A photograph takes a moment in time and forever immortalizes it. Over the years, as it sits in an album or a frame on the wall, it never fails to brings back memories of love, happiness, and excitement. But wedding photography can easily end up costing thousands of dollars. Here are a few tips for couples who want to have beautiful but affordable wedding photography.
Choose A Professional Photographer
Although picking a friend with an artistic eye may seem like a good money-saving idea, it's more often than not, a sore disappointment for both parties. If the photographer is also a guest, special moments are either missed, or the friend doesn't enjoy the party. Sometimes, the wedding couple want the friend to get up close and move around in the church and during the reception, but the photographer may stay back, feeling unsure and uncomfortable. Picking a friend or family member will not guarantee professional photographs at a low price. In fact, it may result in unusable pictures and broken friendships.
Even with clear cut communication, someone who is not a professional photographer and has no experience shooting weddings will not know exactly what to do. Wedding photography has a distinct style. A commercial photographer, or one that works in a studio with carefully staged scenes will not have the skills necessary to get good photos.
Toronto wedding photographer David Merrow says: "Wedding photography is all about knowing when a moment is about to happen. Because if you're not ready, by the time you start shooting, that moment is gone. At workshops across North America, they teach you to start shooting from the hip. By the time you have brought the camera up to your eye, the good picture was already taken."
Picking a pro is a must. Going the whole nine yards is not necessary.
Save On Printing Costs
Most photographers offer prints and other little extras along with their services as part of a complete package. So, for a second photographer, a leather-bound album of 100 5x7 images, two parent-albums, 100 thank you cards, and an engagement session, couples are paying an additional couple thousand dollars. However, if asked, most photographers will customize a package to suit a couple`s needs.
It`s often cheaper for the couple to print the pictures out themselves at a local store and it doesn`t have to be done right away, either. Waiting a few months or even a year to develop wedding photographs is a great way to space out spending. In the meantime, couples should ask for a CD or DVD of non-watermarked, high-resolution images. Often the photographer will include a password-protected online gallery for family and friends to view the wedding photographs.
Yet even leaving out the second photographer and prints will sometimes not be enough.
Opting-Out of All-Day Coverage
Most couples, after browsing through photography website galleries, will have their heart set on a particular photographer, or a trendy style that requires a carefully trained eye. In this case, the last cutback that can be made is a reduction in the duration of time the photographer is present. Very good photographers can get away with high hourly fees because they take very good pictures. But with a bit of careful organization of the wedding day itinerary, the cost-effective couple can ensure they get all the pictures they want without making a dent in their wallet.
Friends or family are able to take pictures as the bride and groom get ready. If a photographer has to shuttle back and forth between two houses before the wedding has even begun, the hours will start to rack up. Time sensitive moments are best left up to the professional, anything that can be re-shot is fair game for amateur photographers. Booking the reception in proximity of the ceremony can also save time. It is also wise to select a park or garden location for additional photographs in near vicinity of the reception.
To maximize the time they've paid for, couples are encouraged to have their first dance as soon as the reception starts. Doing the speeches during dinner will save time and be less tedious for the guests, who will be busy eating, anyway. Toasting and cutting the cake before dessert is served will keep the photographer busy even during dinner. Finally, tossing the bouquet and garter right after everyone is finished eating will allow the photographer to go home early. Past a certain hour, one bride says: "You don't even want pictures of yourself anymore. You're tired, you've had a bit to drink, you sweat your makeup off. It's not particularly attractive."
Having professional-quality photographs does not have to be an unattainable luxury. With some smart planning, careful consideration and small sacrifices, any couple can have professional photographs and stay within their means.
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