The Changing Face Of Wedding Photography

When your grandparents got married they may have had a few photographs taken of them that were then placed of walls or shelves. Possibly these photos were snapped by a friend or relatives and they may not have been very professional looking. They were probably black and white photos and may not have been of good quality. By the time your parents were getting married they may have had a selection of colored pictures taken. These photos were always posed and most were group pictures. These may have been put in a plastic album that they took out for family reunions and other occasions.

Are you wondering what options you will have for your wedding?

 Photography has come a long way since your parent’s day. You will not only have better equipment that will be used, your choice for photos; albums and even online sharing will be something grandma never imagined. Technology has changed so much in the last twenty five years. You will be glad that you are getting married in this age of high tech digital cameras. Your wedding photographer will know if they have captured the best shots of you in each frame. They will be able to keep snapping until they know that they have captured the proper shot. In the past, photographers had no way of telling if the picture they were taking was of good quality or not. They had to wait until the photographs were developed before they knew the results.

A photographer today will ask you what group pictures you would like to take at your wedding. This is a great idea because you won't want to miss having a picture with that favorite aunt. Photographers, however, now take more photos that are not posed. Your photographer will be constantly taking pictures, telling the story of your wedding day. Candid and random photos are often amazing and can capture the feeling and emotions of your important moments. Having videos of your wedding may not be necessary if your photographer takes a series of photographers depicting the complete picture of your wedding day. Many photographers are experts at this and a professional photo album can be made of your wedding. From getting ready to the throwing of the rice your wedding can be captured. 

Photography today is more exciting than ever. From digital cameras to new methods of putting these photos in albums, today's photography has come a long way from grandma’s day. You have great options to create memories that will last a lifetime take advantage of all of the possibilities.

You're Engaged! ~ Choosing A Wedding Date

The most commonly asked question you will hear when your friends and family are informed of your engagement is "When is the wedding?" Choosing a wedding date is very important because almost all of your wedding planning details will revolve around the date that you choose. Here are some things to take into consideration to help you pick a perfect date for your wedding. 

If you already know where you would like to have the ceremony and reception, you should call them and confirm what dates they have available. If you are set on a specific location, your wedding date will have to coincide with the availability of the location, especially if you have chosen a very popular location because these places tend to get booked very quickly.

Take into consideration what type of wedding you have in mind. For example, have you always dreamed of a beach wedding surrounded by the calming sounds of the ocean or a fall wedding with beautiful red and orange leaves in the background? You will have to choose a date that is appropriate in terms of temperature and seasons. In addition, if there is a particular style of dress that you have in mind, the time of year will influence your bridal attire choices.

Have you always wanted a wedding during a specific holiday such as Christmas? Christmas is a popular time because many wedding locations are already beautifully decorated at this time of year. However, getting ready for a wedding in addition to all the activities that occur during the Christmas holidays such as shopping, parties, wrapping gifts can be too much for some people.


Are there important people in your life that you feel must attend the wedding? While there will always be people who will not be able to make it, some people may be higher on your priority list than others. For example, if your maid of honor is giving birth the same month you choose to have your wedding, you may want to give her a little time after the birth to feel more comfortable in her bridesmaid dress. Or maybe your parents have a vacation already planned for the same time. Prevent scheduling conflicts as much as possible by discussing your wedding date with these important people to avoid any problems.

www.crystalimagephoto.com

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How to Plan Your Wedding Photography - 4 Steps to Memorable Wedding Pictures

 As one of the most important decisions you will make concerning the big day, planning your wedding photography should be considered with care. Follow these four steps to ensure your wedding pictures capture these priceless wedding day memories.

1) Select Your Photography Style

How do you envision your wedding photographs? Wedding Photographers generally fall into three stylistic categories: traditional, photojournalist, or a combination of both. Traditional photographers are practiced in obtaining great portraits and posed shots. For more candid shots that document the day's emotions and all the behind-the-scenes action, you may lean towards the photojournalistic style of photography (a hot trend for today's weddings). For brides who simply cannot decide, seek a wedding photographer who can offer the perfect mix. (that’s us) J

2) Consider the Cost

This really is one area in which you should avoid cutting corners, as your photographs will be one of the few keepsakes you can actually take from your wedding. Expect to allocate at least $1000 to your wedding photography budget (the bottom line in metro areas will be higher). If budget is a concern, consider ordering the most basic package, but avoid hiring an inexperienced photographer to save money.

3) Hire your Wedding Photographer

Do your research, and compile a list of potentials and commence the "meet and greet." When meeting with potential photographers, be sure to review his or her work and remember to consider the importance of personality. Your photographer will capture some of the best shots behind the scenes, so you must feel comfortable in working with this person and inviting them backstage. Trust your instinct: if you find anything disagreeable about working with this person, keep looking. And don't forget to get everything in writing.

