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Welcome to the wonderful and continually changing world of wedding photography. You will be amazed at the creative and beautiful work of photographers in Southern Arizona.
You don’t have to be a celebrity to capture your wedding day and surrounding events in the style—and format—that you will enjoy for the rest of your lives. To learn more about the advancements in wedding photography and videography, we consulted with six local experts:
Q: How do you get to know a couple during the interview process? Do you feel it’s important to meet more than once?
Richards: “My connection with clients begins when they see my web site. Ever since I filled it with my favorite happy, joyous moments, I’ve attracted happy, joyous clients. The amount of time we spend together before the wedding depends on a lot of things, but the more, the better. Engagement portraits are way more than just snapshots, both personally and photographically. There’s no doubt in my mind that they lead to better photos on the wedding day.”
Anderson: “There are so many ways for us to keep in touch with each couple. Engagement sessions are our favorite way to get to know our couples. We like to build relationships as if they will be a life long friend.”
Hewitt: “I include a complimentary engagement sitting in all my packages mostly so I can get to know the couple better before the wedding day. However, it isn’t always possible to do that. I have shot weddings where we have never met in person and come out with beautiful photos.”
Meiners: “Although it’s possible to briefly meet the couple and film the wedding, this is not the ideal situation. A creative wedding film requires organization, planning and an understanding of the couple’s expectations. The more we know about the couple prior to the wedding, the more it helps us in the filming and the editing process. Getting to know the couple helps us to create a film that reflects their personality.”
Ramackers: “When I first meet with a couple, I like to find out about their wedding details but also how they met, where they live or plan to live and a little more about their interests. This gives me an idea of their individual personality which will have a lot to do with how I photograph them. I want to find out what they want from their photographer. Do they want a more casual approach or are they wanting some more dramatic? It’s important that the wedding pictures reflect who they really are.”
Grimes: “The more we communicate the better. Every time we email, talk on the phone and meet in person, we are building a very important relationship. Engagement shoots offer another great opportunity to get to know a couple. During the shoot, they begin to feel more relaxed in front of the camera.”
Q: Tell us about the new developments in your field. We know technology is always changing!
Richards: “I’ve been shooting with a pair of the latest Canon digital full-frame cameras, the EOS 5D MKII and its performance in low light is just spectacular, which means more great shots in dark places like churches and receptions. And of course my facebook account has been a remarkable tool for sharing images quickly.”
Ramackers: “There will always be innovations on the technical side of photography but when it comes down to it the important things are exposure, composition and style. These don’t change.”
Meiners: “It’s now possible to post trailers, montages, thank you messages, and highlights of the wedding on the Internet and social networking sites such as Facebook and blogs. Even Save the Date clips can be posted on the Internet prior to the wedding.”
Grimes: “The latest technological advancements in cameras and software are empowering the photographer to be more creative.”
Q: What products are most popular
with your clients?
Richards: “Our custom storybook albums are so gorgeous that I sometimes find clients actually hugging them after seeing them for the first time. I’ve also seen an increase in interest in more casual coffee table books, either as a standalone or companion to a more formal album.”
Anderson: “Albums are so unique and different these days. If you can dream it, someone can make it. There are no limits.”
Grimes: “My clients love online proofing. Within days of an engagement shoot and within a week or two of the wedding day, family and friends from around the world are able to view these images.”
Hewitt: “The storybook albums are really the most popular products and the canvas wrap prints are catching on too.”
Meiners: “Posting movie trailers of the couple’s wedding on social networks seems to be very popular.”
Q: How do you feel about a couple seeing each other before the wedding? How does it impact the images and the schedule, in your opinion?
Ramackers: “As far as whether a bride and groom see each other before is really up to them. I will make the schedule work for them regardless. However, the benefit for the bride and groom seeing each other is two fold. It can really be a special moment in the busy day [and] once the ceremony is done there is more time for the bride and groom and bridal party to mingle with the guests before the reception.”
Meiners: “When the couple sees each other prior to the wedding ceremony, they tend to be more relaxed during the ceremony. Capturing the couple’s first moments together provides a unique keepsake of the day. This is more private and intimate than in front of all their guests.”
