Cheap Wedding Veils Made to Look Expensive

Weddings become very expensive in a matter of minutes so what I thought I would do is share with you how to make cheap wedding veils look expensive. In my quest for an ivory wedding veil, I was amazed when I started shopping as to how expensive this one item can cost and thus was determined not to go overboard yet still make sure the veil was elegant and beautiful.

When I started looking for an ivory wedding veil, I was determined to match the picture I found in a magazine of my wedding dress, and I wanted to make sure that it t didn't take away from the majestic long mermaid dress I was going to wear. However, when I started to shop I nearly dropped! The wedding dress shops wanted $175 to $250 for a plain simple veil plus it would take six to eight weeks to get the veil. Where were the cheap wedding veils I asked?!

So, like everything else these days, I went to the internet and typed in cheap wedding veils and found quite a few stores listed in downtown Los Angeles. They were all located within the same square block making it easy to park and start hunting. It didn't take long to find my ivory wedding veil. I found it at at store located on East 9th street, downtown L.A. They had a large selection, were very friendly and helpful and best of all took credit cards!

I found the exact tulle veil I wanted and then took it to the seamstress that was shortening my dress. Since she was cutting off the bottom, I asked her to take off some of the lace appliques that were stitched onto that part of my dress and sew them onto the veil. What started out as a $15 ivory wedding veil (plus $25 for the seamstress) turned into an expensive looking wedding headpiece that comparatively could have cost hundreds of dollars!

Other helpful hints to make cheap wedding veils look expensive is again to start off with a plain tulle or lace veil and add crystals to the veil. Or you can find a decorative hair piece and add some lace or tulle to that as well. My mother actually had a white flower hair comb and all she did was add an extra couple of white silk flowers to it as well as a few crystals and it turned out beautifully. Better yet, I still wear it to this day!

Finally, looking for a real bargain? Ask around to borrow your veil. That is how my quest for my veil started. Until next time, remember the Budget Bash mantra: make it simple, stylish, fun and economical to all!

Wedding Photo Album Versus Wedding Photo Book

Following many threads on social media and wedding forum web sites, I repeatedly have come across the question of where to go with your photos if you want to make your own wedding photo album. One common advice is to go to blurb, Shutterfly or other photo book makers. Also, it is often noted that many wedding photo album makers, like Queensberry, do only business with photographers. But should you really get a photo book for your wedding photo album? This article is trying to highlight the pros and contras of photo books in comparison to proper wedding photo albums.

Pros

There are several reasons in favor of photo books. For starters, they are easily available. You can chose between a multitude of different providers, they come cheap with prices starting from 10 Dollars and they are delivered very quickly with e.g. blurb delivering most books within 7 to 10 business days after ordering. Proper wedding photo albums on the other hand are much harder to get your hands on. It is true that a lot of firms do only business with photographers and other wholesale customers. Prices are considerably higher and delivery times vary from 2 weeks to 6 months.

Also, if you want to make your own design, photo book companies often provide a design software, which allows you to put together a simple album layout within minutes. Often the software has an integration into the ordering process, so after designing it is a piece of cake to upload your photos and submit your order. Wedding album makes usually don't provide this feature for two reasons: often the companies are too small to develop their own software and in most cases those programs are not sufficient to create the sophisticated layout design required for a real wedding photo album.

Contras

While all the points mentioned so far are more or less in favor of getting a photo book, there are also some pretty good reasons against it. As said earlier, wedding photo albums are more expensive, but their still are good value for money, if you consider what you get. You get a proper heavy cover made of real or faux leather, which has a substantially better feel to it than the hard or soft-paper cover of a photo book.

The photos in your wedding album are developed with a chemical process. Their resolution is perfect and their colors never fade. This might be true for some high-quality photo books, but the majority of them uses laser-jet printing resulting in a notably lower photo quality. The pages in a proper wedding photo album are made of solid paper or carton (true only for flush-mount albums). Again, this leads to a much nicer feeling when flipping through the album, than the floppy thin pages of a photo book.

And finally regarding the design, if you really want to design your own wedding photo album, it is not at all a bad idea to use a professional software for it like DG Foto Art, Photoshop or Gimp. This requires some practice and skill, but only pro software provides you with the sophisticated fading, transparency, shadow and photo touch-up effects you will need to make a state-of-the-art album layout. The simple self-design software of the wedding photo album makers gets you only half the way.

Conclusion

A wedding photo album is one of the most important safekeepers of the memories of your wedding day and you will look at it again and again, possibly for the rest of you live. Therefore, all the money you invest in it is invested very well. Therefore, I would advice you to go for a wedding photo book, only if you don't care too much about all this "wedding day fuzz" or, if your budget simply does not allow for more. Otherwise, get a proper wedding album, because on the long run it is worth it!

Wedding Photography Lenses That Every Photographer Can't Do Without

There are generally four kinds of photography lenses that every wedding photographer should have in his or her gig bag:

• Wide-Angle Zoom


• Wide-to-Telephoto Zoom


• Image-Stabilized Telephoto Zoom


• Prime/Portrait Lenses

Wide-Angle Zoom

Wide-angle zoom lenses are one of the most important photography lenses that every wedding photographer should have, typically 17mm to 35mm in length with a fixed aperture of f/2.8. They provide a large depth of field, making it simple to have foreground and background in focus. They are an indispensable wedding photography equipment which allows versatility in confined areas such as a small banquet room or crowded dance floor. While shorter photography lenses allow you to capture more details, wide-angle zoom lenses allow you to capture more reactions and atmosphere to tell a richer story.

To elaborate further, wide-angle zoom photography lenses allow you to shoot a wider perspective of moments happening around the major subject, hence providing a bigger picture of the entire event. For example, wide-angle photos have the capability to tell "stories within a story", allowing you to reveal more of the story behind the shot. This is essential for a good photojournalistic wedding photography. As events surrounding weddings are so time sensitive, good photography lenses will allow you to capture as many actions or emotions in the quickest time as possible.

When used in a venue such as the church or ballroom, wide-angle zoom photography lenses also magnify the grandeur and spaciousness of the area, which encapsulates the creative feel for a photojournalistic wedding photography.

However, you need to be selective of the scenes or actions using wide-angle photography lenses, as a caveat to shooting wide is that it creates some body distortion, particularly when a subject is photographed close-up. Generally, people tend to look heavier and shorter on the edges, while arms can look huge. The last thing you want is to have the bride cursing you for making her look like she has put on 10 pounds! To get around this problem, you should as far as possible avoid putting the bride and groom at the edges of the wide-angle distortion. In addition, wide-angle photography lenses might also introduce distracting or unwanted elements into the frame, which would otherwise ruin a picture perfect moment.

Wide-to-Telephoto Zoom

Wide-to-telephoto lenses are the single most important photography lenses that a wedding photographer cannot do without. They should ideally be lenses that cover somewhere around the 20-70mm focal length range with an aperture of f/2.8. This ideal range lets you get wide enough to take a group photograph and close enough to capture facial emotions in your candid shots or a three-quarter portrait of a couple without the undesirable effects of wide-angle perspective distortion. They also double as good lenses for portraits. Given just this lens, you would be able to capture most of the shots needed for a wedding decently well.

Image-Stabilized Telephoto Zoom

Image-stabilized telephoto zoom lenses are also essential items in your wedding photography equipment checklist. The 70-200mm focal length is an important range for wedding ceremony photos. It allows you to give your subjects more space in situations where you don't want to get in the way. As you will often be photographing down the aisle from the back of the church, image-stabilized telephoto zoom lenses will come in very handy. 200mm is long enough to be able to take 3/4 length images of the bride and groom exchanging their vows while staying at a reasonable distance away from the action and 70mm is wide enough to take in the bridesmaids or groomsmen as a group without switching photography lenses.

A good point to note is that when using such photography lenses, nice blurred background can be achieved with maximum wide apertures of f/2.8 and long focal lengths of 200mm or 300mm, whether you are using a full-frame or a small sensor body. This allows you to isolate the subject from its background, and to focus attention on the image as the main subject you want to portray. Such photography lenses are especially useful for shots where you are unable to get in close and for intimate and private moments, where you want to be an unobserved stranger at a distance. Some examples include a stolen glance, a mischievous grin, a kiss - the details that are effectively conveyed by the emotions. Image-stabilized telephoto zoom photography lenses hence play an important role in capturing such moments.

These image-stabilized telephoto zoom photography lenses aren't only good for blurry backgrounds or shooting events from a distance. They could also be used to photograph stunning facial close-ups from creative angles above or below the subject that don't exhibit the normal distortions of large chins or shrinking heads that come from wider photography lenses.

Yet another advantage of such photography lenses is that you can use the small-sensor camera's 1.5x crop factor to your favour. The 200/2.8 long end of the standard zoom effectively becomes 300/2.8, a lens that would cost $4000 for a full-frame camera. The effective 300mm length allows for more creative photo angles than shorter photography lenses, such as tightly cropped images of the groom's hands lifting the bride's veil or the bride and groom's hands while they put rings on each others fingers.

The obvious disadvantage of image-stabilized telephoto zooms is that in many cases, long photography lenses tend to disconnect the subject from the main scene and there might be little to no context as to why the subject may have had expressed how they were feeling, the whereabouts of the subject and who else was there.

