There was a lot of fantastic insider info dished out at the Courtyard Marriott downtown on Saturday during the NW Wedding Scoop event. I was especially interested to hear what photographers and videographers would share. Being a writer and editor, I know words well, but I'm endlessly amazed by the talent of these visual artists. And that's the problem -- I'm so awed by an ability I don't have, I don't know how to pick just the right one for such an important event.
Thankfully, the panel, which featured McCloud Photography, MaxM Studios, Lights in the Attic, and Hybrid Moon, had several great insights -- which were too good to keep to myself:
- Make sure you feel comfortable with them! When choosing a photographer, don't just make your decision based on their photos. You'll be with them all day long, so meet them in person, make sure you get along, that they have a friendly energy, and that they know how to do weddings (i.e. that they won't direct your grandmother like some difficult fashion model). As Max put it, when you look at your photos, you'll always remember how you felt at that moment. Make sure it's not anger at the jerk with the camera.
- Consider your photos when you schedule your wedding time. Sunlight is most flattering for the best photos three hours after sunrise and three hours before sunset because the light is shining at an angle. High noon is the harshest time for photos as the sun is directly overhead.
- Seriously think about taking portraits before the ceremony. Some couples want to stick with the tradition of not seeing each other before the walk down the aisle. But trying to squeeze in your photos between the ceremony and the reception without missing too much and keeping your guests waiting too long is inevitably stressful. Most photographers will find a gorgeous, intimate spot for your first meeting, and you'll be able to take your time and have fun capturing your love on this special day.
- Video is becoming an essential. Think about it: How much time do you spend watching a movie or TV or YouTube? How much time do you look through photos? Both are special, but only video will also capture the sounds and the movements that bring the day to life. Carefully consider how important professional video is to you before you spend your entire visual budget on a photographer.
- Make sure your photographer and videographer work well together. For instance, will your photographer work to out of the video shots during the ceremony? Probably not the best time to look like a papparazi-stalked celebrity couple!