Capturing The Moment

With Photography and Videography

sarah maren photography

Memories fade, but the photos and videos from your wedding are treasured as valuable reminders of one of the most exciting days of your life. Photos and videos chronicle wedding day experiences, but also capture moments that you might have missed: toasts at the bar, old friends reuniting or wild dance floor antics. |  The photos and video of your wedding can make a difference in how you remember the day—that’s why choosing a photographer and videographer is so important. It’s crucial that you find out the basics about a vendor, but you should also ask more probing questions. Here 
are some to get you started.

Who will be shooting my wedding?

Some photographers and videographers work alone, while others employ staff members and assistants. It’s always good to know exactly who is going to be assigned to shoot your wedding—not only to evaluate skill, but also because more experienced company photographers or business owners’ time can cost much more than a junior photographer or videographer, but quality will be better. Make sure to meet with your actual photographer and videographer at least once prior to your wedding day.

It’s also important to ask who will show up if your scheduled photographer or videographer is unavailable due to illness or emergency. Will your vendor find someone to replace them, or will you be left in a lurch? If something like that were to occur, would you get a refund?

What steps do you take to touch-up or process photos?

Taking a photo and processing a photo are two separate yet equally important arts. “Many clients seem to think that processing wedding photos is as simple as ordering the images, but we touch up each image to enhance its beauty,” says Jennifer Dunham of The Memory Journalists.

It’s completely acceptable when looking at a photographer’s portfolio to ask to see some before-and-after shots that show 
her full range of skills. You can even ask about removing blemishes, and enhancing or exaggerating color.

How visible will the photographer/videographer be during the festivities?

Many couples think the perfect wedding chronicler will be on the periphery, inconspicuous and silent. The truth is, there’s 
just no way to get the best shots without being noticed.

“The only way to be ‘invisible’ is to not show up,” says Eric Leas of Acti-Video. “Some videographers and photographers are a bit more in-your-face and others have a more unobtrusive, fly-on-the-wall style. The consumer can question us about our style, and if it’s an issue, then we can compromise.”

Remember, the best photographers know how to craft a shot, and sometimes that means getting right up in the action.

How much time will you need with the bride, groom and wedding party?

While beautiful photos are important, it’s also important to visit with your guests and enjoy your special day. Have a clear schedule with the photographer stating how much time will be needed for photos before and after the ceremony, and during the reception. (Hint: This will have a lot to do with your shot list.)

What information do you need for a “shot list”?

You are the first source in deciding what shots your photographer will take. If you have a large family and need a number of varied group shots, make that clear. However, don’t feel like you need to script every photo and every moment. Some of the best photos aren’t planned or posed.

Do you have experience shooting at my venue?

If your ceremony and/or reception will take place at a popular venue in the area, it’s possible your kings and queens of the camera may have shot there before. If that’s the case, ask to see sample photos from the location. If a photographer is not familiar with your venue, don’t despair. Many shutterbugs scout a location before an event, and some will ask the couple to go along to agree on shot locations.

“It’s a good idea to interview photographers that shoot regularly at a specific venue to see samples of work done there,” says photographer Jennifer Dunham. “However, I do suggest meeting with other photographers whose work intrigues you because they could bring a fresh perspective to the location.”

Is price negotiable? 
Are there hidden fees?

Price is typically not flexible for individual services, but package offerings or a custom package can be quite flexible and affect price. (Make sure to ask about what’s included in a package, and whether you are purchasing digital negatives if you’d 
like to make your own copies later.)

“Most of our packages are customized,” says videographer Eric Leas, “so even though we have standard packages and show them on our website and brochure, we tend to customize each couple’s package specifically for them and their event day.”
All fees should be outlined in a contract, so make sure you read before you sign. Fees may not come up in conversation, but can include a general travel fee (usually for time and gas), parking, a hotel stay, and so on. In most cases, you are also responsible for feeding your photographer, videographer and any of their staff members. Lastly, talent factors in to total price.

Do you provide both photography and videography? If not, how do I coordinate working with both service providers?

Some companies provide both photo and video services, but it’s not common. It is important to coordinate with both photographers and videographers to avoid conflicts such as one being in the other’s way, or in her shots. Meet with both vendors simultaneously at least once so everyone is on the same page. Ask the photographer if she is used to coordinating with a videographer, and vice versa. Covering this base will help you cross one more thing off your list and help your vendors collaborate on the wedding day.

What’s your style?

Classic, modern or edgy, hire vendors who understand the kind of look you want, and can get it on camera. While shopping for photographers and videographers, let them know what style you want so they can show you examples that most closely match what you’re looking for. Ask to see what kind of effects they like to do on photos, then tell them what you like, and what you don’t. Brightened skies, a focus on scenery, and sepia-tone are all achievable or avoidable, but don’t tread too harshly on a vendor’s creative license. If you don’t see a style 
you connect with, move on.

What’s your turnaround time?

Be wary of a photographer or videographer who promises to get you your finished product in no time at all. Good production takes some time! At the other extreme, you shouldn’t have to wait more than a month to get your albums or videos.

Also, many photographers will create an online gallery for you to look through and share with wedding guests, where visitors can order directly from the site.

This article appears in the Fall-Winter 2009 issue of Our Wedding

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