Apr 20

Once you become engaged you will probably begin to plan your wedding almost immediately. Here is a timeline to help you establish when you should do what. From bridal showers to the honeymoon, this simple guide may help you have a stress-free wedding day.

When the engagement is official, you may send your announcement to your hometown newspaper. This will allow family and old acquaintances to share the happy news.

Six to Twelve Months Before: Yes, you can plan a wedding in a week, but you will not enjoy the stress!

- Your first and probably most important task will be to plan your budget. While parents may help with the cost of the wedding, it will be up to you to keep a close eye on your spending.
- Decide the location for your ceremony. You should let your fiancé take part in this decision as well. You may want to be married in a certain church. Planning well ahead and reserving the church for your wedding day will ensure that you are able to have the location of your dreams.
- Set the date. You may have a date in mind, but cannot reserve your dream location. By being flexible, you can have it all.
- Decide the type of ceremony you want. Do you want a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony? Once you have decided this, contact the officiate who will be performing your ceremony and reserve his/her services.
- If you are planning to use a wedding coordinator, schedule a meeting with him/her.
- Plan your reception. Choose your location and reserve it. Remember that your wedding location and reception location must be available on the same day so it is wise to book in advance.
- Select your dress, veil, and accessories.
- Schedule meetings with wedding photographer and videographer. Reserve them well in advance.
- Register with our favorite department store or specialty store.
- Both you and your fiancé should create your invitation list.
- Choose and reserve your florist.

Four to Six Months Before:

- Choose your attendants.
- Make a list of every item you will need to purchase. This will include everything from your guest book to your ring bearer’s pillow.
- Choose your wedding and reception music and reserve the DJ if you plan to use a DJ for the reception.
- Order your invitations, personalized stationary and notepaper.
- Plan your honeymoon. By booking ahead, you might save money.
- Choose your color scheme and meet with your bridesmaids to choose their dresses.
- It is a good idea to visit your physician for a complete physical examination.

Two to Four Months Before:

- Have mothers choose their dresses.
- Address wedding invitations.
- Buy wedding rings.
- Buy gifts for your attendants. Remember that everyone in your wedding party should receive a gift from you and your fiancé.
- Check with the Clerk of Court in the area you are to be married to see what the requirements are for your marriage license. Make a note of when to purchase your license.
- Plan your rehearsal dinner. Make reservations.
- Choose your hairstylist and make-up artist. Have a trial run to make sure that you love your hair and make-up the day of your wedding.
- Have dress altered if needed.
- Mail your invitations.
- Schedule a time for formal wedding portraits.
- Remember to record each gift and write a thank-you note in a timely manner.

Two to Three Weeks Before:

- Send your wedding announcement to the newspaper. If you choose to include a photograph from the wedding along with your announcement, appoint someone to hand-deliver the announcement and photograph to the newspaper in a timely manner.
- Draw up seating plan for your reception. Order and make cards for the bride’s table.
- Assemble an emergency kit for the wedding. Include safety pins, needle and thread, scissors, and any item you might need at the last moment.
- Make plans to change your name on your Social Security card, your driver’s license, bank accounts and credit cards.
- Confirm reservations for your honeymoon travel and accommodations.
- Pack personal belongings that you will be moving to your new home.

One Week Before:

- Create a timeline of your rehearsal and wedding day. E-mail or fax to all important members of the wedding: bridesmaids, groomsmen, both sides of the family.
- Have final consultation with your coordinator, florist, photographer and any other professional you have reserved.
- Give bridesmaids’ party.
- Confirm rehearsal plans with your officiate and attendants.

There will be other things that you may need to plan for. Invest in a wedding planning book from a local bookstore. It can be a wealth of information for those little details that you may not think about as your happy day approaches. It may also give you tips on how to stay within your budget, as well as ideas for choosing your wedding favors and bridesmaids’ gifts.

Remember that planning is the key to a stress-free wedding day!

Ashley Moran is the owner of Cherished Gifts & Favors, an online store specializing in the latest trends in elegant wedding favors, party favors, and personalized gifts for corporate events, bridal showers, and many other special gift giving occasions.

Author: Ashley Moran
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Apr 19

When you’re planning your wedding, whether it’s a grand event lasting all day or an intimate romantic destination elopement far from home, you want to use all available means to choose the very best wedding photographer you can afford. These days it means using the internet to check out websites, photo samples and reputations. You can of course still rely on referrals from friends, bridal shows and visits to studios. In many ways the internet has given us a new time saving tool.

Choosing just the right wedding photographer for your special day can’t be overstated. We all know that photographs are the lasting mementos of your celebration. You’ll want to be filled with delight each time you look at your wedding images. You’ll also want to feel that same feeling year after year when you pull out the wedding album to reminisce about the day you said “I do” to your beloved.

