Weeding photography

Like the technology of photography itself, the practice of wedding photography has evolved and grown since the invention of the art form in 1826 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. In fact, an early photograph, recorded some 14 years after the fact, may be a recreation for the camera of the 1840 wedding of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert. However in the early days of photography, most couples of more humble means did not hire a photographer to record the actual wedding itself. Until the later half of the 19th century, most people didn’t pose for formal wedding photos during the wedding. Rather they might pose for a formal photo in their best clothes before or after a wedding. In the late 1860s, more couples started posing in their wedding clothes or sometimes hired a photographer to come to the wedding venue. (See the gallery at White wedding.)

Due to the nature of the bulky equipment and lighting issues, wedding photography was largely a studio practice for most of the late 1800s. Over time, technology improved, but many couples still might only pose for a single wedding portrait. Wedding albums started becoming more commonplace towards the 1880s. By then, the photographer would start including the wedding party in the photographs. Often the wedding gifts would be laid out and recorded in the photographs as well.^[1]

In the beginning of the 20th century, color photography became available, but color photography was still too unreliable and expensive so most wedding photography was still practiced in black and white. The concept of capturing the wedding "event" came about after the Second World War. Using film roll technology and improved lighting techniques available with the invention of the compact flash bulb, often photographers would simply show up at a wedding and try to sell the photos later. Despite the initial low quality photographs that often resulted, the competition forced the studio photographers to start working on location.

Initially, professional studio photographers might bring a lot of bulky equipment, thus limiting their ability to record the entire event. Even candid photos were more often staged after the ceremony. In the 1970s the more modern approach to recording the entire wedding event started evolving into the practice as we know it today.^[2]

As well as wedding photography, I also do all types of portrait photography - engagement photos, family portraits, high-school senior photos, portraits of children, and even pets! I am also available to take photos at special events, including wedding anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, company parties, or children's birthdays.

While Seattle area wedding photography is the majority of my work, I also do weddings all over Washington - Aberdeen, Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Gig Harbor, Kent, Port Townsend, Tacoma, Vancouver, Yakima etc. And if you're getting married outside Washington State I am available to travel anywhere in the world to photograph your wedding or special event

Before you can hire a wedding photographer, you need to know if their style of taking pictures works with what you envision for your wedding. Here are some important questions to ask any wedding photographer:

1. What’s your primary style? Posed and formal, relaxed, photojournalistic, creative, artistic, candid, traditional?
   
   
2. Do you shoot in color or black and white? Or both? Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both color and b/w versions of the same picture?
   
   
3. What kind of input can we have on the direction of the shots? Can we give you a shot list to work from?
   
   
4. Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take our pictures? If not, can we meet the person who will be?
   
   
5. Can we meet any assistants who will also be our taking pictures?
   
   
6. How many times have you worked specifically as a wedding photographer? How many were similar to the size and formality of our wedding?
   
   
7. How many other events will you also photograph that weekend?
   
   
8. What kind of equipment will you bring with you? How intrusive will lighting, tripods, other equipment or assistants be?
   
   
9. Do you develop your own film?
   
   
10. Can we buy the negatives from you?

After you’ve asked these questions of your potential wedding photographer, there are several questions you’ll want to ask yourself:

1. Do I like this person? Do I get along with them or get a good feeling from them?
   
   
2. Do I like their work as a wedding photographer? Is it well lit, focused, well framed? Looking at their books, do I feel like I have a good feeling for the wedding?
   
   
   Don’t forget to call their references. While it may feel a bit awkward to call a stranger, it can be invaluable to have an outside opinion on a potential wedding photographer. Remember, your photographs will be one of the most lasting aspects of your wedding – you’ll want to make sure you find the right wedding photographer for you.

Choosing the Right Photographer

Don’t err on the side of politeness… or economy... when friends or relatives volunteer to take your wedding photographs. Get a professional, one who thoroughly understands lighting techniques and who is skilled at creatively capturing the tender, joyous and humorous moments of your wedding and reception on him.
Interview photographers early, at least six to twelve months in advance. Visit their studios, review their portfolios, and talk about the pictures you envision of your wedding. Be sure to inquire about special effect photography and decide if YOU want it included in your wedding portfolio.
Determine your photography budget clearly at this meeting. Don’t forget to allow for additional prints you might want to give as gifts later. Agree on a firm figure for both the deposit and the final payments; pay both promptly.
Discuss with your photographer the type of wedding you’re planning. Include the location and time of both the ceremony and reception. Be sure the photographer reviews considerations regarding the lighting. Some churches do not allow extraneous lighting during the ceremony.
You will come up against one photographic dilemma. When should the formal portraits be taken? After the ceremony is the traditional time, but many photographers feel that there is not enough time between ceremony and reception to allow for all group pictures plus the beautiful, romantic shots which you will surely wish to have. Besides, this is the time you want to spend with your guests. Taking all formal groupings before the ceremony seems to be a better choice when a large, formal wedding party is involved. This allows time after the ceremony for more relaxed photos with family and friends in attendance. Discuss this question thoroughly with your fiancé and your photographer to understand everyone’s preferences. Considering your wedding day schedule and the size of the wedding party, the three of you will reach the right decision about the best time for this important photographic session.
If your wedding party is large, or you have large families, you may want to appoint a photographic assistant. They should know everyone in your family by sight and be able to assist the photographer by making sure all essential family groupings are taken. Don’t forget to inform your photographer of any sensitive situations in your respective families, such as recently deceased grandparents, divorced parents, stepparents, etc.
The photography contract is a complex one. Be sure you understand exactly the quantity and size of the prints you will be buying, when proofs will be available, the type of proofs provided, when the finished work will be ready, and how long the negatives will be kept in the photographer’s filing system.
Once you’re satisfied that you have conveyed all your wishes to the photographer, relax and let him/her fulfill those wishes. The result will be an album that genuinely reflects the love and happiness you and your families share on your wedding day.

Choose your professional photographer carefully, because this is the person who will record the special moments and events of one of the most exciting days of your life. In order to be well informed about the service and comparable costs, here are items to discuss with each photographer interviewed:

• Price is not the most important item. Look for quality and creativity.

• Confirm the name of the photographer who will be assigned to you. Ask to see samples of his work, and decide if the quality and style of this person is suitable and appealing to you.

• Do you prefer candid or posed shots? Communicate your preferences to the photographer.

• Will formal photographs be taken before or after the ceremony? Does the photographer agree w your decision?

• How long will the photographer stay at the reception?

• Ask for references; call several.

•  Find out exactly what is included in the price quoted. Get a detailed breakdown in writing.

• Who will own the proofs and negatives? How long will they be kept on file?

• What are the costs for extra photos? Does the price include a finished album?

•  Is there a charge for cancellation? What is the payment schedule?

Your photographer can be a source of general wedding information and helpful ideas. Be sure to choose someone that you are personally comfortable with so that you will enjoy working together to capture memories of this day to treasure forever.