Jewish Cultural Wedding Traditions

From the venue to the religious traditions of the bride and groom, Jewish weddings stand out for wedding photographers grandly. Here is a list of a few Jewish wedding traditions that make capturing these moments a pleasure and a huge stress factor for all wedding photographers around the world.

The Chuppah- This is the beautiful four-legged, canopied structure under which the bride, groom, their immediate families and the Rabbi stand, after the traditional procession for the actual wedding ceremony. What makes this so humanely beautiful is that the canopy brings together all of the people who are responsible for the union of the bride and groom. It is to signify the roof of the future home for the newlyweds, under which they are to raise their own families and grow and prosper together spiritually, emotionally and physically. The blessing of the chosen Rabbi solidifies all of these values and wishes. As a wedding photographer, capturing the raw emotion that is present for everyone under the chuppah, can be an arduous task, however it is also one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. When the time comes time to go through and edit the pictures, seeing that you were able to successfully identify and seize the necessary moments of joy for the union of the two families, is a pleasure.

The Ketubah - During every matrimonial ceremony, the officiate presents the bride and groom with a document, which states the authenticity of the union, whether religiously or legally. According to Jewish religious tradition, the bride, groom and their witnesses are to sign a document called the Ketubah, which lists in it the "laws" by which the groom must abide in order to successfully keep the bride happy, along with all of the Jewish blessings meant for a long and fruitful marriage. The document is a crucial subject to capture on camera, not only for the sentimental significance but also because of its calligraphic, impeccable and intricate design. The Ketubah is presented in a beautiful frame with a paper behind a glass where the clear message is presented in stunning handwritten Hebrew. For every Jewish couple it is important that the photographers make it a point to get the image of when the bride and groom hold the Ketubah together for all of the guests to see for the very first time as man and wife.

Breaking of the Glass- To signify the end of what sometimes can be a lengthy ceremony, the groom is prepped to step and break a thin wine glass wrapped in a white cloth. The significance of the shattered glass is to show that at the beginning of this union the groom breaks away and shatters all possible mal-behavior and instead welcomes, sobriety and a well-balanced life in a promise to the bride standing by his side. The literal moment when the class successfully breaks signifies the end of the ceremony and officially announces matrimonial bliss for the now husband and wife. At that exact moment, the guests stand up and shout good blessings such as "mazel tov" and rush to congratulate the newlyweds. As a wedding photographer, specifically at a Jewish wedding... if you have failed to bring to life the moment of the shattered glass back onto paper for memories later on, then you must consider the job a flop as you have failed to grab the precise first few seconds of the actual marriage. Needless to say this is a beautiful and stressful moment for all.

Dancing of the Hora- The conclusion of the wedding ceremony at Jewish weddings means the beginning of one of the liveliest party celebrations one might experience. The party begins with a huge circle dance called the Hora, where all of the guests dance around in jubilation with the newlyweds being the central focus point on the floor. The Hora is a fast and fun song, which ends with the husband and wife being lifted into the air, by guests of wedding, while sitting in chairs. This is a very challenging moment for a wedding photographer, given the fast paced environment that we are instantly thrown into and the havoc that is being wreaked on the dance floor by the guests. It is important to keep the pace with the music and to get clear shots, especially of the newlyweds as their facial expressions change within seconds as they go higher into the air with every bounce, all while trying to hold on for dear life and the chairs.

Any wedding photographer, who has had the privilege of knowing what it is like to shoot a Jewish wedding, can vouch in saying that being involved in such a celebration can be simultaneously a test to the skills and a fantastically gratifying experience.

Top 10 Wedding Photography Myths: Wedding Photographers and Brides, Oh My!

You might be getting married (congrats, by the way) and trying to decide whether or not to even hire a wedding photographer. You might be trying to decide now on which photography professional to choose for your wedding day. You might be a wedding photographer, trying to understand the delicate and confounding psyche of those who engage in wedding planning.

Whoever you are, for your reading pleasure, check out the top 10 myths of wedding photography as relayed by a photographer who still loves taking pictures. These are broken in to three categories: a. Myths about not hiring a professional at all; b. Myths about the selection process; and c. Myths about how the photography should be done.

CATEGORY A: I don't need/want a wedding photographer because:

1. My cousin's roommate from college just got the new Canon 999D and a plethora of 'L ' professional series lenses; it will be great (and, did I mention, FREE!).

Is it impossible to find a good free photographer? No. Is it likely? No. Is it a good idea? Almost never. But hey, it is your wedding day. You can chance it on the stranger who could very well be overly intrigued by the bridesmaid who has just a little bit too much to drink at the reception and starts to dance provocatively. That way, the bulk of your photos could be of her. Perfect, right? And free. In this situation, you can just point out to your kids, twenty years down the road, that the photographer did take these photos with really cutting edge technology, which is why you can see just so much detail of the lewd woman at your wedding with, how shall we say... 'perky' breasts. No, she isn't the bride, but doesn't she look like she is having fun?

2. Why would I get a photographer? Everybody and their dog has a camera (even cell phones pictures are creeping up in the 'megapixel' race). The snapshots from guests will suffice.

Yes, it is true to state that most of us now carry a camera on our body at all times (on our phone at the very least). Moreover, at a wedding, many if not most guests bring some type of additional camera to memorialize the event (particularly things that go wrong, if they don't like you; tears from the groom if they do). However, rigorous double blind studies have been done on the data stream to which we are referring, and they all show one thing. These pictures have a 99.9982% chance of sucking. Really badly. There might be one great photo of the bunch, of a dog at the end of the aisle that meant so much to Great Aunt Esther. It will be perfectly exposed, focused, and display Sparky with a beautiful stance using great composition.

3. Wedding photography is too expensive - why would I support an industry of so-called 'professionals' who really only work a few hours a week. I don't know whether to be angry or jealous.

You can be angry if you would like. You can even be jealous, since we have a job that (hopefully) we love, and take great pride in. If you think we work a few hours for a single wedding, you are fooling yourself. Those are the hours that you see us at the wedding; suffice it to say, many hours of preparation went in to that particular wedding, countless hours will proceed upon the end of wedding day in post-production. When done correctly, the work is extensive, fun, and pays decent.

CATEGORY B: I do need/want a wedding photographer, but the selection process should be limited:

4. I'll hire my photographer after all the other planning is done. I'll select the flowers, the venue, the dj or band, the bridesmaid dresses, the honeymoon hotel, and more. Then I'll think photography.

Of course you will wait till the last few months to hire a photographer. Why would you want a wedding professional like a great photographer to help you with smart referrals for all the other services you will be seeking? While a good photographer will have worked with a spectacular cake business in previous weddings and gladly suggest that you check them out, you can spend forty-seven hours pouring over brochures featuring batman shaped carrot cakes (a theme which will certainly to take off when new brides really stop and think about it). Really, though, consider this - waiting will only limit your choices. Photographers contract for specific dates. When your arch enemy plans her wedding on the same day as you (out of spite), she will also try to wrap up the services of the best photographer in town. Beat her to that photographer for years of bragging rights.

5. I don't want recommendations - why would I care what some other couple says about this photographer? I love her website; it is shiny, happy, and new. It makes me smile on the inside.

Classy websites abound among wedding photographers, for all of the obvious reasons. You are considering paying them money for an art, so the designs they use for marketing and information delivery, then, should be equally artistic. However, take a quick look at the photographers in your location, and I'll bet that you find one with an impressive website, with dramatic motion and animated vines growing out of the monitor and instant chat functionality with on demand videos... and other cool technological things I don't even know about. However, you may also find that this particular photographer has acceptable photographs, and nothing more. Then, I hope, you will realize that you deserve more than acceptable photography from a marketing guru who dabbles in photography.

6. I'm looking for a photographer who can take pictures - that is ALL. Give me the product, and then keep on your merry way, Mr. Camera Man.

Well, it is not the case that I am going to suggest you develop a relationship with your photographer that you would develop with, say, the groom. However, the talent or skill of taking good photographs really is only part of the package. A photographer ought to also be able to show up on time, dressed appropriately, converse with the guests, corral the wedding party, and so on. Otherwise, you will have the photographer who shows up at the wrong location, late, wearing her parka in the Florida summer because of her 'extreme anti-social' nature and a desire to photograph only the frogs near the wading pool. Again, the frog photos might be great. But you will have to reminisce about your wedding without any visual evidence to support the memories.

7. I want a photographer who does the latest post-processing fad, and proudly displays it. An absurdly heavy vignette with color spot and 'double exposure'? Groovy.

Some photographers, myself included, groan just a little bit on the inside when clients request a particular photographic fad that jeopardizes the timeless nature of photography. What we typically shoot for are photographs that will speak to the event itself, and not serve as an indication of the era. Granted, some of the content of the photo - the people and places photographed - will pick out clothing styles, automotive or architectural design, and the like. But the photography itself - the image - should fail to scream 'This happened in 1984 - no one superimposes a ghost-like image of the grooms head over the bride praying anymore.'

CATEGORY C: I've got a photographer, and here is what is going to happen:

8. I want ONLY [formal or candid] shots. Any shots other than [formal or candid] are stupid, make me cry, and give me stomach pain.

Use antacid and just stop it already! No, really. Virtually every wedding photography professional practices the craft in a way that utilizes the benefit of multiple 'styles' of wedding photography. Some photographers emphasize one over the other - mostly heavily posed fashion shots, say, with only a few candid shots from the ceremony and reception. However, understand that both styles, and so both sets of images, will tell the story of the day, whereas the absence of one of those sets would yield a collection that isn't as rich or descriptive.