As you are well aware, there is really only one opportunity to make the right choice when it comes to your wedding photos, remembering, that they’ll be around for a long time. If you are lucky, your children and grandchildren will have the pleasure of seeing you on your wedding day, you won’t want to be thinking of what “might have been” when you look at your wedding album.

You want the wedding photography portion of the wedding day to be a home run, a hit out of the park as they say, so you’ll want to choose carefully. There are so many factors that can come into play when choosing your wedding photographer, most couples immediately think of the cost first, and everything else as secondary. If that were truly the best way to choose a photographer, you could have uncle Harry take the photos and eliminate the cost all together! I can tell you firsthand that most couples who do that, live to regret that decision. It’s one of those decisions that you can’t undo or do over very conveniently.

Hiring a professional photographer that specializes in weddings allows you to relax and know that very big piece of the wedding puzzle is in good hands. You’ll want a relaxed, experienced photographer who will be aware of the events of the day, that knows where to be and when well in advance. You also want to choose a photographer that matches your style. Whether it is formal and posed or more photojournalistic and casual.. or perhaps a blend of the best of both worlds. Every wedding is different, every couple is different, a different church, a different park, different time of day, different events, different players. Something as significant as the time of day and lighting can really affect the quality of your wedding photos. A top wedding photographer plans everything in advance so when the spontaneity of the moment happens, they are prepared and can snap the best shot from the best angle. Their skill and expertise give them the edge to see and capture all of those special moments and details effortlessly.

A great wedding photographer can blend in with your family and friends, in such a way that you barely know they are around. Yet sometimes like magic they step in and grab the perfect shot you weren’t even aware of. The best wedding photographers are not just familiar with a location, but lighting, the time of day, knowing how to arrange groups, posing couples, all with a smile. It stands to reason,the more talented, confident and experienced your photographer, the better your photos will be. You as a couple will also look your very best because of that lighting, posing and the extra time spent making sure everything is just perfect for you. Think: patience, people skills and photographic talent, I like to call them “the big three”!

Many couples these days will be traveling for a destination wedding, or a romantic elopement away from home, and of course your photographs are every bit as important as ones taken for a traditional wedding! These are the couples I most often work with. You can opt to hire a photographer to take with you or hire one based at your destination. If you are hiring a photographer at your wedding destination, it is often impossible to meet with the photographer ahead of time. So it is a good to take a bit of extra care when contracting their services. It is also a very good idea to have a conversation at length, as to your expectations and needs.

A written agreement should be made that includes exactly what you’ll receive, length of time of services, date, time, extra expenses and any other special requirements or expectations. You should create a time line with your photographer, from payment dates, events on the day of the wedding, when you will receive your finished prints and album. You should also review how your images will be made available to you to make your selections, via the internet, or proofs or in the studio, or if you will own the images and the rights to reprint.

One should also ask for references and always, always check out samples of their recent work. Luckily, these days as I mentioned earlier, we have the internet. Websites are great to see the work of a potential photographer. There are websites like Yelp and CitySearch that also rate photographers, There are professional associations and wedding websites that give referrals over the internet as well. One of my very favorite internet avenues is YouTube. It’s a fantastic way to check out a wedding photographers work. It happens to be one of the best methods for choosing a wonderful wedding photographer, by being able to see the work they post online on YouTube. This medium will give you great information about your photographers style and skills.

With the freedom and convenience of the internet, you can now take advantage of lots of resources that weren’t available just a few years ago. For instance, if your destination is Aspen in winter, you’ll want to find a top wedding photographer who specializes in winter weather photography. If your romantic wedding destination is on the beaches of Southern California, you’ll want to find an expert beach wedding photographer. So, whether your wedding is in your hometown, Aspen, or beautiful Southern California, a check on YouTube can be invaluable to get a feel for the style of your potential photographer and it is quick.

For anyone thinking about a destination wedding in a sunny beautiful location like Southern California. Why not consider San Diego and Coronado Island. click here Elope San Diego for an intimate, fun rendezvous at one of the most popular destination wedding spots in Southern California, beautiful Coronado Island near San Diego, Ca. Christine Haslet is wonderful, experienced beach wedding photographer who is known from San Diego to Seattle. Click here Wedding Photos for a selection of Christine Haslet’s most memorable wedding photos on YouTube.

Author: Christine Haslet
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

Apr 17

Second only to selecting your venue, selecting your wedding photographer is the most important choice you have to make for your wedding day. You want your wedding photographer to be professional and easy-going. But above all you want your wedding photographer to be talented. They should possess a keen knowledge of photography and be able to use that knowledge in post production to give you more than a friend with a digital camera. There are a lot of things to keep in mind when figuring out which photographer is best for you.

