First, if you are the family photographer, you know the bondage it can be to always be looking for the ‘perfect shot’. If you’re going to be good at it, you must think like a photographer. Have you ever taken so much time to get a shot that you missed the event? Recently we got a call to watch a TV station to see our granddaughter in a parade. I retrieved the camera to record it but missed the moment the camera focused on her because I was fiddling with the camera. Sometimes, it’s best to just let others bother with all that so you can enjoy the event first hand.

It is true that, with all the electronics, cameras today can be very easy to use. However, the more ‘stuff’ a camera can do, the more there is to keep track of. What do all the icons on top mean? Do you know how to turn on or off the auto focus or flash? What does TV, P, M, or Av mean? Unless you use these features regularly, you will find it difficult to keep it all in your mind, and if you don’t the features are as good as missing from the camera.

As the photographer, you are often required to get into obtuse contortions or obnoxious places to get just the right shot. Further, you can lose a lot of friends by sticking the camera in their face every time they smile. When they don’t smile, you may need to almost bribe or shame them into posing. Why not let someone else be the bad guy for a change?

So let’s say you are the trusted photographer for some important event. Now as the hero others will be bothering you with requests for CDs of the shots, thinking you have lots of free time. Or they may be sending you an email asking you to post the pictures online or send them as attachments to your email.

It is not just a matter of time either. Online posting of digital photography is great, but some people can’t access it. For them you will need to buy photographic paper and lots of ink for your printer. Are you without a printer? In that case, make sure you get one that has six or more different color cartridges since you will be replacing each one often.

If you want to look touristy, you will if you have a camera hanging around your neck and you take plenty of pictures. Oh, and don’t be shocked if people are offended that your picture taking seems to be more important than they are.

If you have a small car repair problem, you probably fix it yourself. But if a major problem arises, you call a plumber to fix it. The same can be said of photography. Sure, keep your camera and take plenty of shots. But when a major event comes up, why don’t you get an expert to take the pictures and you just concentrate on enjoying yourself for a change.

When you want your photos done right, choosing the best photographer for your needs is worth the investment. If you follow the principles above, you will likely be glad you had it done professionally. Del Haven Studio is the location of an experienced [Virginia Beach Photographer|Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer|Virginia Beach Portrait Photographer|Virginia Beach Maternity Photographer] who is very skilled - as you can see from her website portfolio.

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Some of the most lovely examples of wedding photography are the posed shots that are used to document the big hitters in the marriage party and show how everyone looked on the special day. There are usually many shots of the bride alone in different poses, showing off her marriage dress from different angles and the expression on her face reflecting the contentment of the day. There might also be many shots of the bride and the groom together in different settings and locations to show their unity and how well they look together as a couple. In a number of cases, these posed photos are taken hours or maybe days before the rite.

Some of the posed shots for the wedding photography will be taken either just before or only after the genuine marriage rite. These photos include footage of the bride with her bridesmaids, the groom with his groomsmen, the couple at the altar, the couple with their mom and pop, and the entire marriage party together. Some folks opt to have their marriage photography taken before the rite so that everybody still is pristine with hair and makeup ready but some others opt to have the wedding photography conducted in the interlude between the marriage rite and the marriage reception.

When it comes to marriage photography, many of us like to have candid shots of their marriage too. Footage of the bride’s folks on the dance floor swaying to a love song or the grandparents of the groom holding hands as they hear the toasts offer an intimate look into the way the marriage of the couple has influenced the numerous folks around them. The candid shots might also be of the bride-to-be and groom in different positions,eg feeding each other marriage cake, raising their glasses in appreciation of a toast, or gazing into each other’s eyes. Wedding photography is a good way to catch the moments of the day and provide an obvious reminder that you can enjoy for many years yet to come.

