all think,
"What if it rains?", but heat, the
cold, and the wind can also ruin your photos.
Who?
Some people feel obligated to
take a formal photo of relatives just because
they are there. Combining some groups, like
posing the bride and groom with both sets of
parents, rather than two poses can save time.
If you really want the family-reunion photo
of the bride and groom and aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews-consider candid shots at the reception.
Candid
Shot By Friends
Even the photographer that contractually
specifies exclusive rights to taking all photos
at a wedding, knows it is impossible to control
all guests with cameras. If you've designated
friends to take candids, let them know there
are some rules. You'll get better shots from
both the professional and the amateur.
Don't take
flash photos during the processional or recessional.
The flash may set off the professional's remote
strobes and ruin his/her one chance at the perfect
shot.
Don't try
to duplicate the professional's formal shots.
The flash will definitely change the fill light,
distract the subjects, and generally irritate
the professional. Besides, its a lot more fun
to have candids of your wedding party in between
the formal shots.
Don't try
to be the director. The professional will direct
the formal shots, and the candids should be
just that-candid!
Also
Be Aware
If table shots are definitely
something you want, remember you will want to
keep the flower arrangements low and simple.
Lighting
needs to be at a level that is comfortable for
your guests, and allows the camera to focus.
White linens
make a lovely table, but can produce a snow-storm
photo. A white wall behind a white wedding dress
behind a white tablecloth makes a bad photo.
Don't allow
smoking in the area where your formal shots
are taken. It's not about personal preference.
The light from strobes reflects smoke and it
will produce a hazy photo. You can't see it,
but it will show up in the print.
Ask the waiters
to wait. Half-empty glasses and half-eaten food
has the nastiest way of showing up in the final
pictures, as well as, on the otherwise pristine
attire of the wedding party.
If you plan
to use Kodak Fun-Savers on your tables, let
your photographer know so s/he can provide peel-and-stick
instruction labels for the backs of cameras.
It also assures you get the extra candids you
would like, rather than the guests thinking
it's an interesting choice for a wedding favor.
With just
a little help from you, a good professional
photographer will capture your perfect moment
forever, and provide a lifetime of memories.
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