Know what kind of style you are looking for before you even meet with any Hudson Valley wedding photographers. What types of photos do you want to look back on through the years? Do you want a structured album filled with poses or are you interested in more artistic photographs? Be mindful of the photographers capabilities. There are Hudson Valley photographers that can do only one style and others who beautifully blend art and photojournalism with traditional wedding photography. Let them know what percentage of each style you expect.

The wedding photographer you choose should be experienced. When you meet with them, they should be able to show you recent images from full weddings – start to finish. The work that they present you with during the meeting should be their own, not a compilation from photographers they have working for them. In order to accurately assess style and skill level, you have to be sure what you are seeing is what you are going to get.

You want your wedding day to go smoothly. So it’s important that you get along well. Think about the kind of person you want next to you throughout the most important day of your life. Do not pick a photographer who gives you any kind of bad vibe. This person is the person who controls the timing of your entire day. You want someone patient and able to handle anything that comes their way.

Everyone has heard a horror story where the photographer that showed up to shoot a wedding wasn’t the photographer the bride and groom met with. There are greedy Hudson Valley photographers who book themselves in more than one place on one day and have an “associate” show up in their place. Ask for a guarantee in your contract that the photographer you meet with is the one who shoots your wedding. When considering a second photographer, be mindful that the second photographer is not going to be as talented as the first. A talented photographer doesn’t rely on a second shooter for very much. One can always be provided, but more pictures don’t always mean more good pictures. If you are on a budget, reconsider the importance of a second photographer.

Sometimes wedding packages are set in stone, sometimes they can be customized. Make sure things are well explained so you both have similar expectations. Consider if you want albums, proof books, large prints or on-line galleries. Find out how long it takes the photographer to deliver the final product.

Make sure you shop within your budget and have reasonable expectations for the money you are willing to spend. Like any specialist, photographers charge more for their skill level, so the best photographers will usually cost more than the mediocre ones. Understand what you are agreeing to, what everything will cost and what you will get in the end. A reputable photographer will be up front, clear and honest about everything from the beginning.

Melissa is a freelance writer. She has worked in the wedding and event planning industry for about ten years. Melissa writes and blogs to share what she has learned over the years

http://hudsonvalleyphotographer.weebly.com/hudson-valley-wedding-photography.html

To see beautiful photography visit http://cometogetherstudios.com/main.php

Author: Melissa Iannuzzi
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Apr 13

Finding a wedding photographer can be a daunting task given the sheer number of photographers in large Texas Cities like Dallas, Austin & San Antonio; A search of the Austin, Texas Yellow Pages yields over 393 professional photographers alone! And let’s not forget the “weekend warrior” photographer, who operates off of the photography grid and whose numbers can only be estimated. So how does a bride find the right photographer in a sea of wedding vendors? Here are some suggestions:

1. Referral = 1st hand experience. If you know someone who got married recently then make this your first lead. Check out the photographer’s website or portfolio and talk to bride/groom who hired them. If you like a particular photographer’s work and he/she gets a favorable review, make an appointment to meet with them. If you like a photographers work that you’ve found elsewhere, don’t be afraid to ask for references.

2. Pick a photographer based on his/her style. If you like his/her photos from past weddings, then you’ll probably like the photos they capture at your wedding! Find out what is the photographer’s primary style? Traditional posed shots? Candid or artistic? Photojournalistic? Other? Then decide which style you like best.

3. Try not to meet with too many photographers. Ideally you will want to select less than 5 wedding photographers in your area whose style you like and who are in your price range (don’t be afraid to ask this question when telephoning). Meeting with too many photographers will get confusing and will likely be counterproductive to your search.

4. Do you like the photographer you met with? This is the person that will be following you around for hours photographing you, your fiance and family/friends on your big day. Be sure it’s someone that you feel at ease with; otherwise your uneasiness will show up in the photos.

5. Ask to see images from an entire wedding (start to finish). Just about anyone can put together a slideshow of good pictures they have taken over the years. But a professional wedding photographer can capture great photos from every segment of a single wedding – bride dressing beforehand, ring exchange, kiss, formals, 1st dance, bouquet toss, etc.

6. Request a wedding day photo schedule. One element (possibly the most important) of wedding photography that is frequently overlooked is the Wedding Day Photo Schedule, which details when shooting begins/ends (i.e., number of coverage hours), who will be photographed during formal photos and provides a specific time line for each wedding event that will be photographed. If the photographer doesn’t provide one, then request it – it will be invaluable.

7. Is there a limit to the number of photos captured? Find out how many photos the photographer estimates will be captured on wedding day and how many photos will be provided after image selection/editing. Most photographers who use digital cameras can give you an estimate based on the number of hours of coverage provided at the wedding.

8. Do you get a CD with full-sized images? Many photographers are reluctant to provide you images from your wedding on CD, even though you may pay them handsomely for covering the event. Ask about getting the images on CD and if this costs extra.

