PHOTO & VIDEO
10 2010 Bridal Planner
As wedding photographers cost an average of $1,500 – and up to $5,000 in large urban markets – couples may find that the photographer of their dreams is well outside of the budget. O’Quinn recommends perusing creative wedding blogs or asking friends for referrals in order to get lasting memories without leaving a lasting mark on your bank account. Sweet Tea Photography
Once you’ve identified your style, however, your work isn’t done.To ensure your photographer has what it takes, don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions regarding prior experience.Take a good look at past work.“Ask your photographer if you can see an entire wedding that they have photographed,”O’Quinn suggests. That way, you’ll have a clear idea of how many photos you’ll get and how much of your day will be captured on film. Also, when hiring a photographer through a photography studio, be sure to ask precisely who will photograph your day.“Sometimes you think that you will be hiring one shooter, and then they throw in someone else in,” O’Quinn says. If you have questions about digital photography, ask your photographer to explain some of it to you, such as what format they shoot in and why.
Video
Do you get a DVD with all the photo files and the rights to them after the wedding? Will they be available to proof online?
Videography, too, comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and price points. The same rules for choosing the right photographer apply to video, from looking at prior work to establishing a good connection, but there are a few key differences.
While many videographers opt for a photojournalistic approach, inconspicuously shooting the day, others may take on a more hands-on approach, says Leslie Satterfield, owner of Kiss the Bride Films, San Francisco.“Some couples might want their videographer to take a more directorial role – interviewing the wedding party, for example,”she says. Camera choice can also greatly affect your final video.“The latest HD cameras give superb color and stunning image quality,”Satterfield says.“A black-and-white Super 8 camera creates a romantic, old-fashioned look.” The price range for videography can vary greatly.Traditional videography can start as low as $250, says Michelle Walker, owner of Layer Cake Films, which operates in L.A. and New York, with the most artful Super 8 films reaching upwards of $5,000.As Satterfield explains,“As with any service, quality will often cost you.” –Danielle Robinson © CTW Features