Previous: (Page 1) Choosing Photographer and Photo Packages...
But beware. According to Mark; an over-emphasis on the photojournalistic approach from a photographer can be a sign of an amateur. "These photos are the ones the average person can take", he says. "Some photographers do this very well. Just be sure your photographer can shoot this style professionally in an artistic way. Natural can work only when it's done well."
If, on the other hand, natural's not really your thing and you're a bit of a poser at heart, fashion style photos will be right up your aisle. "Fashion photos are glamorous by nature, meaning that their main appeal is the feel-good factor they generate", says Mark. "They may take a bit longer but these are the photos that people will stop and stare at and admire."
Your hubby, however, may not be so keen on them. "What you have to be careful of with fashion shots is that they're not so over-posed that people, especially the men, feel uncomfortable", says Hugh. "Nothing ruins a photo more than people who look like they don't want to be there, or a bride who can't quite pull it off."
Ok, so you don't have to be Naomi Campbell to have a fashion shot but it is best suited to those with some kind of natural allure. Vera Duckworth, for instance, might not pull it off. "Not everyone is cut out for fashion photos. These are the type of shots you see in magazines and movies. If you want this photography style, make sure you look your absolute best is all I'm saying! The camera can only lie so much!" Catherine laughs.
Strike a Pose
Of course, there are a few things you can do to help that camera along with less-then-magazine-idealism bodies; posing to perfection is one of them. So what should you do? Well, according to the experts, less is more.
Of course, there are a few things you can do to help that camera along with less-then-magazine-idealism bodies; posing to perfection is one of them. So what should you do? Well, according to the experts, less is more.
"Stand up straight", advises Mark. "It's a simple thing to do but it's the most important. Standing straight will make you appear taller and slimmer whereas slouching will do the opposite. Plus, you should hold your chin up and smile just over your shoulder." But, as Hugh points out, any posing should be done as natural as possible. "Any posing advice we give the bride should be taken on board but it shouldn't be done in an over-posed, calculated way. It should be done quickly and naturally." But don't worry if you're not as photogenic as you'd like - your photographer will give you advice and directions to help you look picture perfect. "I generally let guests take their photos of the bride first so as they're not crowding her and she can relax a bit", says Hugh. "Then I would give her some simple tips as I'm taking the shots, keeping her as comfortable as possible. As long as she's comfy and natural, the shots will look good."
Location Location
The most important thing when it comes to getting great photos of course is location, location, location. What should you be on the lookout for when choosing a venue that will photograph well?
Well, before the camera can be put into action, you need the lights and a well-lit area is an absolute must. "Light is the first thing to look for in choosing a location", advises Mark. "Photos need good natural lighting. That said though, you should also ensure there are places at the venue that offer shade if it's a very sunny day. Look for trees and canapés, anything that allows your photographer to manipulate light." In the event that you can't get one over on Mother Nature however, the most important thing to have is a Plan B. "One thing you have to have is options", says Catherine. "There's no point choosing a venue because of its beautiful gardens if the interior is awful. You can't count on the weather being glorious from start to finish. Find a place that's attractive and well-lit, both inside and out, and you'll be covered. Literally!"
Going Green
A final extra credit to consider, particularly during these globally warmed times, is going green. Eco-friendly photography is not a myth but a very real possibility. Modern photography generally dictates the use of digital equipment, ridding the industry of old-school film development which uses chemicals that are harmful to the environment. There are, however, a number eco-friendly elements to photography that to are less of a given and more up to you to seek out. So what to look for?
Firstly, when interviewing photographers check that they not only recycle their old equipment but that they power their cameras with rechargeable batteries. Disposable batteries sit in landfills damaging the earth, depleting the earth's resources in their making.
With natural resources in mind, consider paper. The use of recycled inkjet paper can go a long way towards saving those rainforests. "Recycled photographic paper is a possibility and comes in a range of different finishes", says Hugh. "That said, it has a short life expectancy so not many photographers use it."
What they do in the paper-saving department though is offer the client a chance to see all the images of their day in an eco-friendly form, prior to the printing process. "Many photographers give a preview C.D. of the images from which you can then choose the ones you want in the album", says Catherine. "This is much more eco-friendly, saving masses of paper that would otherwise go to waste."
Alternatively, they may give you a preview via a password-protected website. "This is becoming quite popular", says Catherine. "This means you can view the images and order the ones you like online which is much greener and easier for you."
Last but not least is album choice. Most photographers offer photo albums made in a range of different countries worldwide. Choosing an album made closer to home means a shorter transportation time, decreasing air pollution and your carbon footprint to boot.
Related Articles:
Back to Top