Family pictures, another fun part of the wedding day. For the
family pictures make sure you follow carefully to the photographer’s
direction. You have more control of your wedding party then the
photographer. If you feel that you have to be aggressive, do it.
Your guests will never say (The Bride) YOU WERE RUDE; they’ll
understand that you are upset, knowing that you want everything to
go smooth, and not running after them or looking for them to take
the family pictures. You do not want guest complaining that the
photographer was rude. Your guest should stand clear when the
photographer is setting people up and THEY SHOULD NOT TAKE PHOTOS,
AS IT INTERFERE WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S WORK. This is portrait time
only, and you are paying big money for professional photographs so
your guests must be patient and stand clear until the photographer
is done his job, now they can CLICK… and FLASH! with a big smile.
Thank you,
Revital and Chris
For more useful information visit www.AsherStudios.com
Photo Locations By: Brian Wilsdon of Brian Wilsdon
Photography located in St. Thomas ON
From Turkey Point to
Chicken Island, from the Rose Gardens in London, to
Waterworks Park in St. Thomas, Southwestern Ontario is full of
picturesque settings for wedding photographs. In fact, all it
takes is a shaded area, a country fence line, an architectural
building or a private garden to provide a suitable outdoor
location. In the winter or in case of severe weather
conditions, the church or building where the wedding takes place
can provide a beautiful studio setting with the proper lighting
equipment. When choosing a photographer, the options should be
clearly discussed. Then on the wedding day, the rapport between
the couple and their photographer should be good enough to
change locations on the spur of the moment, to take advantage of
a certain opportunity, i.e. a spectacular sunset. The
advantages of hiring a professional photographer are obvious.
The posing, lighting and organizing everyone for group portraits
is an acquired skill. In reality, the photographer facilitates
the schedule. Already versed in the technical aspects of the
photographs, the photographer keeps the time planned for
pictures on schedule and under control. There should be no
important photographs forgotten. In today’s environment for
pictures, there is a trend to add more storytelling or photo
journalistic styles of posing. The photographer should be able
to match the couple to their needs. Should the old fashioned
elegant portraits be forgotten? What percentage of the
photographs should be casual or black and white? These
decisions are discussed when booking your photographer you are
comfortable with. Look ahead a half a century. What images of
your wedding day will be preserved for you to exhibit on your 50th
anniversary?
Written by
Brian Wilsdon, Brian Wilsdon Photography,
St Thomas
Reproduced by permission 2004
Why choose a
professional wedding photographer? By:
Mike Guilbault of MIKE
GUILBAULT PHOTOGRAPHY located in Barrie Ontario
Your wedding portraits may be the most important
photographs you will have taken in your life. When choosing your
photographer you have to be very careful.
Improvements in camera technology has made it
virtually impossible to take a bad picture. Many amateurs,
equipped with sophisticated equipment, are capable of taking
decent photographs. However, there is much more to wedding
photography than knowing how to operate a camera.
Wedding photography is about seizing moments,
capturing emotion and creating memories. The technical skills
required to do this are essential, but it doesn't stop there.
The renowned French photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson, termed
it "the decisive moment", the point when the photographer
releases the shutter to capture an image. Professional wedding
photographers do this for a living. They photograph people every
day and not only have the necessary photographic skills, but are
adept at handling people, even emotional ones at a wedding.
How do you find a professional wedding
photographer? First, you must ask if photography is their full
time profession. Although you are not required to be a member of
a professional organization to become a professional
photographer, membership is a good indication that your
photographer is very serious about their craft. Qualification
for the Professional Photographers of Ontario (P.P.O.), for
example, requires that you are an active, full-time
photographer.
Another indication of your photographer's
proficiency is the equipment they use. Whether it be traditional
film equipment or digital, there is a difference between
‘consumer’ cameras and professional ones. For film cameras,
nothing can beat the quality of medium format equipment.
However, many photographers now use 35mm equipment for a more
photojournalistic look to their photography.
Today's professional digital cameras rival if
not exceed the quality of many film cameras. But that's only the
beginning. The creative possibilities afterwards are limitless.
To take full advantage of digital, your photographer should be
proficient in computer programs such as PhotoShop - another
industry standard. As with film though, there are both good and
not-so-good digital cameras. Ask to see samples to make sure
you're satisfied with the quality.
OK - your photographer is a member of a
professional photographic association and has medium format or
professional digital equipment. What else do you look for in a
wedding photographer?
First and foremost, you must view the
photographer's work. Not only should your photographer show a
variety from different weddings, but should also show you a
sample of at least one entire wedding. This way you can see if
your photographer can produce quality throughout the event, not
just a portfolio of lucky shots from different weddings.