As you select your photographer(s), you will take a look at the collection of photographs that he or she chooses to display prominently, and these will speak volumes about the style of photography that is most important to that person. However, it is perfectly reasonable to expect (dare I say, assume) a certain amount of variety in the final collection of images.

9. I've got a shot list. It is important to me. There are many like it, but this one is mine. Deviation from this list will result in a world of pain. To the photographer who dares to cross me.

Please understand, it is the opinion of this author that certain wedding planning resources overstate the rigid and unyielding nature of wedding planning, which can be far more organic and fun than you might otherwise believe. That is right, I just claimed that wedding planning can be fun. So that means that you don't need to hang your head in shame when you haven't selected the caterer by the 18th planning day when the moon is in decent. THERE AREN'T STRICT RULES ABOUT THIS STUFF.

Nor is there a strict rule about the beloved (alternatively: dreaded) shot list. Such a list can be quite useful in many situations, particularly when family members in attendance are especially important (for whatever reason) and certain shots are needed of them prior to, say, their imminent demise. (This happens to photographers, unfortunately, with some regularity. The groom will pull us aside midway through the reception, and mention the fact the we should really try to get some great shots of the brides father who "will not be with us much longer.")

For those that can't resist looking over typical shot lists, your best bet will be to print out one that you like, highlight a few that are especially important ('a few' in English means three or so; I didn't write 'highlight all of them'), and hand it to your photographer. Nicely state that, while you are sure that she would capture these regardless of the list, the highlighted shots are REALLY important to you. Message sent, right?

10. I will direct my photographer throughout my wedding day like the pitiful waif that he is. (Alternatively, the photographer will direct me throughout my wedding day and I'll obey every command.)

Neither of these options will occur; no one should allow it. Your wedding day is YOURS in every sense, and you are given enormous powers to direct the vendors you hire. However, the vendors you hire, including your wedding photographer, are professionals and know what they are doing. While this may very well be your third wedding day, presumably your photographer has had even more.

The service provided by wedding photographers is one best performed in the presence of open communication. There may be a situation where your photographer has an idea, pitches it to you, and you decline (nicely, of course, but firmly). "No," you say. "I will not place that stuffed animal under my arm while humming the Battle Hymn of the Republic, gazing thoughtfully towards the east." Similarly, there may be a case where you suggest a shot and your photographer says 'no thanks.' "No," he says. "I will not take that photo; it makes me uncomfortable and I have never worked for Larry Flynt, so I don't have that kind of training." This type of open communication is the best (and only) way to conduct business for a photographer, and we expect it of our brides as well!

And there you have it. 10 myths of wedding photography, laid plain in all of their deserved glory.

Freelance Photography: Is It Worth the Risk?

After the successful completion of your professional photography course, now you want to give a head start to your career! You want to be your own boss and so you have decided to become a freelance photographer! Well, then it is time that you learn about the pros and cons of freelance photography so that you can decide whether it worth the risk or not.

Pay Package: When it comes to freelance photography, the first and foremost thing that comes to your mind is obviously the pay package. Records and statistics prove that the annual income of a freelance photographer is much higher compared to photographers engaged with different organizations on salaried basis. Yet, one thing that is to be noted in this context is that the income may not be lucrative for the beginners. The income will increase as per skills of the photographers as well as the experience of the photographer. One should also note that a freelance photographer may not have works on regular basis. Thus, his earning may fluctuate. Yet, photographers who can establish their credibility in the market generally do not have to search much for jobs.

Working Hours: There is no hard and fast rule regarding the working hours of freelance photographers. You can select your own schedule for work. However, when you are working in a team, you may have to abide by the schedule of that team irrespective of being a freelance photographer. One thing that is to be noted in this context is, at times the working hours may stretch far beyond the usual hours. You should be prepared for it. Depending on the terms and conditions of your contract, you may receive extra payment for additional hours. However, that is not applicable for all cases.

Select Your Specialization: Whether you are a professional still photographer or you are into video photography, being a freelance photographer, you have the right to select your own specialization or niche. Depending on your choices as well as your skills, you can opt for fine arts photography, wedding photography, model photography or any other commercial photography. As you will be able to select the niche of your choice, you will be able to perform in a better way and the job will be really rewarding. If you have the interest in wildlife photography, you can also practice the same and gain a huge income as well as great experience.

Start Your Own Business: Once you gather some experience and some exposure in this field, you can surely start your own business by preparing your own working contracts. You can also ask for release permission, copyright and licenses for running a business successfully. Be careful about general administration part too and set a competitive price for your work, if you want to run the business successfully.

Though there are several pros and cons of being a freelance photographer. Yet, someone who is ambitious and at the same time can kick start a bright career in photography by being a freelancer.

Wave of the Future - Video Fusion Wedding Photography and the Death of the Videographer

As a new feature for 2011, many professional photographers are now offering video as a part of their wedding photography services. This is designed to enhance the slide shows that they already produce for couples with video clips and voiceovers. This is called "video fusion", and it is the wave of the future in wedding photography.

Most newer prosumer and professional digital SLR cameras are now coming equipped with video capabilities, so it only stands to reason that professional photographers are starting to incorporate video into their wedding packages. After all, when a priceless moment happens such as a special toast or a crazy first dance, all of the still images in the world can't compare to the actual video footage complete with sound and movement! While we personally dabbled in it in 2010, we are now more heavily invested in it as a result of our recent trip to San Antonio for the 2011 Imaging USA photographer's convention sponsored by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Imaging USA is one of the largest photography conventions in the nation, second only to the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) convention which is held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas every year. These two conventions reveal the latest trends in the professional photography industry, as well as any new gear that is introduced by the major manufacturers for the upcoming year.

Both conventions are the places to be when a photographer wants to keep up with all of the new ideas and technology, and attendance is essential in order to stay ahead of the curve. This January, the talk of the town, so to speak, was all about video fusion photography. There were companies such as Triple Scoop Music which offers licensed music for sale to use in fusion slide shows and webmasters designing streamlined ways to upload and display these shows on web sites. There were companies that offered online services that can create slick Hollywood style fusion slide shows to post on social media networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. From the Nikon and Canon 'gear' booths, to the album companies offering fusion slide shows embedded into the actual covers of their wedding albums, to the software companies offering the latest versions of professional video editing programs, rumors of the death of the traditional videographer was rampant. Although video fusion is not intended to replace traditional videography completely in the wedding industry, it sure will change the way a bride shops for these services. Video fusion is cheaper to produce, in that the same photographer who is documenting a wedding through still images can easily record video clips in the same camera during the wedding. This means that the expense of hiring a separate videography service is no longer needed if the couple would be satisfied with shorter video 'clips' of their wedding instead of a full featured film. The general consensus of opinion regarding this matter is that during these difficult economic times, brides are looking to trim expenses for the nonessential services while trying to find value in the services that they do buy. Video fusion accomplishes this goal. It certainly is a scary time for the traditional videographer, to be sure. Maybe the next trend will be that the professional videographer will begin to incorporate still images into his or her video services, much like the professional photographer has done with the incorporation video fusion into his or her still imagery. One caveat: neither professional photography nor professional videography is an easy skill to acquire. Both involve a steep learning curve. That being said, this video fusion trend is certainly challenging both industries to think outside the box. Coming up with innovative new ways to provide beautiful wedding memories to the bride and groom is the name of the game, so whatever methods professionals come up with to deliver those memories creatively is a good thing.

Hopefully professional videographers will remember one thing: when the switch to digital photography happened years ago, the same predictions about the 'death of professional photography' were prevalent. The industry has had its ups and downs along the way, but it is still thriving. In addition to the trade show aspect of the convention, which always results in thousands of photographers spending way too much money on the latest and greatest equipment, there were countless educational opportunities.

What a Bride Should Know About Uncle Bob's Wedding Photography

Uncle Bob in Atlanta, Ga. just got a brand new camera, and your budget is tight. The most important day of your life is bringing you within 2 steps of being the bankrupt bride. Something has to give. It's better to sacrifice a layer of the cake along with your Uncle Bob's camera, than to sacrifice the greatest asset you will retain forever. Your family heirloom, will not come from Uncle Bob's Camera.

Although Bob may have gotten a pretty neat, hypothetically speaking of the devil, a Nikon Coolpix. Bob assures you that he can now capture your day, and here are five reasons why you should decline:

1. More than likely Bob's camera has an on body, or built in flash. This is not a plus, or a bonus feature. Think of an on camera flash as being catastrophic to any memory you wish to memorialize. In the least, Bob's flash will not bounce, or rotate. Nope, the harsh uncontrolled light is gunning straight for your face.


2. Unlike some Atlanta Wedding Photographers that provide double coverage, Uncle Bob is just one man. Only having a singular perspective for your magical day is indeed very limiting.


3. This may be the very first wedding that Uncle Bob has captured. Unless somebody in your family gets married before your big day, and Bob makes a convincing point to capture theirs, then you really have no idea how good Bob really is at wedding photography. Gamble much?


4. Do not bet any and all memories of your special day on the reliability of Uncle Bob's new consumer grade camera. Most Atlanta wedding photographers carry multiple cameras on person.


5. Bob most likely did not purchase post processing software, with the purchase of his new camera. These programs are expensive. The shutter actuation of Bob's camera means the job is done. For a professional, it is close, but there is still work to be done.

