Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 1
1st Impressions
When choosing a photographer, arrange an informal meeting to simply discuss your ideas. Your instincts toward the way he or she reacts will be a pretty good guide as to how in tune or suitable the photographer may or may not be.
This informal meeting can give you the opportunity to view their work either wedding related or not as well as to identify their personal characteristics that could compliment or indeed or clash with your own.
Photographers should be confidant in their skills and art but not arrogant or absolute.
We are confident you will find Cathy to be professional, open and warm to suggestions and ideas whilst having that magnificent artistry that instills you with confidence that your day in her hands will be spectacular.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 2Budget and Charges
Don't choose a photographer on budget alone! Often there are very good attractive priced photographers that can appear to be an answer to your dreams and needs. However there are many pitfalls to choosing on budget alone. In the same breath choosing a photographer thinking the most expensive will ensure the "best" photography is equally fraught with problems and risks. Like all forms of art photography is a subjective affair, and very personal. The expensive photographer may be appropriately priced because their rare skills are in high demand and as such qualify for the high price tag, but they may equally be the result of an over inflated ego or marketing decision. The lower priced photographer may be a hobbyist, talent beginner building up a portfolio but could also be a snap happy individual looking to simple make a supplementary income.
Choose carefully, have a flexible budget and have a dialogue with your photographer to adjust prices, packages time etc. so that you can have the photographer you want and deserve within your funds.
Cathy is proud of her photography and her ability to tailor her time and skills to anyone's budget, and is happy at peoples favourable comments concerning her charges and her appraised and celebrated images. We are confidant you will be happy too.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 3 Pre-Shoot
Whilst still choosing your photographer it can be a good idea to have a studio portrait shoot prior to your wedding. This can serve in a number of ways.
- It can be used to ensure the legitimacy of the photographers credentials, quality and rapport with you and any of your party.
- It can ensure that there is indeed a comfortable relationship between yourself and the photographer.
- It can be used as part of the wedding day record.
- It can strengthen the familiarity and thus make it easier for the photographer to capture your own personal images on your special day in a more unobtrusive way.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 4Communication
When you have chosen your photographer, keep communicating in the lead up to the wedding. Ideas change as do circumstances and the time between photographer selection and Wedding day can sometimes exceed past a year. By having an open dialogue both the photographers needs and your own are more easily met and it reduces the risk of any supervises that could interfere with the recording of your beautiful special day.
Cathy's studio facilitates an ability to drop in or at least a way of readily being able to meet and discuss any changes in plans or ideas. Sometimes homebased photographers are a little closed to this idea and as such may cause problems that could mean dissatisfaction.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 5Photographic Style
When considering how you wish for your photographer to record your wedding day be open to ideas. A good photographer mixes artistic interpretation and freedom with specific styles and methods to give a holistic approach to the recording of the whole day.
You may have very particular ideas and needs and because of your process of choosing the right photographer they will have no problem meeting these requirements but they may also wish to add to this style/ theme etc in a bid to create wondrous and capturing memories.
Cathy is experienced in many forms and styles of photography, her experience and natural talent means that she can closely follow any specified remit whilst still having the ability and insight to compliment this in a unique and inspirational style. Many of Cathy's clients have been delighted with her interpretations and creative shots. Allow the photographer to not only fulfill your requirements but to exceed them and compliment them. Often you'll be surprised and delighted at the resulting images and it will enhance your.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 6Be Prepared
Your Wedding day is an emotive, exciting and complex day. It can be almost over whelming and if not absolutely perfect distressing. What you should expect from any professional service is just that a professional and uncomplicated approach to fulfilling your needs on that day without any unexpected input from yourself.
The Photographer and photographic service should be prepared for unavoidable complications and be able to adapt to the situation, this can be any number of things e.g. weather conditions, mechanical failures, individual characteristics of guests and other unexpected events. It is impossible to be able to know what unexpected events could arise but you must be able to ensure that the photographer is suitably prepared wherever possible. Experience is the number one thing to be sure of as this will often be the greatest influence upon the photographers ability to adapt seamlessly to ensure your day suffers no consequences.
Cathy has had many years experience as a photographer and has worked as a professional photographer on the coast since 2000. She has an array of back up equipment and has responded to many situations in a truly professional and calm manner always resulting in exceptional quality photographs and service. A testimony to this is the vast amount of positive comments from past clients and the lack of any complaints or criticisms.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 7Format of the day
What Format? Your wedding can be recorded in a number of ways, the photographic medium has been celebrated and appears to be the most captivating of all the possible ways of doing so. Videography is increasing in popularity but is not replacing photography but rather complimenting it.
