Choosing Lenses For Wedding Photography

Wedding photography has gained popularity over the years due to the increased pressure on bride and grooms to host the perfect wedding. Wedding photography depends on perfect timing and having equipment that matches the needs of the couple.

However, once you have gained enough experience in the field, you should start thinking about getting the best and latest equipment for wedding photography. If you start to carry out research and speak to different wedding photographers, you will realize that different individual prefer different brands and consequently, different lenses- depending on their style and mode of working.

It goes without saying that if you want to excel in the field of wedding photography, it is essential that you purchase a good portrait lens. Portrait photography depends on the distance between the camera and the subject as well as the lens' focal length. It is of common knowledge that if you take a close up of the subject with the help of a lens with a wide angle, the subject will practically protrude out of the photograph and its surroundings will look miniature. Therefore, if you want to achieve this kind of an effect, it is recommended that you use a wide angle lens and shoot from a short distance. This concept is called foreshortening and is very popular among wedding photographers.

However, in case the bride or the groom do not like close up and therefore, do not wish to see minute details of their faces- you cannot use these lenses. Therefore, it becomes necessary to involve the couple into your plans so that both the parties are happy in the end. You should explain how positioning the camera in a certain manner will add different angles to the photograph and make it look completely different.

A study was carried out recently which compared photographs taken from different focal lengths. The verdict was that portraits with wide angle lenses added a softer character to the photographs whereas photographs that were taken from a distance gave the subject a harder look.

While selecting the lens for wedding photography, you must first figure out whether you are on a budget or if you are willing to splurge on the best, that is, more than $1000 on a Canon lens. Even though these lenses are extremely popular, if you are on a budget, other lenses are made by Canon which are not as expensive. While choosing a lens for wedding photography, it is also important to figure out whether you will be using more than a single camera on the main day. Instead of wasting time changing lenses, a majority of wedding photographers carry two cameras.

A number of wedding photographers also rely on fixed lens solutions. These have gained popularity over the years because the quality of the photographs is enhanced and there is no need for the photographer to add color to them with the help of editing systems like Photoshop. However, fixed lens solutions lead to other limitations and therefore, hamper the photographer's personal style. For those interested in these lenses, the 24mm F1.4 L, 85mm F1.2 L, and the 135 mm F2.0 L and the 50mm F1.2 L are recommended. However, one can also combine these for best results. Fixed lens solutions are generally popular amongst wedding photographers who have gained enough experience to develop a unique style.

Wedding and Portrait Photographer - Increased Clicks and Reduced Costs For Google AdWords

John Wood Photography started in 2008 and quickly set up a website to advertise Wedding and Portrait Photographic services.  The only problem was that no one could find the site because it takes both time and money to rise in the Google Search Rankings.  This is a typical problem for all new websites and Google Ads is one quick solution to this problem

Setting up a Google Ad account was easy and within a matter of hours people were clicking on the Google adverts and visiting the site.  Success, or so it appeared until the cost of the clicks was added up.  All sorts of people were clicking on the adverts and most of them had no intention of buying a service.  The advert had simply appeared at the top of the Google Search page and people had clicked on it.

The solution was to refine the search criteria for the adverts.  So when a local town or county was entered in the search words then and only then would the advert appear.  This meant that only people who specifically wanted to find a photographer in the local area would see the advert. 

The other change was to stop the 'Content Network' adverts.  This option allows your adverts to appear in other sites such as eBay.  If someone searches for photographic equipment then the advert may appear on that page.  As the person was not looking for a photographer, it is very unlikely that they would pay for a photographic service and therefore paying for their click does not make sense.

These two steps made a huge reduction in the number of impressions (ie the number of times the advert was shown) and also the number of clicks fell significantly, which reduced the costs.

The number of clicks per day was then low and the cost of actually getting those clicks was as high as £2 each because of the high demand for those clicks - it seemed like every wedding photographer in the area was using the same key search words and we were simply trying to out-bidding each other to get the clicks.

