What will you remember most about your wedding day? Chances are you'll have professional photography and video services to help you capture all of the moments. Make sure that your memories are good rather than bad with these secrets and helpful hints.
WEDDING SECRET #89. SOME PHOTOGRAPHERS DON'T GUARANTEE THEY'LL BE THERE.
A leading source of distress is the well-known photographer who pulls a no-show. Just when you think you've got a winning lawsuit on your hands, read the fine-print: some photographers have a "substitute photographer" clause in their work contracts. Insist on an exclusive contract or take your money elsewhere.
WEDDING SECRET #90. PITFALL: BEWARE THE EXCLUSIVE PHOTOGRAPHY AGREEMENT.
You're thinking to yourself, why worry? Well if you want your friends to take candids of the wedding, or you want to hand out disposable cameras at the tables, don't sign away that right to your photographer.
WEDDING SECRET #91. ASK THE PHOTOGRAPHER TO SEE ENTIRE BOOKS FROM DIFFERENT WEDDINGS.
Any photographer will put together great shots from dozens of weddings. Skip the "best of" book and head straight to the goods -- the actual wedding photography books that the photographer provides. Look for consistency, tack-sharp images and subject matter -- was the photographer there for the important moments?
WEDDING SECRET #92. HOW TO SPOT A GREAT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.
Ask to see ALL of the proofs from at least one wedding. You'll see the ratio between "great", "good", "average" and "unacceptable". Aim for at least 1 great shot for every 20 proofs.
WEDDING SECRET #93. PITFALL: RUSHING THE PICTURES.
Ideally, allow for at least an hour to take photos between your ceremony and reception.
WEDDING SECRET #94. ESTABLISH A WRITTEN SCHEDULE AND REVIEW IT WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY.
Both bride and groom won't have time to tell the photographer what to do on wedding day -- plan ahead and provide photographers with the day's schedule. This becomes even more important with limited time at the ceremony and / or reception site.
WEDDING SECRET #95. GO FOR TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS.
The two-person team is invaluable. One can shoot up close, the other far away. While the former is capturing the bride getting ready, the latter may catch the groom. During the ceremony and reception, two points of view solve the classic dilemma: up close and personal posed shots vs. photo-journalism.
WEDDING SECRET #96. COLOR OR BLACK AND WHITE? BOTH.
Black and white photographs have become more popular lately, but don't go there exclusively. Black and white is great for the intimate moments that you'll want to remember: the vows, the families' emotional expressions. Use color for the group photos, the pictures of the floral arrangements, landscapes.
WEDDING SECRET #97. ORDER PHOTOS FOR BOTH FAMILIES WHEN YOU ORDER YOUR OWN.
Combine orders from parents, siblings and extended family with your own order. Save tremendously and avoid the sky-high re-order fees. Also, your photographer will give you break on the price for delivering all of the photos in one fell swoop.
WEDDING SECRET #98. PROVIDE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER WITH A LIST OF MUST-TAKES.
Many couples expect the photographer to be "everywhere at once," a "mind-reader" and "great with people." Give the shutter-bug your list of shots and review them before the big day.
WEDDING SECRET #99. ASK FOR YOUR NEGATIVES.
Some photographers truly aren't in the picture-taking business; they're in the lucrative picture-making business. You've hired the photographer to take pictures -- you're entitled to your negatives. If the photographer refuses to surrender the negatives immediately after the wedding, then negotiate a "buy-out" date, typically one to two years afterwards.
WEDDING SECRET #100. QUALITY VIDEOGRAPHY DEPENDS ON WHO'S BEHIND THE CAMERA.
The greatest 3-chip high-definition camera is useless in the hands of a person who doesn't know weddings. Go with the professional, not a moonlighting refugee from television. The professional anticipates instead of reacts.
WEDDING SECRET #101. THE EDITING IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE ORIGINAL CAMERA WORK.
Strong narrative, perfect pitch, transitions and sound quality: these are just a few of the elements of the professional video editor.
101 WEDDING SECRETS
