Wedding Photography Should be in Focus
By JENNIFER THOMPSON
Facchianos Bridal & Formal Attire
MEMORIES: The wedding of Jennifer and Brad Davis was held at the Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa July 18. The gown Jennifer is wearing was designed at Facchianos and is called “Anniston” from Facchianos Celebrity line. The photography is by Ashley Thompson Photography of Muskogee.
ASHLEY THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY OF MUSKOGEE
It is said a picture speaks a thousand words; well, your wedding pictures will speak millions if you get a fantastic photographer. First things first. Hire a professional wedding photographer to ensure the best photographs for your wedding day. DO let a friend take pictures. You will be highly disappointed, as amateurs do not know lighting and angles to make the pictures great.
Your wedding pictures will last long past the wedding and it is one of the reminders of how special the day was. This makes hiring a good photographer who will capture everything, do great lighting, get great angles and can Photoshop extremely important. Photographers have an eye at creating breathtaking pictures and can see moments as they happen.
When looking for a photographer, get referrals from friends who have recently been married. Try to meet with a few, look through their books, talk with them about the style of photography you are interested in, and make sure they make you feel comfortable, as they will be following you for the entire day.
After you make your choice, make an appointment for an engagement session. As you plan for the wedding, let your photographer know how much involvement you want him to have. I don’t even remember my photographer being around my wedding, but he managed to get great shots. He was very behind the scenes making memories for my husband and myself. Photography’s not cheap, so plan on getting your money’s worth by having meetings to make sure you are on the same page. I have a list of some must haves you may want for the wedding day:
The bridal gown hanging on a hanger
The bridal shoes up close
The wedding rings
Bride and bridesmaids getting ready
Maid on honor putting the garter on the bride’s left leg
Mother and bridesmaids helping bride zip dress
Close up of gown details
Bride with her attendants
Bride and mother
Bride with flower girl
Bride looking in mirror or out window
Full picture of bride and attendants ready for wedding
Bride with father
Groom with groomsmen getting ready
Groom with best man
Groom with father
Groom with ring bearer
Ceremony shots
Picture of bride and groom’s hands with rings.
Picture of signing marriage license.
After ceremony pictures with both families.
Reception pictures
Bride and groom leaving, maybe make a sign that says thanks, and you can use it for thank you notes for after the wedding.
These are just a few of the pictures you may want and some you may not, but after meeting with the photographer you may decide on many others.
Some photographers have different styles. Most photographers have gone digital to get sharper pictures and can even set up a laptop to view the photo slideshows right at the wedding. All have different styles, so decide if you like traditional, editorial, fun, sepia, or black and white. Using some or all these add great dimension to your photo album. Most photographers have online Web sites where you can view your proofs and share photos with family and friends.
The latest thing, which of course being the owner of a bridal salon who provides the beautiful gowns for weddings does not recommend, is trash the dress sessions. This is where, after the wedding, the bride and photographer take pictures of the bride in places such as the ocean, the sand, etc. and literally trash the dress. I have seen one gown for cleaning and preservation that took three tries and never got to the original beauty, but if it is something the bride wants, I guess it is ok?
Updated 11-23-2009
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