Don't be afraid to ask questions about how
they would handle different situations, such as crying children,
obnoxious relatives or fainting bridesmaids. If you are not
comfortable with their answer, or their personality, maybe you
should look elsewhere. Remember, your photographer will be with
you for most of the day. If you don’t like them, you won’t enjoy
your wedding day.
There are many types of professional
photographers covering a vast spectrum of classifications.
Albeit your photographer may be a skilled nature, news, baby or
pet photographer, it takes a different skill set to photograph
weddings.
A big advantage of choosing a photographer
that is a member of a professional photographer's association is
that they have the opportunity to become qualified and
accredited. As a member of the Professional Photographers of
Ontario, the photographer must pass qualification within four
years of joining to retain membership. The letters displayed
after a photographer's name, FPPO, APPO and LPPO indicate that
the photographer has passed specific levels of the qualification
program.
Accreditation, a national designation from
the Professional Photographers of Canada (P.P.O.C.), proves that
the photographer is capable of delivering above average quality
in a given category, such as wedding photography. It also means
that the photographer books up pretty fast, sometimes up to a
year in advance. The also offer a Master and Craftsman of
Photographic Arts award for those that have excelled in the art
of photography.
When booking your wedding photographer, put
your trust in a professional. Look for membership in a
professional organization such as the Professional Photographers
of Canada. Ask about accreditation and qualification. Look at
the work of the photographer actually shooting your wedding. Ask
questions, lots of them. Remember - you get what you pay for.
Mike Guilbault, C.P.A., A.P.P.O.
Craftsman of Photographic Arts
Timing your Wedding Photographs
By:
Mike Guilbault of MIKE
GUILBAULT PHOTOGRAPHY located in Barrie Ontario
Do
you know how much time should be set-aside for your wedding
portraits? For your photographer to do a proper job, it may be
more than you realize.
Typically, the photographs will start at the Bride's home before
the ceremony. Here the photographer will take portraits of the
Bride, her family and the bridal party.
It is imperative that your hair and make-up appointment is
scheduled early enough so that you start your photographs on
time. Hair and makeup should be finished a minimum of one hour
before you are scheduled to start photographs. Allow time for
travel, dressing and finding that lost pair of earrings.
Most professional photographers will want two to three hours of
shooting time before the ceremony. Make sure your flowers are
ready and everyone is dressed. This gives you time to enjoy the
photographic session, have a couple of breaks and get to the
church on time.
It doesn't seem to matter how long your ceremony is scheduled
for - you will be at the church for about an hour. Longer if
you're having a receiving line after the ceremony.
If the ceremony is scheduled to end at 2:30pm, do not schedule
your photographs at 2:35pm. Take into account the travel time
from the church to your location. Your participants will not
arrive all at once either. You may want to assign a brother,
sister or wedding party member to organize your families and get
them to the photo location on time and all together.
The family groups are usually photographed after the ceremony.
This includes the families of both the Bride and Groom, the
entire wedding party and, of course, the Bride and Groom alone.
If your family groups are being photographed indoors but not in
a studio, you may need to allow the photographer time to set up
lighting equipment and arrange props. Outdoors settings are
usually no problem and the photo session can start right away.
These portraits usually go quickly (unless a family member is
missing). The one to two hours for your family groups will fly
by and will depend on the size of your families, whether there
are children involved, and the size of your wedding party. This
does not include travel time to the location or travel to the
reception afterwards.
You may save money by having your photographer photograph your
cake cutting, first dance, toasting portrait and other
reception-type photographs before the reception, rather than
when these events actually occur. By this time you will be tired
of photographs and will want to enjoy your evening and be with
your guests. The typical reception photographs will take
approximately one-half hour. Of course you can also have your
photographer stay through the reception, but expect to pay extra
for this service.
Remember that if you have any special requests, such as an extra
location for some portraits of the Bride and Groom, to allow
extra time for travel, set up and shooting.
If you allow your photographer the time to do their job, you
will have an enjoyable experience during the day, and
photographs to last a lifetime.
Mike Guilbault, CPA, APPO
Craftsman of Photographic Arts
The Photographers
Go-To-Person By: Angela Davies of
Cheerful Pictures
Wedding Photography located in Halifax Nova Scotia
After
all the planning, the big day has arrived. Your mind is racing
and there are a few butterflies in the stomach. Everyone is
asking questions –where are your shoes, did you get all the
flowers, did Uncle Ted remember to feed the cat?
As the last thing you need is more questions, many wedding
photographers like to work with a ‘go-to-person’. Quite simply a
go-to-person is a member of the wedding party who the
photographer can direct questions to and smooth over any last
minute hiccups.
For instance, if the unfortunate happens and it rains, the
go-to-person can let the wedding party know that the rain plan
is in effect. This saves the photographer, or assistant, from
trying to find all the right people and allows them to continue
taking pictures.
Another example is the family formal pictures. If Uncle Ted is
missing, the go-to-person can go and find Uncle Ted rather than
having a frenzy of people out looking for him while others stand
around saying “He was here a couple of minutes ago!”