9. Inquire about back-up cameras and equipment. Does the photographer you are meeting with have back up equipment in the case that his/her equipment malfunctions or fails? Professionals will frequently have on hand 2-3 cameras, numerous lenses, and at least 2 of everything else. Wedding photographers always have to be prepared for the unexpected!

10. Beware of inexpensive photographers. The old saying “you get what you pay for” is applicable when it comes to wedding photography. If someone posting on Craig’s List offers to shoot your wedding for $250, it’s probably b/c they are new to photography. If your wedding budget doesn’t allow you to hire a professional and you think that photographs from wedding day aren’t that important, then hiring an amateur may be OK. However, if images from the big day are important to you, then don’t skimp on photography; hire an experienced professional. You’ll be glad you did.

Sources:

1. www.yellowpages.com/categories/Austin-TX/photography, 2009.

Martin Whitton is a professional wedding photojournalist who lives and works in Austin, Texas.
Email: martin@mwwphoto.com

Author: Martin Whitton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Apr 11

Have you ever thought that you can actually help your wedding photographer help you get fantastic photographs? Yes, you read that correctly. You actually have some control over how wonderful your pictures can turn out. And, by following the steps outlined below, you will know how to maximize your photographer’s potential at your wedding.

1. Create a detailed timeline of your wedding day. Nothing helps your wedding photographer out more than knowing exactly how your special day will progress. This allows your photographer to “be at the right place at the right time” and capture the moments in their best light.

2. Get the church rules. Your photographer needs to know if he/she will need to abide by any rules during your ceremony. There may be certain rules like no flash photography, as well as distance restrictions to the alter. If there are restrictions that prevent the photographer from getting up close shots, recreations of the ring exchange and first kiss can be planned and captured right after the ceremony.

3. Ask your wedding photographer to attend your wedding rehearsal. Once again, this preparation will help your photographer, especially if they have never photographed a wedding at your location.

4. Provide your photographer with a list of your “must have shots”. If you know there are some photographs that you absolutely must have, make a list and give them to your photographer. Don’t miss out on any priceless moments.

5. Gather together any wedding magazine images that you love. Found any beautiful images in a wedding magazine? Tear them out! Show your wedding photographer these images and ask if he/she can recreate the shot. If you have an engagement or bridal photography session scheduled, this could be a great opportunity to try it.

6. Clear the path for your photographer. Will you have family and friends who will also be photographing or video recording your wedding? It is wonderful to have so many people capturing your wedding, right? Absolutely! Just make sure that everyone is aware of your photographer and videographer. This means giving them enough space to navigate and shoot those must have moments.

Getting fantastic photographs is all about planning. The more information you arm your photographer with, the more prepared they can be. This does require a little extra work on your part, however, when you look back at your photographs you will be pleased that you did. Good luck!

James Eisenlohr is a Houston wedding photographer and owner of Nubia Photography, LLC.

Visit their blog for more great information including wedding photography tips, wedding advice and wedding vendors.

“We turn the blink of an eye into a memory for life.” – Nubia Photography, LLC

Author: James Eisenlohr
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Apr 9

Chances are if you are in the Chicagoland area or the surrounding suburbs you are expecting to have to fork up an arm and a leg for a local Chicago wedding photographer to photograph your wedding day. No matter where you are located, the decision factors should stay the same.

Your Photography Studio Choices

Today, there are many studios that specialize in event photography. They range from small one-man home studios to multiple franchise-type operations. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and both range greatly in price. Your first decision to be made is if you want an individual photographer or a larger multi photographer studio to photograph your wedding.

Advantages & Disadvantages of different types of photography studios.

One reason you may opt for hiring the independent photographer is because they are known to put personal care and attention to detail into their work. However this is not guaranteed to be the case. The best reason to have a one-man operation shoot your wedding would be because a friend referred him or her and you love his/her work. If a friend or family member did not refer this photographer for you, check for references or online reviews. The disadvantages of a one-man studio are that you are not guaranteed to have the security that a larger, more established studio may have. It is extremely important that you make sure the photographer has back-up equipment and a back-up photographer in case something unforeseen comes up and the photographer cannot make it to your wedding. It is very important that you read the contract to make sure that you will get all your money back in the case that no photographer ends up showing up.

The main advantage of hiring a larger, multiple photographer type studio to shoot your wedding is security. They have the experience of running a business to keep customers happy as well as the responsibility of their photographers. Your money is usually safer (larger business cannot just take off so quickly). They usually guarantee a substitute photographer in case something happens to your assigned photographer and should always guarantee that their photographers carry back-up equipment. Disadvantages of a large studio can be lack of attention that a one-man operation can offer. It is really best to try to find a wedding photography studio that can provide you the security of a large studio with the friendliness and attention of a small studio.

Never assume that the price you pay is in any way related to the quality of the photography.

