Livingface Blog » wedding photography

What Should You Be Paying for Wedding Photography?

admin — Wed, 25 May 2011 06:13:33 +0000

The Wedding Photography is arguably the most important element of the entire wedding, especially after the fact. That being the case, how much should you spend and what is the relationship between price and quality?

So, you’ve been to a bunch of Wedding Photography websites and wow is it ever confusing. Sometimes it seems like every Tom, Dick & Harry has bought a digital camera, set-up a website and is offering to photograph one of the most important days of your life. Often the pictures look pretty good as does the website (even though it’s probably a $100 template site). And pricing is extremely reasonable, going as low as $1000 for full day coverage.

Firstly, don’t be enamored with a photographer solely based on seeing the pictures in the Wedding Gallery on their site. Needless to say, these galleries will showcase their best work, which means the best pix from each wedding. The reality is that anyone, including guests, can take a few good pictures at a wedding, even with a point and shoot. Therefore, to get a proper idea of a photographer’s skill and style ask to see a couple of entire weddings – 400 pictures from the same wedding will be very revealing.

Depending on where you live, the average price for an experienced photographer might be around $2500 for a full-day. So, what can you realistically expect from an inexperienced photographer who might have photographed less than 20 weddings and is charging around $1000? That’s not an easy question to answer. There are some very talented up-and-coming photographers who because they are early into their careers offer an amazing value for the work they do. But these photographers are in the minority. Wedding Photography is very challenging. Experience counts and there are no redoes. It requires great interpersonal skills (some photographers should only take pictures of objects). It requires an understanding of timing and logistics as they relate to the particular wedding at hand. And while many artistic photographers poopoo/denigrate wedding photography it requires the most skill, often on the fly. A Professional Wedding Photographer will also have back-up equipment in case things go wrong – many amateurs do not, which his scary indeed.

All of this is not to say that by paying more to someone whose been around for a while you’re guaranteed to get great pictures. On the contrary, it’s best to do your homework. Go on forums and see if anyone is saying anything about the wedding photographer(s) you’re interested in. You’ll read some disturbing and/or crazy stories about the photographer drinking on the job, interrupting the ceremony to ask the officiant to do something again, hitting on bridesmaids, etc. Do your due diligence.

Meanwhile, in this day and age of difficult economic times it’s easy to pay less for wedding photography, but keep in mind that all you have after the wedding are the pictures (and maybe video). You might be better served trimming from other areas, such as flowers, which only a small percentage of people will notice or care about – or the DJ (unless you’re getting something very special, most wedding DJs sound the same. Their get-up may look nicer, but they invariably play the same songs.)

In conclusion, if you’re a bit of a gambler, you’re on a tight budget and you’ve really checked things out, a cheaper photographer may work out just fine. More often than not though, the axiom/adage, “you get what you pay for”, usually applies to wedding photography. So, if it’s in the budget, do plenty of research, get some recommendations and pay extra to get a professional. It’ll be worth it.

Post from: Livingface Blog

Bookmark It

Foster Excellent Rapport With Your Wedding Photographer To Obtain Better Results In every city there are more than a few technically...
Wedding Photography and the Dangers of Over-Processing In the digital age of photography, post-production can be as...
Wedding Photography Restrictions and Limitations at the Church Have you ever been to a church wedding and been...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Wedding Photography Restrictions and Limitations at the Church

admin — Mon, 23 May 2011 05:50:14 +0000

Have you ever been to a church wedding and been taken aback by how visible and inappropriate the wedding photographer is – such as being in very close proximity to the bride and groom and taking pictures indiscriminately as if the end of the world is coming and he’s trying to get in as many shots as possible?

Alas, this kind of scenario has been repeated so often that many churches now have strict rules and limitations for wedding photography. Why has this happened? Because amateur photographers have proliferated in the wedding photography business and their lack of experience and awareness has ruined things for the rest of us professionals.

Limitations include: (1) no flash photography at all – which can be debilitating in a dark church; (2) photography only during the entrance, ring exchange and exit; (3) photography only from the back of the church or, worse, the balcony (arguably the worst case scenario, especially if it’s combined with no flash photography).

This is quite a serious matter because obviously the church pictures are important – and can be quite beautiful. There are many wonderful Priests out there who realize that we all have a job to do and that when we work together as partners it’s a win-win situation: The ceremony maintains its sanctity and the photographer gets the shots. But then other Ministers have been tainted with their experiences with amateur photographers so, understandably, many of them paint us all with the same brush.

I always make sure to speak with the Officiant before the ceremony so I understand the rules. Regardless of how I feel about them, this is his/her domain and I always respect that. There’s no choice really. Once, in my early days, I was told off by a Priest, mid-ceremony – not a pleasant experience for anyone – and that happened while I thought I was being cognizant of his rules. Yikes.