Richards: “Not everyone wants to see each other before the wedding and we absolutely respect that, but it does make for a much smoother day, photographically speaking. When couples do want to meet ahead of time, we arrange a beautiful quiet moment for them and capture it from a discreet distance. It’s very romantic, makes for great images and diffuses some of the pre-event butterflies.”
Hewitt: “I love doing the formal/group photos before the ceremony. The time of day has a lot to do with whether that is feasible or not. I would encourage couples to consult with their photographer before setting a ceremony time so the best light can be used.”
Grimes: “As to whether they see each other before the ceremony, it’s a matter of preference. If the couple wants to see each other and take all of their formal photos before the ceremony with their families and wedding party, it frees them up after the ceremony to attend their cocktail hour. Seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day before the ceremony can be just as special as during; it also makes for great photos.”
Anderson: “Seeing each other before probably relieves stress from the couple more than anyone else. Wedding days are very time-sensitive and seeing each other before ceremony takes that element out. If you have hired a qualified professional, they will capture ‘the shots’ whether or not you choose to see each other beforehand.”
Q: As a photographer, we know you have to be everywhere at the wedding and reception, and yet seem to blend into the background as well. How important is it to have a good relationship with the other vendors?
Grimes: “A good relationship with other vendors is important; it allows for a more positive working environment and makes the whole day go more smoothly.”
Anderson: “Relationships between vendors helps the overall mood of the day. For example, the DJ runs the schedule of events for the reception. We want him to feel comfortable enough with us to keep us posted on all events and have a great rapport all night long.”
Ramackers: “We find it important to be considerate of the other vendors in regards to timing and I don’t take up too much of the bride and groom’s time. It’s their day, not my photo shoot. If they have a videographer, it’s very important to work together so we both have a chance to do our jobs.”
Richards: “All your vendors need to be on the same page. Working in the Tucson wedding scene for any length of time, you figure out who’s a good team player. I’d strongly urge everyone to consider a wedding planner. The couples I work with who have planners are always more relaxed on their wedding day, and that definitely makes my job easier!”
Hewitt: “It is great to work with vendors that respect your job and what you need to accomplish.”
Meiners: “Making a wedding film is a team effort. By contacting the venue, the officiant, the photographer, the DJ and any other key players, we start the team building process. On the day of the wedding, everyone feels comfortable and will do their best to work together. This ground work provides for the day to go smoothly and reduces and stress that might have occurred.”
Q: Weddings are a time when families have reunions of sorts and we know most couples want to capture the family as well as groups of friends on film. How much time should a couple plan for such “posed” shots?
Grimes: “This really varies. More posed shots are going to require more time. If the couple wants a more photojournalistic approach to their wedding coverage, they should keep their requests for posed shots to a minimum.”
Ramackers: “I tend to work fast when it comes to the family formal portraits so the guests are not waiting forever for the bride and groom and their family. We like to capture casual group pictures of extended family and friends throughout the reception without interrupting the festivities. If there are special family members like grandparents I include them in the timing I put together with the bride and groom so I don’t forget them on the day of the wedding. As for the formal pictures, I usually allow 20-30 minutes per side.”
Hewitt: “This depends so much on the couple and their families which is why I always discuss the posed shots well before the wedding. In my experience, it has ranged from 15 minutes to 2 plus hours.”
Q: What does a couple need to know about wedding photography and videography?
Hurwitz: "Since photography is one of the only things that lasts forever from your wedding, don't gamble on it. First, choose someone with experience. You can't always judge that from a website, and you don't want someone to be learning their craft on your dime. Second, your photographer needs to be someone that can adapt quickly to changes and can handle stress with ease. Third, try to imagine what your relationship with your photographer will be like. Is he/she respectful, punctual, and a prompt and good communicator? Will he/she still be in business in 6 months in case you need help with something after the wedding?"
Quillinan: "Match your visual and personality style with the photographer you're looking to hire. Be absolutely clear about what you want and like from the very beginning. Budget and package details are secondary to that match. If you have to hold off on the products to afford the photographer you want, you can get those things later. But you can't ever go back if you don't like your pictures."
Wallace/Mejia: "When interviewing photographers we believe the most important factor is to find a photographer with images you really love. When you see the images you should feel like you were there. They should be moving and engaging and most importantly speak to you. The key is to view several full weddings a photographer shoots. If you are having an outdoor wedding ask to see several outdoor weddings. You will really be able to get a good feel for seeing a photographer's style by doing this.