The quality of the photography itself, strictly depends on the photographer. It makes no matter if it is an independent photographer or a photographer from a large studio. You are never guaranteed to have a better one at either operation. Always ask to see a sample wedding of the work of the photographer you are hiring.

Quite often the most expensive studios are only so expensive because they have to pay so much in advertising to keep up their “high-end” photography business. Though it varies from state to state, here in the Chicagoland area, wedding photographers charge very high prices on their wedding packages. They also have huge overhead costs as they have to pay for many employees and high rent. Keep in mind, it could very well be that the individual artist photographer will shoot weddings for a lot less because he is more interested in being an artist than in running a business. In other words, expensive does not necessarily mean better! Whatever you decide, the most important thing is to make sure the company you choose is a reputable, established photography studio.

This article was written by Ian Goodwin. Ian is a photographer and author for Chicago wedding photography studio, Jolie Images. Jolie Images is Chicagoland’s & Illinois’ top quality, low priced wedding photography studio that is committed to giving brides & grooms beautiful, affordable wedding photography.

Author: Ian Goodwin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Apr 5

So you’ve narrowed down your selection of potential wedding photographers. You’ve now got to decide between two or three. You like their work and they have similar rates and packages. But you still aren’t sure who to hire. What else can you do to help make your decision? Contact the photographers who made it to your ‘short list’ and ask them some key questions…

The rates are important, yes and of course you’ll want to inquire about them. But once you’ve got a fairly clear idea of the amount you can expect to pay, there are several other things you should make sure of as well…

The first and maybe most important question you’ll want to ask: Does the photographer provide you with a detailed shot-list to fill out prior to your wedding?

This list is invaluable for you and for your photographer. On this list, you’ll fill out the names of the wedding party and family members so your photographer knows who is who, without you having to take time from your wedding day to make extra introductions.

Then you fill out information about the various shots you want. Do you want photos of the wedding party getting ready? Bridal party and groom’s party? Do you want family photos before and after the ceremony? Do you want photos of the cake cutting and the signing of the legal documents? How much time are you allotting for each activity?

All of these details (and more) can be arranged with your photographer weeks or months in advance by filling out this shot list. This ensures you and your photographer both know what to expect and how much time you have for each location and activity. Things go so much more smoothly when those things are worked out ahead of time!

Another important question to ask your potential photographer: If you hire them, will they give you a free consultation before your wedding date?

The answer to this should always be yes. Whether it’s in person or by telephone, at least a few days prior to your wedding, you and your photographer should have a one-on-one discussion about the kinds of photos you envision for your wedding day. Especially if you plan on having formal/posed shots of the bride and groom alone. Where would you like to do those? Would you like them to be posed, or would you like something more casual? Do you have any special ideas in mind? These are things that are best discussed in person with the photographer so you can both be clear about your vision and your needs for your wedding photography.

A question that should definitely be a deciding factor in who you hire, is: How soon after your wedding can you expect to receive your photos? Anything under 30 days is reasonable. More than 30 days is not.

A few other things you may want to ask about as well:

Does the photographer have portable lighting in case of bad weather or in case of a dim, indoor location? You want to be sure to hire someone who is prepared for any eventuality.

Do they work in digital or film or both? These days, most photographers work strictly in digital, so you’d think you wouldn’t even need to ask. But occasionally a photographer will use both and you may want to specify this just in case there’s an extra charge for whatever they shoot in film.

A VERY important thing to make sure of before hiring any kind of service supplier for your wedding – including your photographer – is if they provide a contract and invoices and/or receipts. Don’t hire anyone who doesn’t provide you with some form of documentation for your transactions. Contracts and invoices/receipts are for your benefit and protection just as much as they are for the tradespeople and service suppliers you hire.

Always, ALWAYS make sure you get a signed contract upon paying any deposit fee.

Which reminds me… You should also ask your potential photographer if they require a booking fee/deposit. A professional photographer will require this, so expect them to say yes. The average professional photographer doesn’t tend to charge more than $500 for a deposit, often a bit less. This deposit guarantees the photographer’s availability for your date and time.

Make sure that the booking fee is refunded from the total sum agreed upon for your wedding photography contract.

And you should ask when you’re expected to pay the entire sum for your wedding photography. Some photographers invoice you after your wedding, some require full payment by the day of. Either is acceptable, but more often than not, you’ll be expected to make the full payment on or before your wedding day. This applies to paying videographers as well.

One last thing you might want to ask is if Photoshop image re-touching is included in the photographer’s rates or if they charge extra for that? It’s something that should be included; charging an additional fee for re-touching is a bit unscrupulous.

In this age of digital photography, Photoshop (or an equivalent program) is exactly like a darkroom. Contrast and colour are corrected and adjusted. Blemishes are removed, focus is sharpened, effects can be added, images can be produced in black and white as well as colour.