My personal approach is to be as stealthy as possible. Afterwards, I often hear from my couples that they didn’t even notice me in the church until the registry signing. In my opinion, that is the ideal. At the end of the day, most Officiants just want the wedding photographer to have some common sense – do what we need to do, without stepping on their toes. In this case, as in other areas, common sense comes with experience – it’s not actually that ‘common’.

My advice to the Bride and Groom. Make sure you take the wedding photography into account when selecting your place of worship. Ask your Priest or Minister about any limitations. If the pictures of the ceremony are important to you, don’t assume anything because you may be shocked on the wedding day to find out there are significant restrictions that may hamstring your photographer’s ability to effectively capture your ceremony.

Post from: Livingface Blog

Bookmark It

Wedding Photography Restrictions and Limitations at the Church Have you ever been to a church wedding and...
What Should You Be Paying for Wedding Photography? The Wedding Photography is arguably the most important element of...
Wedding Photography and the Dangers of Over-Processing In the digital age of photography, post-production can be as...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Wedding Day Schedule – Reception Timing & Logistics

admin — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:04:37 +0000

Wedding Day timing considerations are arguably more crucial for the earlier part of the day which includes the ceremony and the pictures, so it’s easy to underestimate the importance of time management when it comes to the Wedding Reception.

The two most important factors in determining a workable and flowing Reception schedule are: (a) If there is a Receiving Line at the Reception – and, if so, how many guests there are; (b) the timing of the Speeches.

If there isn’t a Receiving Line, then you don’t have much to worry about. Keep in mind that some couples have their Receiving Line immediately after the Wedding Ceremony (ie) outside the Church. In this scenario, the amount of time allocated for the pictures, including, Family, Wedding Party and Couple Shots could become limited if the Receiving Line takes too long. Then, depending on how much time there is, the Newlywed’s pictures may be rushed in order for them to make it to the Reception on time – and these are the last pictures you want to hurry through.

Back to the Reception. 5:30 is a typical starting time. Guests begin showing up. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are served. Dinner is often served at 7:00.
Let’s say you decide to start the Receiving Line at 5:30. How long will it take? Well, that depends on how many guests you have. An average wedding will have about 150 guests. If you and/or your guests are talkative then it could easily take until 7:00. On average, if you estimate 30 seconds per guest, then it will take 75 minutes. If there are 250 guests or more, it could be a problem (ie) Dinner starts later, which could affect the quality of the food.

As a Wedding Photographer, it doesn’t matter to me at all if there is a Receiving Line or not, or how long it takes. My job is to photograph whatever is happening. What is undeniable, though, is how tiring the Receiving Line is for the Newlyweds – who have recently had their ceremony, and who, in most cases, have just arrived at the Reception Hall from doing their pictures. Now, they are expected to stand and greet people for a long time, with permanent smiles throughout. By the end of it, most Couples are drained. At least dinner is usually not far off at this point.

In some traditions, not having the Receiving Line is not an option. It is a must. Certainly, for those in this situation, because it is just a natural and expected part of the day, having a Receiving Line may not be quite as unfavorable as it is portrayed. However, if there is a choice, I often suggest to the Bride and Groom that they consider forgoing it.

What are the benefits of avoiding a Receiving Line? (1) The Couple can relax for a short time, maybe 15 minutes, when they arrive at the Reception Hall. After freshening up they can join their guests who are arriving and enjoying Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres – instead of having to spend the entire time standing in one spot; (2) Participating in the Cocktails with their guests will allow them to mingle in a more personal way than in the Receiving Line; (3) In lieu of the Receiving Line, the Newlyweds can also visit their guests at their tables between dinner courses.

The next part of the Reception which can really affect the flow of the evening concerns the Speeches. I always ask Couples who are booking me how many and how long Speeches will be. Invariably, most say there will be few and they won’t be long. While that is sometimes the case, by the time the Wedding Day arrives there are frequently more Speeches than originally anticipated, and there is often one Speech, at least, that is surprisingly long. Consider too that by Speech-time some or all of those speaking will have consumed a fair amount of alcohol (for some, to quell the nerves).

So, when is the best time to do the Speeches? Well, if you are having a sit-down dinner that usually takes about 2 hours. Speeches usually take anywhere from 30-60 minutes. If you are planning on having the Speeches after dessert your guests will be sitting on their butts for up to 3 hours – possibly longer if dinner takes longer or the speeches take longer. That’s a long time for people to be sitting and it sometimes serves to suck the life out of the party before it has even begun. Having the Speeches interspersed throughout dinner works very nicely, culminating in the happy couple speaking when dessert is served. That way, once dessert is finished the party is on.