The competition for the County in the search phrase is much higher than the competition for the local towns.  So separating the county searches into their own campaign meant that they could have a higher maximum cost per click and all the town searches could have a lower maximum cost per click in their own campaign.  This reduced the average cost per click, which mean that there were more clicks per day for the same budget.

The next step was to make the adverts more relevant to the searches.  By creating different adverts for each county or town, this gave the adverts a higher quality score and made them more likely to appear.  It also increased the likelihood of a potential customer clicking on them.  By using different ad variations it became obvious that if someone search for a specific town then they  were more likely to click on the adverts which mentioned that town.

The subsequent step was to generate a lot of different key words.  There will not be many people using each of these phrases and so the competition for them and the cost per click is relatively low.  But the chances of your advert appearing are high.  These relatively unlikely key word phrases generate the cheapest clicks - you just need to have a lot of them.

The combination of these steps has significantly reduced the average cost per click and can either cut my costs or increase the number of clicks for the same total cost.

Please feel free to visit the website and let me know if you think it was worth all this effort.

The Best Wedding Cufflinks Appropriate For Your Summer Celebration

Summer is a popular season for weddings. The ambiance of a hot afternoon followed by a balmy night is unmatched by any other season. If you are planning to become a summer bride, then make the most important day of your life one that not only you and your partner, but also everyone attending, will remember.

To ensure that your wedding stands out from the rest, it's essential that is should be inspired by romantic tropical flowers and bold colours. All of your choices, right down to your wedding cufflinks, should tie in with a central theme that is determined before you start planning your nuptials.

Frangipanis, hibiscus and a huge range of roses are all in bloom over the summer months. A theme focused on a flower can set a fun, simple yet beautiful tone for your wedding day. Alternatively, select a colour that is bright and energetic, evoking that vivacious vibe that only exists in the hot summer months. Be bold in your choice of colours and be inspired by cocktail colours like fuchsia, yellow, red and orange.

With these tips in mind, let us take a look at the top cufflink choices for your Summer 2012/2013 wedding:

Red and Yellow Silk Knots

These will make a bold statement. Perfect for a couple that want to focus on tropical colours and create a carnival-like atmosphere with their theming and styling.

Silver Square Cufflinks

These design of cufflinks may look simple at first glance but don't be deceived! The high shine finish will reflect colour and light beautifully making these a perfect and versatile choice.

Curved Barrel Cufflinks

This design is modern, stylish and understated. Look for a set featuring a hint of colour like red to tie in perfectly with any theme incorporating red, orange or yellow.

Oval Stripe Cufflinks

If you're looking for pure sophistication, go for a design which features bright and bold colours like purple and blue. They will look particularly sophisticated with a navy, blue or grey suit. Ideal for colour schemes featuring marine tones for a summer seaside wedding.

Pink and Purple Silk Knots

This lovely colour combination is a winner for any summer wedding. Ideal for the bride and groom who want to create a tropical ambience and have some fun with vibrant cocktail colours.

Make your own special day stand out from the many summer weddings that are sure to happen. Choose the right theme and accessories to make your wedding unique and memorable.

Wedding Photographer Lighting Tips

There are still many traditional photography techniques that allow you to create special effects without the aid of computer software. In a previous article, I talked about panning, here's a tip for creating great photos with a zooming effect.

Zooming is an old school technique that's easy to use and gives you interesting results in the right situations. For starters, you'll need an SLR and zoom lens of any focal length. You'll then need to sync your aperture with a very slow shutter speed, let's say one full second. If you're using a digital camera, make sure your exposure is on the money since over exposed digital files are very unforgiving.

If you are indoors, choose a location or composition that has some ambient light or ceiling lights. Center your subject so the lights are off to the sides or top and bottom of the subject, otherwise, the light will bleed into the subject. When you press the shutter release, spin your lens zooming ring so that the frame zooms in or out. This will create an interesting lighting effect where the background lights create streaks shooting in or out of the frame. If the subject is centered properly, the light should not block or bleed into them. If the light is too low, use a strobe and rear curtain sync, if your camera has this function. The rear curtain, or shutter sync, allows the strobe to fire at the end of the shutter's exposure. This will ensure that the light and subject appear to move in their true direction.