Making these adjustments to photos is all part of a professional photographer’s job and you should not be expected to pay extra money for this service. If someone doesn’t include this service in their photography rates, I would recommend that you hire someone else who does.

Now that you’ve asked these questions, you can base your decision on the answers you get from the photographers you’re considering hiring. And you should expect a conscientious photographer to ask you some questions too.

Tamea Burd is a professional photographer based in Vancouver BC. She specializes in wedding photography and portrait photography. Visit her website Tamea Burd Photography

Author: Tamea Burd
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Apr 3

Selecting somebody for a very personal, and (hopefully) once in a lifetime job needn’t be stressful chore. By allowing time and by adequately preparing, you can make sure that you’ve done all that is reasonably within your power to make the right choice.

The challenge

You only have one chance, just one day to make everything work, and it involves the photographer working with and getting the best out of a large number of potentially chaotic variables including the weather, the location / the venue, the guests, and of course you and your partner!

So what variables do you, the potential bride or groom need to deal with in advance, to make sure you can select a photographer who can comfortably rise to the challenge, delight you with their service, and provide you with lasting good feelings about and memories of the wedding experience?

THE CHECKLIST

Here’s a general checklist that you might want to use as a basis for the selection of your wedding photographer:

Initial Sweep and Selection

Wedding photographers will advertise locally, but if you can get a recommendation from a good friend or member of the family, then all the better. Websites can also provide a good way to view some of the photographer’s work, gather some useful information, and perhaps read some testimonials.

The main thing to remember is to try and set up a meeting where you can ask questions face to face, and see some good, recent examples of their work.

The Timescales

Good wedding photographers have a busy schedule so try and book them a long time in advance of the wedding date.

You will need to find out how long the wedding photographer intends to stay at the wedding and reception.

It’s also worth finding asking how long it will be after the wedding before the proofs will be available for you to look at.

The Person

When you meet your prospective photographer(s), you will get a good impression of whether you and your family will be able to get along with them, whether they are helpful and approachable, and whether you can have any kind of rapport with them – this will be important on your wedding day.

If possible, make sure the photographer is presentable and tidy.

If they have any references you can read, ask to see them.

A good wedding photographer should be able to anticipate and be immediately forthcoming about the main things you want to ask and know about the whole process – this will be sign of experience.

The Experience

Find out whether the prospective photographer is a wedding specialist, how long they’ve been a wedding photographer and roughly how many weddings have they been the photographer for / how frequently . These points will give a good indication of whether you’re on the right track.

It’s also worth finding out whether they have experience of your particular wedding location and venues, and whether they can work well with any other parties who may be involved e.g. caterers or co-ordinators.

Style, Scope and Appearance

Choose a photographer who can shoot well in the style(s) that you would like e.g. traditional or reportage. Make sure they can produce a good selection of photos within the chosen style e.g. portraits, groups, formal, close up, mid distance, full length etc. If you require any effects e.g. sepia, make sure the photographer can accommodate your requests.

The Quality

Find out if the prospective photographer is a member of a society / association e.g. the Guild of Wedding Photographers, if they have a professional qualification, any photographic awards or special recognition (particularly for wedding photography) – these are good signs. Also, find out what if any guarantee they can offer on their work.

The Evidence

Seek physical evidence to help back up any claims. Ultimately though, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Their photographs will speak a thousand words. Look a selection of their wedding photos. Make sure they can offer a selection from more than one wedding, and make sure you can see photos from a single wedding too i.e. make sure your chosen photographer can tell the ‘story’ of your day in pictures.

Check whether the people in the photos are smiling, look happy and relaxed. Make sure the people are very much in the foreground of the photos where they need to be.

The Backup

Is there any? Does the photographer intend to use an assistant? What if somebody needs to cancel? What are the insurance arrangements if something goes wrong with the pictures? You may not want to think of these things but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The Viewing & Choosing

Check what the arrangements are once the pictures have been taken. You are bound to want to view them soon after the wedding so check how will you be able to do this e.g. will they be on a website in an online gallery, will they be on contact sheets? How easily can the viewing and choosing be done? Will they help you to choose?

Pricing, Ordering and What You Actually Get

Find out exactly what you are getting – what is the ‘contract’ likely to cover? Agree on the package e.g. the number of photos and the album they’ll be presented in. Find out if there are any extra fees e.g. travel fees, overtime fees. Make sure you’re familiar with the payment policy, arrangement and timescales.

Find out the arrangements and prices for re-ordering, duplicate prints, albums, photos, enlargements etc.

Contact and meet more than one photographer if you can, and make sure you’re matching like with like when looking at the quotes.

In Conclusion

It’s worth spending the time now being thorough and asking the right questions when it comes to finding the person to record the ‘story’ of your wedding day in the way you’d like to remember it. If your selection process is good enough to find someone with the right balance of personality, the ability to work with people, a caring attitude, experience and technical skill, you’ll be more able to relax and enjoy your day, safe in the knowledge that you’re happy memories will be beautifully represented and enhanced by your wedding photographs.