In actuality, there are scores of reasons why you should decline a family members offer to photograph your special day. These few reasons should be sufficient alone to alert you of the potential pitfalls of entering into such an offer. Bob needs to be at your wedding as an invited guest, let him be in photos too.

For more reasons why Uncle Bob should be invited over employed, visit a professional wedding photographer.

Capturing the Wedding of Your Dreams With Perfect Pictures

Let's face it. The majority of the time, when your friends ask you to look at their wedding pictures, you dread answering them. However, if you are looking to find a photographer for your wedding that will capture pictures that all of your friends will really want to look at with you, you need to know what you are looking for.

To find out what you are looking for in your wedding photography you should put all of your expensive bridal magazines to further use. Pay close attention to the various wedding pictures that are in it. Although you probably bought the magazines to help you pick out the style of your gown or even for the flower bouquet ideas it can also be one of the best tools for deciding on a particular style of photography for your wedding day pictures.

You can not only get the basic idea of the style photography that you want your wedding photographer to use but you can also take advantage of the poses that you see in the bridal magazines. Many soon to be brides only consider using the bridal magazines for a checklist of things to do and ideas for the gowns and flowers and fail to see the other benefits of spending money on the bridal magazines.

For the savvy brides, every bit of information that can be found within a bridal magazine is utilized. And this is precisely what every bride needs to do. The more information you have to give to your photographer as well as the visual aids will assist your photographer in getting the perfect style and poses for your wedding photographs.

Take note of the backgrounds in the pictures while you are looking at the poses. In many cases, a bride is able to almost mimis the poses in the picture with almost identical backgrounds. This is especially true when the magazines are from the same time of year the wedding is. In the event your wedding is not going to be around the same time of year you can always improvise and get a similar photograph with a completely different background, making your photographs of your wedding uniquely yours.

The only limitations you have for your wedding photographs is going to be that of your imagination and the imagination of your wedding photographer. However, as long as you have the basic idea of what types of poses you want and you have informed your photographer you should be pleased with your wedding day pictures.

I Love and Miss Film Photography

Photography is a hobby that is addictive. There is real magic in the click of the shutter, and I particularly love (and miss) film photography.

But it is a beautiful hobby, and one that will make you happy and will make your life better as long as you live.

With photography, you can create an historical reference point of your entire life stream. You can photograph people and places, things and expressions. All of these will help you recall in an instant beautiful or sad or painful memories that will recreate meaning for you.

That's why I got info photography. I was traveling as part of my job, and I saw some awesome places. I particularly love the desert, and especially the semi-arid environment around El Paso, TX.

El Paso Texas is a very unique environment, and I cannot recommend strongly enough how much pleasure it is to live there. The weather is good year-round, and the scenery is inspiring. There are the Franklin mountains to climb, and all that desert around them to hike in and camp in. Plus, New Mexico is right there, too.

Cool forests, mountain streams and mountain peaks to climb. It is truly awesome.

Plus, there is a lot of natural lithium in the El Paso water, which must be what makes El Paso the safest city per capita to live in, in America.

The Mechanical Olympus

I got into photography by accident, actually. I went into a pawn shop to see what might be available dirt cheap, and found a mechanical Olympus SLR for sale for maybe $100. I don't remember what I paid for it, but I bought it and started taking photographs, and pretty soon I was buying larger lenses, lense filters, tripods and other things to feed my hobby.

I took some amazing photographs with that old mechanical camera. In fact, I took the best photographs of my life. From the high desert to the shimmering Texas Gulf Coast, I took photographs if rocks, plants, birds, rock formations, caves, yachts, children, women, bull fights, cars, sunsets, food, and more.

I miss that Olympus mechanical camera. I miss the metallic "clackic" of the shutter curtain. I miss the depth of field. I miss the UV lenses, and I miss the awesome photographs I took with it.

I have some digital cameras. A Fuji, and a Panasonic with a Zeiss lense. I bought a Nikon digital SLR but the images were not distinguishable from the little pocket Fuji digital we carry, so the Nikon went back to Best Buy.

We also have video cameras, but we rarely use those.

My daughter, Annie, has the old Olympus camera now. She took it with her when she went to Chicago with her new husband, Taylor. I hope she takes some great photos with it, but I doubt she will because of the cost of film and the development of film.

Digital makes so much economic sense that using a film camera hardly makes sense any more. No, I take that back. Using film makes no sense at all. No sense.

But that mechanical shutter is gone forever now. And so is that special sense of anticipation of reviewing your images at the drugstore after they were dropped off for developing. The old photographers will remember the nagging little nibble in the back of your mind "Did I get that shot?"

And gone too are the surprise successes. Those shots you took that turned out great, or that you forgot even snapping and which were poster-worthy.

That's why I love photography, or why I loved it. I don't care for it so much any more, although great photography is still a terrific art. Great images are caught digitally every day, but I can take so many images now, and for free, that photos are almost a commodity. I miss the rarity, and the anticipation, and the disappointment.

Vicars Ban Wedding Photographers in Church

I've come to the conclusion that The Church of England and Amy Winehouse have a lot in common with one another - both have the potential to change the world, yet both are hell bent on destroying themselves.

Less than 12 months ago the Archbishop of Canterbury passed a new ruling called the "Marriage Measures" it was designed to bring Church Marriages into the 21st Centuries. In brief, the couple no longer had to show a direct connection with a specific church or parish. At last the penny had dropped that couples wanted to marry in pretty churches and so the "Idyllic Churches" were freed to offer their marriage services to all couples. Well done I hear you cry, at last. The Church had seen the writing on the wall and decided to compete with the registry office. One budding Vicar has even started marketing his church on Ebay, I like that... no its not disrespectful, its pragmatic.

However there seems to be a sinister threat to the Archbishop of Canterbury's hopes for attracting more couples to church for their weddings. There is an alarming trend which could become the dominant view in church unless halted very soon. Worse still it is being implemented as swiftly and efficiently as could only be achieved in a dictatorship.

A bride stands at the altar speaking the most important words of her life so far, "I do", and whilst she will have her personal memory, she has been banned from having any wedding photographs. With alarming regularity, unswerving authority and without appeal, Church Vicars are saying "No" to wedding photography during the marriage service.

To make matters worse the couple often only find out at the rehearsal. The question then is who do you speak to? What do you do? The Vicar is the face of the church and often an impassable brick wall. I have seen a Vicar leave the groom standing at the Altar, take the bride to one side and tell her in no uncertain terms, "No photography in my church".

Before I say anything I ought to share my credentials. I may be an award winning photographer, and I am... But I was also a Baptist Minister (Vicar) for ten years and have a degree in Theology (The study of God) from Oxford University and in those years I married dozens of couples and managed many wedding photographers.

So why are Vicars banning wedding photography in church?

Well it seems for three reasons:

1. The bad behaviour of photographers

2. Photography disrupts the service

3. Photography during a wedding service is simply irrelevant.

"We All Encounter Bad Behaviour In Life, But We Don't Focus On It."

It is true, some wedding photographers can behave badly, climbing over the pews, pointing a lens in the Bride's face as she say "I do". One wedding photographer I heard of, stopped the service because his camera malfunctioned and he wanted the minister to do it over again for his backup camera.

So I do sympathise with vicars because some photographers behave badly. But the old saying about "throwing the baby out with the bathwater" springs to mind.

In the Bible, there was a time when the Apostle Peter was fed up with the way he was being treated and he asked Jesus, "How many times should I forgive, seven times." His reply stunned Peter, seventy times seven, In other words never stop forgiving.

My Policy: Is to agree with the Vicar where Elise my partner will stand at the front of the church and where I will stand at the rear of the church. Without exception Elise never moves from her position unless invited to by the Vicar and I only move if its been agreed beforehand.

"When Disruptions Happen, Professionals Adapt And Move On."

It was my first service in my first church and I announced the wrong song. The church sang one song the organist played another. I was really annoyed, I wasn't sure what to do, and I felt everything went down hill from that point. An elder member of the congregation said to me "that was fun, at least it made everyone think about what they were singing."

A decade later, in the middle of my sermon a toddler walks up to the platform and grabs my leg. The congregation found this disruption incredible funny. So what did I do? Get annoyed. No. I picked up the toddler and quoted Jesus' words "The Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these". Then I used the child's innocent action to explain the kind of life God is looking for from us adults.

Disruption happens, and you can't always prevent it. However Vicars are trained professionals and are able to adapt and move on. They choose how to respond to disruptions, either use it for good, or become frustrated by it, either way it's their choice.

The biggest disruption caused by wedding photographers is undoubtedly the use of flash. The flash on your compact camera is bad enough, but a professional flash could be a hundred times more powerful. It can distract the Vicar, the couple, even the whole congregation if it goes off thirty or forty times during a service.

Our Policy: Has been to invest in high speed cameras. Each of our cameras and lens costs in excess of £5,000 but the benefit is 60, 70, 100 photographs during the service virtually silently and without flash. Likewise, we never use continuous shooting. We take single key photographs of expressions, the rings going on, precious moments. Most photographs are taken during hymns or as the congregation stands or sits so no one hears us.

"A Picture Paints A Thousand Words, And God Knows That...."

I always loved the fact that Jesus did His first miracle at a wedding. Kind of tells you how important your marriage is to God, doesn't it.

Now the argument goes, we never used to have photography in church, so we don't need it now and anyway they didn't have photographs in Jesus' day.

