By Request: The Wedding Photo Blog

I've been really thinking about how to start this topic off for a while, actually since this topic was requested, and I decided to start on the side of the consumer: the bride and families.

One thing I understand is that everyone has a budget and most want to strictly adhere to that budget. Some will often forget about the photographer until months before, when most of the budget is already taken up by dresses, flowers, venues, etc. Unfortunately a lot of the times you get what you pay for, and by no means is a wedding photographer any exception to this. For this reason, if anyone ever asks my opinion, I tell them to shop around. Know exactly what style you're looking for: traditional, photojournalistic, artistic, or having the photographer just go for it and do something fun. Then, know how much you're willing to pay for their services...keeping in mind of course the final agreement. Most photographers will have set packages that tell you "this is exactly what you're getting for this much money," and some may be willing to work within budget constraints to make a happy client. (I know I am!)

With all that said, for me, reputation and continued business from mouth-to-mouth advertising is a big deal. So on the photographer's side, there's a lot to think about: 2 flashes minimum if one goes out on you, either one lens that can get you a huge range or a few that you can (quickly) change between, tripod (in case there's no flash photography during the ceremony), and anything else you can think of (like business cards). There's a lot to be done at a wedding, and for myself, I'm typically the only shooter so it is ALWAYS a hectic day, but when I get to see the end results, I'm more than pleased. Personally, I love getting to be a part of that special day and documenting it for the couple and families...the photos and memories live on for many years and that is awesome.

I have to say that in school, I never thought about shooting weddings - it was always something that was untouchable to me because I've never been a fan of overly-posed portraits. I mean, c'mon, my favorite photographer is Henri Cartier-Bresson. So anyway, I feel like what I bring to the table is the willingness to take a chance on different angles/shots and take on a bit of a different personality geared more towards photojournalism. Now that may be what most wedding photogs do, but I don't know since I don't go around asking, "Hey, when you do a normal portrait sitting are you a different person from when you shoot an event/wedding?" I think I'd get some strange looks. :)

Anyway, on to some of my shots - which I am very proud of, however, I do have areas of improvement, so comments are always appreciated.

Jen & Nieman

Yvette & Jeff

Ashley & John

So there you have it. A blog about wedding photography. :) I've been lucky enough to photograph for my friends and (almost) family and I absolutely loved getting to be a part of their days. Something that keeps chiming in the back of my head as I write (and as I was painstakingly moving each and every photo into its right spot) was what a co-worker said to me when I told them why I was clicking away at my keyboard: "You know, not many people realize when you're spending big bucks on a designer gown you're going to where once that you can't take it out and see all your memories in it later - but you can with photos and videos - and that is something I know I couldn't do without." Well put awesome co-worker...well put. :)

Anyway, I don't presume to know all the tricks or have all the knowledge on the subject - all I can offer is what I learned from experience. One last note to all photographers either looking to branch out to weddings or those just getting into it - ALWAYS know what your clients expect (if there's no set pricing page) and ALWAYS make sure your CLIENTS know what to expect - no surprises! You never want someone coming back after the fact saying they hate their photos and want their money back - if you are uncomfortable with confrontations like this, have a short contract drawn up that all parties will sign so everyone knows the full scope of the deal. And that's all I have to say at the moment!