Videography is a fantastic medium for capturing the flow of the day in real time. In the right hands it too is an art and can be a wonderful medium to capture the events of the day. Securing artistic frameable single shot images from a video is however met often with disappointment. The considerations of lighting, perspective, angle are important in ensuring the capture of that frameable still image. It is timeless and magical, uncluttered. The high-end specific photograph will always be the most preferred choice for capturing a singular moment in time or place. The photograph has a personality and in itself has a subtlety as complex as its subject, the video by its nature captures activity, vibrancy and movement.
Cathy although not offering videography as a medium welcomes working with any professional videographer. Mutual respect is assured and as such can further compliment the whole experience for all concerned.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 8Colour Co-ordination
When it comes to your memories of your wedding day, in 95% of cases people look at the photographs taken by a professional photographer. It is not uncommon to have photographs that are excellently produced marred by a degree of uncoordinated between guests colours and that of the bridal party. The photographer to some extent can be a contributing factor to this by way of placement of individuals in placed or orchestrated group shots but there is a simple option that many clients have utilised and that is to inform guests of any particular themes of the wedding and or colour schemes. It sounds simple but can in some way go to ensure that "aunt Betty" doesn't buy that electric blue la·mé dress and stand next to the peach adorned bridesmaids. Of course if she does then a photographer like Cathy can find a way to ensure the photographs wherever possible are balanced etc.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 9Personality of Shoot
Some of the most celebrated images of any wedding are the ones that capture the individual characters. Free from being posed but captured as they play out their role. As already mentioned a good photographer embraces all styles of photographer and can make the seemingly ordinary into the sublime. A documentary style of photography is often required to capture the nuances of the people at a wedding and the events in which they play a roll.
Often photographers sacrifice this in a bid to concentrate on the required "posed for shots".
Be open to the importance of an eclectically skilled photographer free from pre-conception.
Cathy has proved her abilities at capturing the moment and the individuals in that moment without loss in quality of image. She succeeds time and time again rather than through the occasional lucky accident that graces some photographers and gives rise to a single good image. Trust someone who is consistently good rather than occasionally.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 10Personal Items
The documentation of your wedding by a less than acceptable photographer can often be a hit or miss affair in a bid to secure the recquisite group shots and monumental moments, but it should be so much more. It should encompass everything, good artisitc shots of bouguets, rings, tokens, gifts to keepsakes and personal idems of deep significance.
You should demand a photographer that respects this and indeed has the abilities and qualities to give these componants as any other part of the day.
Cathy ensure attention to every detail, images are taken of all significant elements with the same professional consideration as everything else. You expect nothing else other than this from your photographer.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 11Attention to Detail
Attention to detail. Ensure your photographer is working to capture your day, takes pride in what they do. You should be able to see this in a number of ways. Their work is a good starting point but is not always possible (especially with newer photographers)., their expression and manner when discussing your desires with them and your "gut feeling".
Cathy has a catalogue of images that shows her ability at reflecting (pardon the pun) on the detail and turning everyday simple images into works of art with a seperate identity with its own stories or secrets. Reflections, signage, tree formations, structures and a multitude of other aspects can serve to narrate the events or moments.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 12Intimacy
As well as the physical attention to detail a photographer should be personable enough and welcoming enough to make you feel ultimately comfortable in their presence. A photographer that meets this requirement is then open to capture the real you in the preperational aspects of the day. Without that feeling the photographer stands apart from you on your day and can only hope to capture the personality of your wedding.
Cathy as a midwife is familiar with intimacy on a level few photographers ever will acheive as such she is able to make you feel ultimately comfortable and thus she can capture you in your most vulnerable, private moments and in doing so truly capture the preperational part of your day.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 13Ensuring Safety
In tip 12 we talked about the intimacy and fostering a personal relationship with your photographer. It is essential that the trust that you place in the photographers skill and abilities is also a trust that can be built on safety of yourself and guests.
For yours and your guests safety ensure that the photographer is either professionally qualified or shows a commitment to a professional business. Also check that they are either licensed with a professional body or in some way can show a commitment to authenticating their responsability.
A good example of this is the blue card system which authenticates professionals wishing to work with children. Cathy because of her original medical background and hospital photographic services meets all of their requirements so that you should be sure of her qualification and suitability. Ask your photographer how they can confirm they are suitable in this regard.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 14The Location
Wherever you are having your wedding, ceremony and reception plays an important aspect in the photographers approach and ability at recording the images you desire. Your photographer should welcome an opportunity to preview any locations. It is not possible that your photographers is familiar with all the possible venues and locations and the photographer shouldn't be judged in the absence of this familiarity however their openess to meet at the location prior to the wedding should be treated with contempt.
