Need your photo/video advice!

Knot Annie

Hey All,

I’m looking for your very specific planning tips for Photo & Video. We’ll use some of these in the magazine and your Knot name. We love the tip about getting to know your photographer and doing a first look.

what's yours?

Knot Annie

future-mrs

Photographer should be a very important detail of your wedding.  Don't break the bank but put a lot of thought into finding a photographer.  You'll be looking at the photos for the rest of your life.

Wmb0124

Research, research, research! There are so many photographers out there who offer different styles, packages, and prices. Figure out what your budget is, then research as many photographers as you can to detremine what is going to work for you. Many photographers have websites with their portfolios, so don't forget to look through those.

bmathews1747

The only person who doesn’t see the bride as she walks down the aisle is the bride! 

Does a picture allow you to hear your vows exchanged between you and your husband?  Is a picture of you holding hands at the altar enough or do you need more? Do you want to see that tear rolling down your husband’s cheek as he sees you for the first time in your wedding gown?  We don’t turn on the television to watch photos, and you don’t go to the movies to watch photos. 

Video becomes more important to a bride after her wedding.  It’s important to budget for both.  A good rule-of-thumb is to spend at least as much on your video as you do on your photos.

SE+MB

Make sure you have a list of "must-take" photos. Not only will it take the stress off you, but your photographer will appreciate it too.

mgietler76

Questions to ask:
How do you light dark interiors?
How many photographers will be shooting?
Will I own the rights to these photos?
Ask to see pictures of indoor pics (without the sun overhead creating beautil light)
Do they print their own pics or send them out?
Always check to see that they have a website and multiple listings on wedding sites for their services and check reviews.
Are they licensed?
What is the weather is bad?
Just a few my photgrapher Aunt suggested to me!

Nina9

Specifically ask your potential photographer to see shots taken in both natural outdoor light and with flash in a dark indoor environment.  The latter is much more challenging and could comprise a significant percentage of your wedding photographs, so make sure their flash work is strong!

jmartens22

If you aren't sure about a photographer, ask if he/she'll do a free engagment photoshoot to prove he/she is up to the task...many photogs will do that for you if they are confident with their work.  We found ours on Craigslist cause he was trying to branch out in business for himself (was working under someone else before) so had to build his portfolio.  After we saw his amazing engagment photos, we immediately booked him for our wedding.  And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pics he's posted so far - don't regret hiring him for a second.  If you can't get them to do a free shoot, at least meet with the people.  If you don't click with them, the pictures prob won't turn out as well because you won't be as comfortable.

Bride_to_be_2011

Trust your gut. If you click with your photog or videographer and you love the work, chances are they are a good fit.

Muffin'sMom

Photo:  the style is so important.  Look, Look, Look before you commit.  Make sure all the details are in the contract before you sign.  Make sure that in your contract is a Plan B, especially if your photographer is a solo act.

Video:  Put it in the budget.  My daughter will have the voices, the vows, the music, the laughter.  When I married many moons ago, I didn't do a video.  That day turned out to be the last time I ever saw my grandfather.  I have a photo of us dancing, but I would give anything to hear his voice, watch him laugh.  I should have spent the money!

morainemom

•Make sure that you schedule at least an hour after the ceremony for photos.
Have a cocktail reception for your guests and take that time to create lasting photographic memories!  You've planned a long time for your wedding, so allot enough time to get lots and lots of photos!

•Ask your photographer about a 2nd shooter - they will get shots from interesting angles.  They can also get lots of candids throughout the wedding day and night.

•Find out where the videographer plans on standing and taping while you walk down the aisle.  I.E. Will he be staning up in the the balcony of the Church and only getting the back of you and your Dad as you walk down the aisle instead of standing up at the front, by the altar.  Trust me - it sounds like a silly question, but I wish we would have known to ask that. 

•Before signing the contract with either the photographer and videgrapher, hunt for reviews for both.  Ask the brides on your local boards as well.  You might love their work on their websites, just make sure that their service and quality of work is consistently good.

barbbhoww

Don't skimp on a photog because they are cheaper, make sure you see ALL their past work.  I was upset i didn't get the "artsy" photos that a seasoned photog would take.

APW2010

When doing research to choose your photographer, remember that companies often have several. Make sure that the photos you loved on their website and their sample photobooks are taken by the same photographer who will be working with you on the day of your wedding.

CA2MT4EveR

Don't rely on a friend or family member who "has a nice camera" to take your photos.  1- you want them to be able to enjoy the day just as much as every other guest
2- if you do not like the quality of the pictures, you can't say much as it will harm your relationship
3- you may not know what to pay them or how to thank them

Many photogs are using Facebook pages nowadays to post their pictures.  Do a little research to see their styles and read their comments.  Their regular webpage may not hold as many photos and you may only get to see 20 of their really great ones, but find on their FB site the rest of their photos are mediocre. Also check to see that it is customers leaving comments, and not just friends and family of the business.