When using a small-sensor camera as your primary or backup body, the other disadvantage of image-stabilized telephoto zoom lenses is that neither Nikon, Canon or Sony make an f/2.8 lens that gives you an effective 70-200mm focal length. Hence, you would have to pay the high price and carry the weight of photography lenses designed for a full-frame camera.

Canon's Image-Stabilization, Nikon's Vibration-Reduction and Sony's SteadyShot INSIDE systems are indispensable in allowing you to hand-hold these large and heavy long photography lenses, especially in low light situations. Every wedding photographer should ensure that the image-stablization and vibration-reduction features are available on their long lenses. You might also want to consider using a tripod to ensure continuous, accurate subject placement and sharp photos. Such telephoto zoom photography lenses are huge investments and if you have a budget constraint or an amateur just starting out, you might want to consider rental instead.

Prime Lenses

Prime lenses are essentially photography lenses with fixed focal lengths, as opposed to zoom lenses, which have variable focal lengths of say 24-70mm or 17-55mm. Prime lenses generally have a better optical quality than zoom photography lenses, and usually come with wider maximum apertures such as f/2.8 or f/1.8.

Good prime lenses are must-have photography lenses for any wedding photographer, as they are excellent for taking good portraits. Although you will be adequately equipped for a wedding shoot with the three zoom lenses in your lens kit as discussed above, it is worth including two to three fast prime lenses in your bag as well. These photography lenses are compact, light, and fairly inexpensive and would probably be needed in about 10 to 20% of a wedding shoot.

Faster prime photography lenses are ideal in situations where f/2.8 aperture is not enough to get the motion-stopping shutter speed or shallow depth of field desired, whether for artistic or technical reasons. For example, an image that requires a 1/20th of a second shutter speed at f/2.8 will only require 1/60th of a second at f/1.8, forming a distinction between a sharp image and a blurry one. Many professional wedding photographers actually include prime lenses in their gig bags as an economical backup to their zoom lenses. Not many people could afford to purchase an additional 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto lens as a backup and you also want to prevent a frantic situation whereby your photography lens fails on you during a crucial moment.

There are many prime lenses available on the market but most photographers would include a 28/1.8, 50/1.8, and 85/1.8 in their prime photography lenses kit to be used on a full-frame body. The 28mm is wide enough to cover most ceremony locations and confined spaces, the 50mm is good for small groups or a priest blessing a couple, and the 85mm is long enough for ceremony vows and exchange of rings. A wedding can be successfully photographed with just these three photography lenses.

7 Wedding Day Makeup Tips From a Wedding Photographer

Ah hair and makeup. The thing you do every single day, that comes so simply. Little eye liner, light blush, pale lipstick, cover up for that stupid little pimple that decided to pop up over night, and out the door! FAIL!

Your wedding day makeup needs to be bumped up. If you go for your normal day look - the browns, beiges, nude lips, pale pink, etc. that's gotta come up a couple notches. First, pictures look SO much better when you have depth in your eyes, cheeks and your lips can sparkle. My biggest recommendation for a bride on her wedding day - OUTSOURCE. Get a makeup artist in there to do your makeup and hire a hair stylist to come to your hotel and do your hair! Better yet, find someone who does both! Don't make yourself fret about this detail when the cost is usually nominal. On a budget? You could work out a plan with the Makeup Artist to do your ladies for a specific amount each, and they pay that amount. This is your day, all eyes will be on you. Do it. Oh, and I know people so let me know if you need referrals.

Of course, some of you won't heed my advice. So here's my basic makeup tips for the bride trying to be a Do-It-Yourselfer.

1) Color color color is NOT always your friend. Choose ONE feature you want to emphasize. Your eyes, or lips, or cheeks. (Emphasizing your cheeks is difficult to do without looking like a clown, so I would stick to the first two!)

2) Even if you don't *emphasize* the eyes you still want to be sure you give them depth. What do I mean by depth? Give the eye shape dimension. If going natural, use a dark brown, medium brown, and a light brown. The dark brown gets applied in the crease. The medium brown on the outside edge of the top lid and fading into the other corner of the eye. The light brown goes from the crease and blends upward to the brow bone. You will also want to blend some of the light brown color in the part of your lid nearest to your nose. Dab at that crease and blend the color up towards your brow bone to open up your eyes.

3) Get your eyebrows waxed, threaded, plucked, tweased, trimmed, Nair'd, or something! You don't want those cutsie lovey dovey close-up photos ending up with crazy, erratic eyebrow madness! (The trimmed part can definitely work for the gentleman too!)

4) My favorite makeup is M-A-C. It's more expensive, but DAMN it does a great job. Get yourself some high-definition makeup and make those M-A-C reps show you how to do it! It's what they are there for - but make sure they don't think you want to look like a drag queen!

5) False Eyelashes. NOT the Halloween ones!! Use the separates. They are little clusters of fake eyelashes that you press into place. And don't press them all over your eye lid. Use them to emphasize the outside corners of your eyes. Your eyes will pop, sparkle, and shine all over the place.

6) SHIMMER POWDER! It's amazing. Put it on the area right under your eyebrow to emphasize the brow bone.

7) Practice makes perfect. Practice before the day of so you can hone your skills and have your makeup perfect for the actual day-of.

Choosing the Best Digital Camera For Wedding Photography

You have now been an amateur photographer and would like to advance your career into shooting wedding photography. The question is which is the best digital camera to buy? There are so many makes and different models on the market that choosing the best camera is a difficult process.

The leading brands in digital wedding photography include Nikon and Canon. You will see many photographers using this equipment due to their excellent manufacturing quality.

In this article we will outline the key points to look out for in selecting the appropriate camera to use when shooting wedding photography. Understanding the terminology and then comparing makes and models can then narrow down your decision. Buying camera gear is not cheap and careful research is required.

To get a feel of what a digital camera is composed of you must know certain factors to consider when making that final decision:

Megapixels

The resolution of an image is based on the mega pixel specifications of your digital camera. The higher the megapixels the higher the resolution a image will appear. To understand this easier, when you are to enlarge a high resolution photo you wont get graininess and distortion. On the other hand the lower the resolution then the image is limited to the enlargement capacity.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

The LCD is the viewfinder which allows you to see the image immediately after taking the photo. The better digital cameras have larger LCD screens which have great quality.

Zoom - Lenses.

You will find that digital cameras have 2 ranges in zooms. One is the digital and the other an optical zoom. The greater the optical zoom attachment the more expensive the camera usually is.

Memory Card

Memory cards are the memory storage units that will store your photography images until you upload onto a dvd or computer. The size of the storage will depend on the work you are shooting. In wedding photography having 16MB and 32MB cards is required as you are shooting well over 1200 images a session. There are now 1G memory cards that can store enormous amounts of photos.

The best digital camera should be based upon your specific usage. There is no need in spending thousands of dollars on gear if you are shooting the occasional party. On the other hand photographing a wedding requires professional equipment. The Nikon and Canon range have an excellent reputation in providing high quality digital cameras. Research and then select wisely!

Capturing Moments in Life

With Compliments

5 Wedding Photography Tips For A Shy Bride

If you're looking for stunning wedding photography but find it difficult to feel photogenic in front of the camera here's a few tips from a professional wedding photographer.

1. Wedding photography is all about relaxation and confidence. You'll get this confidence by focusing less on trying to get great photos and more on having a fun time with your loved one and the friends in your bridal party. Have a chat with your photographer and emphasise your keenness to enjoy the wedding photography shoot. A professional wedding photographer will know how to help you laugh and stay comfortable. After all that's what creates impeccable imagery.


2. Forget about the photographer without really forgetting about them. OK sounds a little crazy. But be conscious that they're there and listen to their instructions, while concentrating on enjoying your photo shoot with your partner and best friends. The photo shoot time can be the most enjoyable part of the wedding with your favourite people. Or it can be a ball of nerves and tension trying to get 'the perfect pose' for the wedding photographer.


3. Get an engagement photography shoot before your big day. We'll often do engagement shoots with shy brides a few months before the wedding. It helps you get to know your photographer and quickly teaches you how to take professional instruction without it imposing on the fun of the shoot.


4. Don't be too serious. Every bride really wants stunning photos to remember their perfect day. That's completely expected and achievable. The wedding photos only come at risk when a bride or member of the bridal party is 'dead set' serious on getting 'the perfect image', causing a trail of grumpiness around them. Remember that you will get amazing photos if you've chosen a great wedding photographer, communicate well together and can trust them to make the wedding photos look stunning. If you're shy this is particularly important as you may find the photo shoot a little more tense than others.


5. Think about what you'd love before your big day. Browse through magazines or photographer's blogs. If you get a little passion for photography before the big day you won't be so put off by it. Everyone is more confident when they know a little more about the game they're going to play.

Why Choose Sikh Wedding Photographers?

Do you want your wedding to be a memorable one? Then get a Sikh wedding photographer so that your wedding pictures are photographed by someone knowledgeable in Sikh tradition.

Sikh weddings reflect Indian traditions and values in the most beautiful manner and are comprised of the following religious and cultural ceremonies: Akhand Paath, Engagement, Mehndi, Sangeet, Mayian, Anand Karaj meaning "Blissful Union" or "Joyful Union," and Four Lavaan (wedding vows or marriage hymns which take place during the marriage ceremony). Sikh photographers are sensitive to the needs of families for the most traditional practices and ceremonies and that is reflected best by professional Sikh wedding photographers.