This technique helped me become a popular wedding photographer Chicago brides count on for great photos. You can apply the same technique if you're working as a corporate photographer who's trying to give a company's web page a fresh look. Regardless of your passion or field of photography, creative images will keep people interested in your work.

How to Pose for Perfect Wedding Photographs

So, you are getting married? Congratulations, by the way. Have you called the wedding photographer yet? A photographer is one of the most important components of your wedding. It is a fact that wedding photography does not mean random pictures of the bride and groom. An excellent photographer will do his best to capture those shared looks, the warm laughter, the pulsating excitement and the unlimited fun. It is a popular belief that an able photographer is always prepared for unpredictable mishaps and can make just about any situation work. But the truth is that both the bride and groom, the wedding planner (if any) and the photographer need to co-operate with each other for making the photographs look stunningly beautiful.

No one knows better than you how you want your wedding snaps to look. In this aspect the importance of posing may be discussed. Does it sound funny to you? Believe it or not, posing happens to be one of the most important aspects of wedding photography. A photographer may have the best lighting, camera, and post-production knowledge in the world but still get stuck with dissatisfied clients if he fails to make them look gorgeous, comfortable, and contented. For a few ideas you may take a look at the following list of poses. You can always improvise to suit your own style.

Strike the basic pose in which the spouses are standing close to each other with no gaps between their bodies. Both of you can hold hands in the middle. Or the groom may place his hands in his pocket and the bride can place her hands on her hip.

Another pose has the bride hugging onto the bicep of the groom with one hand. She places her other hand on his shoulder.

Forehead to forehead without the kissing is considered to be an intimate pose too. Make sure to close your eyes so that it doesn't look like you two are staring each other down.

Meeting in the middle is the ultimate cute and happy pose. The bride and groom should stand a few feet apart, bend at the hip with backs straight and meet in the middle for a kiss. The background plays a big role in the case of this pose.

How can we forget the dip? This pose not only adds action to a scene but is the ultimate reflection of the 'sweeping off one's feet'. The groom should use his legs to dip to have a strong base. The bride should either grab around his neck or hold hands with him as they dip and kiss.

Then there is, of course, the kiss. When you decide to strike this pose make sure you have closeness, proper hand placement and genuineness.

The kiss on the cheek is also a classic pose. You can change your expressions to make the picture look either simple or funny or intimate. The groom holding the bride from behind is also a lovely pose.

The Bridal Dance - How to Stop Worrying and Enjoy Yourself

Does the thought of your bridal dance make you a little queasy? Many couples are a bit uneasy about being in the spotlight alone with all their guests watching them at their wedding. Don't worry! There are things you can do to make yourselves more comfortable.

First, pick a song that means something to you and your fiance. Usually, this is a slow song, though it doesn't have to be. If you really feel like you have two left feet, take some dance lessons. Ask your teacher to work out the simplest moves possible for your song, and then practice - a lot! It's essential that your moves become second nature, so you can keep it together when all eyes are upon you. Make sure your DJ or band will be playing the same arrangement of the song that you're practicing to, so there will be no unpleasant surprises that could spoil your carefully worked out choreography. If you have hired a band, and you're really concerned about how they will play your song, you might consider asking the band leader about the possibility of having it played on CD if it would make you feel more at ease.

Most bridal dances last between three and four minutes, but you don't have to be alone for the whole song if you feel uncomfortable. You can dance by yourselves for a minute, and then your MC can bring your guests onto the floor to join you for the rest of the song. You can add all the guests at once, or add the parents, bridal party, and the rest of the guests in groups. This is often preferred by wedding planners, and it's a great way to get the party started!