Wedding Photographer Kent
Photographer kent
Wedding Photographers Kent

Author: Paul Stradling
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Humorous photo captions

Apr 3

Selecting somebody for a very personal, and (hopefully) once in a lifetime job needn’t be stressful chore. By allowing time and by adequately preparing, you can make sure that you’ve done all that is reasonably within your power to make the right choice.

The challenge

You only have one chance, just one day to make everything work, and it involves the photographer working with and getting the best out of a large number of potentially chaotic variables including the weather, the location / the venue, the guests, and of course you and your partner!

So what variables do you, the potential bride or groom need to deal with in advance, to make sure you can select a photographer who can comfortably rise to the challenge, delight you with their service, and provide you with lasting good feelings about and memories of the wedding experience?

THE CHECKLIST

Here’s a general checklist that you might want to use as a basis for the selection of your wedding photographer:

Initial Sweep and Selection

Wedding photographers will advertise locally, but if you can get a recommendation from a good friend or member of the family, then all the better. Websites can also provide a good way to view some of the photographer’s work, gather some useful information, and perhaps read some testimonials.

The main thing to remember is to try and set up a meeting where you can ask questions face to face, and see some good, recent examples of their work.

The Timescales

Good wedding photographers have a busy schedule so try and book them a long time in advance of the wedding date.

You will need to find out how long the wedding photographer intends to stay at the wedding and reception.

It’s also worth finding asking how long it will be after the wedding before the proofs will be available for you to look at.

The Person

When you meet your prospective photographer(s), you will get a good impression of whether you and your family will be able to get along with them, whether they are helpful and approachable, and whether you can have any kind of rapport with them – this will be important on your wedding day.

If possible, make sure the photographer is presentable and tidy.

If they have any references you can read, ask to see them.

A good wedding photographer should be able to anticipate and be immediately forthcoming about the main things you want to ask and know about the whole process – this will be sign of experience.

The Experience

Find out whether the prospective photographer is a wedding specialist, how long they’ve been a wedding photographer and roughly how many weddings have they been the photographer for / how frequently . These points will give a good indication of whether you’re on the right track.

It’s also worth finding out whether they have experience of your particular wedding location and venues, and whether they can work well with any other parties who may be involved e.g. caterers or co-ordinators.

Style, Scope and Appearance

Choose a photographer who can shoot well in the style(s) that you would like e.g. traditional or reportage. Make sure they can produce a good selection of photos within the chosen style e.g. portraits, groups, formal, close up, mid distance, full length etc. If you require any effects e.g. sepia, make sure the photographer can accommodate your requests.

The Quality

Find out if the prospective photographer is a member of a society / association e.g. the Guild of Wedding Photographers, if they have a professional qualification, any photographic awards or special recognition (particularly for wedding photography) – these are good signs. Also, find out what if any guarantee they can offer on their work.

The Evidence

Seek physical evidence to help back up any claims. Ultimately though, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Their photographs will speak a thousand words. Look a selection of their wedding photos. Make sure they can offer a selection from more than one wedding, and make sure you can see photos from a single wedding too i.e. make sure your chosen photographer can tell the ‘story’ of your day in pictures.

Check whether the people in the photos are smiling, look happy and relaxed. Make sure the people are very much in the foreground of the photos where they need to be.

The Backup

Is there any? Does the photographer intend to use an assistant? What if somebody needs to cancel? What are the insurance arrangements if something goes wrong with the pictures? You may not want to think of these things but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The Viewing & Choosing

Check what the arrangements are once the pictures have been taken. You are bound to want to view them soon after the wedding so check how will you be able to do this e.g. will they be on a website in an online gallery, will they be on contact sheets? How easily can the viewing and choosing be done? Will they help you to choose?

Pricing, Ordering and What You Actually Get

Find out exactly what you are getting – what is the ‘contract’ likely to cover? Agree on the package e.g. the number of photos and the album they’ll be presented in. Find out if there are any extra fees e.g. travel fees, overtime fees. Make sure you’re familiar with the payment policy, arrangement and timescales.

Find out the arrangements and prices for re-ordering, duplicate prints, albums, photos, enlargements etc.

Contact and meet more than one photographer if you can, and make sure you’re matching like with like when looking at the quotes.

In Conclusion

It’s worth spending the time now being thorough and asking the right questions when it comes to finding the person to record the ‘story’ of your wedding day in the way you’d like to remember it. If your selection process is good enough to find someone with the right balance of personality, the ability to work with people, a caring attitude, experience and technical skill, you’ll be more able to relax and enjoy your day, safe in the knowledge that you’re happy memories will be beautifully represented and enhanced by your wedding photographs.