Professional wedding photographers offer various packages from which you can choose depending upon the coverage you desire. It is to be remembered that wedding photography is not just about taking a series of photographs of bride and groom. Any perfect wedding is not complete without covering all the events that take place long before the marriage process begins. Sikh wedding packages can include still photography, videography, albums, CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs in your choice of standard or high definition and can be modified and personalized. Your preferences are always taken into account so that your wedding day and associated events can be preserved for your lifetime.

Sikh wedding photographers, because they are familiar with the traditions and ceremonies, are better able to capture the mood and gravity of the various ceremonies. Sikh weddings are joyous and festive events in which families and friends from both sides are heavily involved. Sikh Photographers understand and respect the ceremonies that take place in the Gurudwara as well as those that take place in the homes of various family members. They are also more familiar with traditional wedding attire and are prepared to adjust lighting and lenses to better capture the photographs that will make your special day memorable.

Sikh wedding photographers are also better able to produce Sikh wedding video DVDs that encompass the various ceremonies and traditions using traditional music and traditional dance and to edit these into movies that you will want to watch again and again.

When choosing any event photographer, it is always a good idea to ask about the equipment he or she uses, the amount of experience he or she has, and to see recent samples of the photographer's work. Once you have decided based on these factors, you need to decide whether you have a desired level of personal comfort with the photographer. If, after all of these considerations, you have decided to contract the services of the photographer, make sure you get a written contract spelling out exactly what services the photographer will provide for you and how much these services will cost. It is your responsibility to let the photographer know the exact dates, times and locations of all events and any special requirements you may have. In addition, you should discuss the payment requirements with the photographer so that you are both in agreement. All of these things should be written into the contract, which should then be signed by both parties and you will then be assured of the best possible photographic services and outcome.

If you would like to cherish your wedding moments for a lifetime, there is no better way than to consider Sikh wedding photographers.

Flush Mount Wedding Albums - Understanding What You Are Getting

Understand what you are getting in all aspects of your wedding is important because they shape how your wedding day goes, how you feel that day and most importantly, how you remember it. For this reason, couples getting married put a lot of thought into their choice in wedding albums. One of the most popular today is the flush mount wedding album.

There are some things that you should expect from your flush mount wedding album, no matter where you decide to get it from. The albums are competitively priced for the work that goes into them. Each flush mount requires talent and expertise on behalf of the wedding album designer so it is important to make sure you are choosing a reputable company and dealing with someone you trust. After all, these are going to be some of your most precious memories.

First off, flush mount albums get their name from being completely smooth. The photos are digitally enhanced to the client's specifications and the designer's interpretation. They are then imposed on the actual page. This means there is no adhesive or attachment method of an actual photo print; the ink sets right into the pages.

With this feature, images are very flexible in design elements as well as placement. If desired, a picture could span two pages when opened with no breaks in design. Digitally rendering the images allows for designers to get creative by creating collages, blending photos together, using background, add layers upon one another to add depth and more. A flush mount digital wedding album can be as simple or elaborate as you want.

You will also notice that a flush mount album typically comes with a handmade album. This is an important factor in the quality of the album you will be receiving. Handmade albums are carefully constructed to give an inspiring look that only can be achieved with meticulous hand work. They come in leather, fabric, multi-material combinations, Leatherette and more. Couture collections are also very popular, as they incorporate a fashion sense to the overall album which gives it a unique look.

Choosing a flush mount album means you are looking for the overall feeling and conveying of the wedding. They allow for emotion to show through, excitement and bring the actual photo to life. The character that these wedding albums provide is remarkable and allow for extensive personalization and customization. It fits perfectly in line with what you would expect from your wedding day and all the elements involved in it.

What Makes a Good Wedding Photographer?

Choosing a wedding photographer in London is one of the most important decisions you are going to make regarding your wedding day. Think about it, the cake will be eaten, the confetti swept up, the dress may fade and perhaps your memory a little too, but the wedding photographs are there forever. These will most likely be the single most important pictures you will ever have taken.

So how do you choose the right London wedding photographer for your big day?   We spoke to an experienced London based wedding photographer with a keen eye for a good photograph and has a full membership with The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers. He is also affiliated with The Royal Photographic society making him a good choice for your wedding photographer if his order book isn't already full on your wedding day. 

"Well, obviously the technical aspects of using a camera have to be there.   Also you need somebody who has invested in the right equipment. You can't make a bad picture good by spending on lighting, tripods and lenses but you can make a great picture even better with the right tools. After all, your wedding pictures are a record of your marriage and have to be perfect.   What is harder to get a feel for is the photographers eye for taking a picture - what do I mean by that?   Well, you need someone who can skilfully master light and composition in your wedding photos.  

They need an eye for detail and need to be able to break down a visual scene into the right photographic elements.   Someone with a bit of flair, panache and creativity rather than just pointing and clicking the camera to make sure they get all of the guests in.   I think this is important and some good wedding photographers do get this for their clients but in a way that intrudes on the atmosphere. A good wedding photographer should blend in to the crowd, almost as if he were one of the guests at the Church along with everyone else.    I try very hard for my brides and grooms to offer them a service that truly delivers.   Being a Londoner myself I know the area and the culture.  I don't travel in from outside the M25 like a lot of wedding photographers and I think that's important.

I speak to all of them to find out what style they would like and manage their expectations around any issues I can see. I also go over the finer details and timings of the wedding day to ensure I can take the pictures they would like whatever the weather conditions.   I would recommend you choose a wedding photographer with a good portfolio of work they can show you so you know what you can expect. I also have extensive wedding pictures in albums I can show to prospective clients.    Many of these will include areas of London the couple are from so it's nice for them to be able to picture it.

When looking at their work you need to ask yourself, can this photographer create moments of fun and lightness and then capture them with a camera. It's worth remembering that great photographic moments rarely happen by themselves. These snapshots of time are created and crafted by wedding photographers. When assessing wedding pictures you should look especially at the facial expressions in the group shots. These emotions are a direct indication of the ambiance created by the photographer at that time.   Look at their photos and then ask yourself: Do you feel that you were there? Were you emotionally moved by the pictures? Before you pay a deposit, make sure you meet up with the photographer in order that you see their work in the flesh. Was the presentation and print quality to the standard that you are happy with?  

Always ask how much the job will be - and make sure there are no hidden extras.  Also ask how long you can expect to wait for your pictures.   Six weeks is a reasonable time, 8 is just about okay but it shouldn't take anything more than that.

Custom Made Wedding Dresses - Wedding Attire Around the World

Custom made wedding dresses are the traditional wedding attire for much of Western society. But across the globe, there are as many different styles of wedding dress as there are styles of ceremony. Here are a few of the alternatives seen across the world, many of them are derivatives of the formal wear seen in the countries and cultures listed.

Africa

In West Africa the most notable item of wedding clothing isn't the women's custom made wedding dress, but the men's dashiki: a colourful garment that covers the top half of the body. The dashiki is worn as regular clothing, not just wedding wear, but in West Africa it is usual for the groom to wear a white dashiki. In monotheistic religious ceremonies in West Africa, notably Christianity and Islam, white represents purity. In these ceremonies, the bride will usually wear a kaftan or blouse and skirt set that matches the colour of the dashiki.

America

The native American alternatives to custom made wedding dresses are more culturally specific and vary between the different groups. Wedding clothing tends to be hand-woven and decorated in ribbon-work and beads.

Europe

In England, custom made wedding dresses are the order of the day for women, while morning suits are the standard formal dress for men - often finished off with a top hat. For Scottish grooms, the kilt has become fashionable in some circles, although there is a move amongst many young couples to avoid the tackiness associated with the 'national dress'.

The suit for men and dresses, usually white, for women tend to be the preferred wedding clothing for European couples, in line with most of the Western world.

Asia

Asia, with its myriad cultures is a continent with just as many variations on traditional custom made wedding dresses. In Eastern Asia, traditional clothing is the attire of choice for couples getting married. The Japanese kimono is worn by both men and women. The traditional kimonos are made from yards of fabric skilfully folded and tucked to form a voluminous gown.

In China, the cheongsam is favoured for women. It is a figure-hugging dress decorated in intricate patterns. The male version is known as the changshan, a slightly looser garment, but also worn at weddings and other formal occasions.

At many Indian weddings, brides and the other women involved in the ceremony wear brightly coloured saris, decorated with gold accessories and other ornamentation.

Garden Wedding Ideas for Beautiful Wedding Photography

Having a garden wedding is magical and romantic. It is one of a woman's dreams to hold her wedding in a garden with many trees around, the verdant grass, the flowers, and a small patio nearby. However, it cannot be avoided that some minor problems on the location may crop up. And it is good to be prepared so that the wedding photographer will know which areas of the garden are worth taking pictures together with the couple, their family, their friends, and their guests.

Assessing the surrounding should be done first. Is the area wide enough for the number of guests that will be attending the wedding? Does it need some wedding decoration ideas to make the area appealing to visitors? A little d矇cor will create a unique appearance that will make the guests truly astounded. Garden decorations that complement the surroundings are ideal for simple or elegant garden weddings. Everything has to be perfect for wedding photography shoots.

