prints charming
Your wonderful day in photographs

Many couples say their wedding day goes by like a blur. If it weren’t for the photos, they might never remember the little details that made the day so special. Both newlyweds and those celebrating their golden anniversaries will tell you: In your planning efforts, from finding the ideal cake design to selecting memorable favors, don’t neglect photography.

After all, how else will you and yours remember the day you spent so much time planning? On anniversaries to come, it will be through photos that you’ll recall such heart-warming details as your first dance as husband and wife, how beautiful your friends were and how amazing that custom-designed cake looked. Since you can only live this special day once, you will need extraordinary photographs to capture it all.

The right photographer is essential in capturing those be- loved memories for you, and generations to come, to enjoy.

don’t lImIt your optIons Interview a minimum of three to five photographers. Sit down with each one and get a feel for his or her style, work ethic, reliability and portfolio. Per- sonalities do matter. Determine if this is someone you can work with, someone off whom you and yours can bounce ideas while feeling assured that what you want is what you’ll get. Be direct in asking if the photographer you interview is the one who will do the work, or will an associate take the job. Always review the work of the person who will do the photography.

consIder your photographer’s strengths and weaknesses, and how they impact your desired outcome. Don’t expect a photographer with a penchant for still or posed shots to suddenly break into a purely candid style. Instead, select a professional that excels in candid photography if that’s what you desire. If a mix of both styles is favored, find someone with a great deal of stylistic range, and remember the proof is in the, well, proof book.

fInd sample shots of what you and yours want from magazines and other helpful resources. Clip them out, and don’t be afraid to bring in a stack of photo samples to express what you’re looking for in the finished wedding album. As it is in mar- riage, open communication is key. Be sure to relay what events and which guests you want included as well. Be direct. If you want black and white, color, or even sepia-toned images, ask for those things up front so there are no surprises for you or your photographer.

The right photographer is essential in capturing those beloved memories for you, and generations to come, to enjoy.

put It In wrItIng Many photographers, if asked, prefer a thorough list of required shots. This not only helps them understand what you want, it also encourages you and yours to put some thought into the type of photographs you’ll treasure years from now. Don’t assume certain shots will be included. Put all desired shots down on paper to avoid miscommunication. And remember to apprise the pho- tographer of your family dynamics. For example, there may be a step-mom who would rather drop dead than be photographed standing next to the mother of the bride. A good photographer will know how to get the people who are important to you into the shots you want without ruffling any feathers.

draft a contract For the same reason that putting delineates the specifics of the required shots in writing is important, drafting a contract that resources. Clip them out, and don’t be afraid to bring in a stack of photo samples to express what you’re looking for in the finished wedding album. As it is in mar riage, open communication is key. Be sure to relay what events and which guests you want included as well. Be direct. If you want black and white, color, or even sepia-toned images, ask for those things up front so there are no surprises for you or your photographer.

seek out personal referrals Many photographers are more than willing to provide interested parties with lists of former clients and their contact information. Couples can and should utilize such lists, contact the clients for input about the photographer’s services and/or ability.

attend follow-up plannIng sessIons After the initial meeting. This will build a good rapport between the photogra- pher and you, ensuring better communication and results. The better the photographer gets to know a couple, the better he or she will be able to capture the memories they will cherish on their wedding day. Years from now, you’ll be glad you put the extra work into selecting just the right person(s) for this job.

Photography courtesy of:
(top & middle) Eyes 2 See Photography
(end) Sedona Bride