About.com - Weddings from Nina Callaway
Worst. Wedding. Photographer. Ever
Click on link http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1218248/Newlyweds-win-court-battle-1-500-wedding-photographer-shoddy-pictures-include-missing-heads-car-close-ups.html
I've seen some pretty bad uninspired and unflattering wedding photography in my career. But the pics of Marc and Sylvia Day's big day really take the (wedding) cake. Not only did their wedding photographer commit all of the above mortal sins, but he also went far above and beyond. There are shots where people's (and animals') heads are simply cut out of the frame. A lovely shot of the bride in her horse-drawn carriage also perfectly frames the big ugly red van behind her. And there are out-of-focus, overexposed, and extremely random shots as well. In the worst of the bunch, overexposure causes the bride's arm to completely disappear, making her bouquet look like it's floating in space. But you'll never understand just how bad these photos are until you see for yourself.
The Days recently sued and won back part of the fee they paid as well as some damages, but they'll never have the beautiful wedding photography they wanted. Make sure this doesn't happen to you! Ask these questions of your wedding photographer before you sign any contracts or end up as a headless one-armed bride\
10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer and 2 More to Ask Yourself What Your Wedding Photographer Should Tell You Before You Sign a Contract By Nina Callaway, About.com
Before you can hire a wedding photographer, you need to know if their style of taking pictures works with what you envision for your wedding. Here are some important questions to ask any wedding photographer:
- What’s your primary style? Posed and formal, relaxed, photojournalistic, creative, artistic, candid, traditional?
- Do you shoot in color or black and white? Or both? Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both color and b/w versions of the same picture?
- What kind of input can we have on the direction of the shots? Can we give you a shot list to work from?
- Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take our pictures? If not, can we meet the person who will be?
- Can we meet any assistants who will also be our taking pictures?
- How many times have you worked specifically as a wedding photographer? How many were similar to the size and formality of our wedding?
- How many other events will you also photograph that weekend?
- What kind of equipment will you bring with you? How intrusive will lighting, tripods, other equipment or assistants be?
- Do you develop your own film?
- Can we buy the negatives from you?
After you’ve asked these questions of your potential wedding photographer, there are several questions you’ll want to ask yourself:
- Do I like this person? Do I get along with them or get a good feeling from them?
- Do I like their work as a wedding photographer? Is it well lit, focused, well framed? Looking at their books, do I feel like I have a good feeling for the wedding?
Don’t forget to call their references. While it may feel a bit awkward to call a stranger, it can be invaluable to have an outside opinion on a potential wedding photographer. Remember, your photographs will be one of the most lasting aspects of your wedding – you’ll want to make sure you find the right wedding photographer for you.
Should You Have a Bridal Portrait Taken
The bridal portrait is one of those time-honored traditions that have regained popularity in recent years. If you're considering having a bridal portrait taken, read this fact sheet to learn the do's and don'ts.
What: A formal picture of the bride in her wedding dress, taken a few days or weeks before the wedding in the photographer's studio. Sometime a couple will choose to have a picture taken of the both of them in addition to, or instead of, a bridal portrait.
Why: It's nice to include a bridal portrait in wedding announcements and wedding albums. If you're a bride who isn't particularly photogenic or who is picky about how she looks in pictures, this is an opportunity to really get your best angle without an impatient groom or family member rushing you. Years later when your groom has your portrait on his desk, you'll be glad you got it right.
When: Ask your local newspaper how far in advance photographs for wedding announcements need to be submitted. Then call your wedding dress salon to ensure that they will have your dress and accessories ready in time.
How: Talk to your photographer about getting your bridal portrait taken and the price. You may be able to get a bridal portrait included in your overall package. Make sure this service is written into your photography contract.
Do: Get your hair and makeup professionally done before the session – you can try to maximize your money by combining this with your hair trial, but only if you're confident in your hair stylist. If you're using a new stylist for the wedding, schedule a separate hair trial and then ask her to recreate your favorite look for the wedding portraits.
Don't: Waste money on getting a separate floral bouquet. You certainly don't need a bouquet for the pictures, and most photographers have a silk flower prop bouquet that you can use.