Well the world moves on as the Archbishop of Canterbury knows. Today we live in a world where photographs are a central part of our world; consider TV, Web, Facebook, all now part of daily life, all photographically centered. Let's face it Jesus preached to thousands without a P.A. system, yet you won't find a church these days without one, or without central heating or electric come to that! Technology simply opens up opportunities and this is a wonderful opportunity for the church to create a memory that will matter the most in a couple's life.

I always think its tragic when you look through a wedding album and see the bride enter the church, turn the page and everyone is throwing confetti. Where's the most important moment of this couples life together? Where is the history of the moment, the beauty of the kiss, the joy, the excitement...?

Does God approve of wedding photography? I never speak on behalf of God because He can speak for himself. Just consider that in over 90% of Jesus' teaching he "painted pictures" in words for the people, they're called parables. For the first 1600 years the church used "The Stations of the Cross", icon-pictures of the 12 most important aspects of Jesus' life to teach their congregations the truths of the Bible. What lives on in the world's consciousness about Jesus are His parables like the Good Samaritan or the Lost Sheep, truth in pictures. What better truth, than the love of two people, pictured forever.

When a couple are going through hard times, they will often get out their wedding album to remember that precious day. Maybe its to help remind them of why they got married, or the vows they made to each other, or their commitment... whatever the reason, what will their wedding album say when the page where they were supposed to say "I do" is blank?

This years 35% of the church weddings we were booked to photograph have either changed church venues or moved to hotels because Vicars banned wedding photography... how sad is that... how Amy Winehouse is that?

My Advice to Couples:

Ask the Vicar at your first meeting for the church's guidelines on photography.

Book a full-time professional wedding photographer who is a member of an International Association like the MPA or BIPP. This will mean that they have to abide by a certain code of conduct.

Remember there are hundreds of cheap weekend warriors who have bought cheap digital cameras and now call themselves wedding photographers. You are more likely to run into problems with these photographers.

Book your wedding photographer as early as possible and work out where they want to stand in the church, then communicate that to the vicar in person. Telephones and emails are not good ways to communicate issues that affect the service, so meet the vicar at the church and show him where your wedding photographer will stand.

Book a wedding photographer who doesn't need to rely on flash especially during the wedding service

Get your wedding photographer to write, telephone or meet the Vicar to confirm that they won't move during the service, and they will not use continuous shooting and that they will respect the solemnity of the service.

If having done everything possible to way lay the fears of the Vicar and yet (s)he refuse to have wedding photography then you can contact the Bishop. If you Google the Parish name where you are getting married the Bishop for that Parish should come up, call him/her and ask for their help, they are usually very helpful. Alternatively you can contact Emily Shepherd, Director of Communications.

My Advice to Vicars:

Set a written church policy and give it to couples and their wedding photographers at the very first meeting.

A church's guidelines could require the use of a qualified wedding photographers who belongs to an accredited association like the MPA or BIPP.

If the wedding photographer behaves badly report him/her to their Professional Body, who will take action.
Just a thought, forgiveness allows the good guys to carry on with your trust; just-consequences is what is due to badly behaved wedding photographers which should come through their professional body (Their god, "Vengeance is mine says the Lord")

Perfect Westchester County Wedding Photography Destinations

In general, come wedding season, brides and grooms alike are scrambling to find that perfect location, for that perfect moment when everything in their life comes together in order to form that perfect, magical wedding picture. As simple as that idea is to envision, in practice it is far more complicated and stressful to bring to life particularly when there is so much commotion, planning and variety around when it comes to wedding photography in the tri-state area.

Luckily, the beauty and serenity of Westchester County is enough to melt any bride's heart, while making her dreams come true. In order to get that beautiful, picturesque wedding photography experience, there is no need to stress out in the middle of the New York City hustle and bustle. Instead one can go a little north and have access to top photographers, stunning scenery and an atmosphere, which will make you feel exactly the way you want to feel on your wedding day- like the queen of the world, with her king by her side.

Here are three top picks for Westchester photography destinations, which will make your wedding day the special occasion that you seek it to be and more.

Harbor Island Park

This beautiful natural escape is a prime area for the bride and groom who want to remember their wedding day with a style of elegance and simplicity. Located on the wharf of the Long Island Sound, Harbor Island Park is a flawless backdrop of every day leisure life. Walk along the paths by the water, surrounded by beautiful fall foliage or the blossom of spring flowers. Relax on a bench overlooking the peaceful sound as the photographer bends over backwards to ensure quaint perfection. Whatever the season, this location is surely not to disappoint even the most unpredictable bride.

PepsiCo Gardens

Just 31 miles north of New York City, PepsiCo Gardens is a versatile and creative setting, which is the envy of all New York photographers. This location is ideal for the king and queen couple who are filled with imagination and ingenuity. With a collection of 45 sculptures on the grounds of the gardens, this makes for a perfect opportunity for the bride and groom to engage in an interactive spontaneous wedding photography shoot. Make memorable moments captured in still amongst the likes of Auguste Rodin and Max Ernst.

Glen Island Park

Also located on the Long Island Sound, Glen Island Park is an impeccable photography venue for the couple who want to be surrounded by castles and have a flair for the medieval. Originally one of 4 privately owned islands, connected by causeways and drawbridges, Glen Island now belongs to Westchester County and is a staple in Westchester wedding photography because of its mystic 19th century-esque castle, fit for a king and queen on their day.

The wedding day is when every bride and groom deserves to be out of the photography studio and on location to have the perfect wedding shoot. Westchester county has ample locations to choose from and with the help of professional wedding photographers the decisions that come with wedding photography are made simple.

What People Should Wear to a Wedding Reception

Are you standing in front of a pile of discarded dresses, sweaters, and accessories? Are you wondering if you can get away with wearing your only suit to the black tie wedding you've been invited to? Here are some pointers on what to wear to any wedding reception.

The first place to look for clues about what to wear to the wedding reception lies in the invitation. Is the invitation on embossed linen with fancy script instructing you to "join us for a formal reception"? Does the invitation invite you to "come party with us because we're finally legal"? A fancy, formal invitation instructs you to wear fancy, formal clothing. Laid-back wording and eclectic colors or papers may signify an informal or casual dress code for the reception. Look for wording on the invitation itself. You may find the words casual, informal, semi-formal, formal, black tie optional, or black tie. These are definite clues to the dress code required.

Also consider where the reception is being held. There will most likely be dancing, so you'll want to wear shoes that can withstand it and clothes that are loose enough to allow for it. You may want to keep carried accessories to a minimum to keep from misplacing them. Consider the practical necessities of having a reception on a beach, in a backyard, in a museum, or on a farm. Each venue will give you clues as to what to wear.

Once you've figured out the formality level of the dress code, you'll need to know what clothing goes along with each of these codes.

For a daytime wedding,
For her: wear a short, billowing, or floral dress, a skirt and sweater set, or a light-colored suit. Keep the accessories to a minimum.
For him: In summer, a light-colored suit, especially linen. In winter, wear a wool suit. Slacks, a dress shirt, and a tie are passable for this dress code. Pairing them with a blazer is better. If it is a formal wedding, you may wear a dark suit. Tuxedos, however, are traditionally inappropriate before 6pm.

For an evening wedding:
For her: wear a cocktail dress or a dressy suit in darker colors. Avoid sequins except for black tie.
For him: a dark suit is the only option unless it is a casual wedding. For casual, see daytime wedding attire.

For black tie-optional:
For her: wear a cocktail dress, possibly floor-length.
For him: wear a dark suit or a tuxedo.

For black tie:
For her: wear a formal, floor length gown, the classiest you have that won't upstage the bride. Bring out that expensive jewelry that you never get to wear.
For him: wear a tuxedo.

Here are some things not to wear to any wedding:
Don't wear white, black to a daytime wedding, jeans, anything revealing or overly sexy, don't wear anything sleeveless to a religious ceremony, don't wear anything torn or dirty, and never wear anything that will upstage the bride.

If you can't find any clues as to what to wear in the invitation, it is okay to ask the mother of the bride or anyone in the wedding party what they are wearing. You can also ask the bridal couple what their wishes are.

Looking Good For Your Church Directory Photography Session

If you have a scheduled photography session for your church directory, it is essential to know some of the things you can do to ensure that your shots turn out great. Whether it is for the church directory, a magazine ad, or even a family portrait for the living room, it is still a visible representation of you and your loved ones. Thus, it must look good at all costs. Here are some guidelines you can follow to ensure that you and your family's true essence is captured.

Before the day of your photo shoot, make sure that all of the props you intend to use are prepared and in good condition. Make sure to inform your photographer about these props so he may have an idea of what he will be working with. Also, show your photographer your props once you get to the studio, so that your photographer will be able to incorporate them into your photos nicely, making lighting and background adjustments if need be.

Choose the style of the portrait and dress up in order to match the style. It is advisable to wear comfortable but presentable clothing, so that you remain in a cheerful mood. Try to avoid bold colors or extreme patterns when it comes to clothing, for these will only take the attention away from your faces.

If you like, you can keep your glasses on. A few years back, glasses had to be removed to avoid lens glare. Today, though, professional photographers along with modern equipment can eliminate this glare. More so, if you wear glasses daily, people will recognize you more easily when they look in the church directory.

Keep the hairstyles simple and keep the makeup natural. If these elements are too extreme, tendency is that they divert attention away from your face. And besides, a Gothic look may be inappropriate for a church directory photography session. If you are due for a trim, do it at least a week or two beforehand so that your hair may grow back to a more natural look. If hair and makeup supplies won't be provided, bring your own for touch ups.