Cathy routinely arranges a later meeting to discuss options for location shoots at the proposed venues etc. Occassionally at the clients discretion this is in the form of a seperate pre-wedding shoot and other times a less formal meeting simple for familiarity. Even if Cathy has shot at the chosen location she may request a meeting as venues often change and it instills an invaluable refreshed familiarity and thus maximising potential photographic opportunities.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 15Attendance and Time of Photography
How long to book the photographer? Ideally the photographer would be there at the commencement of the preperation rights the way through to the speeches and subsequent honeymoon departure. This is not always possible and the question revolves around the emphasis and importance that you place on the elements of your wedding day.
The preperation of some brides and grooms captures precious moments of nerves, uncertainty, friendships support as well as a whole gamut of other states and is almost invaluable, howeve some because of budget, time constraints or just a will for privacy see this as an optional extra that can be sacrificed.
Others valueing the importance of the preperation see the reception as being of less recordable performance and have duly excluded it from their photographic booking. Cathy sees the reception as affording a conclusion to the days events. The liveliness passion, joy and sometimes relief is tangible in most cases and allows for Cathy to record the celebration of the days events on all of the faces of those concerned. She is discerning in what she records and her photographs conclude the occassion.
A select few choose to not record the ceremony, perhaps in respect to the sacredness of the occassion or for other personal reasons, whilst the majority see this as essential. The capturing of the moment whent he utterance of the words "I do" means so much, the union of individuals as one.
Cathy has also had bookings where meeting the formal requirements of the wedding are all that is solicited...the infamous group shots. Wherever possible she tries to expand on this very simple remit but appreciates the importance of the individuals choices and requirements.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 16Digital Manipulation
Manipulation of images is a common thread amongst photographic forums. When it comes to choosing the right photographer it is strongly advisable to steer clear of those photographers that manipulate all of their images. It is a common problem in this digital age that a large number of very average photographers try and manipulate themselves into being the quality photographer they aspire to be. Digital manipulation is an essential tool but should not replace good photography but rather enhance the already sublime, magnificent images.
It is true digital manipulation is an art and within Concept Images Design the element it is used extensively in the production of commercial commissioned work for graphic design, fine art and production purposes. However when it comes to true, representative recording of such an event as a wedding it is reserved for subtle enhancements and only occassionally otherwise it is prone to becoming a stalised representation and as such can become tired and untrue.
Enhancements can include, the removal of blemishes, filtering of colours and conditions, altering signage (subtle example above on car Number plate), adding text, reworking body tones and imperfections that detract from the image, enhancing colour, overlaying colour onto monochromatic, in sizing, blending, watermarking amongst many others. It should not be used to "rescue" a poorly taken photograph.
Cathy does welcome the solicitation and commission for any pre-conceived digital styles, or images etc. We are capable of some of the most awe inspiring images...anything is possible.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 17Alternative Weddings / Out of the Square
An openess to all forms and styles of weddings is not a requirement for many but it is essential for some.
When it comes to marriage there is the traditional familar to us all wedding but there are many that are far from traditional, same sex couples, nudists, and alternate religious ceremonies are just a few.
For people pursueing the dream of their wedding outside of the square the use of a photographer can be sometimes be thwart with uncertainty and fears of being judged. Unfortunately some photographers do little to eleviate these fears.
Cathy prides herself on being open and certainly welcomes enquiries toward her services for any form of wedding.
Her experiences as a midwife as well of that as a general photographer have re-inforced her commitment for the respect for all who seek her services and who harm no other.
People who are having a traditional wedding still benefit from this openess because of the way it impacts on general openess to ideas in the creative process.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 18Extras
Often photographers can offer several over services and this should be generally welcomed when available. It is important to remember that you are principally looking for a good reliable and highly skilled photographer though and not to lose sight of that goal. If their photography and photographic talents stand on their own then welcome the extra service options, but we recommend you don't book an average "Jack of all trades".
Cathy, together with her Graphic design artist husband Nigel also afford the opportunity to have wedding albums professionally bound and created, DVD collections of images with index's, screensavers and flash animations to enhance booked wedding packages.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 19Couples Private Moments
Take time out of the day to have images recorded of the bride and groom away from the main party. This has proved so useful in securing images such as the one here, images that show the essence of the togetherness and love of the couple that can be masked on the day because of the occassion itself. This is particularily useful in home location weddings/ receptions and beach locations, it provides another avenue into the intimacy between the couple and is often not represented by lesser photographers.
Gallery Wedding Photography TIP 20
Have Fun. Sometimes the occassion is a big monster that swallows the very reasons it exists in the first place. Ensure your photographer compliments your desires and in no way stifles your occassion. Many photographers see the wedding as a challange series of events thwating their attempts at capturing the perfect image. Cathy sees the event in its entirity, a spectacle of love often not perfect unless it essentially has to be and better and more lively as a direct result.
Have a wonderful, joyous wedding.
