Categories
Updated 3-08

Photographers

Pieces of Knowledge
in Amanda's opinion

A professional photographer takes great pictures, sure, but they also help orchestrate the whole day.  Choose someone who knows how to get people's attention, & keep them only for as long as necessary.  In this area especially, experience matters.  The most sought after photographers book up early, so as soon as you have your facilities (& therefore your date) book your photographer.

Personality counts!  (A recurring theme with me.)  You will be spending a LOT of time with your photographer, so besides admiring their photo-style make sure you like them as well.  Being agitated by a grating personality telling you where to go and what to do will not bring you wedding day bliss.  Enjoying a great rapport with your photographer, on the other hand, will only add laughter to your happy memories.

Before or after. . . this is a significant question for many couples.  While some hold on dearly to the desire not to see each other until she walks down the aisle, many others choose to take their pictures at a more leisurely pace before the ceremony.  Either way, you still get that "first look" moment. 

Taking your pictures before the ceremony has numerous benefits, such as no time pressure, being able to enjoy the process without worrying about being somewhere else, the ability to travel to a variety of locations, and being able to go directly from the ceremony to the reception and enjoy your WHOLE party. 

Taking your pictures after the ceremony does not involve "just a few pictures."   It means taking all of them that include both of you, your bridal party, and your families.  Even the quickest photographers require a full hour to accomplish this task, and some of them will need even more time.  That means you need to refresh your guests while they wait.  If refreshments include alcoholic beverages then you also need to feed them significant hors d'oeuvres, or dinner.  A lot of couples choose to let their guests go ahead and enjoy the buffet.  By the time the couple arrives they'll have just enough time to enjoy a beverage before it's time for the toast, cake cutting, and dancing.  The downside?  You don't get to eat until it's all over.  Make sure you plan for "to-go" plates to be prepared and put back so you can enjoy your catered food later that night!  

Please remember that "all day" or "unlimited time" is not a license to abuse your photographer, who is also human and has a family.  It's reasonable to ask photographers who sell this time block to be with you when you start to get ready, but not at 6am.  It's also reasonable to ask them to stay at the reception until you leave, but not until 2am if they started at Noon.  Ten-twelve hours?  Sure.  Fifteen-eighteen?  You're a bridezilla.  Remember that, being human, they also need to eat & take other breaks throughout the day.  Why do I write this seeming piece of common sense?  I've heard the horror stories. 

My husband and I did not have a professional photographer for our wedding (second for both) and we regret it.  Pictures last, and help bring back all of those warm, fuzzy memories.  (The memories will be fuzzy by the way.  The day goes by in an absolute whirlwind!)   Sure, digital cameras are great, and friends' snapshots are also an important piece of the day, but to be able to count on having even that one really great picture. . . it's worth it.  Cut costs elsewhere if you must, but hire a professional photographer.