"Congratulations!" says the consultant, "Come in one month before your wedding and we'll set you up for the photo shoot." It was a set up indeed.
The problem with some of these packaged photography is that they require you to have your wedding pictures taken before your wedding day. Many of these photographers would prefer not to take your pictures on your wedding day. For them, 'actual day' pictures are best left to the amateurs. Curious thinking, that. Ask around. Check with your friends. Find out how many of them REALLY liked their so-called studio wedding photographs.
"That wasn't me!"
"Hey! I looked ridiculous in that pose."
"No, no! This one is censored, you can't look at this, I looked ugly here."
Sound familiar? Well, what went wrong? How your wedding photos will turn
out eventually depends a lot on you too. Just consider the following:
WAS IT TAKEN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?
One month, one week, or even one day before your wedding is still not your wedding day. So would you feel the same as you would have felt on your wedding day? While it wouldn't be fair to generalise that all photo sessions before the wedding would turn out wrong, we're really saying that it's not the real thing. Contrary to what some photographers might suggest to you (that you'll be too tired to look good if the photos were taken on the actual day), actual-day photos will turn out well. And we are talking about studio-quality photography here, not those taken by your uncles. After all, it IS your big day and you'll be naturally happy. And this happy disposition would naturally be captured in your photographs.
BEWARE THE SNARE OF "ARTFUL" CONTRIVANCE
You can't believe why on earth did you allow the photographer to "degrade" you that day. But you were certain you looked stupid in the picture.
"Groom, hold up the phone receiver and talk into it.
Bride, look the other way, that's right, okay now, cup your right ear and pretend to hear him.
Perfect!"
Who would want a picture like that? You won't believe the paces some photographers put people through, but they sure are silly. What your photographer feel is art may not really be your cup of tea. So, do be careful. Learn to say no if you're not comfortable with a particular pose. We've seen too many poor couples manipulated into poses best performed by
contortionists. Don't be another victim.
ENDURING THE PERFECTIONIST TORTURE
If you really have to take pre-wedding (studio) photography, check with your photographer how many shots and how any hours of photography he's putting you through. Setting a time limit with your photographer would be helpful for it is not uncommon for couples to go through 7-hour photo sessions. If you feel that you can take the marathon, fine. But would you still look good nearing the 7th hour mark? Checking ahead with your photographer would better prepare you for the photo shoot. In turn, this will minimise any unpleasant surprises that might arise due to poor planning.
Another thing to consider before signing up with any photographer is the location of the photo session. These days, anything goes and here's where you have to be careful. A number of couples have taken to endanger their lives by taking pictures on railway tracks. We're not talking about disused railway tracks, but tracks that have regular (and speeding) services running on them. So, make sure your photographer really know the train schedule to avoid any unpleasantness, to say the least.
THE PHOTOJOURNALISTIC APPROACH: A POPULAR OPTION
A good and responsible photographer will surely want to get to know the couple first so that a relationship can be built between couple and him. Usually, a planning conference would be held at the photographer's studio or at your home. This is essential as it helps the photographer build rapport with you. You will smile more naturally and readily before the camera if the photographer is somebody who already knows you. That in turn contributes to better pictures.
While not imposing any particular form of photography, we find that about 60% of the couples prefer the photojournalistic concept. The other 40% is shared equally between candid photography and contrived ones. (couples looking at the wedding rings, the sort)
The photojournalistic approach, is not to be confused with candid photography. Candid pictures are usually taken without the subjects' knowledge. At times, candid shots may turn out well, but most of the time they become rather inconsequential as they do not adequately capture the
mood of the occasion.
The photojournalistic concept, on the other hand, captures the spirit of things. Posing is fine, but is done as naturally as possible. The advantages of choosing the photojournalistic type are aplenty. Firstly, you don't have to pose awkwardly. Some posing, while done correctly (but
contrived) are best suited for models who gloss wedding magazines. They're slick, but cold. There's no atmosphere of love there. Secondly, unlike candid shots which end up being inconsequential most of the time, the happiness that permeates the occasion is captured in the photographs. It could be the audience laughing in response to a good joke or the glances
that the newly weds exchange with each other. Or it could be a picture of the bride with her bridesmaids having a good time while looking into the camera. A good photojournalist would be able to capture not just the subjects but also their moods and feelings too. Don Nibbelink, a
professional photographer, rightly summarised what photojournalistic wedding photos are all about: "Offbeat but sensitive wedding photography."
So, if you're getting married, discuss with your photographer first on the kind of photography you like. Ask for his portfolio and see whether you are comfortable with his works. As mentioned, a good photographer will tailor his works to your needs and not the other way round. Check with family and friends, you'll be surprised how much they know about wedding
photography and how to avoid the pitfalls of wedding photography.