A garden wedding has to decide also whether to hold the wedding during the night or during the day. If a couple wants their garden wedding to be done during nighttime, there are decor ideas that will be perfect for the occasion. The surrounding can be highlighted with strings of white lights. The dining tables can also be accented with candled vases. The result is a dream-like atmosphere to the visitors in the wedding. The wedding photographer will highly appreciate the couple's creativity. In return, he will make sure that every little detail of the wedding decor is evident in the pictures.

Daytime garden weddings can also be made magical by applying wedding decorations that are unique and have a personal touch by the couple. Bouquets of flowers can be placed on every structure surrounding the garden. Flower petals can be littered on the grass. There is so much that the couples can do. A garden wedding can also be set at any season that the couple likes. Every vibrant colour that depicts the love, joy, and happiness by the couple and their family has no escape in the camera of the professional wedding photographer.

More elaborate accents can be constructed that will be attractive to the guests. Arches are excellent objects for wedding photography. Dressing up the arch with flowers can add beauty to the structure and give justice to its purpose in the garden wedding. The couple has to make sure also that everything in the garden is nicely decorated. Unsightly corners should be given attention as well. They can be hidden using big flower vases or white curtains.

Everything should be perfect for the perfect wedding photography pictures. With the right garden wedding decorations, the wedding ceremony and reception will be worth remembering and the wedding photographer worth thanking for.

Unusual Wedding Performers - To Make Your Wedding Rock

Wedding performers can add something extra to your special day. Popular examples are string quartets; harpists and pianists, here are a few more unusual ones.

Wacky waiters - The most unusual wedding performers out there
Wedding performers don't come much more unusual that this. By their very nature they are anarchic and you need to be sure this is the type of entertainment for you. Typically they go from table to table during the wedding breakfast creating trouble. There are good and bad out there but the best are very funny and well worth paying the extra for.

Photo Booth - Exploiting the digital age
This goes beyond the normal wedding photographer, the booth can be set up with wind machines and various lighting effects. With digital software the photographs can be manipulated to create fun and imaginative pictures. There is often an option for video messaging so your guest can leave comments for you to view later. Photographs can be emailed straight to your guests smart phones. This is a very modern form of wedding entertainment.

Spontaneous Poetry - a wedding performer they won't have seen before
One of the most unusual wedding performers I have met was a poet. He moved between groups making up poetry based on information given to him by the guests. It worked surprisingly well and his imagination and use of language was extraordinary.

Magician - always popular for all ages
Magic at weddings is becoming more popular and there are a number of ways magicians can help make your day perfect. Most members of the public see a magician live only once or twice in their lifetime. So although some magicians have a high profile on television your guest will still find a roaming magician new and exciting to watch.

Silhouette artist - creates a lovely give away
My logo is an image of me cut by a very talented silhouette artist. These make great gifts for your guests. The wedding performer cuts the silhouette and puts it into a little folder which can be kept. This folder can have a message from you in it or an inscription to remind them of your special day. When considering wedding performers this is one of the most elegant around.

If you are very brave you can always do some entertaining yourself. The two of you can be your own wedding performers! Below is a link to a clip of two newlyweds performing their own dance. If you watch it you will see this is no ordinary dance and has had over twelve million hits on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qd_j98-y-M

Be careful though, if you don't get it right it can reflect badly but a well rehearsed party piece will leave a lasting memory. So sometimes it pays to be brave. Good Luck!

Digital Wedding Photo Album Software Free Download - Photographer's Top Secrets Revealed

If you're looking for digital wedding photo album software that is free to download and that allows you to make high-quality, professional photo albums then this article is a must-read for you. Not only is this program very easy to use even for people who have never created a single photo book before, but it produces amazing photo books printed on top-quality award-winning photo paper, professionally bounded with numerous cover options. Cover options for your photo book choices range from a very budget-friendly linen hardcover to luxurious handcrafted genuine leather. These photo books are meticulously finished and crafted to last for years and years.

If you think that you have to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get that expensive, one-of-a-kind look for your photography book, think again! Despite the fact that many professional photographers are charging top dollar for handcrafted photo albums, you can achieve the same results for a bargain price, if you know where to order your photo books and what digital photo album software (free is always a plus) to use. In fact, many professional photographers are using this exact program and would hate to share this information with you.

This digital wedding photo album software (free to download and use) is packed with great features that no other software program offers on the market today. You can fully customize your album pages, add personalized captions, make custom cover pages with your own photos and text. The software program has powerful photo editing tools, if you need to spruce up your pictures before putting them in the photography book.

But it doesn't stop there! You can also share your digital photo books online with anybody who has an e-mail address for free. Once your friends receive an e-mail with a link to your photo album, all what they have to do is just click the link in your e-mail, and the smiles begin. Your friends can view your photo book without downloading those bulky attachments. Your digital photo album will look like an online magazine, so your friends will be able to turn the pages, zoom in and out, etc.

If you would like to send a printed photo book as a gift to your friends, you can do so with just a click of your mouse. In fact, your friends can order as many prints of your photo books as they like themselves without downloading this digital photo album software.

You can customize your photo album for each recipient by adding a separate cover page and cover title to make a truly unique and personalized gift for any occasion. Who doesn't love receiving gifts with a nice personal touch? Now you can make yours! And no, these gifts won't come with a huge price tag. You will be shocked how inexpensive they are!

Wedding Reception - 42 Questions To Ask The Reception Venue Manager

When reviewing wedding reception sites, it helps to come equipped with the questions you need answered before making your decision. Here is what you will need to find out from your reception site manager:

Costs Involved

First and foremost-you will need to determine the cost of holding your wedding reception at the site. Sounds like a given, right? You will discover that most reception sites break down their costs differently, and what may seem to be less expensive may wind up more costly once all of the figures are totaled. Avoid confusion by requesting an itemized list of fees-or take this one with you-and tally the costs of each fee and service you will most likely use for your event. (Have an idea of your guest count beforehand-this will influence the estimated costs) Then you can compare your lists to accurately determine which site is the most cost effective for your needs.

Already confused? Not to worry-we have compiled a complete list of typical costs and fees charged by wedding reception sites. If the facility does not provide one of these services, such as an onsite caterer, factor in the estimated cost of contracting the service from an outside vendor when tallying your total expenses.

Questions to ask:

o What is the facility rental fee?

o What is the cost-for food? (sites typically offer more than one menu package; determine which menu package you will most likely utilize for your wedding reception-and use that amount in determining your estimate.)

o What is the cost-for beverage? (save time by having an idea of what beverage package you would like to serve, whether a full bar, limited bar or non-alcoholic bar)

o If you can hold your ceremony on site, what is the ceremony fee?

o What is the set-up/break-down fee? (some sites charge per chair, others charge a lump sum)

o What is the staffing fee? (including bartenders, waiters etc.)

o What is the overtime fee?

o Is there a fee for security personnel?

o Is there a fee for parking or valets?

Packages

Just when you think you've got a handle on the costs involved in renting a reception site, a facility offers a complete wedding package. Wedding packages can be both cost-effective and convenient, as long as you take care to inquire about exactly what is and what is not included in the package.

Also remember to inquire about the exact descriptions of the items included in the package. For instance-if you have your heart set on an elaborately adorned 5 tiered fondant cake and the package only offers your basic buttercream-the package may not be for you - no matter what the potential savings.

Ask the site manager:

o What is included in the wedding package? Make sure all the basics are included:

o Facility Rental?

o Food and Beverage?

o Ceremony on site?

o Set up and Break down?

o Staffing?

Other items that may or may not be included:

o Cake? (if so, how many does it serve? Can you customize the design?)

o Flowers? (does the package include all floral, or just buffet arrangements or bouquets? Can you customize the arrangements or do they only come in standard varieties?)

o Linens? (what do they look like? How many?)

o Is purchasing the wedding package a requirement? (Many facilities allow brides the option of purchasing the entire package, purchasing a partial package and eliminating specific items or foregoing the wedding package altogether.)

Services

Determine what essential services the reception site provides and what you must contract from an outside vendor:

o Is there an in-house caterer or a list of preferred caterers? If so, are they the exclusive caterers, or can you provide your own?

o Are there on-site kitchen facilities? (off-site caterers will charge extra if they have to bring their own stoves and refrigerators)

o Does the reception site have a list of recommended vendors? Access to a list of vendors with working relationships and knowledge of the site will prove extremely beneficial during the planning process.

o Can you hold your ceremony on site? If not, are there suitable locations nearby?

o Does the reception site provide staff such as an on-site coordinator, waiters and bartenders?

o Does the reception site provide items such as tables, chairs, plates and glasses? (remember, renting these things yourself can drive up costs)

o Does the reception site provide adequate parking space or valets? What are the costs involved?

o Does the reception site provide on-site security. What are the costs involved?

Amenities

Some important extras that may help you determine the perfect venue for your wedding reception:

o Are there changing rooms for the bridal party?

o Does the facility provide guest accommodations or are their convenient locations nearby?

o Is there a bar area or can one be set up?

o Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both inside and out?

o Is there a dance floor?

o Are there sufficient restroom facilities?

o Is there, or can you set up, a coat room?

o Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any potential noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any nearby attractions? (keep your guests entertained for the entire weekend!)

Terms

Don't forget the conditions of the contract! Make sure it meets your needs.

o What is the length of the facility rental? Is there an overtime fee if your wedding reception lasts longer?

o Do you have use of the entire reception site? If not - what areas can your party use?

o What is the deposit and when is the remainder due?

o What is the cancellation policy?

o Does the site have any music or noise restrictions?

o Are there any decorating restrictions?

o Will there be another party during, before or after yours? If so, how will this affect your event?