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1. Have faith in Google

The majority of modern wedding photographers have their own websites, and one of the most common ways of finding them is via search engines like Google. However since there are so many photographers jostling for space the problem is it can be easy to miss out on some great ones by not searching deeply enough. Don’t be content with just looking at Page 1 of the results or the first few sponsored listings. After a thorough search you should have put together a good list of photographers that you can now start comparing on price and style. Also don’t just go for the obvious search terms - make sure you vary your searches, and always include a few local areas and towns to find photographers who are slightly further afield but willing to travel. My wife and I live in Sussex, and when looking for our photographer we not only searched “Brighton Wedding Photographer” - we also looked at other surrounding areas such as Kent, Hampshire, London and Surrey.

 

2. Beware of Hidden Charges

Gone are the days when your wedding photographer had to develop their own prints in a darkroom - its all digital now. All of which has meant that wedding photographer prices have become a lot simpler. However believe it or not a lot of wedding photographer still work on a pay-per-print model, where couples have to choose which pictures they want and pay extra for them! Always look for photographers willing to give you all the images from the day on CD. Like this you can choose which prints you want to get done at leisure and get them printed for relatively low cost.

 

3. Albums and Extras: Do It Yourself!

With digital photography the era of the traditional wedding photo album has passed. These days contemporary wedding photography books are a big hit with most couples - but the problem is if you go through your photographer these will often cost you an arm and a leg. But if you can be bothered and have a flair for creative design, you can now design photobooks yourself using specialist software downloaded from the net, and get them printed up at ludicrously cheap rates. Ditto when it comes to canvas prints or blow up posters really - as long as you have high quality original image files from your photographer, you can pretty much do it all yourself!

 

4. Be Wary of Wedding Photography Scams

I have heard so many stories of unfortunate couples who have been taken in by unscrupulous con artists posing as wedding photographers. These swindlers will poach couples with cheap prices and slick sales pitches, receive their deposits or even full booking payments and then never be heard from again. It is a heartbreaking and cruel practice. The thing is, if you’re vigilant they’re pretty easy to spot and avoid. Make sure you pay any deposits via secure bank transfer as this can be traced in the event of a problem, and that you receive an invoice and receipt for your payment. And be sure to get a proper contract from the photographer which makes clear what you are getting and what you are paying for - this provides protection to the couple. And lastly, just make sure you have your radar up - try and visit the photographer, see lots of examples of his work and ask lots of questions.

 

5. Don’t Forget To Insist on Quality!

Now this one may sound counter-intuitive when it comes to ‘credit crunch weddings’ but I feel it’s an important one. In your quest to cut your wedding budget don’t go too far! As I said above, the photos are probably the most important part of the wedding day when you look back at it in years to come. In this world of ubiquitous DSLR cameras, wannabe photographers with little experience are ten a penny. Judging from their prices alone you’d think you’ve struck gold. But if you ignore the very cheapest prices that’s where you often find the best compromises between price and quality. Your photographer’s portfolio should always make you go “wow” - otherwise what’s the point of having a wedding photographer?

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If you want outdoor pictures of your wedding and live in the Virginia Beach area, then you are in luck. This area of far eastern Virginia has such a variety of possibilities that just about any couple would be satisfied with the choices.

The number one choice for outdoor wedding pictures in this area would be the beaches.  Situated at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach has both bay and ocean beaches such as Baylake Beach, North Virginia Beach, and Sandbridge Beach. These and others provide many locations for a wedding party to pose with the ocean, piers, or sand dunes as a backdrop.

Twelve lighthouses stand along the shoes of Virginia Beach and many of these make a beautiful unique backdrop for wedding pictures. As an example, the original Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1792 but had to be replaced in 1881 because of cracks in the structure. In spite of this, both are still standing and awaiting the opportunity to be photographed with the happy couple.

Lynnhaven Bay intersects the city leaving much waterfront property with many beautiful homes along it. Hundreds of alcoves and dead end roads lead to forested waterfront and natural beauty. Some homeowners are flattered when a couple asks if their wedding pictures could be taken in their yard. Lake Smith reservoir further to the west also provides such opportune locations.