Thurlkill: "Wedding photography is 50 percent pictures, 25 percent professionalism and 25 percent personality. Make sure you make an investment in a photographer that has great talent but that is also professional in dealing with you and your fian?e. The most important thing is that you click with your photographer. Take the time to research who is doing a fresh emotional photography and see if they are a good fit for your personality and that of your family and guests. You want to find someone who will put your guests at ease and will keep things fun while sticking to the schedule and staying out of the way."
Q: What does a couple need to know about wedding photography and videography? What questions should a couple ask before signing a contract with their photographer?
Ramackers: “The bride and groom should be familiar with the photographer’s work and should be comfortable with the way he/she works. For instance, are they more hands off and just document the day or do they direct the bride and groom in posing, or do they have a little of both? How do they cover the ceremony? Do they try to blend in to the background and be unobtrusive? On the technical side—do they have back up equipment, how many photographers cover the wedding and be clear on what is covered in the contract.”
Anderson: “A couple should find out how much time the photographer will spend with them on the day of the wedding. All day or for selected times? They should view and research the photographer’s work and make sure the pictures and sample albums reflect their style and vision. And, they should not be afraid to request references.”
Grimes: “It is important that the couple choose a videographer that respects and works well with the photographer. As for some questions to ask the photographer before making a commitment: 1) May I see an entire proof set from a single wedding? 2) Are you going to be the one photographing the wedding? 3) How much experience do you have photographing weddings? 4) Do you have business insurance?”
Richards: “The most important question they can ask themselves is, ‘Do I think this photographer is a good match for us in terms of style and personality?’ You’re going to hang out with your photographer all day—you should enjoy their company!
It doesn’t end with the wedding. A great wedding album takes more time to make than your wedding takes to shoot, and just as much care. The photos are just the beginning. When they’re edited, retouched, laid out, printed and bound, they become a whole greater than the sum of the parts—probably the most personally perfect thing you’ll own.”
Q: Any advice you would like to offer to couples when selecting a photographer or videographer?
Ramackers: “Try to have a clear idea of your expectations and communicate these with your photographer. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from your vendors. It is the first time you’ve planned a wedding, but they have experienced all kinds of weddings.”
Meiners: “When choosing a professional for your wedding, keep in mind you’re going to spending the day with your videographer and photographer, so make sure your personalities click.”
Richards: “If ever there were a day to trust your photography to a professional, this is it. The biggest celebration you’re ever likely to throw, with the most friends and family members together in one place. It’s so much more than just an exchange of vows; it’s a chapter in the story of your lives. A great professional will capture it all, even the things you never saw or expected. Those photos will become a permanent memory.”
Grimes: “First of all, ensure that the photographer you choose is insured and belongs to professional organizations - that speaks to the legitimacy of his or her business. Second, a true professional will keep up to date on methods and trends in the industry. Finally, versatility is key. A wedding photographer must excel in different styles of work, from portraiture to photojournalism. I may need to be able to do three or four styles of work to make the client happy. The way to find this out is to ask to look at an entire online proofing of a wedding. Anyone can take a few great photographs. Couples need to make sure that their photographer is consistently shooting excellent photographs.”
Anderson:“There are no do-overs. Do your research and find qualified individuals to give you the only tangible thing you will have to remember your day.”
Q: Tell us about your favorite wedding images.
Anderson: “We love to be a part of weddings, meeting families from all over the world and giving people incredible memories through our photographs. Our husband and wife team offers that through our full event coverage. We give every couple the whole story of their wedding day.”
Meiners: “Documenting the various ethnic weddings and their traditions [such as] an African wedding with the tasting of spices, Asian tea ceremony, henna party prior to the wedding day, and the list goes on. [We love] hearing sincere heartfelt toasts and capturing the fun of the bouquet and garter tosses.”
Richards: “My favorite photos bring it all together—the best light of the day, a perfect sense of place and an outpouring of joy. Sometimes the window of time you’re working with is mere minutes. It’s such a rush when you get that shot at each wedding—it’s all cake after that (so to speak!).”
Hewitt: “I love shooting in so many of the beautiful outdoor locations in Tucson where I can take advantage of the natural light. There is nothing better than the warm light late in the afternoon with a couple that shows their connection to each other.” |