Will You Be Getting Your Wedding Photos on A USB Flash Drive?

If you're planning to get married this year and you're using the services of a professional wedding photographer then you might want to think about the best way to take delivery of your wedding day portfolio.

When the day is over and all you have left are some fabulous memories (and hopefully your partner!) then it's your photo's that will help bring the day back to life and help you enjoy and celebrate the day all over again with your family and friends.

Tradition dictates your wedding photos are supplied in a professionally produced Album that reflects the day. Most specialist wedding photographers will have their own portfolio of Albums that you can choose from with price breaks to reflect the quality and size of the Album. But, given that most photographers now use digital cameras for their shoots and then edit the digital images after the day it's not unusual to be offered a CD or DVD with your wedding photographs on as well (typically for an extra fee).

The digital images supplied on the CD/DVD will typically be high resolution.jpg that are viewable on most PC's and Macs. Because they are "high resolution" images each image can be quite a large file and this is one of the reasons why photographers have historically chosen CD's and DVD's over other products like USB flash Drives. Flash drives (whilst available with large amounts of storage) have been comparatively much more expensive than a CD and it's been easier to get hold of CD's and DVD's locally and print a label for it before they hand it out to their clients.

But, things are changing:

• Storage capacities on USB flash drives are increasing all the time and a typical USB flash drive has between 4GB - 16GB of storage - more than enough to store hundreds of high quality photographs on!


• Costs are falling - only a year ago an 8GB USB flash drive would have costs around 瞿15, today it's less than half of this.


• Less PC's and Macs are shipping with a CD or DVD player because the technology is now considered "old" and unfashionable.


• Data transfer speeds for USB flash drives have taken a massive step forward with the introduction of USB 3.0 (which also works with PC's running USB 1.x and 2.0) - this means it will be quicker for photographers to load their images onto a flash drive and it'll be faster for you to view your photos.


• Professional Wedding Photographers are gradually moving towards printed USB flash drives in snazzy presentation (gift boxes) - these look so much better than a CD/DVD and they make great gifts if you wanted to order a few to hand out to friends and family. You might even think about using some of them as wedding favours (pre-loaded with images of your courtship, things about you, the hen and stag night photos etc.)

If, like lots of couples you're looking to post your wedding photos on Social Networking sites like Facebook, Google+ and Twitter then you'll definitely want your photos supplied digitally. If you're going to get them supplied digitally then don't be surprised to be offered them on a printed USB flash drive.

Wedding Photography Blueprint by Nick Stubbs - Review

The Wedding Photography Blueprint by Nick Stubbs provides a valuable resource for all wedding photographers, whether you are a professional or an amateur starting out. It is one of the most in-depth and informative wedding photography online DVD courses available. Comprising of footage taken from a full, 2-day wedding photography course as well as an actual wedding, it gives you a full and comprehensive understanding of what to expect and what to do when shooting weddings.

The screen recordings for the Wedding Photography Blueprint are intertwined at various and well timed intervals throughout the course to highlight problematic images being worked on in Photoshop in order to salvage excellent looking wedding photos from somewhat mediocre RAW files. These are placed alongside many other traditional Photoshop tutorials which includes the use of recommended software and add-ons to make your images stand out from the crowd. This is one of the most important sections in the Wedding Photography Blueprint, as digital imaging plays an essential role in digital wedding photography. A wedding is one of the most important event in a couple's lifetime, and there is absolutely no excuses for missing out on important images which failed to turn out as good due to lighting or technical glitches.

This DVD set also includes the following:

- A comprehensive 99-page eBook with set tasks and homework to improve your understanding

- Camera and flash settings needed throughout the day to ensure that you get the "safe" shots before playing with natural light and more artistic shots

- Editing tips and tricks to salvage poorly exposed, must have shots

- Low light photography

- Flash and natural light photography

- Group shots

- Interviews with other successful wedding photographers

- An interview with a wedding couple about their wants and needs from their wedding photographer

- Plus much more including bonus eBooks

Many aspiring wedding photographers are sometimes put off by what they read online or hear at their local photography clubs or online forums about shooting weddings. With its in-depth tutorials, the Wedding Photography Blueprint produces a highly detailed step-by-step guide on the fundamental training which helps to alleviate that fear and encourages all amateurs to build their own style over time through this complete foundation course. Instead of trying to figure out through trial and error what it takes to shoot timeless wedding photos, this DVD course shortens the learning curve by highlighting all the tried and tested techniques and tips that would work again and again.

The Wedding Photographer Blueprint is a unique product as it showcases every step you need to undertake as a wedding photographer. Most information products on wedding photography found online are nothing more than just a 30 or 50-page eBook with lots of technical details, tutorials and basic information on wedding photography. Nothing beats learning from the professional wedding photographer on videos, to see him shooting on an actual wedding event. This allows you, especially if you are an amateur wedding photographer just starting out, to have a view and feel of what's expected, rather than getting lost in tons of technical information which you find hard to comprehend.

6 Tips For A Successful Wedding Photo Shoot

The wedding photography is an important part of your big day. It is your wedding photos that will capture the moments, preserve the memories and give you years of pleasure looking back. So even if you hate having your photo taken, on your wedding day this is one time when you have to smile and relax into it. To make things easier on the day here are some tips to help your wedding photo shoot go smoothly.

1. Well before the wedding day itself, plan with your wedding photographer exactly what photos you want from the shoot, how much time will be allocated to it and at what stage of the day the photos will be taken. Most likely your photographer will be taking informal photos throughout the day, but if you want any portraits of you as a couple or posed groups, you will need to decide the where and when and plan a slot in the schedule for the shoot.

2. Make sure you have a Plan B in case of bad weather. Good wedding photographers can work in most conditions, but it's not going to be much fun for you having photos taken on the beach in wind and rain, so check out your wedding venue for alternative sheltered spots that would also work well for your photo shoot, just in case.

3. When planning your wedding hair and make-up, make sure that it will work well in photos. Your make-up artist will advise on this, but it might be a good idea to have a few photos taken at your makeup trial in natural daylight to see how it all works on camera. This will give you more confidence on the day, so that you can relax into the photos and not worry about how you look. Just remember that a professional wedding photographer will make you look a thousand times better than photos taken by your best friend on a small digital camera, so don't worry if they are not perfect. If your budget allows, it is well worth while booking a pre-wedding shoot with your wedding photographer to combine with the make-up trial, so you get a really good idea of how you will look on the day.

4. Put together a bride's emergency pack for the big day, that your chief bridesmaid can keep at hand for you to use before the photos are taken. Include a lipstick, tissues and wet wipes, powder and mascara, and of course a mirror, so that you can repair smudges and shininess brought on by so much emotion!

5. Ask your bridesmaids to keep a bottle of water to hand for you to sip, especially on hot sunny days. It's easy to get de-hydrated and often the bride and the groom are the last ones to get drinks at the reception, as they are so busy greeting guests and having photos taken. A few snacks might also be a good idea to keep you energised during the photo shoot.

6. Practise your deep breathing and relax. Forget about the details of the reception, schedules and whether the photos are delaying things. Leave all that to the wedding planner or to the caterers to sort out and start enjoying your wedding day with a big smile for the camera.

Green Screen Photography - Exotic & Inspiring Wedding Photos - On a Budget!

Dear Reader,

Think about this... by using the special features of green screen technology you can turn your photography business into a highly prosperous business. The problem is most photographers simply don't know how. By using the information in this article you will learn how to obtain the right guide on using green screen to increase your profits.

You see, when two people give and start a life together as a married couple, it is going to be one of the most remembered times in their life. So what can a photographer do to make this time even more special?

Think about this... To keep these memories fresh in the minds of the new couple they typically hire a wedding photographer. But not many wedding photographers will offer the advantages of green screen photography.

By utilizing these simple green screen systems where other photographers don't you dramatically increase your chances of receiving more business.

Here's the thing... By using green screen you can not only create amazing bonuses other photographers don't offer you can add tens of thousands of dollars to your wedding photography business.

And the bad news is that this type of service was not available for weddings until recent times. Even today the greater numbers of wedding photographers either don't know about green screen photography or simply don't understand it enough to utilize it.

The good news is that to create the kind of photos that was more often than not only available to the extremely rich is now available to anyone easily. The thing is no one is actually doing it.

Now listen closely because what naturally happens after a wedding ceremony (prior to the reception) is most photographers will locate a nice place near by for the couples wedding photos and backdrop.

Let's face it... As a photographer you would know the amount of times you've been completely restricted by the weather and back drops right? In the end this stopped you from offering the outstanding photography package you were hoping to.

On the other hand, if you want to offer exotic wedding portraits that no one else offers, you can very easily (and on a shoestring budget) accomplish this by utilizing green screen and chroma key software as part of your package.

Here's how it works...

You simply choose a destination where you can access the right lighting, or a place where you can set up your own lights. Now you light up the screen with two lights facing the centre.

You use a third light on the newly weds while you take their photos. Make sure to take plenty of photos.

Now when you get back to your studio you only need to add in the background the best way that works for the newlyweds.

Here's an Example...

