5 Top Tips for Cheaper Wedding Photos

A wedding is a wonderful occasion, both for the happy couple, and their friends and family. When you look at the amount of expense that goes into that one day, however, you may think it causes more misery financially than it does happiness on the day itself. Last year, the average US couple spent $20k on their wedding, with the average in the UK being far higher at a whopping £20k, or $38k. That’s probably the most expensive day you’ll ever have (unless you one day throw a winning lottery ticket in the wash). And with the credit crunch showing no signs of easing, prospective brides and grooms are actively looking for ways to cut costs without spoiling the magic of their special day. Couples are cutting down guest lists, asking for friends and family to help out instead of hiring caterers, DJs and videographers, and brides are increasingly considering pre-worn wedding dresses. Yet the photography is one area few are prepared to compromise on, and with good reason. Your wedding pictures are one of the few lasting memories you have from that all too fleeting day, and of course it’s something you’d want done perfectly and in style. I’ve put together my 5 top tips for how to find a fantastic wedding photographer without breaking the bank.

 

1. Making the best of Google

The majority of modern wedding photographers have their own websites, and one of the most common ways of finding them is via search engines like Google. However with competition being so fierce it’s not hard for prospective brides and grooms to miss out on some really special and talented photographers by not looking far enough when searching. Do not make the mistake of not going beyond the first page of results or the top few sponsored links in Google. Make sure you spend time going deep into the search results and coming up with a shortlist of photographers in your budget so you can really compare a range of styles and options. Additionally use specialist search terms like “black and white”, “reportage”, etc, as well as looking for wedding photographers from other towns within a couple of hundred miles from you, as most are happy to travel. For example for my wedding I not only searched for “Wedding Photographer in Brighton” – we also looked at other surrounding areas such as Kent, Hampshire, London and Surrey.

 

2. Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Gone are the days when your wedding photographer had to develop their own prints in a darkroom – its all digital now. Which means that the wedding photographer prices are a lot more simple now too. So I’m amazed that so many photographers still charge their customers an extra fee for each print on top of the booking! Always look for photographers willing to give you all the images from the day on CD. That way you can get prints done at a fraction of the cost at your local photo printing lab.

 

3. Albums and Extras: Do It Yourself!

With digital photography the era of the traditional wedding photo album has passed. Today you have stylish wedding photography books are a big hit with most couples – but the problem is if you go through your photographer these will often cost you an arm and a leg. However if you can spare the time and energy, it’s possible to design and create very stylish photobooks yourself, and get them printed at a relatively tiny cost. Ditto when it comes to canvas prints or blow up posters really – as long as you have high quality original image files from your photographer, you can pretty much do it all yourself!

 

4. Be Wary of Wedding Photography Scams

I have heard so many stories of unfortunate couples who have been taken in by unscrupulous con artists posing as wedding photographers. These swindlers will poach couples with cheap prices and slick sales pitches, receive their deposits or even full booking payments and then never be heard from again. It breaks my heart to hear about this sort of thing. The thing is, if you’re vigilant they’re pretty easy to spot and avoid. Firstly, ensure that any payment of deposits or fees are done via bank transfer – its the most secure method of payment, and can be traced and reversed in the event of a problem. And be sure to get a proper contract from the photographer which makes clear what you are getting and what you are paying for – this provides protection to the couple. Finally, and probably most importantly, the phrase “constant vigilance” applies here – go and visit the photographer before money changes hands, make sure you see examples of their work and ask questions about how everything will work – a good photographer will put your fears to rest.

 

5. Dont be Overzealous in Your Moneysaving Crusade!

Now this one may sound counter-intuitive when it comes to ‘credit crunch weddings’ but I feel it’s an important one. In your quest to cut your wedding budget don’t go too far! It’s worth repeating that out of all the services you pay for on your wedding day, the photography is quite possibly the most important to get right. There are hundreds of amateur and inexperienced ‘photographers’ out there who are trying their luck as a side income. Judging from their prices alone you’d think you’ve struck gold. But sometimes the biggest bargains can be found by going up one price point. Remember that if you don’t look at your photographer’s work and go “wow” what is the point in spending all that money on a professional?

