Photography Information and Tips

Deadlines are July 1rst, but i cant find where to schedule my appointment for senior photos. Bryan allan is contracted with Mariner high school. Cape Coral, Fl

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A photographer that takes nice senior portraits and willing to travel to Mississippi to take wedding pictures.

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A wedding is a wonderful occasion, both for the happy couple, and their friends and family. As Hello magazine inspired weddings become more and more lavish, however, the costs of the typical wedding have also become exhorbitant. Last year, the average US couple spent $20k on their wedding, with the average in the UK being far higher at a whopping £20k, or $38k. That’s crazy money when you consider it’s just one day. As the recession gets worse and job security declines, brides and grooms to be are become incresingly wary of such expensive weddings and are naturally looking for a cheaper way. Among the drastic measures being taken are asking guests to help with food or music, trimming down invitations to close friends and family only, and the idea of a ‘pre-worn wedding dress’ has appeared in recent years, which was unheard of just 10 years ago. Yet the photography is one area few are prepared to compromise on, and with good reason. Your wedding pictures are one of the few lasting memories you have from that all too fleeting day, and of course it’s something you’d want done perfectly and in style. Here are a few tips on how to stay within your budget for wedding photography without having to take a cut in quality.

1. Have faith in Google

There aren’t many photographers around today that don’t have a website, and one of the best ways of finding and comparing wedding photographers in your area and price range is through search engines like Google. However with competition being so fierce it’s not hard for prospective brides and grooms to miss out on some really special and talented photographers by not looking far enough when searching. Spend some time trawling through the Google results beyond the first few pages. Make sure you spend time going deep into the search results and coming up with a shortlist of photographers in your budget so you can really compare a range of styles and options. Also don’t just go for the obvious search terms – make sure you vary your searches, and always include a few local areas and towns to find photographers who are slightly further afield but willing to travel. My wife and I live in Sussex, and when looking for our photographer we not only searched “Sussex Wedding Photographer” but also surrounding areas such as London, Hampshire and Kent.

2. Beware of Hidden Charges

Nowadays the vast majority of photographers use digital cameras rather than older film cameras requiring development in a darkroom. All of which has meant that wedding photography pricing have become a lot simpler. However believe it or not a lot of wedding photographer still work on a pay-per-print model, where couples have to choose which pictures they want and pay extra for them! I would strongly suggest you forget about these guys and go for someone who will provide a hi-res CD of all the images from the day. Like this you can choose which prints you want to get done at leisure and get them printed for relatively low cost.

3. Make your Own Photo Books!

Traditional wedding albums with flowery covers and peeling pages are becoming a relic of the past. These days contemporary photobooks are a big hit with most couples – but the problem is if you go through your photographer these will often cost you an arm and a leg. But if you can be bothered and have a flair for creative design, you can now design photobooks yourself using specialist software downloaded from the net, and get them printed up at ludicrously cheap rates. Ditto when it comes to canvas prints or blow up posters really – as long as you have high quality original image files from your photographer, you can pretty much do it all yourself!

4. Dont Get Taken in By the Scam Artists

Everyon’e heard a story about a couple who got scammed by a so-called “photographer” who ran off with their money. Such criminals, who it must be said are few and far between, lure couples in with a too good to be true package, often stolen photos, and once they receive the deposit you never hear from them again. It is a heartbreaking and cruel practice. The thing is, if you’re vigilant they’re pretty easy to spot and avoid. Firstly, ensure that any payment of deposits or fees are done via bank transfer – its the most secure method of payment, and can be traced and reversed in the event of a problem. Also make sure you get a legally binding contract from the photographer which states clearly what you are getting for your money and will protect you. And lastly, just make sure you have your radar up – try and visit the photographer, see lots of examples of his work and ask lots of questions.

5. Dont be Overzealous in Your Moneysaving Crusade!

My last tip is perhaps the opposite of a moneysaving one, but just as important as the others. I know you’re trying to save money but it it possible to take that overboard! Like I said, the photography is quite possibly THE most important part of your wedding, especially when you look back. In this world of ubiquitous DSLR cameras, wannabe photographers with little experience are ten a penny. If you look at their prices they seem like a bargain. But if you ignore the very cheapest prices that’s where you often find the best compromises between price and quality. Your photographer’s portfolio should always make you go “wow” – otherwise what’s the point of having a wedding photographer?

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