Should the couple wish to show their never-ending love for each other by utilizing a backdrop that represents the essence of romance you could do the following... You could create scenery as a impressive as a waterfall, a sandy beach in Hawaii or the sun setting behind the mountains of a beautiful range. This is the kind of photography that can get the attention of a couple looking for a wedding photographer.

And, here's the kicker... By utilizing such locations as backdrops it will help the bride (plus all her friends she shows the wedding portraits to) feel a much stronger connection with the photos you create for them.

And you know what? Because this is the bride's special day most people believe it is always the bride who loves to show off their wedding photos. But here's the thing... as long as the wedding photos aren't too feminine, most men also love to show off wedding photos of their friends as well.

Once you've taken the photos of the newly weds, ask the groom to step aside while you take some graceful shots of the bride by herself.

Take photos of her from the front with her holding her bouquet. Also take profile photos of as they are very popular too.

Here's what to do next...

When you're back at your studio you can simply add things like a set of marble stairs which leads to the entrance of an old gothic church. This can be the background. You could use a courtyard of a castle which can really be an eye catcher.

Here's the secret... make sure you use good quality software to darken the bride a little and make it look as if she is in shadow. Now use a picture of the ocean that has a sky full of deep reds and purples. This will add drama to the photo and make it a talking point so the couple will always remember you for your special green screen photography you created.

Why Does Wedding Photography Cost So Much?

This is a common question that is asked a lot. Here are some things to consider when placing a value of Wedding photography.

Professional prints are a rip off, I can get a print for 0.19 cents at Xmart! That's true you can and all it costs you is a little time. You were at the Wedding having a good time, you pulled your camera and snapped off a shot, easy. What about the Wedding photographer isn't it that easy for him too?

Wedding photographers (the good ones) really care about the bride and groom. We want to take the best photograph possible for the given situation and in order to do so it requires us to be prepared and put some thought into every shot.

First is the equipment.
You must have good quality gear and you must have back up. At any given Wedding we bring 5 camera bodies, 6 flashes, 4 power packs, 8 lenses, lots of AA batteries, 50 GB of memory chips, extra batteries for the cameras, tools to clean and repair cameras or lenses, extra cables. Light stands, reflectors, a white balance target, light meters, 800 watt strobes for formals (3 of these), umbrellas, flash bracket, diffusers, and well you get the idea.

A good camera and equipment (gear) do not make one a good photographer. A skilled photographer can make good images with even mediocre equipment. The reason to get expensive gear is because it can make good work great, but it won't save a poor photo no matter how much money you have spent. Pro cameras focus more accurately, track moving objects better, focus in low light conditions faster and better, they are more rugged, weather sealed, shutters have a life of 250,000 frames. They have larger buffers so you can take more shots with slowing your camera down. The camera is only part of the equation. Your lenses can play an even larger role than your camera body in the quality of the images. In other words if you have an $8000.00 DLSR and put a cheap $300.00 lens on it you just wasted $7000.00.

Why do we need all of that gear? Simple, for backup, reliability, quality, and to create images that can't be created without the proper tools. We want to make images that have a third dimension to them.

It's called the WOW factor.

Yes anyone can buy a camera, flash, flash bracket and run around and call themselves a photographer. It's also a fact that anyone can buy a pair of scissors and cut hair, but I will bet you are going to have a skilled person cut YOUR hair. The same is true for photography, there are skills, technical learning, people skills, posing skills and things you can't learn like having a vision, seeing the light and looking beyond the obvious to create something great from something Others see as common.

Anyone can buy brushes and paint and take art classes, but not everyone will become an artist.

No it's true there are people out there that shoot an entire wedding with 1 camera, 1 flash and call themselves by various popular names (photo journalists). Now I don't want to start any fights but many professionals feel that the majority of PJ shooters and people who don't know how to light, pose or frame their subjects. Don't get me wrong there are a few that are really good, but I do feel that many people whom just one to make an extra buck hide behind the reputation of the good PJ shooters in order to take advantage of their clients. These are usually the guys who at one time realized that anyone can snap a picture, so why not get paid for it? The photojournalist wedding photographers that are really good are in a league of their own. They have unique skills, and have one BIG advantage over the want to be photojournalists and that is they actually have been photojournalists before getting into Weddings.

Ok. I am off that soapbox for now.

Hidden labor and time worked but not seen.
There is a lot of time spent after the wedding for the final production of the images and album that will be created. But before we go into that lets take a look and the hidden time and expenses that you would never know about unless you did wedding photography for a living.

At the initial meeting of a bride and groom we will spend about 2-3 hours discussing their day, giving them ideas and writing down information. We provide forms to help them organize their day (and their thoughts) and to help them plan. Our job is not only to photograph the day but to take stress off the bride and groom by giving advice and helping them plan the wedding day. The photographer you choose will be responsible for a good part of your day. If your photographer only wants to meet with you to take your check and then ask you what time do you them to show up you might want to consider a photographer that wants to actually get involved with the wedding day.

The average bride and groom will spend about 2-4 hours on the phone with us asking questions and preparing for the day. Add more time if there is an engagement session. Let's also remember all of the email's that will be sent back and for.

The wedding day photography schedule.
We will spend 1-2 hours with going over the sequence of the day and helping put in writing a time line of events. The purpose of this time line is to help the couple get the photographs that they want. This is also a major stress reliever for the bride because the photographer becomes that bad guy and gives the wedding party a schedule for the day. There is nothing worse on the day of your wedding then having a wedding party member be a no show until 5 minutes before, especially if you wanted pre ceremony photos. There is always one bridesmaid that takes forever to get ready and is famous for being late of forgetting things, the mean photographer that gives a schedule to the bridesmaids is doing so to help the bride so she won't have to dread dealing with the extra drama that can be created by slow and late bridesmaids, after all its her day.

Scouting the area.
If the events are at an area I have not shot at previously I will go to the wedding site and the reception area and photograph the areas and meet the people who will be in charge on the day of the wedding. I go back to the studio and load up the images and plan out shot I want to get using what is available in the area and then I organize the shots and plan them in a logical order. There is another 3-4 hours of planning, plus travel time.

The rehearsal.
We attend the rehearsal. This is good way of learning about last minute changes, getting to meet the family and wedding party and of course handing out the photography schedule. So there is another 2 hours on average.

The day before the wedding.
All of the equipment is cleaned, inspected and tested. Batteries are charged. Equipment is organized. Cards are formatted, cameras have their clocks synchronized, lenses and sensors cleaned, I organize my shot list, pack up the lighting equipment, tripods, etc. Another 6 hours of work.

The Wedding day.
The average wedding for us is 8 to 11 hours, yes we are not the 4 hour wedding photographers. I always wonder how they can get away with that.

Now it's nice to think that you can plan out a wedding day and after that you just execute the plan. Well now it's time for a reality check.

Weddings are organic.
They have a life of their own and not everything goes as planned. But, that's ok. Part of being a great Wedding photographer is being able to think on your feet, to be flexible and change all of the plans in a moments notice and still get great shots and keep everyone smiling. You want a challenge try squeezing 2 hours of shooting into 45 minutes. Oh yeah, the shots still need to be great.

After the Wedding.
OK the Wedding is over we get home about 1:00 am unload the equipment, start reading the images of the chips. Throw them online and wait for the money to roll in!!! In my dreams.

Just taking the images off the chips take about 3-5 hours. Next the images have to be processed.
We do not shoot in jpg file mode, we shoot in RAW. RAW is to digital what negatives are to film. The files have to be loaded into a RAW editor. We use Capture One.

Processing the RAW files.
The average Wedding will have 1000-2000 shots. I will spend about 10-16 hours processing the RAW file to get the absolute best quality from each one. You can take shorts cut and not be so picky, but any Wedding photographer worth their salt will want to make the proofs look great.

It takes time to do proper color correction (actually correction and white balance begins before the images were taken, that's what the white balance target was for). Files are backed up on three different external hard drives for redundancy. The chips are not formatted until all of the files are backed up.

The Album.
The RAWS are output as high resolution jpg files for building the albums and for posting on the Internet. Now we build the album. The average album takes 40-60 hours. You could buy software that automatically dumps photos from a folder into pre-made templates, and it takes about 20 minutes. But there is no creativity or customization involved. The photographer selects the images for the album and the bride and groom get to make changes 2 times. Many photographers work this way because it is faster. But if the bride and groom really appreciate good images and don't want a cookie cutter album then it requires creativity, communication and time.

Using Professional lab.
Professional photographers use quality monitors and hardware devices that create a profile that
modifies their screen display so when we edit and color correct, adjust the density and sharpen and image the print will come from the lab looking like the image on our monitor. Professional labs charge more because they offer a level of quality and consistency and used calibrated machines that are checked daily.

So let's total it up.
Initial meeting of a bride and groom 2-3 hours.
Time on phone and writing email's to iron out details and answer questions 2-4 hours.
The time line for the day 1-2 hours.
Scouting the area, travel and research, planning shots. 3-4 hours.
The rehearsal 2 hours, plus travel time.
The wedding day 8-11 hours on average.
Uploading data from chips. 3-5 hours.
Processing the RAW files, building web pages for the online shopping cart, uploading files and data back up 10-16 hours.
Build the wedding album pages 40-60 hours.

People who are talented make their work look easy. Talent, hard work, patience, flexibility and a good sense of humor are all part of being a great Wedding photographer. You are inviting this person into your life for the day of your Wedding.