12 Amazing Las Vegas Elvis Wedding Packages Under $299

"Viva Las Vegas!" sang Elvis Presley in 1964, as Lucky Jackson in his 1964 movie Viva Las Vegas. While the legendary singer/movie star may have moved on, there's no shortage of ordained Vegas ministers that look remarkably like him! Couples wanting to be married by the King himself have a variety of wedding options to choose from, including 12 complete packages all for under $299.

1. $177 - "Love Me Tender Elvis Package" available from the Wee Kirk O' the Heather Wedding Chapel

For over 70 years, the Week Kirk O'the Heather Wedding Chapel has been marrying lovebirds in Las Vegas. Up to eight guests of your choice can watch as Elvis walks the bride down the aisle and performs two songs. The package also includes a CD with five candid photos (including the copyright), the use of a bouquet, music, witness and a souvenir wedding scroll.

2. $185 - "Elvis Memories" Special available from The Elvis Wedding Chapel

Boasting the "friendliest service, the best value, and the best "Elvis" in Vegas", the Elvis Wedding Chapel has been featured on "The Girls Next Door", "Wild Weddings", CNN, PBS, The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and other television shows. This wedding package includes limo transportation to and from your hotel, a fresh rose presentation for the Bride, two songs performed by Elvis and a DVD of the ceremony to capture the memory of your special "Elvis Vows".

3. $199 - "Love Me Tender Elvis Wedding" available from Mon Bel Ami Chapel

Although not available on Saturdays, this wedding package does offer great value to couples wanting to tie the knot in front of Elvis. Included in the price is your favorite Elvis Hit sung by the King himself, a long stem rose for the bride, a boutonniere for the groom and a complementary ceremony photograph with Elvis on a CD. In addition to Sunday through Friday availability, a maximum of ten guests are permitted.

4. $199 - "Viva Las Vegas Elvis Wedding" available from Graceland Chapel

Be serenaded by Elvis as he sings the famous "Love Me Tender" melody, and then dance away to the classic "Viva Las Vegas" theme song after exchanging your vows at the Graceland Chapel. A long stem rose and boutonniere are included in the package, as is professional photography (prints sold separately). In addition, not only will you leave with your own wedding license, but you'll get a copy of Elvis and Pricilla's too! English, Spanish and French ceremonies are available at Graceland Chapel.

5. $199 - "Viva Elvis Package" available from The Las Vegas Wedding Chapel

Providing excellent value for the price, this wedding package actually includes the minister's fee! (A $60 value), as well as a generous digital image package (13 professional prints, including copyrights), a six-rose fresh flower bouquet and courtesy limo service for up to eight. As if this wasn't enough, Elvis will perform two songs and you'll also receive a copy of Elvis and Pricilla's marriage certificate.

6. $267 - "Burning Love Elvis Package" available from the Wee Kirk O' the Heather Wedding Chapel

The bride and groom and up to 12 of their guests will enjoy a mini-concert of three Elvis songs after a beautiful wedding ceremony. Literally translated from Scottish, as "The Little Chapel of the Lucky Flowers," Wee Kirk O'the Heather is Las Vegas' original wedding chapel and is a historical landmark in the city. Also included are eight candid photos on a CD (with copyrights), a fresh three-rose bouquet for the bride, a souvenir wedding scroll and a witness, if needed.

7. $269 - "It's Now or Never Elvis Package" available from Vegas Adventure Wedding Chapel

When it comes to your wedding, Vegas Adventure Weddings promises to "take all the stress out and put all the adventure in!" and this package does not disappoint. After arriving in a courtesy 2007 Superstretch Limousine (transportation provided for the bride, groom and up to four guests), Elvis will walk the bride down the 27 foot chapel aisle for the ceremony. Post "I-do"s, the newlyweds and their guests will enjoy three songs performed by Elvis. A single fresh rose presentation and boutonniere, as well as 12 photo images of the event on a CD (with copyrights) are also included. The best part of this package is the option to add on the lighting of 50 candles for an incredibly romantic atmosphere for only $40 more.