Wedding Photographer Kent
Photographer kent
Wedding Photographers Kent

Author: Paul Stradling
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: US Dollar credit card

Apr 3

Selecting somebody for a very personal, and (hopefully) once in a lifetime job needn’t be stressful chore. By allowing time and by adequately preparing, you can make sure that you’ve done all that is reasonably within your power to make the right choice.

The challenge

You only have one chance, just one day to make everything work, and it involves the photographer working with and getting the best out of a large number of potentially chaotic variables including the weather, the location / the venue, the guests, and of course you and your partner!

So what variables do you, the potential bride or groom need to deal with in advance, to make sure you can select a photographer who can comfortably rise to the challenge, delight you with their service, and provide you with lasting good feelings about and memories of the wedding experience?

THE CHECKLIST

Here’s a general checklist that you might want to use as a basis for the selection of your wedding photographer:

Initial Sweep and Selection

Wedding photographers will advertise locally, but if you can get a recommendation from a good friend or member of the family, then all the better. Websites can also provide a good way to view some of the photographer’s work, gather some useful information, and perhaps read some testimonials.

The main thing to remember is to try and set up a meeting where you can ask questions face to face, and see some good, recent examples of their work.

The Timescales

Good wedding photographers have a busy schedule so try and book them a long time in advance of the wedding date.

You will need to find out how long the wedding photographer intends to stay at the wedding and reception.

It’s also worth finding asking how long it will be after the wedding before the proofs will be available for you to look at.

The Person

When you meet your prospective photographer(s), you will get a good impression of whether you and your family will be able to get along with them, whether they are helpful and approachable, and whether you can have any kind of rapport with them – this will be important on your wedding day.

If possible, make sure the photographer is presentable and tidy.

If they have any references you can read, ask to see them.

A good wedding photographer should be able to anticipate and be immediately forthcoming about the main things you want to ask and know about the whole process – this will be sign of experience.

The Experience

Find out whether the prospective photographer is a wedding specialist, how long they’ve been a wedding photographer and roughly how many weddings have they been the photographer for / how frequently . These points will give a good indication of whether you’re on the right track.

It’s also worth finding out whether they have experience of your particular wedding location and venues, and whether they can work well with any other parties who may be involved e.g. caterers or co-ordinators.

Style, Scope and Appearance

Choose a photographer who can shoot well in the style(s) that you would like e.g. traditional or reportage. Make sure they can produce a good selection of photos within the chosen style e.g. portraits, groups, formal, close up, mid distance, full length etc. If you require any effects e.g. sepia, make sure the photographer can accommodate your requests.

The Quality

Find out if the prospective photographer is a member of a society / association e.g. the Guild of Wedding Photographers, if they have a professional qualification, any photographic awards or special recognition (particularly for wedding photography) – these are good signs. Also, find out what if any guarantee they can offer on their work.

The Evidence

Seek physical evidence to help back up any claims. Ultimately though, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Their photographs will speak a thousand words. Look a selection of their wedding photos. Make sure they can offer a selection from more than one wedding, and make sure you can see photos from a single wedding too i.e. make sure your chosen photographer can tell the ‘story’ of your day in pictures.

Check whether the people in the photos are smiling, look happy and relaxed. Make sure the people are very much in the foreground of the photos where they need to be.

The Backup

Is there any? Does the photographer intend to use an assistant? What if somebody needs to cancel? What are the insurance arrangements if something goes wrong with the pictures? You may not want to think of these things but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The Viewing & Choosing

Check what the arrangements are once the pictures have been taken. You are bound to want to view them soon after the wedding so check how will you be able to do this e.g. will they be on a website in an online gallery, will they be on contact sheets? How easily can the viewing and choosing be done? Will they help you to choose?

Pricing, Ordering and What You Actually Get

Find out exactly what you are getting – what is the ‘contract’ likely to cover? Agree on the package e.g. the number of photos and the album they’ll be presented in. Find out if there are any extra fees e.g. travel fees, overtime fees. Make sure you’re familiar with the payment policy, arrangement and timescales.

Find out the arrangements and prices for re-ordering, duplicate prints, albums, photos, enlargements etc.

Contact and meet more than one photographer if you can, and make sure you’re matching like with like when looking at the quotes.

In Conclusion

It’s worth spending the time now being thorough and asking the right questions when it comes to finding the person to record the ‘story’ of your wedding day in the way you’d like to remember it. If your selection process is good enough to find someone with the right balance of personality, the ability to work with people, a caring attitude, experience and technical skill, you’ll be more able to relax and enjoy your day, safe in the knowledge that you’re happy memories will be beautifully represented and enhanced by your wedding photographs.

Wedding Photographer Kent
Photographer kent
Wedding Photographers Kent

Author: Paul Stradling
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty rates

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