So, when you buy a photo from the Wedding photographer your not just buying a piece of paper with some printing, you are getting a part of the time, emotion and investment that the bride and groom put into their day, and they trusted in that photographer to be there for them.

This person they have put their trust in has done a lot more than just snap a few pics.

Plan a Super Stylish Beach Wedding

The best thing about planning a beach wedding is that you don't have to worry about decorating; nature takes care of the background! If a beach wedding was always your dream theme, here's a quick guide to planning a stress free wedding.

Formal or Casual:

Although the very theme indicates a 'kick back and relax' mood, some couple prefer a formal style, but this would mean more planning. You will have to decide on the style very early as all other plans shall follow the correct theme. If the style is formal, you will have to inform guests accordingly.

Budget:

A lot of issues actually depend on this. If you have a comfortable budget in mind, the guest list can be long. In fact, you can even arrange for a private beach through a resort or hotel. But when the budget is tight, a public beach should be enough. But keep in mind that you have to choose a location that is not very far and hence unaffordable for these guests to access.

Dress Code:

As earlier said, the style and theme of the wedding depends on the dress code. If the theme is informal, you don't have to worry about wearing a black tie or a gown. If the style's informal, the dress code can be relaxed. Thus Hawaiian shirts, Bermuda shorts, sandals, floppy hats, etc. shall be the norm. Make sure you inform your guests about the dress code, especially if it is formal. As for the bride and the groom, beach wedding dresses have to be ordered.

Planning for Contingencies:

It's going to be very windy on the beach; hence make sure that you forewarn guests to dress appropriately. You can't control the weather, but will have to make all arrangements that are required for an outdoor ceremony. These include canopies, umbrellas, or tents and such other items required to protect guests from becoming wet. This one should come as an obvious point- time your event carefully. If you are planning a wedding in Florida, August to September should be avoided as it's sure to rain then.

Time:

Would it be a morning wedding or a evening one? When it's a beach wedding, an early sunrise is a good idea, but not everyone gets up early in the morning. Hence, a time close to sun set is ideal as it's neither too hot nor too dark to remove photos.

Other things such as furniture and furnishings, and other facilities will also have to be paid attention to.

How to Become Successful Wedding Photographer?

Wedding is an important occasion for all of us. We all want to keep this happy moment of our life memorized with us. In this case, a camera and a bit of photography can help us. With the help of a camera, you can make these happy memories live forever in your photos.

Many photographers have gained success in this field through wedding photography, while many of them are still struggling. However, you can easily be a good photographer by following some tips. Passion and motivation are required to be a dexterous photographer. Moreover, myriad of people may tell you it is an easy process to earn money through wedding photography.

However, it is not an easy job for the newcomers in this field. Shooting randomly with a camera will not make you successful and expert in this field. Nonetheless, you have to be keen enough to learn the techniques of wedding photography from some professional wedding photographers. If you do your work with the desire to deliver, then you are bound to be successful. Moreover, you can start your career by delivering the newly married couple with some outstanding photographs.

Hence, I am describing some important tips for the beginners in this line. Firstly, do not come in this line without learning photography. If you have come in this profession without knowing anything, then you will be disappointed with your feedback. It will be difficult for you to get further jobs or contracts. Thereby, I request all the new comers to learn photography before coming in this line.

It is pertinent to state that a quality camera is a pre-requisite for a good photography. Nevertheless, the camera alone will not give you money. Conversely, your talent and skills would grant you distinction. Having a brand-new camera does not indicate that you are a proficient photographer. You would find many people who came in this field and were not successful. The main reason behind the failure was their reluctance to learn from the others or being creative.

Try to keep pace with the modern technology and latest ideas. Do not focus on earning money only. You should be able to deliver some quality photos in exchange of money. Do not count your photographs; try to count the quality of your photographs. Try to build a unique position of yours in this field. Do not try to follow some others. Build your skill in such a way that photographers are bound to follow you.

What Are the Costs of Throwing a Wedding?

What does it cost to get married these days? You've got some savings, and it's all up to the two of you to find a way to make this wedding happen. Can you do it on two thousand dollars? On five thousand? Here is the average cost of a wedding this year and the categories you need to consider when planning for wedding costs.

The average wedding costs twenty-seven thousand dollars, according to the Bridal Association of America. This includes the cost of rings, catering, photographer, wedding planner, flowers, church, and the reception venue. Every wedding has its own individual needs, but here are some baselines for wedding costs.

Wedding bands can range from less than one hundred dollars for thin silver, yellow gold, or inherited wedding bands to more than two thousand dollars for larger platinum and diamond-studded bands.

A wedding photographer can cost less than one thousand dollars or more than ten thousand dollars. When planning for a photographer, make sure to ask what they include in their package. Does it include the prints? How many? Does it include an album? Or will you be getting a disc of digital photos?

The average wedding cake costs $543, according to the Bridal Association of America. For sheet and tiered cakes, the cost per slice can range from $1.50 per slice to more than ten dollars a slice. Make sure to ask your baker or caterer about extra costs. Often extras like fondant icing are not covered, and delivery and cutting fees may be extra as well.

A wedding dress can cost anywhere from less than two hundred dollars to five thousand dollars or more. The average dress costs $1505, according to the Bridal Association of America. Keep costs down by borrowing or inheriting a dress or by shopping discount outlets.

According to the Bridal Association of America, wedding flowers cost $698, on average. The church or wedding site can cost between one hundred dollars and three thousand dollars for about three to five hours of time. Make sure to ask if the officiant's fee is included in your quote.

Parents can expect to pay between ten and two-hundred fifty dollars per person at a rehearsal dinner. Catering for the wedding can have widely varying costs. For a do-it-yourself catering job or a small restaurant, costs can be less than twenty dollars a person. For appetizers only, you can expect to pay between thirty and seventy dollars a person. For a sit-down dinner with appetizers and drinks, you can pay anywhere between $125-350 per person. Drinks, cake, food service, flatware, and gratuity may or may not be included in this total. Make sure to ask your caterer what is provided with their package.

Expect to pay between fifty dollars and ten thousand dollars for a reception venue. Some restaurants and alternative venues like bowling alleys require only a fifty dollar room rental fee. Expensive hotels can charge between twenty five hundred and ten thousand dollars for a hall rental. Ask about extra charges for insurance and security guards.

Don't let these numbers scare you. It is possible to have a gorgeous, memorable wedding on any budget. Use your imagination, do your research, and the wedding of your dreams is within reach.

Wedding Photojournalism

Is there a difference between a wedding studio photographer and wedding photojournalist? The answer is yes! Both types of photography require certain technical skills and a creative eye. The difference lies in the approach to creating an image. A wedding photojournalist will not do anything to alter the moment, they will strictly be an observer, like a fly on the wall. Capturing emotion, action and the important moments of the day, without altering them, is the key. Of course that doesn't mean you can't take bridal or family portraits, just use good judgment when presenting them.

While camera strobes are perfectly acceptable, using available light or blending light is important in preserving the moment as it happened. Staging moments, tilting your camera sideways and adding special effects filters to an image are NOT examples of photojournalism. These elements sensationalize a photograph and may add an interesting feature to say, a portrait, but they are not part of the original moment.

A good photojournalist can tell stories with his or her camera. Elements that define the moment should be present so no explanation is needed to understand what is happening. Blend into the background and allow the moment to develop, all the while moving and trying to include the definitive characters, objects and location.

Don't try to pass off staged moments as journalism, bridal portraits can be an exception to the rule since your input is required to set up the shot. Remember, ethics are important to a true wedding photojournalist so do not alter the moment!

So How Much Does a Wedding Cake Cost?

Whether a couple is budget conscious or simply wanting to be prepared for their cake consultation, understanding how much a wedding cake costs is important if you want to get what you paid for. Nothing is worse than going through the whole process of selecting tiers, shapes, flavors and cake decorations only to be started by the final price. Getting an idea of how much does a wedding cake cost can be a frustrating thing to determine but is definitely necessary before heading in to the bakery.

Ordering From Cake Menus

Cake ordering can be very similar to ordering at a restaurant. While you could easily order an appetizer, soup or salad, main course, dessert and a drink or two, if budget is an issue you'd likely just stick to the main course. Cakes are much the same way with the size or number of tiers, cake stands needed, cake construction, shape, flavors and decorations all comprising the cost. If your budget is tight, there are certainly some areas to trim corners for your cake. For example, a unique cake shape such as ovals, or hearts may not be quite so interesting if it added another 15% to your cake bill.

Pricing of Cakes

Some bakers charge by the piece, ranging just about between $1.00-$5.00 a slice based on the number of guests you have attending your reception. It could also be important to inquire if your reception location will charge a fee per piece for cutting and serving costs. If a baker is using flat fees for how much a wedding cake costs, you can expect to spend approximately $400-500 for a 3 tiered cake for 100 people. Likely this cake has minimal décor involved and a simple stand. For another $300-$500, tiers can be added or extras such as fountains and detailing in the fondant or icing.

For an ornate cake without the price tag, several options are available. The use of mock cakes that are often pre-made far ahead of time by using styrofoam as the cake medium is a cost efficient way to achieve your dream cake. The cake decorator coats the exterior with fondant and piped icing or other decorative techniques. This method saves the baker time by allowing them to create your cake ahead of time and more at their leisure. One tier is created with actual cake for you to cut in front of your guests while the cake actually intended for your guests is provided with far more inexpensive sheet cakes that are taken to the reception site's kitchen and out of the view of your guests.