4) Plan the Wedding Pictures

Well before your wedding day, make sure you have considered the must-have photography shots and their execution. You should discuss these details with your photographer so that he or she will be familiar with the site location, the VIPs of the wedding (attendants, parents etc.), and the best and most un-obtrusive way to get these important shots.

Consider every aspect of your wedding day and how you would like it captured. From the pre-ceremony preparation, to your walk down the aisle, to your "I Dos," to your first dance and finally to your departure, make sure to discuss the perfect shots for each special moment. Throughout the planning process, be in the lookout out for images that catch your eye, and consider bringing clips to your photographer. Browse this gallery of creative wedding pictures for inspiration.

Now that you know the basics, this complete wedding photography guide will walk you the rest of the way towards planning your wedding day pictures.

www.crystalimagephoto.com

It's your turn! ~ Ask Me Any Photography Questions You Have

On any given week I am asked questions about photography. Rather related to general photography "How To" questions or questions on how to start or run a successful photography studio or about Project CIP (something very special to me)

Here is your chance to ask me any photography related question you may have.

For the next week, until July 19th I will take and answer your questions.

All questions and answers will be posted here on the blog for others to read and learn from (no names will be used) so, don't be shy! Ask away!

The one who submits the best question will receive a gift certificate towards a portrait session with Crystal Image Photography and I personally will spend an hour with them showing them just what it is I do and answering any other questions.

So, if you're an inspiring photographer or a newbie here is your chance!

Send your questions to:  cv@crystalimagephoto.com

Photographers Be Nice.....To Each Other!

Photographers Let's be nice to each other~

Just a few weeks ago I saw a post from a young photographer just learning her way around a camera and how a professional photographer had basically put her down and criticized her. 

Now, this young photographer fired back! Stating how she was not a pro...just a beginner and didnt need a pro telling her she was not good....it was her customers who she looked to for approval.

I commented on her post, giving her encouragement, agreeing with her.

As I drove home that afternoon I began to think more about it.

All professional photographers had to start somewhere! Did we not? We all started out as beginners. I'm sure we all as beginners had other professionals looking at our work and judging it. Shoot, even pros judge other pros and put each other down! Why?

My thoughts on that - other photographers do not pay my bills or your bills nor do they define us. We each have our own style and way of doing things.

It is our customers that we should seek approval and satisfaction from. They are the ones who spend their hard earned money on our photography.....Why? Because THEY like what it is we do!

Becoming a better photographer requires times, practice and learning new things.....The things your customers  want....the type of photography they want and will buy. Not what another photographers say is right or wrong.

This is exactly why I do not belong to  professional photography groups, clubs, or otherwise. Oh, I have in the past. But each time, I find the same thing....a room full of arrogant photographers (now there is always a few who are not) seeking to come across as they are more skilled than the next.

No matter what it is we do or the type of job or service one preforms there is always room for improvement, so help one another and stop putting each other down because you may not like their style of photography.

Life's about helping one another! Pass it on! And, remember we all started out as beginners!

www.crystalimagephoto.com

Two Important Wedding Photography Questions We're Rarely Asked

As wedding photographers, it's no surprise that we meet with a lot of brides. And their mothers. So it goes without saying that we have become professionals at answering questions about wedding photography as well just about everything else that has to do with weddings.

I guess it's precisely because we answer so many questions that we've become aware of the questions that aren't being asked. And the ones that should be.

I think the first question stems more from my personal conviction than from the hearts of brides. But if they knew ins and outs of wedding photography, my bet is that more brides would be asking this question, "what is your backup strategy and how do you protect my files against data loss and corruption?" Or, more simply stated, "what do you do to make sure you don't lose our pictures?!"

From my brief research, i've picked up that approximately 7% of hard drives crash in their first year, and by the end of the second year, that number climbs closer to 20%. Yikes! That means that if your wedding pictures are being saved on a drive that's at least two years old, then there's a one in five chance that that drive will crash. That's comforting.

While this article is not a primer on digital backup and media protection, I do hope that it encourages more brides to simply ask the question. For what it's worth, we maintain copies of every wedding, including one offsite in the event our studio burns down, until our product has been delivered and archived online.

The second obvious question that's rarely asked is, "how many weddings have you been the lead shooter for?" Well, I’ve been the lead for just about all the weddings we do. But, this is a question you may want to ask if you’re looking at bigger studios with several photographers.

