Many newlyweds will attest that the big day seems to pass by in a flash, which is why hiring a professional photographer and videographer is so important. Ask these 20 questions to help ensure that your captured memories turn out perfectly.
1) Which photographer will be taking my photos, and may I see his portfolio? If you?re interviewing a photography studio, make sure you interview the photographer who?ll be taking your photos ? and don?t forget to look at his portfolio.
2) Do you specialize in traditional or photojournalistic photography? Discover your style: traditional or photojournalistic. Make sure the photographer can take the type of photos you want.
Traditional: These are photographs in which the bride and groom, family, and wedding party are posed in each shot. It?s ideal for short or small weddings.
Photojournalistic: Candid or documentary style, these photos tell the story of your wedding and are taken from the beginning to the end with little or no posing. “Documentary photography has become a hot trend in wedding photography,” said Tom Ewart of NWA Photography in Fayetteville. “Brides today want genuine event coverage, where real emotions and actual events are documented.”
3) Why do you do wedding photography? You want a photographer who’s passionate about what he does. You’ll know from his answer how he truly feels and whether your personalities are going to mesh.
4) Are you a member of any photography associations? Memberships with the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) or the Arkansas Professional Photographer’s Association (APPA) distinguish a photographer as a professional.
5) Do you have a package to fit my budget? Many couples begin their selection process with a budget in mind. According to Larry Odom of Focus Photography in Little Rock, “Couples should first decide if a photographer is in the budget that they need to stay in. If he is, they should then decide if they like what they see and if the material is the quality that they want to pay for.”
6) May I see your references? Read the testimonials left by clients on the photographer’s Web site, or ask for the contact information of some of his or her more recent clients.
7) Do you use a film or digital camera? Most photographers now use digital cameras rather than film because of faster turnaround times and a wider range of shooting options. “Digital cameras definitely allow me to be more creative,” said Melanie Runsick of Melanie Runsick Photography in Swifton.
8) How far in advance do I need to book? Most photographers suggest booking six to nine months in advance. If you’re planning a wedding for April, May or June, Runsick recommends that you book a year in advance.
9) Will you accept a list of specific photos to be taken? If you’re concerned about capturing specific shots, offer to compile a list of must-have photos.
10) How many weddings will you be photographing on the day of my wedding? This is your day, and you shouldn’t have to share it with another couple. Photographers who rush from wedding to wedding are likely to miss special moments. “We shoot one wedding a day, making each a priority,” said Mandy Engel of Photography by Melisa in Little Rock. “I don’t want to miss something special because I’m tired.”
11) What happens if you are ill or your camera breaks on the big day? The photographer needs to have a backup plan. The last thing you need to worry about is a photographer missing in action or a camera on the skids.
12) How long will you be at my wedding? Have a clear understanding of the photographer’s arrival and departure times.
13) How long after the wedding will the proofs be ready? Typically, proofs take anywhere from two weeks to six months.
14) Where do I sign? Make sure the photographer has a contract, and read it thoroughly, front and back. Check all the details, including the date, time and location of the wedding ceremony and reception, and the price. If you or your fiance have any questions, now is the time to ask. Make sure that both you and the photographer sign and date the contract, and have him or her make a copy for your records.
Videography
Many of the questions you asked your photographer, you’ll also need to ask your videographer. In addition, ask the following:
15) May I view some of your previous tapes? Watch several videos from start to finish, and pay close attention to detail.
Are the images clear? How is the sound quality? Was the video edited well? Does it flow well, or is it choppy? Is the lighting flattering?
16) What type of camera and equipment will you be using? As with your photographer, ensure your camera operator is using professional-grade equipment. “Ask if the videographer has at least three CCD digital cameras and a non-linear editing system, instead of an analog system,” said Chris Garrett of Chris Garrett Video in Monticello. “Quality is lost when a video is transferred to an analog editing system.”
17) How many cameras will you be using? According to Garrett, “Several cameras allow videographers to get various shots. I usually have three because it’s so important to get all those special shots.”
18) What exactly will you video and how long will you be there? Many brides now want their videos to include extras like photos, music, the bride and bridesmaids getting ready, the groom and groomsmen before the wedding, the ride to the church, and the reception. Know what you’re paying for, and make the most of it.
19) How many videos will I receive? Know how many videos your package includes before you sign the contract, and find out the price of additional videos.
20) What is the overtime fee? Just in case the wedding runs over, be familiar with the prices.
Photography
In the past, wedding photography has been limited to stiff, pre-planned poses without much regard for romance, emotion and spontaneity on the wedding day. Now the trend is more contemporary, more natural and more artistic with a flair for high fashion and drama.
“Documentary photography has become a hot trend in wedding photography,” said Tom Ewart with NWA Photography in Fayetteville. “Brides today want genuine event coverage, where real emotions and actual events are documented.”
Here are some tips on how to achieve the desired look of your wedding photographs:
1. Personal interviews. Interview several photographers in person, compare prices and packages offered and ask to see samples of their work. Darrick Wilson with Darrick Wilson Photography in Little Rock said his clients, especially younger brides, “are moving away from the traditional poses and are looking for fun, playful photographs which show their personality.”
While many photographers still take traditional photos, others mix traditional and candid, or photojournalistic, shots.
“My clients want the main, posed portraits at the alter, but they want to keep it to around 15 to 20 minutes, not the traditional, long, drawn-out, two-hour portrait session,” said Jason Hudson with Hudson Photography in Fayetteville.
Amy Carper with Carper Creative Photography in Sherwood said the most common request that she has had is that “the photography time be stress-free and fun.”
2. Booking. Many photographers suggest booking six to nine months in advance. “Brides need to know that they don’t have to get married on a Saturday in June. Planning a wedding during the busiest times is very stressful. Vendors are far less available and may charge more for their services on premium dates,” Hudson said.
3. Final meeting. Schedule a final meeting to discuss the details of the wedding and reception, including an agenda for the event to ensure the photographer won?t miss any special moments. Offer to create a list of the photos you want and key people you want in the photos. Let those people know before the photo shoot to save time.
4. Digital versus film. Most photographers have moved from film to digital photography.
“It is so much safer,” Hudson said. “With film, there is only one set of negatives, and if they are lost or scratched, they are worthless. With digital, we can keep a master copy of all the images on our computer hard drives and another copy on CD.”
5. Color versus black and white. “With digital photography, the possibilities are endless,” said Michael Burge with Burge Photography Inc. in North Little Rock.
Digital photos can easily be printed in color, black and white, or sepia. “If Mom likes a particular shot in color, the bride likes it in black and white, and the groom likes it in sepia, they can all have their cake and eat it, too,” Hudson said.
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6. Cost. While cost will vary among photographers, typical bridal shots run from $700 to $1,000, and wedding day packages range from $2,600 to $4,600. The total cost can be anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000
Videography
Many couples are opting for a candid documentation of their wedding day. In addition to capturing moments before and during the wedding, couples are requesting a montage of photos from childhood to present day to show guests at the rehearsal dinner, at the reception or even as part of the ceremony.
Here are some tips on how to capture your big day on video:
1. Personal interview. Setting up personal interviews with videographers to discuss expectations and view their previous work is important. Discuss how the video will be edited and if you will be responsible for choosing background music, if any.
2. Booking. As with a photographer, it is best to book at least six to nine months in advance.
3. DVD versus VHS. Little Rock videographer Popeye Williams said his clients “mainly request DVDs. The quality is much better, and there’s no need to fast-forward or rewind” since DVDs can be chaptered for different parts of your day — preparation, ceremony and reception.
4. Cost. While cost will vary among videographers, packages can range from $850 to $1,200.
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