Alexander Weddings: 2/10/08

Booking a photographer

I get questions all the time about what advice would I give to brides while planning for their wedding, or tips that make the day go smoother. So I've decided to add a new section to my blog called "Tips To Brides". I don't know how often I will post on the subject, but if there is a question that comes up frequently that I think should be addressed, I put it here. After a couple months, hopefully there will be enough tips that my blog becomes a resource for anyone interested. If you have a question, please feel free to send me an email and I'll do my best to answer from a wedding professionals point of view.

With that being said...

Tip #1
Booking a photographer
Find someone you trust. There are literally hundreds of photographers in your area capable of taking great photos at your wedding. The fact is, you want that certain someone who is right for you and your wedding.

Here are the five essentials your photographer must possess:

1) The price at what you value your weddings photographs -
The price will determine where your photographer falls on the spectrum of
photographers. In general, the higher the price, the more experience and confidence your photographer will possess. Bargain bottom prices should tell you that photographer is looking for experience, and low prices will ensure them to get work. Be aware that with the lack of experience in shooting also means lack of experience processing their work. So you may overlook that they won't get every shot perfect, but expect delays and difficulties after your wedding with inexperienced vendors.

2) The proper equipment to get the job done -
Proper equipment means having professional cameras and lenses to get the job done. Multiple camera bodies, more than one lens for each situation for different looks, back up equipment - on location - in the case of an equipment failure, proper lighting equipment for all scenarios, all of which are essential in getting the job done right.

3)The ability to use their equipment in the style you desire -
A doctor may have the best scalpels on the market, but without the proper training and experience, would you want them to operating on you? Pretty pictures in a photographers portfolio is not enough, they must possess the technical skill and artistic eye with the camera to duplicate the results from their portfolio for your wedding. Ask to see an entire wedding that a photographer has shot. Most photographers have their weddings hosted online. Ask for passwords to these galleries to view an entire wedding. This will give you the opportunity to see the photographers talent beyond their portfolio.

4) The poise to manage the day and the participants within the allotted time frame -
Your photographer, once the day starts, is the conductor of your wedding orchestra. Adapting to the flow of your day takes patience and skill. Your photographer MUST remain on task to not only keep on time, but capture all of the important moments that you desire without delay.

5) The ability to deliver what they promise - Enough said.

Hope this helps. Send in your questions!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Thought I'd give you all a little something for Valentine's day.

Or better yet!

PUG meeting

Last night I attended my first PUG meeting - Pictage Users Group. I've meant to stop by for their monthly meetings for awhile now but something always came up last minute.

Last night we met at a church in Excelsior to discuss lighting techniques for the processional, recessional and alter shots. Unfortunately we only got about 45 minutes of shooting in, but I did get a chance to work on a few things. Take a look at a few images.

The first two shots were just standard shots for processional. I personally stand midway up the aisle just inside the pews. I usually keep one pew between the last row of guests and myself. Last thing I want to do is knock someone in the head while switching cameras. I typically have an on camera flash with Gary Fong's Lightsphere II diffuser. This gives me good light on the subjects but tends to give a harsh shadow in some cases. Example below.

Jason from StaJa Studios

So as a result, here's a typical shot from a one light setup. Nothing wrong with the lighting of the subjects (although they look dark on the blog), but I'm still not a fan of the shadow on the back wall.

Stacy and Jason from StaJa Studios

Next up is an experiment. I've always wondered what a second light would do for the processional but didn't want to experiment with an actual event. I guess that's why we met at a church.

I set up a second light on a stand across the aisle from my position, one aisle up. I think I had it set a bit strong as the result was a bit harsh (plus I didn't have my other Gary Fong Lightsphere with me) but I definitely like the idea. You can see the shadows on the floor from the second flash but it does put some great shadows on the couple's faces plus fills the background more eliminating the harsh shadow from the on camera flash.

One thing I did notice that I didn't like was when Stacy and Jason got closer to the light, the light got way too intense leaving harsh shadows on the faces. This may be just a matter of positioning the light better or adjusting the power, but it'll take more experimenting to resolve. I'll let you know after more testing.

Also, here are a couple fun shots of those who were there.

Tasha and her bad self

Sue, Jason, Stacy and Tasha

Special shout out to everyone in attendance last night. Thanks for letting me join your group and bounce ideas around with. I know it'll make my business stronger.

Would love to hear any feedback you may have.

Thanks,
Jason

Family update

Here are a few shots I took the other night. I've decided to make my kids my guinea pigs, so to speak, to test out some lighting techniques. So stay tuned, you'll see more of "those eyes".