Ask the church directory photographers for some advice about posing. Ask to see some of the previous shoots they've undertaken, and see what poses are appropriate. Make sure your clothes and props match with your poses too, so that your portrait won't look cheap and rushed.

Lastly, do not worry too much about age spots, wrinkles, and blemishes. Church directory photographers are trained professionals. Their job is not just to take your photo, but also to make you look good. There is nothing a little digital magic can't fix.

8 Important Elements in Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

Congratulations on your big day! Now, it's on to planning. This includes the venue, catering, dresses, and so on, and most importantly: your photographer.

As I am sure you have noticed there are a ton of wedding photographers out there ranging in all price ranges. In any wedding, of course, it is important to stay within a budget and photographers understand this.

In looking for the ideal photographer for your special day, there are a few elements that you and your significant other have to take in to consideration aside from budget (please, please, don't let this be your determining factor).

Here are the elements to consider:

• Chemistry- your wedding photographer will be around you more than anyone else so you have to make sure that there is the right chemistry and you are comfortable with the photographer. Communication is the key. I always think that it is essential to have an engagement session with the photographer to make sure your personalities mesh. Please make sure that this will be the actual photographer at your wedding.


• Skill set- one of the biggest misconceptions that we have is that if you went to school for photography, you should be a great photographer. This is not necessarily the case. A wedding photographer takes a special skill set, which is a blend portraiture and imagination, being able to think and react quickly to a situation. Also, make sure to find out how post production will be dealt with. You should find out if the photographer will do any editing, cropping, re-touching of the photos.


• Pricing- Expensive is not always better. Although there are truly talented wedding photographers out there, it doesn't necessarily have to cost you thousands of dollars. There are photographers out there who are looking to develop their portfolio, who won't charge as much, so be on the look out for that. Also, pay attention to the packages that are included. I always recommend, if you are looking to stay within a budget, have your photographer give you a CD with the photos and print them out yourself.


• Equipment- Ask about the following items: backup camera, backup batteries for the camera and flash, back up memory card. These are critical in covering a wedding. Also, you can find out if the photographer has additional equipment such as lighting, tripod.


• Poses vs. Photojournalistic- This will depend on your taste as far as photography styles go. Some people have a preference for the traditional shots and poses, while others prefer the candid moments. Most photographers will be able to blend the styles. If you do choose to have poses, I would recommend having some poses figured out during the engagement session.


• Sites- Once you know where you will have your ceremony and reception, I recommend going to the places with your photographer to think of different locations as a backdrop for photos (make sure it is around the same time that you will be taking photos i.e. Photos sessions will take place at 4:30 pm; make sure that you scout the place around the same time for lighting purposes.)


• Timing- Make sure to have factored in ahead of time when you would like to have your photo shots. Also, providing your photographer with a timeline will allow for him/her to cover everything to the best of their ability.


• Have fun- It's your big day! Have faith that you photographer will do his/her job!

Wedding and Portrait Photography - Pricing and Packages

You will find that your prices will change as you learn and appreciate the actual costs involved in running a business as well as become more confident. At the end of the day, you do want to pay yourself a decent wage as wedding photography comes with a lot of responsibility. You only get one chance at it and it is biggest day of the bride and grooms life! It is a competitive business and there are many photographers almost doing the job for nothing. Quite often, their results are substandard and printing methods and albums cheap! Try not to fall into the pitfall of being too cheap, you will end up working all hours for next to nothing. If you are at the lower end on price, make sure you still come out making a profit. For example, don't go offering an expensive wedding album with lots of photos. You may think about offering a CD full of high resolution images instead.

Services - whole package or by the hour

There are various ways of pricing up weddings but the key to pricing is not to confuse clients with too many options and remain flexible enough to discuss specific requirements.

Some photographers offer a cheaper package with prints only and covering maybe just the reception right through to others offering a fully inflated Graphic studio wedding book covering all day right through from the brides house to the first dance. You may want to capture the lower end of the market as well as the middle to top by offering all options.

You will soon realise the cheaper end of the scale can be undesirable and not conducive to generating profit but it can allow you to build a portfolio. It is quite common for photographers to deviate away from this lower end market towards the middle after building up confidence in what they do. If you are going to offer print or CD only packages, be aware that you are attracting a client with a tight budget and ensure that you include enough profit margin to make it worth your while! It can be more desirable to offer album packages as quality albums can really do your photos justice. If the client has prints only they may choose to put them in a cheap and shoddy album, which will pull down the quality of your images. When they show friends, you may get the reputation of providing a sub quality service in sub quality frames so beware!

Many clients like to see what they are getting for their money and offering packages is the easiest way of doing this. For example, you could offer only 4 packages - 30 photos or 60 photos in two types of album and offer flexibility around these packages.

The standard is to include from the bride getting ready (optional) through until the speeches (after the meal). Note: the cutting of the cake is a posed 'set up' shot done prior to the meal. If you are asked to stay after the speeches this should be charged as an extra.

Different pricing attracts different clients

If you set your prices low, you will attract more customers. Whether they are the right sort is debatable - they may be those that are looking to skimp on the photography and you don't really want this type of customer, especially when it comes to reprint orders/parents albums etc. However, never rely on good reprint orders! These days, unfortunately, many clients scan the photographs at home and even though illegal, there is very little you can do to stop it. Price cheaply and you will undertake a lot of weddings and be very busy. Sounds good%u2026 however, you could be busy working all hours but wondering where the profit of your hard work is.

If you set your prices moderate to high and advertise in the right places, you will attract the wealthier client with the nicer venues. You will have fewer weddings to photograph, be less busy and make more money. This equals less stress!

Timing for costs

Do not underestimate the time wedding photography takes. A typical example of the time input that is required per wedding from start to finish would be as follows:

• Meet the client and get the business (2 hours)


• Meet them at the venue prior to the wedding (1/2 day)


• Getting your kit ready for the wedding (2 hours)


• The day itself (all day)


• Processing on the computer (2 days)


• Wedding viewing and design of the album (1/2 day)


• Ordering albums and reprints and putting the album together (1/2 day)

The list amounts to about 4 working days! Keep this in mind.

Consider offering them the ability to pay in Standing Order stage payments from the month that they book your services. This spreads the payments for them in manageable amounts, right up to the day of wedding.

6 Common Mistakes on Your Wedding Day

A wedding is a once in a lifetime event. It takes months or perhaps years to plan the perfect one. With so many details to remember from the wedding videography to the wedding favors, it is easy to make a mistake. Brides to be are stepping out into unfamiliar territory and trying their best to organize everything until the joyous occasion comes. There are a lot to accomplish in the wedding checklist that one or two details are often overlooked. The reason for this is inexperience.

With these said, it's important to keep in mind these common mistakes when planning for your dream wedding to avoid possible problems on the big day:

1. Not setting up a realistic budget. A wedding costs a lot of money. It is very important to set up a realistic budget and stick to it. Not creating a budget ahead of time will often lead you to go way over your budget. Before you know it you have already spent twice for your wedding invitations and there's nothing more left for the caterers. This predicament will possibly keep you from doing some of the special things you are planning on that special day.

2. A large guest list. This is one common mistake that every couple fall into when planning for their wedding. A wedding guest list size will depend on your budget. Decide if your wedding will be grand or will it be small and intimate. Once you have made up your mind, discuss the number of people you are able to accommodate. Make a list of must-have guests and number them according to importance. This will narrow down your choices in case everyone cannot fit on the required number of guests.

3. Not hiring a professional wedding planner. Couples often think that hiring a professional wedding planner is expensive. This is the reason why they often delegate the planning process to a friend of family member. This is a big mistake. It is much better to hire a professional to do the job who has more experience and the right connections to make sure everything is perfect on your wedding. A wedding planner allows you to enjoy your wedding day instead of worrying about every little detail.

4. Hire professionals for your wedding. To have a worry free wedding, it is important you choose the right people for the job. You may have to pay a little more for their services but wouldn't it be better to know that these people will do a great job on the big day? One example is to hire a good videographer. A professional wedding videography can protect your most precious memories by capturing it on video. These moments will be preserved for you, your family and your future children as well.

5. The marriage license. There are many rules and regulations pertaining to a marriage license. These rules usually vary from state to state. So even if you know the rules in Atlanta, it can be a little different in Chicago. So it is much better to research ahead of time and find out information on the marriage license on the state you are planning to get married in. It is better safe than sorry.

6. Losing perspective of the big picture. After all the preparations are done, do not lose sight of what's really important to you. This is to enjoy this once in a lifetime event with your husband.

Are Expensive Wedding Photographers Better Than Inexpensive Wedding Photographers?

Some brides and grooms out there pay excessive amounts for wedding photographers. There is nothing wrong with this if you know exactly the photographer you want and you fall in love with their work. It also helps if you can afford it. The question is however, is a more expensive wedding photographer a better photographer? Is an inexpensive and more affordable photographer just not as qualified? Well I know of one photographer that actually charges over $50,000 to shoot an 8 hour wedding. He sold the photos from the wedding at ridiculous prices to. Let's just say a wallet sized photo was $60.00. And guess what? The bride & groom and their family ordered tons of pictures at those bloated prices? Do you know what the photographer paid for the photo?

Let us just say he made out like a bandit. Wow. So basically if that photographer shot only 2 weddings a year that would be a pretty nice income for most people. Many photographers have figured this out and created their wedding photography package prices to be high priced and bloated. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with this but if you are wondering if these people that paid so much for their wedding photography got better photography coverage at their wedding because they could afford more, you are mistaken. So why did all these people pay so much money for their wedding photography? Were the photos better quality?

