Picture Perfect A tender moment, captured in a silver frame on an office desk. A special home movie to pop in the DVD player on a snuggly winter night. Wedding images keep the memories alive. Long after the wedding dress is packed away, the caterer is on to the next wedding, and the thank-you notes are mailed—the photographs and DVDs remain. The documentation of the beginning of your new family will be cherished for future generations.
idly improving the image detail and color. There are other benefits to digital versus film cameras. Not only can a photographer see immediately what the image will look like, he or she can correct the shot on-site as opposed to during the film-developing process. Brides will appreciate the speed and efficiency of digital cameras since they’ll be able to see their wedding proofs quicker. This digital process can give you an idea of what your wedding album will look like when complete. Choose a photographer with whom you are compatible and who puts you at ease. If there is a personality conflict between you and the photographer, you may end up with photos of your best sneer instead of your best smile!
PHOTOGRAPHY Book your photographer at least six months in advance to ensure availability for your wedding date. When choosing a photographer, there are several important things to remember. Select a photographer who works for a living, not as a part-time or weekend job. Do not entrust this blessed event to an amateur or friend. You don’t want to risk losing the recording of this once-in-alifetime occasion. Protect your wedding memories by using a professional. And make sure your photographer has extra cameras, lenses and lighting equipment on hand as backups in case of emergency. Most photographers now prefer to use digital cameras for wedding photography. Of course, no matter what style camera is used, make sure your photographer will also have an appropriate backup strategy to preserve the images from your precious day. Advances in digital cameras are rap-
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VIDEOGRAPHY Once a mere stepchild of photography, videography has quickly become an exciting, essential part of the wedding celebration. The guidelines for selecting a videographer parallel those for choosing a photographer. The number one rule—use a professional! Don’t be tempted to take advantage of your Uncle Joe’s camcorder. There are no “second takes.’’ Hire a professional with professional equipment, so your memories are safe. Make sure your videographer has top-notch audio-visual cameras and editing equipment. Your videographer must be experienced and well trained on the equipment. Different audio techniques include the use of wireless remote microphones, a feed from the church’s sound system, a shotgun microphone and ambient sound,
Select a photographer who works for a living, not as a part-time or weekend job. Do not entrust this blessed event to an amateur or friend.
PHOTO BY JEFF LOFTIN PHOTOGRAPHY
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come prepared with pertinent information regarding your wedding. It’s also helpful if the photographer knows the style, color and setting of the wedding so that the mood and the moment can be captured. Let your photographer know the size of your wedding party and with whom you would like to be photographed. It’s helpful to designate a friend or relative to point out those special friends and relatives you want photographed during the reception.
Look for a photographer whose judgment and opinions you trust. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time with the “camera person” on your wedding day, relying on that person to capture those special moments. When you meet with a photographer, view sample wedding albums to obtain a clear impression of the overall style in which the photographer covers a wedding. Look for color, sharpness and detail of the photographs. Determine the type of photographs you prefer—a formal posed look, candids, or a combination of both formats. Communicate clearly with your photographer to ensure the best results. Make sure your photographer knows exactly what you want—you only get one chance to make things right. Obtain information on package sizes and prices, deposits, retouching charges, travel expenses and any other costs. Wedding packages can range from several hundred dollars to well into the thousands. Make sure everything you need is included in your package—formal portrait, black-and-white print for the newspaper, wedding album, and anything else you are looking for. Find out the cost of additional prints and “mini-albums” for parents and close friends. Finally, be sure everything you’ve agreed to is written in a contract. Other details that should be in writing include: when the photographer will arrive at the wedding and leave the reception, how the photographer will be dressed, and the number of images that will be provided. When you meet with your photographer,
and a separate recording dubbed in during editing. Determine with your videographer the technique best suited to your wedding location. Ask to view DVDs of actual weddings that were shot and produced within the past year. By watching these samples, you’ll see first-hand the videographer’s level of talent and professionalism. Look for sharp images, adequate lighting and clear sound. The video should flow smoothly from scene to scene, with highlights fully covered to tell the whole wedding story. Look for special effects, such as fades, wipes, dissolves, multiple images, freeze-frames and background music. The videographer should dress appropriately, and be able to comfortably mingle with your guests. Wedding videography prices range from several hundred dollars to the thousands. Find out what’s included in the package deals, and if items such as duplicate DVDs, adding music and titles, special effects, overtime and second cameras are additional. Obtain a contract including date, time, location, cost, equipment used, editing time, deposits and delivery date. It’s so important to choose professionals to record your wedding celebration. The expense is well worth the future returns. Preserving the memories of your nuptials is too important to leave to chance. Take care to ensure that your photographs and DVDs are of the quality you’ll be proud to share with your family and friends. You’ll enjoy your memories for many years to come.•