How to be a Good Wedding Photographer

If you're looking to make a living by being a wedding photographer then you've chosen a great line of work.  It can be very lucrative if you get enough jobs and is also an interesting way of making a living.  You meet new people and have a way to express your creativity with every "gig" you get.  You're also not stuck in an office all day hunched over a computer in your cubicle.  Yes, being a wedding photographer is an interesting way of life and something that can be fun and enjoyable for those who do it right!

Anyone that can point and click a camera can call themselves a wedding photographer but of course that doesn't mean that they can take good pictures that will make the customers happy.  Photography is part science and part skill but also a lot of artistic ability as well.  A person needs to have a good eye so that they can imagine how certain shots will turn out and can make adjustments to their angles or focus when necessary.  Being a wedding photographer is very different than any other type of photography - you'll need to get portraits and posed shots as well as a lot of action shots as well.  Every wedding is different and will have a different "theme" or tone.  Some brides and grooms are very casual and fun while others are very serious and want an elegant wedding.  A good wedding photographer will understand this and will do everything he or she can to capture the right mood or feeling with each wedding and will make sure the photographs really reflect the personality of the bride or groom.  If it's an elegant event then the landmarks and location will probably provide some good backdrops.  For couples that are more fun and whimsical you'll probably want to concentrate on your poses as well - running along the beach barefoot or jumping in the air together, for example.  A good wedding photographer will be aware of these differences in couples and weddings and will respond accordingly.

And a good wedding photographer will be one to take the initiative when it comes to photographs and poses.  A bride will not follow him or her around during the wedding and reception and point out all the pictures that need to be taken.  It will be up to the photographer to remember the poses and shots that have been asked for and to be ready with the camera for spontaneous or candid shots.  A good wedding photographer will need to think on his or her feet and be self-directed.  

You can always study the work or another really good wedding photographer and see what poses and shots they managed to capture and how they did it.  There's nothing wrong with looking at other people's work this way as most artists do it for painting, sculpting, and so on.  You can use this work as inspiration and guidance for your own.

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What to Look for When Choosing a Digital Camera

Ever since they became available in the market, digital cameras have been a best selling item.  It seems that everyone wants to own a digital camera.  With so many types to choose from, deciding which camera to buy has become very confusing.  Knowing what features are important is a big help when choosing a digital camera.

• Megapixels
  When digital cameras first came out, the number of pixels was a very important consideration.  While it’s true that a higher resolution produces sharper pictures, at some point the number of pixels becomes immaterial for the average user.  Digital cameras sold today have at least 5 or 6 megapixels, which is enough for standard size photo prints.  You will need more megapixels only if you intend to use your pictures on billboards or blowup an image to a huge size.  It is better for you to spend extra on other features.
   
• Optical Zoom
  Unlike megapixels, you want a higher number when it comes to the optical zoom of a digital camera.  This is an important feature to consider when choosing a digital camera.  The optical zoom allows you to take quality pictures at great distances.  Look for a camera with 5x digital zoom or higher.
   
• Picture Settings
  Look for a digital camera that offers a variety of picture settings.  This will allow you to take professional-looking shots more easily.  Some cameras offer portrait setting or scenery setting.  These settings will help you get different photo effects.  A portrait setting fades the background of the image, making the people stand out more sharply.  Although you can always edit your images, picture settings are something you should look out for.
   
• Shot Stabilization
  This feature is a relatively new one.  Shot stabilization in some digital cameras help the photographer take better pictures because it compensates for shaky hands.  The use of a tripod may even become unnecessary.
   
• Size and Personalized Features
  Before buying a digital camera, you should determine how it will be used.  Some people look for a small camera that can easily fit in a purse or pocket.  Although larger cameras usually have more and better features, it is possible that a smaller size camera may be more important for you. These days, it is also possible to buy a camera in different colors, instead of the usual black or silver.  This is a great way to personalize your digital camera. 

Before buying a digital camera, research the different features found in different models.  Read consumer reviews to help you in choosing a digital camera.  Every digital camera has something unique to offer, but you should only pay for the features you really need.