Were they on diamond covered photo paper? Did he have a special camera? No, no and no. This "high-end" photographer actually once worked at a regular priced photography studio. He left that studio confident that he could get a high price for his work and began marketing himself in more affluent areas with very classy looking, artsy ads. That was it. He only needed one or two weddings a year to make a good living but what he did do was change his perceived value. Perceived value when it comes to anything is a funny thing. Was his photography so amazing? He was really good as are many photographers but he also wasn't any better than the art student that came in with photos he took from his cousins wedding. He definitely in my opinion was not worth 50k.

He shot weddings in the same nice attire that all the other photographers shot in, he had the same photography equipment as most of them... so what it comes down to is how he marketed himself and what his perceived value was. Word of mouth among the affluent about this "high-end" photographer allowed him to do very well in his business but behind the scenes, he was laughing all the way to the bank. A good photographer is a good photographer. You can change his/her perceived value around with a twist of marketing and words. The thing is, many photographers are not always great business people. If they were, they would open up their own studios and charge whatever they like. In fact, often inexpensive photographers can be true artists.

They prefer to focus more on their passion of photography & shooting weddings rather than being businessmen & women. This I believe shows in their work. So basically what it boils down to is this; Decide what you are willing to spend on your wedding photography, visit only the studios that are in your wedding budget and then look at a sample wedding of the photographers work. This is the most important part. You have to like the style that you see in the photographers sample work. Look for testimonials and make sure that they promise you a backup photographer if something goes wrong. If you like what you see and the price is right then you can be assured that you are making the correct decision.

Having Your Name in Lights at Your Wedding

When using lighting as part of your Chicago wedding decor the first element you should consider is having your name in lights.

Having your wedding monogram or names projected onto the dance floor or a backdrop has the biggest "wow" effect for the least expense. It is a very chic and glamorous decoration that will amaze your guests as they first walk into the room.

This is done through the use of a specialized lighting fixture and a gobo. A gobo is a special metal or glass disc that goes into the light fixture to produce the desired pattern wherever the light is projected. Gobos come in pre-made patterns or you can have one custom made for you with whatever artwork you would like.

Metal gobos are less expensive to have made but you are limited to how creative you can get with the artwork because of the manufacturing process. With glass gobos you can use almost any artwork including pictures and very intricate designs. Glass gobos can also be in full color. Glass gobos are way more expensive to make but you can have almost any design made into a glass gobo.

Metal gobos are usually projected in white, as this looks the most elegant. You can however place a colored lighting gel over the fixture to have your monogram appear in any color you would like.

When deciding where to project your monogram a variety of factors must be taken into consideration including fixture type, power availability and distances. Having your monogram be the right size when projected requires the use of the right lighting fixture and a little bit of math. If you do not use the correct lighting fixture your monogram will be too small or too big or too dim.

For more information on having your name in lights at your wedding contact Mike at MDM Entertainment at 773-253-4986.

Wedding Photography - Importance For Bride and Groom

Time of wedding itself is very special. It is time that comes in the life of all human beings. It is the union of the two individuals celebrating their love for each other. It is the time when two hearts become one and live together for the entire life. It is a blessed bond, which is not easy to break. Wedding is a declaration of love, beginning of a new life together and giving birth to endless opportunities in new life. Wedding is pinnacle point of dedication and celebration between a man and a woman. The event brings together all family, friends and individuals that have been a part of the bride and groom's life.

People find themselves dedicating a great amount of time and effort in making this a lifetime event. Many individual components make the unique wedding day. The wedding day is probably the most important time for every married couple. These moments must be captured so they last forever. Since wedding happens only once in a lifetime, the photos must be of top quality and must capture the true feeling of the moment. Photographs should capture all the special moments of wedding. As whatever happens that day will not come again in life. Capturing engagement and wedding rituals is very special, another important thing is bride and groom, their dress up and how they are looking on that day.

Wedding photographs leave an everlasting memory in the life and family of all members. Once the wedding is over, one can keep those wonderful memories alive only through wedding photographs. Even after the couple grows old, they can show the photographs to their later generation and could recall all past memories. Sometimes after marriage, couples stay separate due to job or some other responsibility, during that time wedding photographs can be the best companion.

Only a perfect wedding photographer with great deal of wedding experience and knowledge of various issues related to professional photography can return the best results. The outcome of his labor and experience together can result best wedding snaps to be cherished for whole life.

Photo Booths - Making Memories At Your Wedding Reception

In recent years, hiring a photo booth for wedding receptions to capture the most amazing shots has become a trend and you can also rent and get your guests to have fun while posing for the camera.

Planning the most memorable day of your life takes a toll on you as you put in many efforts to make your wedding reception fun and entertaining for your guests. From the decoration and the food to the band, everything is planned with perfection. But if you think of the weddings you have attended, you would notice not all the guests get to pose for the camera. The newly weds are so busy attending people that they don't get the time to pose with every guest. Plus, it's impossible to keep track of whose picture has been captured or whose isn't.

Only when you go through the pictures after weeks, you notice how many of your guests aren't in a single photo. To have all your guests appear in your wedding photo album, you should place a photo booth in the reception hall. If you are thinking that would make the reception look like a shopping mall, then you have got it all wrong. They are the latest rage in the weddings, corporate parties, birthdays and other events where couples and groups flock to these booths to get their pictures taken.

These not only entertain guests but give you great shots for your wedding album and keepsake for your guests. These are easily available on rent and theirs prices vary from one rental service to another and are charged on the basis of hours or day/night, type of photo booths, additional props and others. Some of them rentals provide props for free whereas others charge money for each piece. Since it's a wedding reception, make sure the photo booth is decorated to match the wedding theme.

When you rent a photo booth, it usually comes with an attendant who assists people in operating the system and makes sure it works fine. In case your photo booth doesn't have an attendant, print the instructions and place them in the booth for your guests. Available in two different types, classic arcade and open booths, these booths offer a great time to your guests. Classic boxed-in booths are a little cozy and fit in 2-4 people at a time whereas open booths can accommodate up to 10 guests.

If there are space concerns, you should definitely get the enclosed arcade style booths. Since lighting plays the key role in photography, you have to ensure that it's appropriate. With arcade booths, there isn't any problem regarding additional lights as these are enclosed but is the main concern when you are using open booths.

Make your photo booth even more fun. Get props like funny hats, funky glasses, wigs, masks, fake mustaches, etc. See how your guests pose in front of the camera with these props. You can even have the photo booth frame customized to suit the wedding theme. Add the photo booth pictures to your wedding photo album or compile them into a scrapbook. Several booths can now save the pictures which are later copied to a disc. The new age photo booths come with video recording option as well. Guests can say a few words in honor of the happy couple after having some snaps shot.

If you are being charged per hour for the booth, the best time to set it up is during the drinks. At this time guests can be kept busy with the photo booth while you have your couple pictures taken by a professional photographer.

Wedding Photography Poses - Part Two

What you can't get enough wedding posing ideas?

Another traditional yet cool shot is of the groom getting advice from Dad. This makes such a good shot that you might even consider staging it. It's easy, the dad can straighten the grooms tie or point his finger at him while the groom crosses his arm and rolls his eyes as if not listening. There are so many fun and creative ways that you can compose those all-important before shots.

The father and groom together before the wedding are a wedding standard. And the groom and best man will probably be chatting alone off in a corner somewhere. This also makes a fantastic groomsman before shot.

If the bride and her party are getting ready at the site of the wedding, which is entirely common then the arrival shots of them in their street clothes bringing in their cloths and supplies is another great shot.

By all means capture the bride arriving to the wedding location and before she's in the gown.

You can take exterior shots of the wedding location along with portraits of the inside of the church or hall. Is there a gorgeous portrait hanging in the entry way? Take the photo. Are the isles decorated with lovely floral arrangements, don't forget to take those close-ups. Are the pews decorated? Take some unique photos of everything and anything. You can never go wrong with more photos vs. a few.

Group shots are another staple of wedding photography. The couple will want shots of the groom with the best man, with the best man and groomsmen with his parents, grand-parents, brothers and sisters and possibly with the bride's family too.

Later, you'll want pictures of the groom with the maid of honor and bridesmaids, but this will have to wait until they're ready. You can throw in a few fun ones too. This is where you can let your (and the wedding party's) imagination flow.

If you run out of ideas and feel inspired, why not ask the wedding party or families if they have any ideas for creative poses. You'll make a lot of new friends this way and possibly other wedding photography referrals. When the group sees how hard you've worked to create the perfect pictures you'll be the talk of the town.

There's no shame in making sure the bride and groom get the best possible wedding portraits. So whatever it takes do it! Trust me, you'll be appreciated for your efforts.

Choosing a Wedding Celebrant

A wedding celebration takes a lot of preparation. There are so many aspects to think about-venues, receptions, menus, gowns, bridesmaids, rings, invitations and the list goes on. At the centre of it all, however, is the wedding ceremony, where you and your soon-to-be-spouse legally become husband and wife. It is one of the most important, although short-lived, hours of your entire wedding day. As a couple, you have to share it with another important participant-the celebrant.

Choosing the right celebrant services Perth is crucial. You are not working with shoes or flowers or recipes here. You are working with a person who will play the very important role of officiating your wedding ceremony. So do not wait until the last minute (i.e. two weeks before the wedding day) before you decide on a wedding celebrant. The best ones are almost always fully booked by the time the date of your wedding comes around the corner.