Truro Wedding Photographer Gives 10 Top Tips

Being a wedding photographer on the bride and grooms big day is a huge responsibility.  Heres some tips on making it go well.

1) Make sure you have a pre-defined list of pictures you are going to take. Check out the location ibeforehand and know where you want to position people for the best shots. Involve the bride and groom and ask their opinions on where they might like their photos taken and in what syle.

2) Speak to the best man. Weddings can deviate from the pre-agreed arrangements and its important therefore to have a point of contact with the best man or wedding co-ordinator to help arrange groups and keep things in order. The last thing you should do is ask the bride and groom to help round people up for group shots.

3) Be prepared, very prepared. So much can go wrong so make sure you have a spare camera, batteries, SD cards etc. Request a detailed itinerary from the best man and attend any rehearsals.

4) Remember the little things. Intimate pictures of the rings, order of service, flowers etc can often be as powerful and appreciated as the typical portrait shots.

5) Pre plan the group shots. It can be hard to take shot of a large group of people. Know in advance where and how this will be done e.g. take ladders if need be.

6) Be creative. It can be all too easy to take the expected portrait and group shots and the end results can be boring photos. Take informal shots, mix with the wedding guests and be alert for interesting opportunities that present themselves.

7) Dont automatically delete shots that are not perfect. With digital cameras the temptation exists to delete everything that wasnt a perfect shot. Very often you may be deleting some of the most interesting pictures.

Consider using an additional photographer. This can take the pressure off and sometimes 2 different perspectives will make for a better set of results.

9) Perfect shooting in different lighting conditions. You may be shooting in a dark church where flash photography isn’t allowed or at a reception room that has no natural light. Make sure you know how to bounce a flash or diffuse it to get great results.

10) Be confident. At some point in the day you will be running the show and must be able to communicate effectively and calmly with people. Being shy isnt an option.

Written by Marten Holmes, a professional wedding photographer in Cornwall.

Recording Your Pregnancy Through Pictures

A hundred years ago when a woman was pregnant, it was called a confinement. Supposedly it was improper to appear pregnant in public. Yet birth and girth are a part of life and nothing to be ashamed of. Indeed, many future mothers are opting to record the special time with pictures. Photographers are even specializing in such pictures. But whether or not you have such pictures done professionally, these suggestions will still be helpful.

First, timing is everything. If you are going to hire a professional photographer to do it right, then you will probably want to schedule the appointment for about the 30th week. At that time, the belly is rounded and protruding enough to highlight the unique event.

Point two, try some creativity. Take some outside shots if the weather is warm. Indoor photos are best without a flash for the shadows highlight the subject, the belly! If the lighting is not enough, then stand by a window or accent the belly with artificial lighting.

Include the whole family in some shots. After all, older siblings are part of the family. They could all be touching Mom’s abdomen or frame her in the middle of the group. Children like to act up and get attention so, if you hire a photographer, be sure they are good at getting the kids to cooperate, to be serious but not too serious.

If you are going to cover your abdomen, wear tight clothing, like something that fit six months ago. Such will highlight the changes that have taken place during these thirty weeks. Some women want their belly bare in the picture. Just don’t wear something that would make you embarrassed after the birth.

When planning the picture, look forward and look around. First, look around to be sure that your background is what you want. If something is there you don’t want recorded, either move to a different location or cover it with a sheet.

Secondly, look ahead. It may be the person who cherishes this picture the most in years to come is the one in the womb. Therefore, plan the picture with him or her in mind. It is the earliest shot of his hidden presence.

The final bit of advice is to choose a good photographer wisely. Yes, you could do it yourself, but since this child will only be 30 weeks old one time, you will probably want the occasion recorded professionally. Find a photographer who is experienced in taking maternity photography and who has the equipment to do it right. Ask friends whom they will recommend. Go in and chat with them to see if you are comfortable working with them. When all is in order, you will be glad you went to the trouble and expense to record this very special time.

Expressions Photography is the home of a reputable Virginia Beach Photographer who is experienced in expertly capturing your memories. Click the links to visit the site today and see galleries of her work as a Virginia Beach wedding photographer, in family settings, and beautiful portraits.

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