6 Wedding Photography Shots You Must Have

We are all familiar with the phrase, “Why mess with success?” and this fits well with many wedding photography techniques. If it works, use it. However, it’s important to also get the pictures that go above and beyond expectations, the ones that really stand out. So let us rephrase and offer this advice, “Surpass your successes.”

Incorporating creativity into the collection of wedding photographs is going to give your album a uniqueness that others will envy. You are hiring a photographer to be your eyes at the event while you are busy living in the moment. This is the time to make sure your photographer captures all the elements you didn’t see or the ones you were a part of, but in a different light and perspective.

Here’s 6 shots you’ll definitely want in your album: 

1.) A Silhouette Shot – The elegance and contrast between the darkened silhouettes of you and your loved one and the scenery is striking. 

2.) A Telling Kiss – Every wedding album has a kiss. Getting one that shows the true love and passion between the two of you is what is going to make it really stand out.

3.) The Men Preparing – Most wedding photographers focus on the ladies getting ready; and no wonder, this is the women’s favorite, often-emotional part. However, capturing photographs of the men in rare form, emotional, nervous, and excited all at once is truly something special.

4.) Your Wedding Favors – Today’s weddings are getting continually more creative; the wedding favors being a big part of it. Having a wedding favors photograph always makes for a cute and artsy addition to any wedding photography collection.

5.) Your Hair Style – You’ve spent months deciding the perfect hairstyle. You’ve done a trial run and it’s finally time to let it shine. Make sure you remember just hot pristine and glamorous your hair looked this evening. After all, a good hairdo like this doesn’t come too often!

6.) The Lighting – This is what is setting the mood and ambiance for your reception venue. Whether you have floating Chinese lanterns, decorated trees, a strung canopy of lights or something completely different, getting a fun and innovative shot of the electric accessory always proves to be magical.

Here are just a couple ideas, but I have much more. In my experience as a Charleston SC wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless unique photographs that leave my clients speechless. Love some of the ideas above? Let me know and we’ll brainstorm more fun and exciting ways to capture the wedding of your dreams like even you have never imagined!

Three Ways a Photographer Can Ruin a Wedding

When you begin looking at vendors for the various parts of your wedding, you start looking for services that you've never needed before. You will most likely have to hire companies and professionals that you know little about. This situation can put a couple at a severe disadvantage, unless they do thorough research.

For example, the entertainment at your wedding and the photography are two huge components, and they could ruin everything if executed poorly. I have been photographing weddings for a long time, and with many happy couples, I will share a few tips. Asking vendors the right questions, will help you pick a photographer that you’re confident will NOT ruin your wedding.

When it comes to wedding photos you must be confident that the photographer you hired will work in synergy with you, if not it could ruin the wedding and even worse, the photos.

Etiquette Manner and Behavior

Obviously, your wedding photographer must be polite to your guests, it goes without saying. Some photographers prefer that your guests refrain from taking their own photos, and others do not. Simply ask the photographer for his or her opinion on the matter, and make your decision accordingly. In any event, your wedding photographer should never yell at your guests, but it has happened in the past.

Waiting Over a Year for Photo Albums

Couples should expect a decent waiting period for their wedding album; however, some have waited up to eighteen months for their photos, which is unacceptable. Ask you photographer the usual turnaround time, and make an agreement upon the terms of a due-date.

Photographers, Cameras, and Guests

Of course you want spectacular photos with tear inducing scenes, and photographers like myself know how to execute these perfectly. Sometimes, we have an extra set of eyes with us to try to catch perfect moments as they happen. Inexperienced photographers often disrupt the guests when attempting this elusive move. Overly aggressive photographers can aggravate your guests by being in their face too much, especially those in the wedding party. 

When you ask potential photographers how they like to work, a good answer would explain that he or she likes to stay out of the way for majority of the time, but will interact with guests throughout the night for close-up and entertaining reception shots. This shows that your photographer knows to use each tactic in moderation, to blend in with the surroundings of the wedding.