Finding Celebrant Services

Word of mouth marketing is the preferred mode of advertising in this industry, so ask around and see if your friends and family can recommend somebody they know personally. Other professionals in the wedding industry, such as photographers, wedding planners and bridal shop owners, are excellent sources of information as well. If you don't have any referrals, visit the Attorney-General's website and look into the Register of Marriage Celebrants. All celebrants listed are legally recognized under the Marriage Act 1961.

Meeting a Potential Wedding Celebrant

Contact the celebrant by phone and ask a few questions before initiating a face-to-face meeting with them. Important issues such as legal requirements and celebrant service fees should be discussed first before delving into the details of your wedding ceremony. If you find that you and the celebrant are on the same wavelength, schedule a meeting with him to further talk about what you need for your ceremony.

Treat this meeting like a job interview, where you and your partner are the hiring employees and the celebrant is applying for your opening. An important thing to remember is that a celebrant should be able to make you feel at ease and comfortable. He should also be able to understand your requirements for a wedding ceremony and provide them ultimately. Flexibility in conducting ceremonies is also something to look out for, especially for couples who want something more unique. Some of the more established celebrants may also be some of the more traditional.

If you are meeting a few other "applicants," don't be shy to tell this one, as long as you give him an exact date when to expect your response. There is business to take care of somewhere else and it is an act of courtesy to keep him informed of your decision.

Paying for Celebrant Services

The cost of celebrant services Perth depends upon your requirements and the experience of the celebrant. For example, a celebrant may charge additional fees for conducting in an out-of-town venue or for attending extra rehearsals than initially agreed upon. Length of stay in the business may also add to your costs. Generally, however, decent celebrant services are tagged somewhere in the range of $200 to $600.

Unexpected Moments Captured by Wedding Photographers That Tell the Real Story

Wedding photographers often receive the same lists from the new couple of must-have shots that can't be missed. These include everything from the bride walking up the aisle, the cutting of the cake, and the bride and groom's first dance. These images are extremely important, but it is the capturing of hidden moments that make the biggest difference in how well the story is captured in a series of still images.

Before The Main Events

Wedding photographers should certainly be included prior to the start of the day's events. This should include the bride and groom preparing for the event and spending a few moments of quiet time with their best friends. This could be something as simple as a distant look out a window or adjusting a tie while shooting a wise crack at a buddy. The drive to the church can also hold important images. It isn't that these images show a significant event, but rather the emotion and thoughts expressed throughout the day.

This special day not only involves the two people getting married, but several other important members, including family and friends that make these moments truly special. A quiet moment between the mother and father of the groom, emotions of a nervous ring bearer, or even a sleeping niece of the bride are just a few of these precious chapters to the story that are often lost. Many times, these moments are even a pleasant surprise to the newly married couple.

During The Event

Wedding photographers are sure to capture the big moments of the ceremony, the dinner, and celebration. They will also situate themselves to capture the segments of these events that are often overlooked, but speak volumes. A picture of a single tear in a father's eye reveals volumes to the couple. A picture capturing a bride whispering comfort to her mother during a toast or the grandparents sharing a piece of the wedding cake can also be priceless. The main goal is to capture images of those on the sidelines to help record all aspects of the day.

After The Event

In many instances, the celebrations continue after the couple has left the celebrations to have their time alone. This time period is often a favorite for wedding photographers particularly for this reason. It could be finding a young child asleep on a chair or a mother's face covered in cake after a surprise. One moment that often captures the story is the look on the faces of attendees as the couple leaves. These shots particularly involve knowing how close to be in these instances. It is also a large part of being in the right place at the right time.

Wedding photographers in Chicago or throughout the world have to use their skill and experience to capture the entire story of the day and not just the tale of the bride and groom. A natural curiosity is the only way to get untainted emotion in the pictures. When everyone looks at these pictures and learns something they didn't know or can feel the emotion in that moment, you know you have the perfect wedding pictures.

Wedding Photography Tips for Beginners - Correctly Cropping Your Subject

Cropping your subject correctly is an important aspect of taking a great portrait. There are different standard portrait lengths: full body, the face and upper part of the body, close up of the face, etc. How do we decide what to leave in frame and what to crop out? I am going to talk about different ways to crop a portrait to make the finished image look more professional, and more pleasing to the eye.

There are two methods to crop a photo: cropping in camera, and cropping in post production. The first method, cropping in camera, is the preferred method of cropping, as it takes advantage of your camera's maximum resolution per image. As you take a picture, you decide what to leave in what to leave out by properly framing your subject. So if you want to take a picture of just your subjects face, you are just focusing on the face, not the whole body with the plan of later cropping the picture on the computer. This way your image has the original resolution that your camera recorded.

Unfortunately, sometimes this isn't possible, and that is why we also have the second method of cropping, cropping during post production. Sometimes you may find yourself, shooting pictures of a very fast event at a wedding; things may be happening so quickly that you don't have the time to properly compose the image. Examples of this might be many people fast dancing at the reception, or people jumping to catch the bouquet or garter. This is ok. Just shoot and try to capture the moment, then later you can crop your image with Photoshop or another similar photo editing program. But, as stated earlier, you lose some resolution quality to your final image.

So, now that we know the different methods of cropping, how do we crop correctly? Which parts of the body do we cut off (leave out of frame)? First, lets start with where not to crop. Never crop a human subject at the joints, i.e., do not cut off your subject at the ankles, knees, or waist. We all know the full length shot, which is the whole body of the subject with nothing cut off, the next type of portrait is the 3/4 length. This is a portrait where you have the subject's thigh as the bottom edge of the photo, and a small space above the subject's head as the upper edge. Next, there is the head and shoulders length portrait. The bottom edge of the photo in this portrait will be the upper chest of your subject, and again a small space above the head as the limit for the upper edge. Lastly, and most complicated, there are close-ups of the face. Portraits of a subject's face you might have seen online or in print tend to be more artistic, and therefore the rules for cropping are not as rigid. For facial close-ups, I suggest you take a look at different examples, and decide which type of cropping goes best with your style of photography.

If you are new to wedding photography keep with it! I hope this tip helps you out at your next wedding. Good Luck.

What To Look For When Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

I remember back to when I got married and the sheer frustration of browsing through all the photographers in my area led me to almost give up completely! Of course, that was impossible and seeing as it was the one "task" I had to complete in the planning of my wedding, I decided to make sure I did it right. I want to share my tips on what to look for when choosing your wedding photographer to spare you the frustration I went through and to separate the wheat from the chaff.

1. Transparent Pricing

Yes, pricing is number one on my list! Many photographers like to hide their prices to force you call them. This in turn allows them to start the "hard sell" on you. It's also likely they will have other hidden extras somewhere down the line too... be it extra charges for printing photographs or extra to cover your reception at night. Make sure any photographer you are considering has a transparent pricing structure in place and has a "no hidden extras" clause in his or her contract.

2. A Portfolio From A Full Wedding

Ask your photographer to show you an album from a recent wedding instead of the hand picked "best of the best" you will see on their website. This gives you a great chance to see if the photographer can seamlessly blend all the parts of your big day together to create a set of memories you can cherish forever. It would also be wise to ask to see photographs from weddings where the weather was bad or where the reception hall was particularly dark to ensure the photographer can handle all types of situations.

3. Meet Your Shortlisted Photographers

A big part of wedding photography is personality and how well the photographer and happy couple get on in each other's company. That's why I always advocate meeting your potential photographers in person before you book them on their photographs alone. This allows you to see if you can work together, if your photographer has good "people skills" to be able to manage your wedding party and to see overall if the photographer has what it takes or just talks a good game on his or her website!

4. Word Of Mouth

This is the one time where that constant nattering on the street corner can actually pay off! Most people get married and practically every wedding has a photographer! So ask your friends if they have any recommendations for you or indeed if they know of any photographers to avoid. The industry revolves around word of mouth and if a photographers has a bad reputation in your local area then you can bet that there is a reason for it. Also check on internet forums for reviews of wedding photographers and you'll be sure to find either positive or negative reinforcements.

5. Trust YOUR Gut

You know the wedding photography style you are looking for. You know the types of people you like to be around. You know exactly what you desire from your photography. When you are considering photographers, it's wise to trust your gut and give more thought to those who catch your attention when you reach their website. Only you can make the decision so after all said and done, trust your instincts!

I hope this article has been helpful in your search for a wedding photographer. You are planning for one of the biggest days of your life and you must be so excited! Try to relax and enjoy the process even at those times you feel like calling it all off!

Wedding Photography Poses - Are You Puzzled By Which Are The Right Ones To Use?

One of the hardest things on the big day is the correct wedding photography poses to use. There will be a lot going on and a lot to think about, so to get everyone into place at the right time can be hard work. Often guests are shy and unwilling to be in the photographs. The more confident and assertive you are, (but be polite) the more at ease the subjects will be and the better the photographs will be.

So how do you get the wedding photography poses right? The following guidelines should help:-

The Head, Shoulders and Body.
Most professional photographers make sure their subjects are turned at an angle to the camera. This creates a more flattering and dynamic image.

Head Tilt.
A diagonal line from one eye to the other creates a more dynamic image and can be achieved by getting the subject to tilt their head slightly. It's traditional that the bride's eyes should be tilted towards her shoulder closest to the camera however the grooms should then be tilted towards the furthest shoulder away from the camera.