 In these days of website templates, it's rather easy for photographers to come by some great photos and fancy websites which really make them appear established. I encourage brides to ask for links to view complete wedding galleries from recent weddings as this will give them a good idea of what they might expect to receive. Anyone can come up with a few good shots for their website. But it's much more difficult to come by a complete and impressive gallery.

www.crystalimagephoto.com

Wedding Photography Prices Guide: How to Set Your Photography Budget

 How much does professional photography cost for your wedding? Well, not $300 as one bride told me she thought it would cost!

 Learn how to set a realistic photography budget with this guide to wedding photography prices and rates.

The Going Rate for Professional Photography

When determining your wedding photography budget, keep in mind that you get what you pay for.(read my other post on Why Choose A Pro) You should expect to spend at least $1000 on having a professional wedding photographer document your wedding (not including the actual prints and other extras). Rates, of course, will vary depending on skill level, experience and geographic region (metro areas are usually considerably higher). The size of your wedding can also affect the photography cost, as additional people may increase the amount of time that the photographer must spend at your event.

Comparing Photographer Rates

Most wedding photographers will give general pricing information over the phone or on their websites, so you can use an initial online search or phone call as your first step towards finding a photographer that suits your budget. In comparing photography costs, remember that different photographers offer different packages - so initial rates can be misleading. Some rates only include the photographer's time, while prints and albums are extra. Other photography packages may include proofs, a set number of prints and an album. Determine what services and options you want first, then compare photographers' rates for providing those specific options to determine which professional works within your wedding photography budget.

Once You Have Chosen a Photographer:  Photography Contract Points

When reviewing your contract with a potential photographer, make sure that it is specifically clear in what it covers. Consider these questions:

•             Do you need to make a deposit?

•             What is the cancellation policy? Will you get anything back?

•             Is any travel time considered an extra or included in the bill?

•             Are you entitled to final prints only, or can you obtain all of the proofs?

•            Do you have all the printing rights to print any photos you get on CD/DVD?

Wedding Photography ~ Why Choose A Professional? It's the Personality, Customer Service, & Experience

It’s All In The Personality!

It's a wedding, not a photo shoot. Personality is important. You will spend more time with the photographer than anyone else during your wedding day. If you don't think he or she is relaxed, funny, or will get along with your guests, etc., keep looking. It's nothing personal; it's just all about you. When looking at a photographer's website, I go straight to the gallery. NOT THE PRICES. Look at the photos. If you like the style, the colors, the B&Ws, the feel of the photo, then go check out the rest of the site.

Always meet with the photographer and meet with more than one photographer. This way you can compare not only their styles but most importantly their personality. (The last thing you need on your wedding day is a bossy/rude photographer!

Remember, you’re being “interviewed” too. You are not only deciding if you can work with the photographer but the more often than not the photographer is also deciding if they can work with you!

It may sound mean but, I do not accept every wedding that comes in the door. I don’t do bridezillas!

It’s Not Just the Equipment!

The camera doesn't make the photo. The photographer does. Every year I see guests showing up with amazing cameras, (I love the ones who stand right next to me and say “you have the same camera I do”) Some guests are great photographers. But you're not hiring me for my camera. Because truth be known, I can pull off an award winning image with a $600 camera just as good as I can a $6,000. 

You're hiring me for how I see a wedding. For how I feel it. For how I edit it. For my experience in knowing the pace of what will happen next, for my patience when things don’t go off on time or as planned for you and the wedding party, and the ability to adjust without flinching when something unexpected turns into something amazing.

It’s About Customer Service!

Customer service is a huge thing for me and how I run Crystal Image Photography.

My simple philosophy: Treat your customers they way you would want to be treated if you were doing business with that company.  (Now, that doesn’t mean I agree with the “customer is always right” statement.) 

I have seen it time and time again and even experienced it first hand from several local businesses their rudeness toward customers.  It is my customers who have helped make Crystal Image Photography what it is today and that I never forget!

You Get What You Pay For!

Remember, you are not just purchasing a service from a wedding photographer you are also in most cases purchasing a product.

Be sure to ask your photographer how long it takes to get your images, albums, etc. Here at Crystal Image Photography our turnaround time from the time we photograph your wedding until you see your images is 1 to 2 weeks MAX!

It was just recently that I heard a horror story of a bride not even seeing her images until 5 months after the wedding. That’s just crazy. I’m here to tell you that it does not take months and months to edit and print images.

When I heard this story I felt so sad for the bride.  She chose not to have us photograph her wedding. Why? Because of the cost, we were “too expensive”.

Expense was a issue for another couple we talked with last year. They chose to have a friend photograph their wedding for free.  Three months after the wedding they finally see their images and the bride frantically puts out a request to anyone who was at the wedding to post any wedding images because their “professional” pictures were so bad.  

When dealing with your wedding images, remember you get what you pay for or in these cases want you don’t pay for!