If your photographer answers, saying that he likes to stay out of the way and hide, that may not be great either. Lurking in the shadows could creep out your guests, while the couple will want to see some confidence and humor.

If you ask the right questions, and you know what to expect, you can develop a close and friendly relationship with your photographer. Feeling confident and comfortable will make it easier to explain if you want your photographer to do something different from the norm.

Include Personality and Theme Photos in Your Wedding Album

Why not remember the excitement of your wedding through fun pictures instead of the customary stock photos?  Traditional wedding photos are wonderful, but they are not the only memories to have.  It’s your day!  What better way to remember it than celebrating your personality through your wedding photos? From the Converse wearing crew, to the cigar celebrating groomsmen with superhero bridesmaids, and the beauty of the beach bride, your personality should not be hidden.

Do you have something to enthuse over with your significant other- like a sports team or a movie character? Bring the things you love to your wedding for an amazing time! A great example would be a wedding around a couple who grew up lost in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. The magic of the books is not something that can be explained, it can only be shared. Transform the wedding venue to match Hogwarts, The Stark Tower, or The Disney Princess Castle - whatever your personalization calls for. The rest of the photos will add to that theme, adding personality to your wedding album, always remembering the way you once were.

Capture the fun side of your wedding and its guests so that you can be reminded years from now of your important day by allowing the individuality to shine through in your pictures.  Personality photos allow your pictures to speak of your character without you saying a word.

Heading back into our Harry Potter theme, check out this amazing cake as highlighted on offbeatbride.com!

Read The Full Article Here

The Key to Amazing Wedding Photos

The Key to Amazing Wedding Photos

This is your wedding day; you will be radiating and glowing with happiness naturally- so do not pay attention to the cameras. Whether your photos are posed or candid, try not to think about the smile- just think about your new spouse!

Some women have confidence issues when it comes to sensitive areas like the chin and shoulders. Using angles from above will disguise many minor imperfections that get you down. Another thing to think about is profile. Are you a big fan of your nose or do you prefer distant photos of yourself? If you know you want to avoid profile photos, you can save yourself time for more flattering poses. Arms are another big issue for some brides- so the angles matter for which position you stand in as well. There is no shame in having a few imperfections, especially when looking to hide them in wedding photos. Let your photographer know which poses you have concerns about and why, and you will be on the right track to having stunning photos.

Save The Date DIY Photos & Ideas

Special “Save the Date” Ideas Using Photos

“Save the Date” announcements usually arrive shortly after the proposal. They are a great way to let people know when you plan on getting married, but not in the near future. When the date is not official, but you want your guests to prepare, send this friendly note with a touch of sentiment.

So, what “Save the Date” ideas fit your wedding? Do you have a theme or are you going traditional? These questions are the first of many when sending out your notices. The most important thing is to include a professional photo of the newly engaged couple. This shows your guest that the wedding is concrete even if you have not set plans yet.

“Save the Date” Ideas

·         “Save the Date” Magnets. Use a photo with your significant other to design stunning and fashionable magnets that ask your friends to save your wedding date. They will proudly display them in their homes for years to come. Some magnets cost less than a dollar on websites like Wedding Paper Divas.

·         “Save the Date” Photos. This idea might by my favorite, at risk of sounding biased. Construct a tangible version of the date you plan to marry using DIY projects, and then use the project in the picture. These shots are adorable and timeless, making a perfect save the date notification and a perfect memory.

[Image Courtesy of http://www.bridalguide.com]

·         “Save the Date” Messages. Using photography or Photoshop, create message inside the actual photo that deliver the date. Use objects, inside jokes, or artistic ability to send your message to family members.

Examples:

·         Scrabble Tiles

·         Small Chalkboards

·         Digital Art

[Image Courtesy of FYI]

Posted By: Rick Dean

Spark creative, unique ideas for your Charleston wedding with Pinterest

Prior to the big day, many brides are in search of several exceptional, unique ideas that will set their wedding apart from the rest. From one-a-kind gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen to handmade favors, every little detail will help make your wedding particularly original.