Chin Height.
Make sure the subjects chin height is not too high or too low; too high can create an impression of haughtiness and too low can give the impression of low self-esteem.

Hands.
The hand of the subject(s) should be presented to the camera side on, as opposed to the palm or back of the hand towards the camera, as this gives a more natural, flowing line. Also, ensure the subjects fingers are slightly apart or it can make the hands look rather unflattering. The wrists should be slightly bent to give a more relaxed feel.

Feet.
Make sure the feet of your subject(s) are not pointing directly towards the camera, or it will make them look short and wide. When the subject is standing, they should avoid having their weight evenly distributed to both feet. With one foot slightly in front of the other, their weight should be mostly on the back foot and the knee of the front leg slightly bent. This will make the subject look more relaxed.

Full-Length and Three-Quarter Poses.
Ensure that the bottom of the frame is at mid-thigh or mid-calf. When composing the image in the viewfinder, the edge of the frame should not cut across the knee or other joint as this makes for an unsettling image. If possible, give them something to do with their hands/arms to prevent them hanging loosely by their sides. For example, a couple should have their arms around each other or men can perhaps lean on one knee.

For seated guests, a crossed legged pose can be effective. Leave space between the legs and the chair to give a more flattering view. Full length wedding photography poses should follow similar rules as for the three-quarter shot.

Group Portraits.
Group portraits follow similar rules as above. For the Bride and Groom (or other couples), turn the couple towards each other. You can get them into a stance that is similar to a dance hold for ballroom dancing. The arms furthest from the camera can be slipped around each other's waist and the hands closest to the camera could be holding each other's hand. These can be raised, or standing in the same position, get the couple to let go of each other's hands and let them drop to the side, but the furthest arms still around each other. Don't forget the head tilt as explained above.

For larger groups, if the couple are included, start with them in the centre in the dance hold and then distribute the others evenly to each side. Turn each of the group inwards towards the couple. As well as flattering the people in the group, this also helps to condense the group as they will be able to stand closer together slightly side on.

Conclusion.
Professional photographers consider all these factors effortlessly and it would appear to the observer that all these wedding photography poses come naturally, but for the amateur wedding photographer, a lot more effort will have to go into getting the poses right and guiding the subjects to stand correctly. However, this one wedding photography tip can make a huge difference to the final set of photographs.

5 Most Well-Paid Types of Photography

Photographs do not only resemble reality. In fact, they can contain details that a normal observer doesn't realize. Other than that, an image can also convey messages that may trigger our creativity, our senses, and even on awareness about the subject. There are some who likes to play it cool being a hobbyist or use it as an outlet of their emotions and there also some who take photography by career or profession.

Contrary to what most people think, it is not necessary to have the most expensive tools to capture a very spectacular photograph. Even if you have the latest kit, if you do not have the skills and the knowledge, it will still be useless. To be able to capture a special one, you will need an eye that can see through the subject. This means that to become the best, you will need to have a very teachable character, patience, hard work, and of course, experience.

The different variations of photography are clear proofs that it has limitless possibilities. Whether you are just beginner or an advanced photographer who would like to learn and master a new type and style, there is definitely no reason for you to get stuck bored on one type. Below are just some of the most known types of photography that you can choose from.

• Advertising. If you are looking for a type where you can make a good income, this should definitely be one of your options. But in order to make it big in this industry you must be able to think outside the box and come up with visuals and ways on how to properly highlight the product.


• Wedding, Birthdays, and Special Occasions. This is also a good business. However, there is too much competition for this market. So if ever you want to make it big, you will need to build a good and loyal network and you must be willing to start small. Being an apprentice will also help you a lot not only for your network but also for your skills. It is always a different experience when you get hands on training from the pros.


• Fashion and Glamour Photography. I might be wrong but I believe fashion photography goes hand in hand with advertising since most of the photographers of this type are usually hired for fashion magazines who are aiming to set the trend for people who love clothing and accessories. Glamour on the other hand, focuses on the model rather than the garments.


• Environment and Nature Photography. These two actually have a variety of sub types which includes wildlife, landscape, seascape, cloudscape, and underwater. Spectacular shots for this type are often featured on National Geographic and in most documentaries about nature.


• Travel shots. This type has also become quite a popular hobby to most people. However, there are also some lucky folks who can do this both as pleasure and profession by being paid to travel and explore new places. This type has also given a great deal for a city or even a country's tourism.

Weddings: How Much & Who Pays?

Wedding Budget Planning

Who Pays?

When planning a wedding, one soon realises that no matter how you look at it, it could cost you a tidy sum. We have been collecting data from our brides over the past 6 years and it never ceases to amaze us how much can be spent on a wedding. Some couples choose to have casual intimate affairs and have spent as little as $1,000.00, whilst others opt for something a little more grand and opulent and have spent as much as $80,000.00. However, no matter what your budget, we all would like to know who pays for what.

We have put together a list, by category, of the key items involved in organising a wedding. Alongside we indicate 'traditionally' who has been responsible for these items (in bold), bearing in mind that not everyone sticks to tradition.

Beauty

Bride's Hair Bride

Bride's Makeup Bride

Bridesmaid's Hair & Make-up Bride

Bridal Party

Bridesmaids' Dresses & Accessories Attendant

Flower girl's Dresses & Accessories Bride

Groomsmen's Suits & Accessories Attendant

Pageboy Suit & Accessories Groom

Bride's Attire

Bride's Gown Bride's family

Bride's Headpiece & Veil Bride's family

Brides Shoes & Accessories Bride's family

Ceremony

Celebrant or Officiant Groom

Ceremony Decorations Groom

Ceremony Musician Groom

Ceremony Venue Groom

Flowers & Decoration

Bride's Bouquet Groom

Bridesmaids' Bouquets Groom's family

Ceremony Flowers Groom's family

Flower girl's flowers Groom's family

Groom's Boutonniere Groom's family

Groomsmen's Boutonniere Groom's family

Reception flowers & Centrepieces Bride's family

Gifts

Bridesmaids gifts Bride

Gifts for Parents Bride & Groom

Groomsmen's Gifts Groom

Groom's Attire

Groom's shoes and Accessories Groom's family

Grooms Suit Groom's family

Honeymoon & Travel

Spending Money Bride & Groom

Honeymoon Travel & Accommodation Groom

Wedding Night Accommodation Groom

Misc

Favours Bride & Groom

Rehearsal Dinner Groom

Photography & Videography

Extra Prints & Video Copy Bride & Groom

Photographer's Fee Bride's family

Videographer's Fee Bride's family

Reception

Beverages - Alcoholic & Softdrink Bride's family

Master of Ceremonies Bride's family

Reception Meals Bride's family

Reception Music Bride's family

Reception Venue Bride's family

Wedding Cake Bride's family

Rings

Bride's Wedding Band Groom

Groom's Wedding Band Bride

Stationary

Invitations & Reply cards Bride's family

Thank you notes & Placeholders Bride's family

Transport

Transportation Groom

Wedding Planning

Wedding Consultant Bride & Groom

Bride's Guide to Wedding Photography - 6 Quick Tips

1. Pick a Wedding Photographer that you like

I know that sounds a bit obvious, but there is more to this than you may first imagine. It's your one and only chance to get photos of your wedding - as you want them. With the stress and strain of organising the wedding culminating in an often daunting start to the day it's important that your photographer doesn't add to that stress. Accordingly, you need to choose wisely. So, how's that done: read on.

2. Like their style

It probably goes without saying that if you don't like the style of wedding photos a particular wedding photographer produces, you will not be happy with the wedding album. So make sure you understand what type of photos this wedding photographer will take. Look at their previous work, it should give you a good guide to what you will get.

3. Like their price

In the current financial climate it is even more important to get value for money. Look carefully at what is on offer and make sure there are no hidden costs. Wedding photographers' prices vary quite widely as do their methods of charging. Some break their prices down like a restaurant menu, others will give you an all in price with no hidden extras.

4. Like their Modus Operandi (procedure; method of operating)

Are they sympathetic to your views? Will they be kind to your guests? We have all heard the stories about the rude, pushy photographer that bosses people about and won't let the guests take photos. (remember the bit above about not adding more stress to your day?)

5. Do a pre-wedding photo shoot

Find a wedding photographer that will offer you a pre-wedding photo shoot. It doesn't need to be long or complicated, but it will give you and your future husband a chance to meet and interact with the photographer and I guarantee it will make it easier for you come the big day.

6. Communicate with your wedding photographer

It would be safe to say that good wedding photographers welcome input from the Bride and Groom. It goes a long way to ensuring that they get the results you are looking for and therefore have happy customers. And a happy customer usually equals future referrals for them. So get a reasonable idea of what you want and tell the photographer. This could be a combination of what you know the photographer will do and a little input from yourself. Or it might be a major input from yourself and a little from the photographer. Each wedding is different so do whatever combination is going to work for your wedding.

Many Brides can see themselves in certain photographs, generally photos they have seen in Bridal magazines. A good tip is to take those magazines to the photographer to show them what you want, even better is to use cut-outs from magazines to leave with the photographer so that they remember what it is that you want. Many photographers have idea sheets with tick boxes so you can give them an indication of what it is that you want. Don't be afraid to write extra instructions on that sheet.

So in summary, find a photographer who has a photographic style and working method suits you. One that is affordable and communicate to them any special photographs that you would like. Do a pre-wedding shoot, and you will have taken great strides towards reducing some of the stress on the day and have given yourself the best chance of getting a wedding album that you will cherish forever.