When deciding on a wedding photographer and a photography budget, remember, a rude photographer will only make you and your wedding party uncomfortable and a cheap photographer will produce not so great images and/or poor customer service.

When your wedding day is over, the cake and food is gone, the flowers are dead, the guests are gone and all you have left are memoires and your photographs.  

Engagement Photography Tips ~

Engagement Photography Tips ~

With the holidays now behind us here at Crystal Image Photography have begun to receive requests for engagement photography sessions. 

With that request always comes the questions of what to wear, where should we take them, what kind of poses will we do and the list goes on. 

Here's a few tips for our couples:

Newly engaged couples choose to capture the occasion in photos that they can cherish. Often, one of these photos is used as an announcement to family and friends and might even be published in the newspaper.

Engagement photos may be part of a package negotiated with the photographer who will be covering the wedding day.

When shopping around for a photographer, there are certain things couples should keep in mind. The first and most important is selecting a photographer you can relate to. If you don't feel a connection with the photographer, he or she will have trouble coaxing the shots that will produce the best results. He or she should also be a professional and have some experience working with posing couples. This way the photos don't look stiff or contrived. Here are some other tips that can lead to great photos.

* Find a photographer who fits your style. If you're a quirky couple, go with a quirky photographer. If you're reserved and a follow-the-book type of couple, then select a more traditional photographer. Some photographers out there forget that this is your moment and want to impart their idea of what you want.  My advice: Stay away from these photographers because in the end you will not get what you really want!  I believe when a couple chooses a photographer they should get the type of images THEY are looking for. After all who’s paying the bill?  

* Select one who is open to different shoot locations and brainstorming. Some of the best photos occur in natural settings, where things aren't entirely planned. If a photographer simply works out of a studio, you may want to select one who has more free reign with different locales.

* Choose your location wisely. Certain locations will stand out in your minds because they are visually stunning or are special places where you have spent moments as a couple. By choosing a place that offers a personal connection, there's a good chance you'll appreciate the photos in the long run. Also, be open to the fact that unplanned stops may offer a great background for the image. Be open to the unexpected.

* Try random poses and some candid shots. Although you might have a vision of the perfect photo in your mind, experimenting with different ideas can sometimes lead to a great photo you really love. Expect to take your share of kissing, nose-touching and portrait shots. But some fun poses, such as running or jumping (or rolling around on a beach full of waves) can produce candid shots that are truly masterpieces. Remember, sometimes photographers will pose you in positions that seem a bit awkward, but this is to get the best lines of the body and flattering images.

* Choose clothing that fits the mood. If time and budget allows, have several different wardrobe changes so that you can see which outfits work and which ones don't make for interesting engagement photos.

Avoid clothing that is too trendy or busy, which may take away from the actual images in the long run. Plus, you don't want to look back at these photos in the future and say, "What was I thinking?" 

For more info on Engagement and Wedding Photography contact us. crystalimagephoto.com

Tips for Choosing a Photographer

Whether you're looking for someone to take a portrait of your pet or capture your wedding day, doing your homework before signing the contract is as important for you as it is for the photographer.

So when you're considering photographers, think about the topics below. Be sure to read all that the photography studio offers - their website, brochures and more. Ask questions. Do your homework. And relax. Once you've chosen a professional, feel confident in your decision!









Tips for Choosing a Photographer

• Meet in person: Make an appointment to meet the photographer in person. I like to meet with customers in person about their wedding and bridal photography, for example, because I want to be sure that we're a good match for one another. A pro wants to be as comfortable with you as you are with him. If you feel uncomfortable when you meet the photographer in his studio, and you don't like his attitude, do you really want to spend hours with him on your wedding day? If he rubs you the wrong way now, chances are you'll only feel worse about him when you're nervous and excited, which is what most brides feel like on their big day!

• Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. Look on the photographer's website and any brochures you might have first off. Then make a list of your questions to address during your appointment.

• Have a list of any special requests ready: I don't know about other photographers, but I don't mind special requests. I just appreciate knowing in advance that you want to jump into a fountain or ask your pet to sit in a costume for his portrait. It helps me think about the images ahead of time and prepare, so do let your photographer know in advance of any special requests.

• Understand what you are buying: You certainly wouldn't buy a car sight unseen, nor would you rent an apartment without checking it out first. The same goes for photography services. Really look through the images in the photographer's portfolio. Know how many hours of coverage you are contracted to get, how many photographers will be sent to the event, and what types of images you will receive. Understanding what you're buying prevents miscommunications!

Over the next few weeks, we'll have more tips for you. Most will focus on photography services (of course!) but some will be about weddings and events in general. We want to become the best resource for YOU so that you'll have images you cherish forever.