If Speeches start after dinner, depending on the crowd, it can result in the guests becoming restless and heading to the bathroom or outside for fresh air or cigarettes – which can be disruptive and even disappointing. Furthermore, most Couples have their First Dance at the conclusion of the Speeches. If the Speeches take place throughout dinner then as the guests are finishing dessert the Newlyweds can speak and then head straight to the dance floor and have their first dance. In this case, most of the guests are still at their tables. Alternatively, if the Speeches are given after dinner then by the time they finish and it’s time for the First Dance, you may have a half-empty room on your hands – which can take away from the circumstance.

Note that some Couples decide to do their First Dance when they are introduced at the beginning of dinner. In this case, everyone is seated and all eyes are on them. This option works well since there is a captive audience, though if there are windows in the room it is usually still light at about 7:00 and that may not be as dramatic or romantic as a First Dance in a dimly-lit room.

Take into consideration that by Reception time the Bride and Groom have been up since early morning. A lot of energy has been expended. Creating a Reception Schedule that flows nicely and isn’t burdensome can help put the right finishing touch on a day that you’ll want to remember as not only being special, but fun.

Post from: Livingface Blog

Bookmark It

Wedding Day Schedule – Reception Timing & Logistics Wedding Day timing considerations are arguably more crucial for...
Wedding Day Scheduling – Timing and Logistics One of the most important areas in which couples planning...
Wedding and Reception at Atlantis in the Bahamas I wasn’t posting wedding pictures to the blog last year...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Wedding Photography and the Dangers of Over-Processing

admin — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:56:56 +0000

In the digital age of photography, post-production can be as important as capturing the image itself. And with amazing advances in post-processing software, like Photo shop, an image can be manipulated to astounding degrees – even to a point of being unrecognizable from the original.

Unlimited possibilities is where some wedding photographers, mostly amateurs but also some experienced photographers, go dreadfully wrong. Of course, it’s great to add some obviously funky effects to a few pictures here and there. But, good wedding photography incorporates post-production in the same way a good wedding make-up artist plies their trade (ie) even if there is a lot of make-up, it’s subtle and tasteful.

Of course, subtlety and taste are subjective. So, when it comes to selecting the best wedding photography one needs to look carefully/closely at the photographer’s work to evaluate their use of effects after the fact.

For example, many wedding photographers will do some skin smoothing, especially for the couple shots. This is one of those effects that if overdone looks awful – like the front covers of some magazines that have been over-airbrushed so the subject looks plasticity. Conversely, just the right amount of this effect will nicely enhance the subject. The goal is for the subject to look like the best version of themselves without crossing the line into looking like a mannequin.

Meanwhile, skin smoothing is just one of many effects that can be utilized to varying degrees to either fix an image or improve it. Other effects that are employed may seem like a good idea at the time but they end up being passing fads that do not stand the test of time – like bad fashion from the 80s. The difference is that bad fashion often makes a comeback, which is almost always not the case with tasteless/misguided post-production.

The best wedding photographers employ post-production software to produce images that stand out in all the right ways. Make sure your wedding photography is on the right side of the sometimes fine line.

Post from: Livingface Blog

Bookmark It

Beware The Wedding Photographer Who Abuses Photoshop In the digital age of photography, post-production is arguably...
What Should You Be Paying for Wedding Photography? The Wedding Photography is arguably the most important element of...
Foster Excellent Rapport With Your Wedding Photographer To Obtain Better Results In every city there are more than a few technically...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Wedding of Natalie & Paul

admin — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:47:06 +0000

My wife gets bored of me saying how nice the couple and the guests are at weddings I photograph. Well, here we go again. Based on the recent weather it turned out to be a great day considering the time of year. The ceremony and reception took place at The Manor in Kettleby – a lovely venue. By the time it came to taking the pictures it actually became colder with Natalie and Paul braving the frigid temperatures for the all important couple pix – it will be worth it!! And as I mentioned to Paul, I’ve never seen such genuine affection between both of them and their respective in-laws – very touching to witness. And man was it a great party after dinner. I had a blast. Congratulations guys and hope you’re loving your honeymoon in Jamaica. Here are some pix to tide you over:

Post from: Livingface Blog

Bookmark It

The Wedding of Leah & Paul Third time is the charm as I’m back once again...
The Wedding of Jenny & Paul Well, sometimes you have to put a wedding together pronto!! ...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Wedding of Noushin & Anthony

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:58:38 +0000

Well, it was cold yesterday but at least it was bright. You never know what you’re going to get with a February wedding but it ended up being a great day. And it’s always fun and interesting when two different cultures are represented – in this case, Italian and Persian. We started our pictures in the gorgeous sunroom at Casa Loma and moved on to Allan Gardens. In a whirlwind, we rushed back to the hall to do the Persian ceremony (Noushin’s mom had made a wonderful traditional setting). The happy couple then did an impressive choreographed dance that brought the house down. The Italian/Persian combo dinner that followed was most excellent – as well the always entertaining Persian knife dance. DJ Takin took over from there laying down some ferocious beats for the enthusiastic crowd. All in all, a most satisfying first wedding of the season. Here are some pix from the day:

