While wedding planning may take months, your wedding day will go by in a flash. Professional photographers and videographers can record your special moments to remember for a lifetime. By choosing professionals who are versed in the latest technology, you can ensure that your memories won’t be left to chance. We’ve compiled a few of the popular options for couples today. Be sure to ask your photographer or videographer about the choices they offer.
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Photography
No matter how traditional your wedding may be, photography is the one area where you want to take advantage of the latest technology. Advances in digital photography have taken wedding photography to new heights, enabling couples to view their photos more quickly and order more easily. It has also made it possible to convert ordinary images into extraordinary and one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
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- Online ordering. Many photographers now offer online wedding albums that allow you, your relatives and your guests to view and order photos from any computer with Internet access. Be sure to ask your photographer if he offers this service, if the album is password protected and how long it will be posted. Also find out if a credit card is required to order online or if cash payments are also accepted.
- Spot color. By using spot or hand coloring, photographers can make one-of-a-kind images from digital photographs. Examples of spot coloring include adding color to one element of a black-and-white photo, such as flowers or a hair ribbon. Expect to pay more for photos with spot color due to the time-consuming process it requires.
- Signature portraits. A recent trend at weddings, the signature portrait involves taking the couple’s engagement photo and placing it in a large mat. The matted photo is then displayed on an easel for guests to sign in place of a traditional guest book. After the wedding, the couple can hang the photo in their new home as a lifelong remembrance of their special day.
Videography
The past five years have seen rapid advances in the videography industry. No longer do couples have to worry about the possibility of their wedding videotape becoming discolored with age or possibly even breaking. The advent of DVDs and digital technology now make it possible for couples to rest assured that their memories are safe for a lifetime.
- DVDs. Compared to VHS tapes, DVDs offer exceptional color, sharpness and definition. DVDs can also be chaptered for different parts of your day — including the preparation, ceremony and reception — and never require rewinding. Ralph Landon of Ralph Landon Productions, a statewide videography service, said that he rarely shoots a wedding in which the couple doesn’t order at least some DVDs. “Anyone who is current in the technology will offer that as being available,” he said.
- Wireless microphones. Capturing the sound on your wedding video is essential. Ask your videographer if he can place wireless microphones on you and your fiance to ensure your vows are heard loud and clear. Very small microphones can be discreetly placed on your clothing and are not even noticeable to your guests.
- Video viewing options. Many couples choose to show a video compilation of family photos at their rehearsal dinner, at the reception or even as part of their ceremony. Another option is to take a selection of honeymoon photos to your videographer to add at the end of your wedding video.
