Picture Perfect
A picture is worth a thousand words. Here’s how to make sure your wedding photos say all the right things.
Let’s be honest, did it even happen if there aren’t any pictures? The photo’s you take on your wedding day will be cherished forever, framed and hung in your home and gushed about on Instagram by friends and enemies alike (look at me now, high school bully!) – they are a pretty big deal! But like most things on your big day, it’s not entirely in your hands. That is why it’s so important to do the necessary planning, vetting and briefing before it’s time to smile for the camera.
PHOTO FACTORS
A lot of the successes of your photos come down to the planning and decisions you make beforehand. There are a few things couples need to think about before they even start contacting photographers. Couples should have a clear idea of what they want to spend and the look and feel they want from their wedding photos. But just because you know what you want doesn’t mean that every photographer will be able to do it for you. Keep in mind that every photographer has their own style, equipment and shooting preferences. If you don’t see what you want in a photographer’s current portfolio of work, keep looking.
TIME FOR A CLOSE UP
Even if a photographer’s work resonates with you. It doesn’t guarantee a perfect fit. Always have a meeting with a photographer before you book. It is important that couples and photographers get a feel for one another – the last thing you want on your wedding day is clashing personalities. You can also verify the legitimacy of a photographer and ensure you are not being scammed. A professional photographer should have a contact readily available and should be willing to discuss and clarify all points with you. Contracts protect both parties and stipulate all details, including the deliverables, costs and any other agreed upon factors – like how long the photographer will be shooting, when to expect your images and providing a meal for the photographer on the day.
CASH FOR CLICKS
Quality wedding photography is not cheap. It is advisable to set aside anything from R10 000 – R50 000, this is the area where you should be willing to spend money. These are the photos you will be looking at 30 years from now. Be wary of quotes that seem to good to be true. Photographers hire assistants (depending on your budget) who has to be paid, equipment and lighting is pricey, and editing is time consuming. Ask your photographer if they can be flexible – perhaps you don’t need fancy edits or equipment? Have a clear understanding of exactly what you are getting for your money and check that your contract includes this.
ZOOM IN ON THE DETAILS
But how do you ensure that your wedding photos best showcase the vibe and aesthetic you worked to achieve on the day? Luckily, with the right kinds of information and direction, a good photographer should be able to capture your vision. The finer details, like the wedding stationary and flowers, can say a lot about the feel of a wedding. If your wedding décor is quite rustic, your photographer might edit the photos to bring out the browns of the wood and use softer lighting , whereas if you are having a beach wedding, they may emphasise punchy colours to give it a summer feel.