Don't hire Uncle Harry.

You have set the date, bought your dress and booked the caterer. You're still looking for a photographer when a family member offers to capture your day as their gift to you or for a very small price. Great you think! Uncle Harry's snap shots look good, his flower pics are beautiful and artsy and he owns a bigger camera then you. What could go wrong?

Unfortunately, a lot can back fire. There are numerous reasons for hiring a professional photographer besides their camera. They often act as coordinator during the day and help keep you on track. They have back-up camera bodies, back-up batteries, back-up lighting, etc. You'd be surprised how often gear malfunctions but you never know it with experienced photographers.

A pro knows where to stand to get the best shot during the ceremony, the cake cutting and first dance. They can quickly arrange your family for group shots and are ready to capture the unexpected moments.

Uncle Harry quickly delivers a disk of images that he took. Are they the best they could be? Mostly likely no. Many don't realize how much happens after the image is captured. Backing up your files, editing down to the best of the best, color correction, sharpening and more all happen after the wedding to create the final image.

So you have a disk of images from Uncle Harry, but how does everyone see them? What about an album? Professionals offer online galleries, slideshows, custom made albums and more. These are the things that you share with your family and friends and become an heirloom to pass on to your children.

You certainly don't want to be the one who tells the aweful story of how none of your wedding photos turned out. I have guests come up to me when I'm working a wedding and tell me their stories that are just like this. Can you imagine? All the hard work and long planning you've put into your event and no memories to show for it?! Yikes!

Figure out your budget and start researching photographers in your area. Be sure to look at their online portfolios. Once you've narrowed it down to the top three you like, make appointments to meet with each. Look at album samples, ask questions and go over package options. Take into consideration how comfortable you are while meeting with them. If they seem tense and nervous they will most likely be this way on your wedding day. Take the time to do the research to find the perfect fit for both of you. The photography and video are truly the most important aspect of the day.

Day After Sessions.

What exactly is a "day after" photo session? It is a portrait session of just the two of you in your wedding attire. It's fun, relaxed and stylish. These sessions are becoming more and more popular.

One reason to book a session for the day after your wedding is to keep the event flowing. You won't have to cut into the reception time on the actual wedding day to take photos. This might happen if the two of you plan on not seeing each other before the ceremony and have a large family. Leaving your guests waiting for over an hour while you take family, wedding party and your pictures can be a bit rude. Your guests have flown, drove hours and taken the time to visit with the two of you...don't leave them hangin'.

Another reason to choose a day after session is for the opportunity to change your look. Get more funky with your hair and make-up, add a bright coat or chunky jewelry to your gown. This is your chance to look like the models in the magazines...have fun with it! 

This is so popular in China that there is a Chinese company that runs group tours to spectacular sites just so the soon-to-be-married couples can shoot their wedding photos. Can you imagine riding across a lake on a horse back like the bride below?  Push your imagination to the next level with ideas for your shoot. Do you love golf? Head out on the greens. Do you love wine? Take a tour to local vineyards. Whatever you do you'll have an experience and images to remember for a life time.

Image above from Time. Pictures of the Week.

All other images copyright Jasmine Photography.

Destination Weddings.

The blog took a bit of break while I was on vacation in beautiful Hawaii. I just returned and am slowly getting readjusted to the time change and the chilly weather. While I was there I was thinking about destination weddings and how many couples are leaning toward this option for their event.



So, where do you start? First, choose your ideal spot for the event and be sure to do so far in advance. The best properties and accommodations book up quickly. Destination can mean traveling six hours from Portland to Hawaii or only two from Portland to the Oregon Coast. Be sure to do some extra research about the weather for the location you choose. You don't want to head down to the Caribbean during hurricane season.

You'll certainly want to send out save the dates to your guests to give them plenty of time to book flights and hotel. Make it a weekend of events together for an intimate feeling. How about an informal dinner the day after everyone arrives or cocktails on the beach with appetizers.

Destination Weddings has great tips to get you started. If you find a hotel or resort you like, you can contact them directly to learn about their package options. Many will have the info listed on their websites that they offer, such as the officiant, flowers and tuxedo rental.

One thing to consider is choosing your photographer and videographer from where you live. Since these are the two things that will remind you of all the wonderful moments, you may want to fly them over to make sure everything is captured from stat to finish on your big day. The photographers that are included in the package often snap a couples shots of the ceremony and family and leave.

In the end, your event should be less stressful for you and an easy way to start the honeymoon in a beautiful location. Just remember to bring the sunblock so you don't look like a lobster in your white dress!




All images copyright Jasmine Photography 2008.

Finding a Photographer.

This seems to be one of the harder decisions for most couples - and it should be. If you opt out of video coverage at the event all you will have after it's all said and done is the pictures. When it comes down to it, they really are important. This is an event that you'll want to share with your family and children for years to come. 

Here are some things to look for to help narrow down your choices. 

• figure out your photo budget. give it a range in case you find out you need more coverage or want a photo album. 
• start by browsing the internet and viewing online galleries. 
  
• decide which style of images you prefer: strict documentary (little to no group shots), classic (little to no documentary shots, more posed), or a mix of the two.

• find 3-4 photographers who's style stands out to you or brings you emotion.
• contact those photographers right away to find out who is available for your date.
• set up appointments with your top 3 choices who are open for your date.
• try to both go to the first meeting. it's important you both feel comfortable with him/her.

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• at the meeting you'll want to look for professional presentation of their work. this is often done with wedding albums and or a slideshow. it's important to see their work in print as all monitors give off a different color cast.
  

 

• when going thru samples they should be of a complete wedding. if you only see "the best" from various couples you should ask to see a full event to ensure they can capture all the moments.
• personality. you should feel at ease with them at the meeting, if you don't then you won't during your wedding day either.

• you'll pay more for experience and quality products offered. the average price range of these photographers is $2000-$5000+ , depending on what is included in the package.  
• always sign a contract with all the details of your package on it.

I hope this helps a bit. Have fun with your pictures!

All images copyright Jasmine Photography.

Engagement Sessions...Say Cheese!

Ahh, having your picture taken is the last thing on your list of fun things to do! You dread being in front of the camera. If this sounds like you, you really NEED to have a practice session before your wedding day. Many photographers offer an engagement session either with their packages or as an add-on. I highly recommend adding one on if it's not included. Why? you ask. Well, for a few key reasons. 1. It's a great time to get to know your photographer better. This in turn makes you more comfortable being around her or him. 2. The photographer gets to see how you and your fiance interact and learn more about you. Are you goofy, serious or laidback? Do you love the outdoors or thrive in the city? 3. Get valuable practice in front of the camera before the wedding day!! So important.


All of these things will create a more relaxed wedding day for both of you. And, you won't have to worry about what you photographer is going to have you do, cause you already had practice! Say cheese:)