Another possible wedding backdrop would be one of the many beautiful public parks in Virginia Beach. Perhaps your photographer will recommend the best possibilities if you are not familiar with the area. A spring wedding could include the dazzling beauty of the flowering fruit trees at Brookdale Farm. Perhaps the wedding colors could be picked to match the blossoms, making a picture perfect scene.

History buffs may enjoy incorporating the historicity of Virginia Beach with their wedding theme. For example, Lynnhaven House in Virginia Beach was built in 1725 by Francis Thelaball II. Today it looks much the same as when it was constructed, even furnished with costumed interpreters. The Old Coast Guard Station, a 100 year-old building on the beach, also adds a unique flavor to the wedding pictures.

We have only scratched the surface of ideas for natural, beautiful background to wedding pictures. Each would add the uniqueness of Virginia Beach to the uniqueness of your wedding. Instead of being content with drab indoor pictures, why not consider adding Virginia Beach itself to your wedding pictures!

Applying these principles will have your wedding pictures be unforgettable. Ready to take action? Consider the services of Expressions Photography, an experienced Virginia Photographer. See their website portfolio for results.

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1) Make sure you have a pre-defined list of pictures you are going to take. Check out the location in advance and know where you want to position people for the best shots. Involve the bride and groom and ask their opinions on where they might like their photos taken and in what syle.

2) Speak to the best man. Weddings can deviate from the pre-agreed arrangements and its important therefore to have a point of contact with the best man or wedding co-ordinator to help arrange groups and keep things in order. The last thing you should do is ask the bride and groom to help round people up for group shots.

3) Be prepared, very prepared. So much can go wrong so make sure you have a spare camera, batteries, SD cards etc. Request a detailed itinerary from the best man and attend any rehearsals.

4) Remember the little things. Pictures of the rings, the order of service, flowers etc can often be as appreciated as the usual portrait shots.

5) Pre plan the group shots. It can be tough to take a group shot of large numbers of people. Know in advance where and how this will be done and if you need ladders for example.

6) Be original. It can be all too easy to take the expected portrait and group shots and the end results can be boring photos. Take informal shots, mix with the wedding guests and be alert for interesting opportunities that present themselves.

7) Dont delete mistakes. With digital cameras the temptation exists to delete everything that wasnt a perfect shot. Very often you may be deleting some of the most interesting shots.

Consider a second photographer. This can take the pressure off and sometimes 2 different perspectives will make for a better set of results.

9) Get good at using different lighting conditions. You may be shooting in a dark church where flash photography isn’t allowed or at a reception room that has no natural light. Make sure you know how to bounce a flash or diffuse it to get great results.

10) Be confident. At some point in the day you will be running the show and being able to communicate calmly and effectively is important. Being shy simply isnt an option for a wedding photographer.

Written by Marten Holmes, a professional wedding photographer in Cornwall.

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But one of the biggest things they fail to plan for on the wedding day is the photographer.  This is no small matter.  And I am not just saying it because I am a wedding photographer. 

No planning the wedding day with the wedding photographer in mind could mean all the difference in the world. Especially when you think about the fact the photos are going to be the thing that captures that day for a lifetime.

What are the things to think about when making plans with the photographer in mind.  The time and the date.

First let’s start thinking about the time.  How many people want their photographer to rush through the photos?  I am pretty sure most people will not raise their hand to that. 

Well without even thinking about your photographer, a lot of times couples will do just that. The couple or family basically rush the photographer to try and take all the pictures. 

How so you ask? A good amount of times, for instance, a couple will have a time let’s say 1-2 pm. With the reception beginning at 2:30. How many photos can the photographer really take with only half an hour to work with?  Not many.

Even worse, let’s say he does take all the shots? Do you think they are going to take good quality shots when they are rushed?  Of course not.

So plan the wedding times and the receptions accordingly making sure there is ample time to take photos.

Second thing to consider when planning with the photographer in mind is your photographer’s availability.

Most probably don’t realize this, but most good photographers will be booked months in advance. If you do deal with a large photo company, they very well could have several photographers on staff.