As a wedding photographer in Charleston, I’ve seen it all—exceptional décor, flowers, lighting, you name it. The more you strive to be unique, the better your wedding photos will be. 

But if you’re in need of a little inspiration, a thought-provoking array of images that will get your inventive juices flowing, sites like Pinterest and Etsy are by far some of the more superb resources on the internet. 

Though there are countless great blogs out there, Pinterest is all the rage nowadays, with 20 million users (and counting) as of October 2012. On Pinterest, you can follow your favorite brands and “boards,” which will only help you find some of the best ideas for your wedding. Etsy, a site that sells handmade and vintage-style items, is the most pinned brand on Pinterest.

After you find some unique themes and ideas, you can create your own boards and organize the many different aspects of your wedding. Then you can “pin” some of your favorite ideas, which will spark feedback from your followers and friends.

Give it a shot, and before long, your wedding will start taking shape—and you’ll be sure to have beautiful wedding photography because of it.   

4 Wedding Unity Ceremony Options

As a wedding photographer in Charleston, I've seen just about every unity ceremony possible. I really like the symbolism in all of them and they are very fun to observe as two lovers come together forever!

So, if you're wondering what to do for a unity ceremony at your wedding, here are four ideas:

1 - Sand Ceremony - You may have seen this one before: the bride and groom each get a different color of sand and pour them together into a bowl or jar. This is a nice one, because you can keep the sand forever and display it in your house.

2 - Literally Tie the Knot - In this ceremony, you each get a decorative cord, with a third cord representing God, and you braid them together. This is another ceremony that leaves you with something that you can keep - but you might want to practice braiding together beforehand!

3 - Rose Ceremony - This ceremony has two options, you each exchange a rose as your first gift to one another, or the groom gives the bride a rose and she gives him a vase of water (which the rose cannot survive without). Of course, either way, the rose will not last forever, but it's a beautiful gesture!

4 - Candle Ceremony - You probably know of this one: the bride and groom each have a candle (usually previously lit by the mothers) and they use them to light the larger candle in the middle. Again, like the rose, candles don't last forever. But, everyone loves candles and, if you put the candles out after the ceremony, you can keep them forever if you don't light them again.

The good thing about all of these... they all offer great moments for wedding photography! The colors in the sand and rose ceremony make great saturated photographs, while the knot tying offers great facial expressions from the happy couple. And, of course, the flames in the candle ceremony offer great points of light, depending on the room lighting, for beautiful black-and-white or color photos.

Tips On Your Wedding DJ

As a wedding photographer in Charleston, I know a thing or two about the other areas of wedding planning. After all, I've seen every sort of wedding your could imagine, so I can tell what's good and what's bad, because I've seen everything!

One aspect of wedding planning, and one that you might overlook, is the entertainment for the reception. I've seen a lot of people do different things for this, from professional DJs to DIY playlists. Let me tell you - the DIY is not always the best choice. If you want an exciting reception with good flow, I definitely suggest a DJ or professional emcee with a band, and here's why:

1 - Coordination - DJs and emcees know how to coordinate between events. If you hook up an ipod to a speaker, who's gonna let everyone know what to do and when to do it? Your friend? The best man? Do they know how to get a large group of people to focus attention on anything? Chances are that they don't. DJ's and emcees do!

2 - Guest Involvement - DJs and emcees know how to get people excited! Yes, as the bride and groom, simply being on the dance floor will make everyone else want to dance. But, can you or your friends get all the guests to do the Electric or Cha Cha Slides?

3 - The Right Mix - This involves a lot: from technical sound mix to the right mix of music. A good DJ knows how to switch between songs, putting the slow songs at the right times and the upbeat ones at other times. If you hire an experienced band, they should be able to figure this out as well!

So, keep this in mind as you plan your reception and get the right entertainment for your big day! Then you'll be sure to have plenty of fun wedding photography because everyone will be having a blast!