I remember how overwhelming it was, at times, to plan our wedding: with every decision I completed, I found five new ones had cropped up. While some couples want to keep things simple, others (as I did) want to put all their creative energies into planning this special occasion. Most important, we all want to remember it for the rest of our lives as a joyous celebration of our vows, in the company of our friends and family.
That’s where photography comes in: it helps us remember. But, you might then ask, what kind of photography, and what kind of photographer, will I enjoy most? What package will best suit me, and what are the options in packages?
To help you sort through the myriad of options, here is a primer on the basics of wedding photography. There’s a lot to sort through. But if you find a good fit, you’ll enjoy looking through your wedding photos for years to come….
What styles of photography are there?
Traditional: Usually this means there are many posed shots of family, wedding party, and the standard events of the day, with some soft-focus filters thrown in during the ceremony. (Your parents’ album is most likely quite traditional.) Depending on the photographer, this can be elegant and classy coverage, or tired and repetitive.
Photojournalistic: A more recent trend in wedding photography, photojournalism covers everything from dressing to dancing, with limited formal or posed pictures. The aim is to tell the story of your day through exceptional images. Usually there is no limit to the amount of film shot, and this can result in a lovely record of all the little details of the day. "Photojournalistic" is a buzzword these days, that everybody has picked up on. But not every photographer is a photojournalist. Look at their work first: is it truly photojournalistic, or just traditional photography with the wrong title?
Combination/Alternative: Some photographers blend Photojournalism and Traditional coverage, shooting as many formals as you want, as well as documenting all the little details of the day at length. Some will vary the types of film and cameras shot, or add in digital special effects, shooting in color, black and white, and more. This is the type of exceptional work FritzPhoto offers its customers. We call it Storytelling Wedding Photography, and it is as exciting and unique as your wedding day.
What options and products are available?
Proofs/Prints: Did you know that proofs and prints are the same thing? Photography packages can include a full set of prints for you to keep, a partial set of prints, or no prints at all. (FritzPhoto includes a full set of prints for you to keep in all our packages.) Those who don't include prints for you to keep may either lend you a set of “proofs,” or a CD of low-resolution scans; you must then buy prints at additional cost. Thus, a full set of prints included in your package price (as FritzPhoto does) can easily be a $2500-$4500 value.
Reprints: Always check a photographer's reprint prices and policies. Some will offer you a bargain price to shoot your wedding, but include no prints in your package price. You may then discover that their reprint prices are high, and you may be required to place a minimum order of several hundred dollars! Also consider the types of prints you may want later: like FritzPhoto, some studios offer black & white or sepia-toned prints (that warm brownish tone you see in old photographs) as well as color prints.
Albums: Large, small, elaborate, simple, digital or traditional--there are about as many options as there are photographers. Check with the studios you’re considering to see if their albums suit your style. See if they give everyone the same type of album, or if you can choose what you want. Some, like FritzPhoto, will customize your album to suit your style, and create an heirloom you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Parents and close friends are also delighted to receive albums as gifts!
CDs: With the digital age have come all sorts of digital options: slide shows or DVDs with music and images, low-resolution digital proofs, screen savers, and more. FritzPhoto has a new product called the DVD Showcase; you choose your favorite music, and your favorite photographs, and we design a DVD video product that is a delight to watch, over and over again. This also makes a great gift for parents, coordinators, and close friends.
Websites: Wedding photography websites can be a fun and valuable option. You might divide them into two types: those you can order from, and those you can’t. Those you can order from allow your friends and family to view and order your wedding photos online from anywhere in the world, directly from the photographer-a nice option if you have friends and family from out of state or out of the country. Websites can also save you money, since you don’t have to ship your proofs off to your families, and people can purchase their own prints.
Negatives and Digital Files: Some photographers include negatives or digtial files in their packages, some will sell them for a fee, some won't sell them at all. While acquiring the negatives may save you a little money in reprint costs, keep in mind that you will have to organize and store several hundred images, sort out your own orders, and deal with the quirks of labs. Also consider that the quality of prints you end up with at “QuickiePhoto” won’t be as good as what your photographer gets from his professional lab. Furthermore, a photographer who is giving away the negatives is also giving away his motivation to take exceptional, reprint-quality images.
Color, Black & White, and Alternative Films: Both digital and film shooters will often offer the choice of color and/or black & white photos. For the more adventurous couple, some photographers will also offer alternative films, such as cross-processed and infrared, and some will offer hand-tinted or manipulated prints, all of which can add whimsy and flair to your album. Those who shoot digital can create these special effects later, and give them and you even more creative control over the final product.
Cameras: Does it matter if your photographer shoots medium format, 35mm, or digital? With the increased quality in professional films and digital cameras, the answer any more is pretty much: not really. Even huge enlargements from any of these formats will be quite good. These days, equipment and film quality are less important than how well a photographer uses them. Some photographers use little old cameras and do top-notch work, and others use top-notch medium format cameras and do sloppy work. In the end, to take a spin on Dizzy Gillespie, "If it looks good, it is good."
Engagement Portraits: An engagement portrait session can be a fun way to remember those months prior to your wedding. Some photographers will take the portraits in a studio, and others will travel with you to a favorite park or locale for even more personal images. Include a print with your invitations, publish one in the newspaper announcements, give one as a gift to your parents, include some in your wedding album.
Signature Mats or Books: Instead of having your guests sign a guestbook, have them sign the matboard surrounding one of your engagement photos. Once framed, it can be a daily reminder of your wedding day and those who attended. Many studios, like FritzPhoto, also offer albums with your engagement photos in them, for guests to sign as your guestbook!
Framed Wall Prints: Large prints can be made, elegantly mounted, and custom framed for you. Often your photographer can create beautiful effects or retouching, and you can even have prints mounted on canvas as if it were a painting. Enhance your living room (or your parents') with an artistic portrait of yourselves from your wedding day!
Booking: Booking early is always smart. Popular summer and fall dates book up very quickly for photographers--often a year ahead--so when you find the photographer you love, don't hesitate to book with him or her. Hesitating only means you'll probably lose your date, and have to settle for someone you weren't quite as excited about.
In conclusion…
Sorting through the multitude of photography offerings can be a little overwhelming. But armed with some good information and some good questions, you can find the right photographer to tell the story of your wedding day. We at FritzPhoto are always happy to answer your questions, and make the process smoother and more enjoyable. We believe an educated couple results in a happy couple.
Your memories are worth it!