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How to Choose An Inexpensive Digital Camera

Digital cameras today are much cheaper than when they first came out, but they now have so many new features.  When we look for a digital camera we always want one with great features but affordably priced.  The most versatile cameras are found in the mid-range to high end markets.  However, inexpensive digital cameras that can take quality pictures are also available.

If you want a cheap digital camera, you will have to find a point-and-shoot camera.  Some of these compact cameras are affordably priced at around $150.  You can even buy an inexpensive digital camera for less than $50.  Naturally, you should not expect these cameras to have the same features as a more expensive one, or to be able to take high quality pictures.

Affordable digital cameras can have a variety of shooting modes including automatic, portrait, indoor, underwater, etc.  However, their resolution will be much lower than that of a more expensive camera, and the number of images that can be stored will be much less.  Surprisingly, you will often come across an inexpensive digital camera with superb features and high resolution. 

However, you should keep in mind that although a higher resolution allows you to take sharper pictures, a 5-megapixel or 6-megapixel camera is more than sufficient to take really good pictures.  Unless you want to blowup your pictures to poster size, you don’t need a 12 MP digital camera.

Before buying a digital camera, you should decide what features you want in your camera.  This will help you choose an inexpensive digital camera with the shooting modes, resolution, zoom capability, and other features you require.  Read different digital camera buyer’s guide s and photography magazines to help you choose an affordable camera.  You can also do some online research and read customer’s reviews to help you make a good choice.

It’s always a good idea to know where and how you plan to use your camera.  This can help narrow down your choices.  Just keep in mind that different camera models have different features and different prices.  You must be able to choose one with the features you want at a price you can afford.

Some of the more affordable cameras include the Canon PowerShot A550, Nikon L19, Olympus FE-5010, Fuji FinePix Z30, Samsung SL202 and Olympus Stylus 1050SW.  These inexpensive digital cameras cost less than $150.  They feature a high resolution LCD screen, optical zoom, 8MP to 12MP resolution, image stabilization, and many more.

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How to Capture those Perfect Wedding Moments

A wedding is undoubtedly one of the most precious moments in a person's life. Capturing it on film to be stored forever is even more important. Today, brides and grooms have so any options to choose from when it comes to choosing the kind of photography that they want for the most important day of their lives.

Here is a guide in achieving the wedding photography of a couple's dreams:

1. Choosing the right photographer

• In order to select a wedding photographer, a couple must first decide on the picture style that they want.
• Portrait photographers are perfectly capable to take both formal and casual pictures, but he will most likely concentrate on the formal ones.
• Photojournalists take shots that are candid and not planned. This kind of photographer usually has experience in journalism photography.
• Hobbyist photographers are those who are often a friend or a relative of the couple, and would likely offer his services for free or a very low price. It is hard to tell the kind of pictures that they will produce, and there is a risk that the pictures may not be as good as a professional's.

2. Getting the perfect camera

• Wedding photographers usually use two basic camera types: the 35mm and the medium format. The 35mm has the tendency to produce pictures that are a little grainy, but the only person who may notice the difference are the photographers themselves.

3. Color or black and white?

• Color is usually used in wedding photos, but those who want a more artistic feel may go for the black and white film. Black and white photos lasts longer than color ones, though color films capture the details of the event more appropriately. One option would be to take the pictures in color first, then have copies made in black and white.

4. Personality of the photographer

• Most couples want a photographer who can take great pictures but who is also friendly and sociable. Set an interview with the prospective photographer, and make sure to ask effective questions. Also, make sure to ask for references, and take a look at his previous work.

All these tips can help couples in getting those perfect pictures on their special day. Make sure that these pictures can be shown proudly to families and friends, and can be passed down to future generations.

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Wedding Photography - How To Choose Your Wedding Photographer

Hiring a wedding photographer may seem like a simple task, but choosing someone to capture all the moments and details of that special day can be much more difficult than most couples realize. The professional you select will create a photographic record that will be treasured by your family for generations, and making this decision is a critical step in the wedding-planning process. In some instances, hiring the wrong person might not only result in poor wedding photos, but could also have a negative effect on your entire wedding day (for example, imagine a sloppy-looking photographer running around, blocking the guests' view and constantly distracting you from enjoying your day).

