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C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M
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P H O T O G R A P H Y , V I D E O G R A P H Y , V I D E O B O O T H
Historically, couples booked a wedding photographer
between six and nine months before their wedding date. All
of that has changed, thanks to social media.
When they become engaged, a third of brides-to-be will
update their social-media status within a few hours,
according to a social-wedding survey; a quarter will do so
within the next 24 hours. A flurry of engagement photos
soon will make their way to social media accounts, too.
That’s where the photographer comes in.
Many wedding photographers often include a
complimentary engagement-photo session when couples
book their wedding service. This isn’t just a ploy to attract
business — it’s beneficial come the actual wedding day.
Engagement photos are a time for you and the
photographer to get to know each other photographically.
You both learn what type of photos you like. On the
wedding day you’re able to loosen up a bit more. There’s
nothing but benefits to an engagement session.
Couples should not rush to book their photographer just so
they can share some engagement photos.
First, photography and videography are two of the largest
wedding expenses. Second, couples have one chance to
capture these memories for the rest of their lives, so they
need to make sure they are working with professionals they
trust to do the job perfectly.
In evaluating potential service providers, make sure to
ask the right questions. Inquiries should focus on package
details, contractual agreements and final products, whether
that is an actual album or digital prints — in addition to
making sure your personalities jell (you will be spending all
day together!).
Consider asking the following questions:
• What packages do you offer?
• How much time is allotted for the day of the wedding?
• Are photographers available all day?
• Will you bring an assistant or second shooter?
• Is an album included in the package? If so, who designs
the album? How much input do we get in the album’s
design?
• What quality of paper, color and inks do you use for
printed photographs?
• Is a DVD with digital negatives provided to order our
own prints in the future?
• Will we have rights to our photos?
If you’re looking to save a few bucks on photographic
services, consider looking for an associate to hire.
Often times, an associate’s fee is cheaper than the main
photographer’s. You also can pinpoint your coverage and
only have a professional for certain parts of the day, if you
desire.
© Brides 365
The same rules for choosing the right photographer
apply to video, from looking at prior work to
establishing a good connection, but there are a few key
differences.
While many videographers opt for a photojournalistic
approach – inconspicuously shooting the day – others
may take a more hands-on approach and interview
guests or the wedding party, for example, which they
use to add a documentary feel to the edited wedding
video. Highlight videos or trailers also are popular
today, as couples can easily share them via their social
media accounts.
© Brides 365
Capturing the Memories