The go-to-person could be your allocated MC, a bridesmaid or a
mother-in-law. However having the right go-to-person is
imperative.
They need to be assertive - we need you for pictures, now!
They need to be discrete – the bride needs to go to the toilet
They need to know the key family members - know who Uncle Ted is
They need to know the plan of the day - church, local gardens,
hotel
Being able to direct questions away from the bride and groom is
just another way of keeping the emphasis on the most important
aspect of the day – enjoying yourselves!
Things Good To Know By: Santi Conti of Multimedia Photography located in Toronto
Ontario
In the 27 years that I have been photographing
weddings I have learned a few things. They might seem very
obvious to some people but they caused a lot of confusion . I
have put together some tips, tricks and advice to help your
wedding day go smoother.
When you think of weddings one of the first things that come to
mind is Flowers. Bouquets, boutonnières, centerpieces …..so many
flowers.
Boutonnières:
• All boutonnières are pinned on the left, on the ladies and
gentlemen. You’d be surprised how many people don’t know that.
• According to tradition Married ladies have the boutonnières
pinned with the Flowers facing down. Single ladies with the
flowers facing up. Wrist corsages? Your choice.
• Boutonnières are pinned on the lapel. Place the flower on the
lapel, pin the flower from the backside of the lapel.
Bouquets
• The Bouquets are held loosely about bellybutton level.
• There are three basic types of wedding Bouquets..
1. Long stem bundles are held with the flowers along the arm,
the flowers held with the thumb and index finger
2. Short stem Bundles are held lightly with both hands as if
strangling them.
3. Cut flower Bouquets have a flower sponge where the flowers
are placed with a plastic base and handle. The Bouquet tends to
be top heavy. If you place your baby finger behind the plastic
handle the leverage makes holding it a lot more comfortable.
A few words about the tuxedo, Today’s tux is a wonder of modern
engineering and as complex as a 747.
• The shirts come with bottoms and studs take your pick.
• The shirt cuffs also come with bottoms and openings for
cufflinks if you use the bottoms you cant use the links and vice
versa.
• If the sleeves are to long, A couple of elastic bands just
above the elbow will keep the sleeve from falling.
• In the pockets of the pants there are too little holes just
big enough to put your fingers in. These are used to adjust your
shirt when you stand up so you can prevent the shirt from coming
out of the pants.
A few words of wisdom To the brides to be (and grooms) Planning
a wedding is the most stressful, exciting, aggravating,
emotional time of your life. I always tell my clients that it is
like riding a rollercoaster. You bye your ticket and stand in
line and you think that the line will never end that is the time
when you get engaged and you think the big day will never come.
Then suddenly you’re at the front of the line they strap you in
to the car and drag you up the hill, that is the last week
before you get married all the last minuet detailed to attend to
and you think “stop the ride I want to get off”. Then you get to
the top, time is up you did your best so hang on and enjoy the
ride. It’s the start of your new life together, that’s the
important thing. So have fun.
Glasses
By: Jim
Hockings of Off
Broadway Photography located in London, ON
If you or your loved ones are planning to be
photographed, give a little thought to the problems that may be
caused by wearing eyeglasses. "The eyes may be the mirror of the
soul" but only if they are visible!
About 1/3 of the time, glasses really ruin a photo, about
another third they are a slight and somewhat fixable problem,
and sometimes, they are no problem at all. Since you don't know
which third you are in, be prepared, in advance, to take action
to prevent a potential disaster.
The simple solution is not to wear glasses for the shot. This is
appropriate for people who wear glasses occasionally or who have
just gotten glasses. But glasses are truly a part of some
individuals' "look" and should not be removed.
What are the other alternatives? Removing the glass from the
frames is one solution. This can be done by a pro at the
optometrist's office or at home by those familiar with, and
possessing, a small screwdriver. Wear an old pair to the
shooting session so you don't bump into things. You may also
wish to borrow an empty pair of frames from your dispensing
optician.
Sometimes the solution is as simple as moving your chin down
about one inch off level, if you can not do the above frame
trick. Moving your chin up from level is a sure way to pick up
even more reflections from the sky or from lights in the room.
Do not ever move your head up in a picture. Doing so will also
expose a double chin for all the world to admire, or will make
you look arrogant. Ask your photographer, if you must, to check
for reflections as you move your head slowly up and down.
Do not wear photo grey glasses (automatic sunglasses). Just
don't. Stay home, but don't show up in these awful things; they
hide the real you.
Ask the photographer to shoot some with and without the glasses,
if they have glass in them, as an insurance measure. Film is
cheap and digital is free, but a re-shoot or a retouch of the
photo can be annoying and expensive.
Have a great session!
Jim Hockings / Off Broadway Photography 519-679-0205