One of the most common and unfortunate mistakes couples make is hiring a family friend or an enthusiastic relative to photograph the day. Some may even ask guests to take as many photos as possible with the hope of piecing together an album composed of candid shots, most of which are unusable. Keep in mind that even with the proper equipment, photographing a wedding properly is a daunting task requiring significant experience, the finesse' to be virtually invisible, and most importantly the talent and artistic vision to capture the memorable details and emotions of your wedding day. It is certainly not a job for the faint of heart.

How, then, does one choose an accomplished, professional wedding photographer? The key items to consider are your personal preferences in photography, your budget for the event, and the professional relationship and chemistry you have (or don't have) with the photographer.

Wedding photography is usually classified as traditional, photojournalistic (candid), and artistic. There is a wealth of information online regarding these categories, if you would like more explanation of each. Although some photographers may declare that they are "hardcore photojournalists" (the current buzz-word in the wedding photo industry), I believe that a good wedding photographer must be able to do all the styles equally well. It is important to review a good selection of the photographer's work, and you should love most (if not everything) you see. You should insist on viewing complete wedding albums to see how your final album could look. If you don't feel an emotional connection with the photos, you need to iHiring a wedding photographer may seem like a simple task, but choosing someone to capture all the moments and details of that special day can be much more difficult than most couples realize. The professional you select will create a photographic record that will be treasured by your family for generations, and making this decision is a critical step in the wedding-planning process. In some instances, hiring the wrong person might not only result in poor wedding photos, but could also have a negative effect on your entire wedding day (for example, imagine a sloppy-looking photographer running around, blocking the guests' view and constantly distracting you from enjoying your day).

One of the most common and unfortunate mistakes couples make is hiring a family friend or an enthusiastic relative to photograph the day. Some may even ask guests to take as many photos as possible with the hope of piecing together an album composed of candid shots, most of which are unusable. Keep in mind that even with the proper equipment, photographing a wedding properly is a daunting task requiring significant experience, the finesse' to be virtually invisible, and most importantly the talent and artistic vision to capture the memorable details and emotions of your wedding day. It is certainly not a job for the faint of heart.

How, then, does one choose an accomplished, professional wedding photographer? The key items to consider are your personal preferences in photography, your budget for the event, and the professional relationship and chemistry you have (or don't have) with the photographer.

Wedding photography is usually classified as traditional, photojournalistic (candid), and artistic. There is a wealth of information online regarding these categories, if you would like more explanation of each. Although some photographers may declare that they are "hardcore photojournalists" (the current buzz-word in the wedding photo industry), I believe that a good wedding photographer must be able to do all the styles equally well. It is important to review a good selection of the photographer's work, and you should love most (if not everything) you see. You should insist on viewing complete wedding albums to see how your final album could look. If you don't feel an emotional connection with the photos, you need to interview another photographer.

Couples also either under-budget for their wedding photography, or they try to shop around for the cheapest package, forsaking quality. As with any creative service, with most photographers you normally "get what you pay for." If you see an all-inclusive package with albums under $2000.00, the quality of all the products and services is usually poor. If the package is above $5000.00, you should expect 2 photographers present, at least 8 hours of coverage, and high-end wedding albums (along with some extra items, such as proofs or parent copies). Make sure you compare apples to apples when reviewing various wedding packages, since they can be confusing. In most cases a typical wedding photography budget would be in the $3000.00 - $6000.00 range. Don't treat your wedding photography as an afterthought - photographs are the most enduring and viewed remembrance of your wedding day (more so, even, than a video recording).

Make sure you feel a personal connection with your photographer. Some of the best photos of the day are usually taken "behind the scenes" as the wedding party prepares for the day, when you will be interacting with your family and friends. You should feel comfortable inviting the photographer "backstage." As a wedding photographer, I regularly get invited to see the most intimate parts of the wedding day that are normally not visible to most guests or even family. Your photographer should be calm and assertive and have a positive energy about them. Make sure he or she shows a genuine interest in you and your family. Do not hire a photographer that makes you feel that your wedding day is just another job for them. Your photos would certainly reflect that.

Michael Graham Photography - About the Author:

Michael Graham is a Los Angeles and Palm Springs based wedding photographer known for his ability to capture moments and details of the wedding day. You may visit his website at: www.mgpweddings.com and www.michaelgrahamphoto.com

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