You're the star of your wedding day, and with that comes an entourage of photographers and videographers bending backwards to get that killer shot. Now that you've hired them, your wedding day photo sessions should make you feel like you've just walked the red carpet. Here's how to get ready for your close-up, and look glamorous on film and video.
Finding The Right Shooter ...
Many couples consider their photographer and videographer among the most important vendors - it's no surprise the wedding details are preserved in your leather bound photo album and wedding DVD. That's not to say your wedding is forgettable, but for most brides it passes in a blur - it's the job of your videographer and photographer to capture the most important events.
You should pick a pro whose style best reflects the look your going for. If you see a lot of photos in the sample albums with shadows under the nose or eyes, run for the hills - the expectation will be less than professional. If you love the way a photographer uses soft light to create a romantic look, you can expect the same sort of quality in your own shots.
The best time to begin looking for your photographer and videographer is as soon as you've picked your wedding date and location. Like most other vendors, the best are often booked months in advance. Here are a few tips to find your perfect pro:
Take a peek at the photographer and videographer's website for samples and galleries of their work.
One you've chosen a photographer, ask if he/she can recommend a video professional they've worked with.
Alternatively, you can work with a studio that offers both photography and video. The benefit - you're guaranteed your photo and video team will be familiar with each other's styles, and will work together to give you the best coverage.
Agencies representing photographers will match you with a professional suited to the style you want for your wedding. This makes finding your photographer easy. The only downside is you may be left with less one-on-one time beforehand with the person who's actually shooting your wedding.
Important Questions ...
Once you've filtered down your list to a few potential photographers and videographers ask them some essential questions to more about their approach.
What is the cost of services and what is included in the package?
What type of equipment do you use?
If your shooting film, can I purchase the negatives?
Do you offer raw video footage?
What types of guarantees and protection do you offer in the event you become sick?
What are your techniques to get the most out of the subject?
It is also advisable to ask a few more open-ended questions. You'll get a glimpse into his work philosophy for each wedding, and you'll be able to gauge how passionate he is about his craft. Several great questions include:
What inspired you to get into a career of photography/videography?
What do you like most about your job?
Is there a particular shot you love to take at every wedding?
Has your style changed since you began in the wedding photo/video industry?
Timeline Of A Wedding ...
Another important wedding detail you don't want to miss is how many hours your photo and video team will spend shooting. Plan ahead and make sure they know your schedule before the wedding. Getting-ready shots are often the most intimate and revealing and proper planning will prevent a headache.
Consider capturing some of those movements you normally don't witness on the wedding day. If you plan on having two cameramen (highly recommended better coverage), work with them to make a list of your most anticipated moments. For example, a montage of you and your bridesmaids getting prepared, then edited with shots of your groom and his guys before the ceremony is a true classic. You'll get to see how well (or not so well) he handled his nerves. Other important and touching moments you might potentially miss (unless they're captured on film) are your parent's reactions during your vows, the smiles and laughter during your toast, and your own expressions as you make your grand entrance.
Here are five more glamorous shots worth adding to your album:
Touching up your lipstick in a mirror before the ceremony.
Making your grand exit from the ceremony to a cheering crowd of guests.
Taking a smiling peek back to the camera as you walk away holding hands with your husband.
Kissing under a golden sunset.
Kissing in the backseat of your limousine as you depart the reception.
Striking A Pose ...
If your concerned that you sometimes do no good to the camera, don't stress - after having your hair and makeup done, you'll look and feel great. Stay tuned for part 2 as we talk about:
Getting a perfect album. Tips for a well-balanced photo book.
Studying your favorite photos.
Ignoring the camera and getting comfortable with your shooter.
Film or digital photography.
Ready for HD Video.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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By: itai192 | 22-11-2007
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How much money do you bring for a wedding of a ...
By: yairmen | 22-11-2007
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By: ofiryakim | 21-11-2007
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Buying a video cam
By: narni1002 | 21-11-2007
I'm a bit confused by all the methods used in Video cams. What would be the best investment for a beginner? Dv, DVD or HD based camera?
He asked for a break but still wants to be with me?
By: SexyPeach101 | 20-11-2007
My Fiance and I have been together for about a year now things are great.About 4 1/2 months ago he had to move to another state because he wanted to attend a good college for a year befor he went to the navy.So right now we're in a LONG distant relationship and I was supposed to be moving out there with him.Well we got into this argument about financial issues and a few trust issues but the trust isnt an issue like the finacial so the plans changed, he made his 150% sure decision he wants to go to the navy because to him he believes it'll be better for our future and he wants to be able to provide for our us and our family, you know have stability.Well here's the thing that got me as the plan changed for me to move in with him at a later date like a few weeks later to give him more time to get completley situated. As the days went by and I was trying to send him money things started to get alot more complicated, he started to doubt himself..But the Icing on the cake was when we had the hour and 30 minute long conversation about how he needs a break to clear his head and take care of himself first before he can provide for me and our future family. He also said that he doesnt wanna tell anyone about the break just keep it between me and him because he's not asking for the break to say that he dont love me or dont wanna be with me its just to give him alittle time to worry about what he needs to do for him so our future together will be better. Also that his mind is still set on going to the navy and for me to come be with him when his school year is up in the mean time all Ill be doing is goin to visit him. But as of now he wants to take a secret break...WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?Because I've asked him to explain it to me and he said it doesnt mean he's looking for another female or he wouldnt have even asked me to marry him, and he even brought up all the special times we shared like when I ended up pregant with his child twice but then I ended up having a miscarraige twice because of my A- blood not knowing I needed a shot to protect the baby and how he couldnt imagine being without me or cheating on me and losing me after all the things Ive gone through for him and just to be with him he just knows there's no one else out there for him and so much more..I just need some help Understanding am I making the right decision by waiting for him to tell me he's ok he's cleared his head the break is over, or is he just telling me all this to keep me as a rebound if he is in fact seeing someone else down where he's at and if that just doesnt work out he knows Ill be here?
Addition to previous question on how 2 get hindu girl for marriage to me
By: murshid | 18-11-2007
Yes, today I approached that girl to marry me. As you may remember, I am 48 y/o well settled man in life, devout Muslim and have decided to marry one young (23 y/o) hindu girl. In fact I called her parent house, where she resides but she -REFUSED- to talk to me! Now I know this must be foolishness of youth but I don't mind, maybe she is shy. Any gal would like to marry with well cultured and moral guy like me. Even asking conversion is not so much big deal as Islam is Truth itself. Tell me plz shall I directly approach her parents. And how can I force her to come to some marriagable understanding to be my beautiful young wife? I need her to marry me by 2 months time as I have business trip coming up and would like to make it convenient honeymoon. AS yet she won't even look on my eye, maybe she is going to feel my love if she does so! I own the parcel of land wherein her parents reside. Shall I use this to drive home my point of marriage? Although I don't like to make use of land but this marriage is too important to let pass by at this time and my feelings for her are too much strong. Thank you and may I get married soon Inshallah!
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