Post from: Livingface Blog

Bookmark It

Wedding Day Schedule – Reception Timing & Logistics Wedding Day timing considerations are arguably more crucial for...
Wedding Day Schedule – Reception Timing & Logistics Wedding Day timing considerations are arguably more crucial for the...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Wedding of Sabrina & Aaron

admin — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:53:15 +0000

You might think that at the tail end of the wedding season, after 22 weddings, that it would take heaven and earth to move me. But the emotion that Sabrina and Aaron brought to their ceremony was truly moving. I wish they would take into consideration that it’s not easy to do my job with tears in my eyes. Anyway, the weather gods, as they have been all year, were on side on Saturday as the ceremony was held outside at Edwards Gardens. With Aaron’s Native roots, what made the ceremony that much more special was the inclusion of drumming/singing and smudging. As Aaron said afterward, when Sabrina appeared at the top of those stairs and the two drummers started wailing it was overwhelming. After taking the pictures we made our way to the reception which was held at the Boiler House in the Distillery – always a great spot with delectable hors d’oeuvres and scrumptous food. My biggest challenge was to try to snap candid pix of Aaron before he struck a pose. Yet another wonderful experience. It’s been a great year. Here are some teaser pix:

Post from: Livingface Blog

Bookmark It

Wedding Day Schedule – Reception Timing & Logistics Wedding Day timing considerations are arguably more crucial for...
Wedding Photography – Family Pictures – Where, When, How Your ceremony has just wrapped up. You are dazed and...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Wedding of Liz & Steve

admin — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 01:59:36 +0000

Yesterday, I had to pleasure of photographing my second wedding this year at the Lake House in Pickering. As is frequently the case, four days earlier the forecast was for rain. And once again the universe cooperated and we had our way. Except for the bee that rudely interrupted the ceremony – and caused a terrified Liz to do a strange and wonderful dance – the day went off without a hitch. Lots of laughter and dancing. Great food. Lovely guests. Great to be a part it. Here are some teaser pix. Have a blast in Jamaica Guys!

Post from: Livingface Blog

Bookmark It

The Very Fun Wedding of Yvonne & Steve The good times kept rolling this past Saturday as Yvonne...
The Lovely Wedding of Krystal & Steve Yesterday, I had the pleasure of photographing Krystal & Steve’s...
Wedding Slideshow for Yvonne & Steve Just delivered Yvonne & Steve’s wedding package, including their Slideshow...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Wedding Slideshow for Yvonne & Steve

admin — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 00:45:34 +0000

Just delivered Yvonne & Steve’s wedding package, including their Slideshow put to their song. The Slideshow is a great way to encapsulate the wedding day in a few short minutes – and it’s great fun. Enjoy:

Post from: Livingface Blog

Bookmark It

The Very Fun Wedding of Yvonne & Steve The good times kept rolling this past Saturday as Yvonne...
The Wedding of Liz & Steve Yesterday, I had to pleasure of photographing my second wedding...
The Lovely Wedding of Krystal & Steve Yesterday, I had the pleasure of photographing Krystal & Steve’s...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Marvelous Wedding of Heather & Shawn

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 04:43:57 +0000

At yesterday’s wedding, the clouds were threatening all morning and gale force winds were blowing, which did not bode well for an outside ceremony at the beautiful Cave Spring Vineyard in Niagara. Not only didn’t it rain, but the sun came out and the wind died down leaving us with glorious conditions – just like I’d assured Heather and Shawn they’d get (Merci Gods)! The only glitch in the day, which happens more often than you might think, was the forgetting of the rings (as I was selecting the below teaser pix I zoomed in a shot of Heather, when she was getting ready, texting someone. Any guesses what the text was about? ). Fortunately, it wasn’t a big deal at all because this was a bridezilla-free zone!! Awesome wedding party. Tasty food at the Inn on the Twenty Restaurant where the reception was held in the quaint town of Jordan. And the most delectable cupcakes I’ve ever seen. Good times. Meanwhile, the order of the day was less posed/cheese, more fun/candid. Your wish is my command, though a little cheese sprinkled here and there accentuates the flavours, no? Here are some pix:

Post from: Livingface Blog

Bookmark It

The Wedding of Laura & Trevor Yesterday, I had the pleasure of photographing Laura & Trevor’s...
Heather & Shawn’s Wedding Slideshow Keepin’ it real with Bon Jovi. Rock on!! Post from:...
The Wedding Day, The Bride and Groom’s Attitude and Approach and The Wedding Photography Most couples have been planning their weddings for a full...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.