PortPix Photography - My guide to choosing a wedding photographer and the type of wedding photographs you want

Have a think about what it is you really want from this aspect of your wedding. Do you really want or need to pay $3,000 or more for a photographer that is only going to give you a certain number of prints and one that will charge you extra should you want more?

I personally think it is outrageous that Photographers can ask some of the prices they do and then restrict your usage of the photographs. They’re photographs of ‘Your’ day, so why shouldn’t you have them all?

It is not unusual for a Photographer to retain the copyrights to the photographs. This is so that they can use them without having to get permission each time, but it shouldn’t mean that you too can’t use them. Why should you be restricted in how many you can have and the way you get them, or to put it more frankly, how big your wallet is? In this day and age with people often having family and friends all over the world, being able to email or post them their website or blog for everyone to see is your right.

Now that I’ve got that off my chest, lets get down to some basic, common sense things you need to consider when deciding on a Photographer for your wedding.

Speak to them, have a coffee with them, get to know them. Do you feel comfortable with them, can you have a laugh with them? Also remember at some point you are going to be half naked in front of them (if you want photos of you getting ready that is).

Have a look at their work, both on the net and large A4 style photographs. If the photos look good at A4 size then there shouldn't be much to worried about.

Ask to speak to some of their clients (it’s not all about their work, but how easy and fun they are to work with).

Let them know what it is that you want from them. I recently did a wedding where the Bride wanted lots of photographs of her kids, not a problem. But if she hadn't told me I wouldn't have taken as many photos of the kids as I did. So don't be shy about what you want.

Find out exactly what you are getting and for how much. Find out what happens if you have to change the date or worst still, cancel it.

Ask whether or not they have a back-up photographer in case they fall ill or have an accident.

Consider the time of day you will be having your photographs taken. It is a general rule that the hours between 10am and 2pm are the least desirable for getting nice flattering photographs. This is because it is when the sun is at its highest point and the light is the harshest. Another consideration might be what time sunset is so you can take advantage of it should you get a nice one. And remember to factor in Daylight Saving if its applicalbe. If you head over to my Wedding Resources link you will find all the information you should need. For more information you might find my Hints and Tips link helpful.

Ask about what camera equipment they use. Do they have a back-up camera just in case their main one fails, same goes for a flash, memory cards, batteries. Basically a good photographer will have double of everything, just in case.

This last point is why you don’t want a family member or friend to photography your wedding. It really isn’t fair on them. Being the photographer is a full time job, so how can you expect them to do that and be a guest? The pressure on them isn’t fair either, they can’t be expected to be detached enough to tell people what they need and they certainly can’t be expected to have all the back-up equipment. Imagine how they will feel is something goes wrong.... I say this in all sincerity, not just trying to drum up business.

Make sure they shoot with a Digital SLR (whilst Canon and Nikon seem to be the preferred, any of the known brands should be fine). Whilst its not all about how many megapixels a camera has, generally the more the better when it comes to DSLR.

The next point, which shouldn't be a problem, but is worth remembering, is how you will get your photographs supplied to you. Just make sure you will get your photographs in full resolution and not a reduced resolution. If the photographs are taken on a 15MP camera, then that is the resolution you want them supplied to you. If you really want to get involved and know how to and want to play with them yourself at some later stage, ask for them in RAW format. Any photographer that doesn't shoot your wedding in RAW should be approached with some skepticism in my humble opinion. And if they don't know what RAW is, run for the hills.

Lastly, but not least, make sure you know who the actual photographer will be shooting your wedding. It might sound silly, but the person you speak to may not be the person who will be photographing your wedding.

I can't stress this point enough and any good Photographer will insist that there be one, and that's a rehearsal.

Even if you don’t think it is necessary, you really should have one. When you do, try and make it around the same time of day as the actual wedding so you can all get a feel for what it will be like eg: where will the sun be and which way will you be facing, how much light is available etc. Now is the time to find any last minute problems and make any minor changes.

When it comes to the type of photography you want there are two main types. The first is the Formal type (the sort your Grandparents did) and the second is Reportage (a more casual style as the name implies). Whilst the trend is towards Reportage nowadays, I would recommend a bit of both. You at least want a couple of the formal group shots.

In the months leading up to the big day start looking in the wedding magazines and on the the net for some photo ideas that you'd like to emulate. It will make it a lot easier for the photographer and give them some idea of the type of photos you want.

Make a list of MUST have photos. These may be with certain family members, friends, or a certain posed photo ... whatever it might be, write it down so its not forgotten in the mayhem of the day.

To give you some ideas of which photos you might like I have compiled a list of the more popular ones (see list below). This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it will give you some ideas.

One warning here, don't get too carried away with some of the photos you will see, remember they are often professional models, photographed over a whole day and under studio condition. Unfortunately most of this won't apply on your day.

I like to photograph the Bride getting ready first as it takes the longest (sorry girls, but its true). Usually its the hair first, then the make-up and then getting dressed.

Depending on the time constraints and the location of the Groom/Groomsman, I like to try and photograph them in the lead up to getting ready (ie: having that nervous drink) and then dressed. This is something you need to think about. If you definitely want this photographed then you will have to either leave enough time for the photographer to get then, do their thing and get back to you, or go for the second photographer option. That's if you want some shots of you fully dressed and/or getting into the limo etc. If you don't want these later shots of you then the photographer can go with the Groom to the church of ceremony location to be ready when you arrive.