8. $275 - "The Elvis Wedding Special Package" available from Loveland Wedding Chapel

This Vegas wedding package perfectly merges the beauty and elegance of the hotel chapels with the affordability of the "Las Vegas strip chapels". Not only will you enjoy a hearing Elvis perform three songs, you'll also get to watch the performance time and time again with the video of the event which is included in this package! Also included are 25 digital photos, a silk bouquet for the bride and a boutonniere for the groom, and the use of the chapel for up to 20 guests.

9. $288 - "Elvis Wedding Package" available from Lily of the Valley Wedding Chapel

Located immediately across the street from the Las Vegas Marriage License Bureau, the Lily of the Valley Wedding Chapel believes in blessing your marriage, family, friends and associates. With 70 pictures and video, this wedding offers the most generous photo and video package of the "Under $299 Elvis Wedding Packages" of the group. In addition to hearing Elvis sing three songs, you'll also get to dance with Elvis as well as receive gifts and pictures signed by Elvis. A bridal bouquet and boutonniere round out the floral package, and if you need a witness the chapel can provide one, too. Notary, planning, and pre-marital counseling upon request and both Romantic religious and civil ceremonies are offered. Please note that the minister's fee is an additional $250 on top of the above listed wedding package fees.

10. $295 - "Elvis "Hound Dog" Wedding Package" available from the Elvis Chapel

As if enjoying Elvis perform three songs of his choice isn't enough of a treat, you'll get two pairs of Elvis sunglasses presented by Elvis while exchanging special "Elvis Vows"... and it will all be caught on the DVD video included in the package price! Also included are 35 high resolution digital photos on a CD and the option for a live Web Cam to capture all of the hip-shakin', Hound Dog action for those at home. Other package amenities include a six rose bouquet for the bride and a copy of Elvis and Pricilla's marriage certificate and complementary round-trip limousine service for up to six people. While gratuities extra, taxes are included in the listed package price.

11. $299 - "All Shook Up Elvis Package" available from Vegas Adventure Wedding Chapel

This Vegas Adventure Wedding Chapel package includes all of the amenities in the "Now or Never Elvis Wedding Package" listed above (including courtesy limousine transportation for up to six and three songs performed by Elvis), with the added romance of walking down a 27 foot aisle covered in rose petals and a two fresh rose presentation for the bride (and a matching boutonniere for the groom). Double the amount of photos are included on a CD (24 images in total) which alone makes this package worth the upgrade. You can also add on the lighting of 50 candles to create an incredibly romantic atmosphere for an additional $40.

12. $299 - "Blue Suede Shoes Elvis Package" available from The Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas

Elvis vows, a three song mini-concert and a first dance to an Elvis song of your choice truly epitomize the Vegas wedding experience! You'll be able to relive this entertaining wedding experience again whenever you choose with the high quality DVD of your ceremony, 25 Professional Digital Images (including copyrights) and the five 4x6 prints included in the "Blue Suede Shoes Elvis Package". Also included is a six rose fresh flower bouquet, a copy of Elvis and Pricilla's marriage certificate, a live Web Cam of the event, and courtesy limo service for up to eight people. And best of all, the minister's fees are included in the package price!

All of these 12 Elvis Vegas wedding packages offer great value, low-stress and an all-inclusive option for couples wanting to exchange vows in front of the King.

When choosing an Elvis wedding package in Vegas, however, you should be aware that many packages do not include taxes or gratuities. The minister's gratuity is typically around $60, while performers, limo drivers and photographers will also expect a tip. Your tip, of course, should reflect the level of service you feel you received and take into consideration the overall price paid for your wedding package.

Prior to confirming a wedding package you should always ask the wedding coordinator what the final price is for the package after taxes, and what he/she recommends as an appropriate gratuity.

You should also remember that wedding packages and pricing are subject to change without notice so it's best to contact the chapel directly for the most up-to-date wedding package information.