Wedding Photography...What are you looking for?

You are planning to wed within they year. Already you are looking for an affordable photographer to capture your day. What are you looking for? What do you expect? What will be your role before the camera?

Brides (and sometimes grooms) cover a broad range from laid back mellow to bridezilla self-defeating. What they want or expect from their photographer also has a broad range of potential. Some want a simple documentation of the experience. They stay out of the way, trusting that the photographer will capture the emotions and honesty of the day. Others prefer something more structured and formal, wanting more control over what the photographer produces. Some are actresses on a stage, acting out a childhood fairy tale or fantasy wedding, a complete production event with elements of honesty and innocence sneaking in around the edges. The final group wants the photographer to capture their relationship as a sextravaganza, almost a boudoir shoot with guests. (It is entirely possible that they style that you choose from these ideas will affect the price you pay for the images because of the manipulation and editing that may be required of the photographer.)

I shot a civil wedding on Saturday. The couple did not like the images. They were straightforward documentary. During the experience the couple was stiff and bored. Getting married did not seem to be their idea. I tried to make something meaningful out of the event, and I was pleased with my shots. They got their monies worth, but they did not like them. They realized too late that this was how they looked to the camera...and to their guests.  Oops!

Brides and grooms do affect the final photographs. It does not matter which style you prefer, but your choices and expectations can affect the final product you receive or the price you pay. If you come away unhappy,you may need to consider the "role" you played in front of the camera, before you go after the photographer.