Say Cheese
Long after your wedding day is over, your photographs and video will provide lasting memories. With that in mind, you’ll want to make a specific list of the shots you want. After all, unless you tell them, the photographer and videographer will not know which friends flew in from out of town or the multi-generations of family present. Here’s a list of not-to-be-missed moments – plus a space to add your own special requests: 1. Before “I Do” * Bride getting dressed * Groom getting dressed * Bridesmaids taking care of finishing touches * Bride’s arrival at ceremony site * Special guests getting seated * Mothers/Fathers and grandparents led to their seats 2. “I Do” * Walking down the aisle * Specific ceremony moments * Ring exchange * Various shots of guests * Close-ups of musicians and vocalist * The kiss 3. After “I Do” * Exiting the service * Throwing rice/Releasing birds/Blowing bubbles * Stepping into limousine * Driving away * Arriving at reception site * Cutting cake * The first dance * Father-daughter dance * Mother-son dance * The toasts * Garter toss * Bouquet toss * Saying goodbye at reception * Driving away Questions to ask the photographer: Is the photographer I’ve interviewed the one who will shoot my wedding? Many studios employ a number of staff photographers. Make sure the one you interview – or the one whose portfolio you adore – is the one who will photograph your wedding. Can relatives or friends take photos at the wedding? Discuss this beforehand since some photographers may feel they’re competing for space when others are taking pictures during the wedding. How much film are you going to use on my wedding day? According to Bambi Cantrall, author of The Art of Wedding Photography, “If they give you a set number of rolls, scratch them off your list. Film is cheap enough nowadays that it shouldn’t be a concern. If a photographer is limiting himself to a set amount of shots, he can’t be creative.” Are you open to suggestions if I have particular kinds of images or effects I like? Beware of the photographer who is so “artistic” that he won’t listen to your ideas or suggestions. Remember that it’s your wedding day, not his. Do you charge extra for traveling to the wedding site? Ask enough questions – and the right questions — to uncover hidden fees. Unfortunately, many brides learn too late that they booked the photographer’s time, and nothing else. Ask what’s included and what’s not, and whether you must pay extra for the album or the photographs in it. What type of packages do you offer? What is the cost of each extra picture? When will we see the proofs? When do we see the final product?