Well planning your wedding without considering your photographer’s availability could turn into a nightmare. Because when you reserve that special day, without making sure your photographer is available, come wedding day you might get a shock when you find somebody totally different.

This happens more than you can imagine when dealing with a big photography company.  You might not realize they have plenty of photographers on staff, and if the photographer you fell in love with is booked, unless you specifically ask, the company might not tell you. When the wedding day comes, a second rate photographer or worse yet, they might outsource the work and somebody else will show up.

So be ready by not letting this happen.  Planning your wedding day is wonderful. Make sure that your plan has the wedding photographer in mind as well.

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First, get the picture at the right time. If you are going to hire a professional, then the best time to schedule the appointment is during your 30th week. The belly is rounded and protruding enough to highlight without being so close to birth that you could miss it.

Point two, try some creativity. Take some outside shots if the weather is warm. Indoor photos are best without a flash for the shadows highlight the subject, the belly! If the lighting is not enough, then stand by a window or accent the belly with artificial lighting.

Include the whole family in some shots. After all, older siblings are part of the family. They could all be touching Mom’s abdomen or frame her in the middle of the group. Children like to act up and get attention so, if you hire a photographer, be sure they are good at getting the kids to cooperate, to be serious but not too serious.

Wear tight clothing if you are going to leave your abdomen covered. Try something that fit before you found out you were pregnant. This will highlight the changes during these thirty weeks. If you want to leave your abdomen bare, that’s fine, but wear something that won’t embarrass you after the birth when you show off your pictures.

When planning the picture, look forward and look around. First, look around to be sure that your background is what you want. If something is there you don’t want recorded, either move to a different location or cover it with a sheet.

Also look ahead. Probably the person who will cherish this picture the most in years to come is the one not yet born. He or she will ponder life in the womb prior to birth and perhaps even how much his mother went through to bring him into the world. Therefore, plan the picture with him or her in mind.

Most importantly, choose a good photographer wisely. You could take this picture yourself but since it is once in a lifetime for the baby, i.e. to be in the thirtieth week of development, you will probably want a professional to record it. Get someone who is experienced with maternity photography, and have the knowledge and equipment to do it as you want. Ask for recommendations from friends. Consider ratings on the Internet. Make an appointment early to see if you have a rapport with them.  When all is just right, it will be a priceless memory for decades to come.

Expressions Photography is the location of a skilled Virginia Beach Photographer who is experienced in expertly capturing your memories. Click the links to visit the site today and see galleries of her work in Virginia Beach wedding photography, in family settings, and beautiful portraits.

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Finding any wedding photographer is a huge task. There are several things to take into account when trying to make this important decision. The photos that you take away from your wedding are going to be the most memorable keepsakes that you have. The photos will be on your walls for the rest of yourlife. One very obvious factor in deciding which photographer to choose is price. Many photographers will charge a price for a certain length of time at the wedding. It is important to know up front what all is included with that
price. When it comes to finding a wedding photographer, the biggest upside to pricing is there is a lot of competition. Remember, that a lot of photographers can and will negotiate their price a little bit to fit what you need.

Another factor to consider when choosing is how much experience a person has. Is this their firs big wedding job, or have they done a few dozen or more? Their price may reflect how long they have been in business as well. Just because someone is experienced, doesn’t always translate into being a better photographer. A lot times people that are just starting out and are trying to build a reputation for themselves will turn out to be great. The advantage of a person like that and going with them is you know they are going to give it their best. In your search for a wedding photographer, you are going to find different levels of experience between them. When you do an interview of prospective photographers, it will give you a sense of what it will be like when you work with them.

A final thing to think about when you prepare to make that decision is what kind of personality does the photographer have. Are they likely going to try call all the shots and decide on all your poses? Or are they going to let the bride and groom make some decisions? The other thing to consider is whether or not you want to be making decisions on the photos. The bride and groom will have enough to think about the day of the wedding as it is. Take these factors and consider them when you choose your photographer. If you do, no doubt you will have some beautiful photos to cherish for the rest of your lives.  Take it from me, your experienced San Diego photographer.

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