Consider the second photographer option. It not only makes my day easier, but the additional photo opportunities are considerable. One of us can stay with you and the other with the Groom. One of us can get photos of you walking down the isle while the other takes photo from behind showing all your guests looking at you, not to mention showing off your dress ... just something for you to consider.

Do you want the official photographs to be taken between the ceremony and the reception, which is the traditional custom, or as some are doing, having them taken prior to the ceremony? The later allows the couple to go straight to the reception, especially convenient if they are in the same location.

You may even want to talk to your photographer about the locations you are considering to have your ceremony and reception. Your photographer should be a good source of ideas that you might want to consider. No offence, but we have been to a lot of weddings and have seen the best and the worst that can happen.

Now this is where the rehearsal comes in handy. It is not uncommon for the nervous Bride to get out of the car and almost sprint into the church and down the isle. I know you're keen to get to your man, but think about us poor photographers. Somehow we have to beat you down the isle, all whilst taking nice photographs of you and your Father. So please, just slowly walk down the isle (savour the moment) to give us and all your guests the opportunity to see you in your stunning dress and get the odd photo of you. AND don't forget to look up and smile!

Some photo ideas:

Bride, bridal parTY GETTING READY:

- Bride & her Mum
- Bride with Matron-of-honour, bridesmainds, flower girl etc.
- Bride & bridesmaids doing hair & make-up
- Bridal lingerie & accessories
- Bride & bridesmaids’ attire laid out
- Bride’s gown on its own
- Bride stepping into her gown
- Bride & all attendants dressing
- Bride with her Father
- Bride stepping into lemo (with father assisting)
- Bride leaving for the church (hanging out the window waving frantically)

Groom, BESTMAN ETC GETTING READY:

- Groom & Family present when getting ready
- Groom with Best Man, groomsmen and any ushers
- Groom relaxing with his Father and friends
- Picture of the rings
- Groom’s Father doing up his tie (always a nice one)
- Groom & his attendants dressing
- Groom in and around their transport
- Groom leaving for the church

The Ceremony:

- Picture of church/venue from outside
- Picture of church/venue from inside
- Altar, decorations & flowers
- Officiator/Priest/Celebrant
- Each guest arriving at the ceremony
- Groom’s Parents being seated
- Bride’s Mother being seated
- Groom & male wedding party arriving
- Groom & male wedding party at altar
- Bride & Father arriving at ceremony venue
- Female attendants arriving at ceremony venue
- Bride, Father & attendants before processional
- Bride & Father starting down the aisle
- Bridal Party proceeding down the aisle
- Groom’s reaction as he first sees bride
- Father kissing bride before the altar
- Father taking place next to Mother of the Bride
- Bride & Groom greeting each other at altar
- Full church/venue shot of everyone
- Bride & Groom saying vows
- Bride & Groom during ring ceremony
- Bride & Groom’s special kiss
- Any singer/organist or musicians
- Shots of special readings
- Special religious or cultural moments
- Parent’s reactions at significant moments
- Couple turning to face guests
- The recessional
- Guests leaving the church/venue
- Confetti, roses, bubbles
- Couple kissing family & guests
- Bride & Groom departing for reception
- All attendants departing for reception
- Family & guests departing for reception

The Reception:

- Outside of reception venue
- Inside reception venue
- Tables, centrepieces, place settings & chairs
- Buffet table &/or cake table, ice sculptures
- Balloons or other special decorations
- Family & guests arriving
- Bride & Groom arriving
- Receiving line - greeting guests
- Guests signing guestbook
- Pre-dinner drinks
- Guests taking their seats
- Bride & Groom’s entrance
- Wedding party table
- Parents’ table
- Everyone enjoying dinner
- Master of Ceremonies
- Officiator’s Toast
- Parents giving Toast/s
- Bride’s Toast
- Groom’s Toast
- Best Man’s Toast
- Other Toasts
- Reactions of people to Toasts
- People raising their glasses to Toasts
- Cake & cake table
- Bride & Groom cutting the cake
- Bride & Groom feeding each other cake
- Any other significant cultural traditions
- Bride & Groom’s first dance
- Bride & Groom dancing with their parents
- Family & friends dancing
- Bride & Groom visiting guests
- Female guests ready for bouquet toss
- Bride tossing bouquet
- Female winning bridal toss
- Groom retrieving garter from bride’s leg
- Men ready for garter toss
- Groom tossing garter
- Man winning garter toss
- Bride appearing in going-away attire
- Couple farewelling guests - farewell circle
- Guests tossing petals, rice, confetti, bubbles
- Picture of car decorated
- Couple farewelling family & attendants
- Couple waving from car
- Car as it drives away!

tRADITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS:

- Many photos of Bride & Groom alone
- Bride with her own Parents
- Bride with both Parents
- Groom with his own Parents
- Groom with both Parents
- Bride with both Groom & Parents
- Groom with both Groom & Parents
- Bride & Groom with both Parents
- Bride & Groom with their siblings
- Photograph of entire family with Bride & Groom
- Bride & Groom with entire wedding party
- Bride & Groom with Best Man & Chief Bridesmaid
- Bride & Groom with officiator of ceremony
- Bride & Groom with everyone

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS to Consider:

- Ceremonial Table
- Guest Book Table
- Notes made by Bride or Groom (especially if hand written)
- Order of Service Books
- Presents on present table
- Flower details: e.g. boutonnieres, bouquets, etc.
- Doves, Butterflies, Bogon moths (only kidding) etc.
- Fireworks, smoke machines, etc.