Getting the Photographs You Want
By Andrea H. Melcher
Long after the music fades, the candles are extinguished and the bridal gown preserved for posterity, couples share the joy of the big day through wedding photographs.
Photography is one of the most important investments a couple will make for their nuptials. When you begin your search for a photographer, you’ll want to keep in mind factors such as personality and style.
Lee Anne Barkley, a Houston-area bride and Trinity University graduate who exchanged vows with her fiancé, Keith, last December, said that when interviewing candidates, they looked for quality within their budget. But, above all, they wanted someone they could "feel totally comfortable with."
Lee Anne and Keith are certainly not alone. Today's couples want pictures that reflect who they are, but won't blow the wedding budget out of the water.
Know Your Style
Wedding photography has gone through several trends since the average mother-of-the bride had her wedding photos taken decades ago.
Today brides can choose black-and-white, sepia-toned and full-color images. Photographs can be posed or spontaneous, using digital cameras or traditional film.
A hot trend in photography is the photo-journalistic style, where photographers shoot the event as it unfolds. Photographers like Winfield Little and his partner (and spouse) Karen Little — the photographer Barkley selected to capture her wedding — feel the photo-journalistic approach has its artistic merits, but it shouldn’t be the only option.
“It shouldn’t be the entire wedding,” Karen Little explains. “Since a wedding is a traditional ceremony, the style should have a certain amount of elegance that reflects that.”
Barkley opted for a photojournalistic look that included black-and-white and color images. “We told them what we liked,” she says. “And, they made us feel very comfortable.”
When interviewing prospective photographers, couples should carefully review the style of photos available and determine if that style is a good match.
And, it’s helpful to come to the interviews prepared. Mark Orme of Advanced Images, a studio that specializes in digital wedding photography of all genres, says he likes when a bride brings samples of photographs she likes, because it gives her a sense of confidence.
“If she has confidence, she’ll be relaxed and trust us,” he adds.
Both Little and Orme agree that digital photography — while requiring technical expertise — offers families stylistic options as well as convenience for viewing and ordering. (Most photographers have websites where couples and their friends and family can view photos and order prints.)
Technology brings along some special enhancements for photographs. Orme explains that computer software can assist with color enhancement and with removing unwanted objects —such as exit signs or microphones.
Most photographers agree that in the end, output matters most—making sure photos are reproduced on quality photographic paper that will last a lifetime.
Focus on Relationships
The photograph’s subject is ultimately the center of attention, therefore to capture the essence of the moment, the photographer and subjects must truly “click.”
“We are the eye of the hurricane,” Orme remarks. “We are extremely calm in the midst of organized chaos.”
Karen Little adds that photographers must build relationships with the bride and groom and with their families.
“Part of our job is to build relationships in the photography and to show the connections within the family ...much like Norman Rockwell did in his paintings,” she says.
To eliminate potential stress, couples should remember that photographers are guests at the wedding and they should choose photographers that dress and act appropriately.
“Being professional about everything is important,” Karen Little says. “There are always idiosyncrasies in certain family situations that you have to deal with. We don’t want to create an audience for ourselves... that’s not what the day is for. It’s for the bride and groom... it’s their time.”
Couples should also make sure the photographer they’re interviewing will actually be the one at the wedding. “If you’re looking at people’s work, whether it be online or in their office, make sure it’s the work of the photographer you’re interviewing so there are no surprises at the wedding,” Winfield Little explains.
Orme adds that couples should always verify that at least two photographers attend the event to capture every moment. “It's all about the ebb and flow of the event... the images are there,” he says. “It's our job to be available to catch the moment. You need at least two people to do that.”
Just Ask!
To start the search for the right photographer, surf over to the Internet; at the click of a button you can view sample images by different photographers. To determine the relationship factor, though, it’s imperative to get referrals from recently-married friends with photos you like, and to interview photographers. Barkley says she conducted three interviews before making her choice.
“Make sure your photographer fits your style,” Winfield Little recommends. “It’s not necessary to hire the most expensive photographer out there... if it’s not your style, you’ll have buyer’s remorse. Every bride, every personality, every venue, every day is different.”
Ultimately, it’s all about the bride, says Orme. “Every single bride has her own unique perspective. The bride and groom are the people to please.”
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