Asking the question how much does a wedding cake cost can help to plan a budget as well as get a handle on what is important in the design of your cake. Asking a decorator to itemize the decorating features may be the best way to understand where your money is being spent and where you can possibly cut out an unnecessary expense. One place you may not want to skimp which your guests will appreciate as well is of course, flavor.

Sunrise Wedding Services

There is nothing quite like the promise of a new day. The early morning hours have a freshness that is quite unique. A beautiful way to capture this feeling is to have a sunrise wedding service.

Now getting married at the crack of dawn may not be for everyone, but it would certainly make for a unique and memorable wedding. If you have ever attended a sunrise service on Easter morning, you know just what I mean. The rising sun makes a glorious backdrop to the bride and groom as they recite their vows.

Planning an early morning wedding is different to arranging for any other kind of wedding. You will want it to have a softer feeling than an evening wedding. At that hour, there will probably not be a lot of dancing, either. Some soft music during the ceremony and reception would be very nice; you could look into something special like a harpist.

Chances are that not everyone you know will be able to handle an early morning wedding, so you will want to think carefully about your guest list. Plan on inviting only those that are closest to you. To determine the exact time of the sunrise on your wedding date, consult an almanac. In the summer, the sunrise might be a bit too early to manage (5am service, anyone?), but if you push it too far into the spring or fall, it could also be very chilly, so be sure to check out the typical temperature for sunrise.

For the reception, plan to serve brunch foods. Depending on just how early it is, you could limit the offerings to eggs and pastries, or you could have a more elaborate menu with carving station and a custom omelette station. People are not usually big drinkers first thing in the morning, but Bloody Marys, mimosas, and Champagne can be served if you want to serve alcohol. And definitely have a wedding cake.

The bride should aim for a romantic and ethereal look. Bridal gowns created from soft and flowing fabrics like chiffon or English net would be beautiful choices. A sunrise service is not the time to bring out the bling. Look for a gown with more gentle embellishment, if any at all. A long veil floating in the early morning breeze would be lovely.

When it comes to bridal jewelry gifts, the groom should select pieces for his bride that are in keeping with the tone of the wedding. For a sunrise service, he could choose from gifts of bridal jewelry created from delicate pearls or dainty sterling silver designs. If you are unsure of where to start, then ask the maid of honor what would coordinate with the bride's dress.

The flowers for a sunrise ceremony could be done in a few different ways. One very pretty effect would be to choose a bouquet that features the yellows, golds, and oranges of the morning sun. This color combination would be stunning done in a simple arrangement of roses. Another idea is to use an all-white color palette for the most delicate and ethereal effect. Lacy and dripping white flowers would produce the most elegant arrangements.

Having your wedding ceremony at the break of day is a lovely idea for a pair of early birds. How wonderful to capture that most special time of the day and make it part of your wedding. Getting married with the sun rising in the morning sky behind you would be a beautiful way to start your life as a married couple.

Wedding Toasts - Tips For the Bride, Groom and Best Man

Raise a glass - now's the time to toast to the happy couple! Wedding toasts and speeches can sometimes cause anxiety - but don't let them. Enjoy your moment in the limelight, and make the most of these situations with some prep work.

Your best man, maid of honor and other special guests may inquire about appropriate speaking times - so it's good to have an idea beforehand. You and your fiance may also want to prepare some expressions of gratitude for your parents, your guests or each other. Every wedding is different; discuss and layout a general "toasting timeline" before the celebrations begin.

Who Toasts?
Traditionally the best man, maid-of-honor and parents of the bride and groom will say something over the course of events. However, close friends, the bride and groom themselves or anyone who has something to say is welcome to make a toast.

When to Toast?
When to toast all depends on the nature of your wedding. If yours will be a cocktail or buffet-style reception, your guests may not ever be gathered at the same place and time to listen to toasts. Another option is to hold the formal wedding toasts, such as the best man's speech, during the rehearsal dinner instead. At a seated dinner, the father of the bride traditionally toasts to commence the meal. Your caterer can arrange an official champagne toast, passing glasses of champagne to each guest prior to the best man speech or the father of the bride. Toasts can really occur at any time during the reception - between courses, after the meal, during the cake cutting etc. Try to give your event coordinator an estimated timeframe beforehand, so he or she can round up your guests to listen.

How to Respond
Everyone should rise for toasts to the new couple except the bride and groom, who remain seated (unless they already happen to be standing). When someone toasts the bride and groom, they should smile and say thank you. They should not clap or drink to themselves. If a toast addresses the bride only, the groom should rise. If a toast is directed towards the parents or any other guest, both the bride and groom should rise.

When the Newlyweds Toast
This is a wonderful opportunity to publicly recognize your family and friends for their love and support. If the bride and groom make a toast, they should not speak in unison (this sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised. They should instead stand together while one speaks or take turns speaking.

What to Say
Wedding toasts should be light, fun and G-rated. Avoid saying anything you wouldn't say to the bride's grandmother's face. Be succinct. There is nothing more awkward than a rambling, bumbling best man speech - under two minutes is perfect. All speakers should begin by introducing themselves. While toasts should include memories or funny anecdotes, avoid too many inside jokes that exclude the majority of guests. Your jokes will be met with silence if only a few listeners understand! Finally, wedding toasts should mention both the bride and the groom, even if the speaker only knows one or the other. And if the spotlight is on you and you're suddenly at a loss for words, try the old standby, "I'm so happy for you two. Cheers!" It never goes out of style.

How to Say It
It's smart to prepare beforehand, but always try to speak from the heart. Reading from a card seems insincere and awkward.

Marketing Ideas - Wedding Photography Business 2.0

"My wedding photography business is failing!"

That was what I was thinking just over a year ago. I was stuck in a rut, doing the same old marketing techniques that I had been doing for years. The same ones that almost every other wedding photographer in my area was doing.

The problem was that my prospects were becoming numb to the same tricks over and over. On top of that, I was getting older, and engaged couples were moving further away from my age demographic, making it more difficult to relate to them.

It was time for a change in my marketing plan. I had to find a way to get back into touch with my niche.

In order to be successful I would need to concentrate on a few things.

1. 
   
   Focus - Narrow down prospects into groups of exactly who you want to do business with. Know who your perfect client is. Are they first time couples or people getting married for a second or third time?
   
   
   
   
   


2. 
   
   Design Great Material - Design compelling marketing material that speaks to that group of people. Create something of value that you can give away, something with staying power. Personally, I use a free e-book and advertise it with a leaflet. This helps promote my website, and gets me their name and email address (which is required at download).
   
   
   
   
   


3. 
   
   Gather Leads - You can accomplish this two ways: by telephone, or by email. I suppose you could use snail mail, but this is wedding photography business 2.0, remember? As you read in number two, I use a form on my web page that requires that the user input their name and email in order to receive their free download. I require that they opt-in to avoid spam issues. The other method is to include a recorded telephone message with free information in exchange for their name and phone number.
   
   
   
   
   


4. 
   
   Harvest - Now, it's as simple as staying in touch with these prospects until they require your services! Send out a monthly newsletter, or provide them with valuable information through email. Any way you slice it, they asked for you to contact them, so DO IT! These are hungry prospects asking for exactly what you're selling.
   
   
   
   

By implementing this formula into my business, I've seen noticeable gains in purchase rate, all while lowering my time overhead in maintaining relationships with prospects.

The Importance Of Post Production To Wedding Photography?

With photography, post production used to involve a few tweaks in the darkroom before printing a final image. Now, the digital revolution has brought along with it a great variety of computer software that allows us to perform extremely complicated enhancements and image manipulations. These enhancements and manipulations have become standard procedure for most modern wedding photographers. I happen to be a bit of a purist when it comes to photography so post processing is something I like to keep to a minimum. A slight correction of the colour balance and an increase in contrast will usually suffice.

The problem with having so many options in post processing software is that some wedding photographers tend to go over the top and end up having photographs which look epic and overly dramatic. A look not suited to the mood of a wedding.

As a wedding photographer you should always bare in mind the amount you are getting paid for a job and take that into account during post-production. You don't want to be working overtime on post-production without the appropriate income.

At a typical wedding you may shoot up to 1500 photographs so when it comes to post production you need to have some sort of strategy in place to organise the files as effectively as possible. with over a 1000 images to deal with you know you are going to have groups of images taken in the same or similar locations, with the same or similar exposures. This means that you can use pre-sets on post-processing software to edit the batch all at once. This saves a lot of time and is really useful if you are on a tight time schedule.

Selecting which images to use and which ones to bin is the first, and most important part of the editing process. It takes place before any of the image manipulation and must be done successfully in order to satisfy your clients. Having a consistently strong set of images is key to exceeding your clients expectations and building your reputation as a wedding photographer.

As I have said before in a previous article, with wedding photography flattery is the key. So certain production techniques like skin softening or teeth whitening can really make the difference to your wedding photography.

My wedding photography concentrates on the quality of an image as an image. The aesthetic quality is of most importance. If the subject matter isn't there then you have nothing. Don't rely on using post-processing software to save an image that can't be saved and don't let the endless possibilities of programmes like photoshop or lightroom over complicate your images.

As a final pointer - Always remember that making the image is secondary to taking the image.