Of course there are times when my expertise in all things weddings is helpful in keeping the day flowing smoothly, and I will of course assist if I can. Typically, I am assigned the task of securely pinning the boutonnieres on the gentlemen in the wedding party, and I gladly oblige to assure that the flower remains secured to the lapel through the day. 

But I prefer that to remain the extent of my involvement.

Apparently other photographers handle their event coverage differently. I safely assume this because since the first wedding I covered as a semi-pro photographer every officiant has made a point of discussing with me the rules regarding where the photography team is to be positioned during the ceremony. This is especially so for the religious ceremonies, whether in a house of worship or not.

I understand that my fellow pro photographers are just trying to capture the best images for their clients, and I assure you that is my goal as well. However, no matter how well-intentioned, these overly enthusiastic photogs do a great disservice to their clients and their fellow photographers by prompting officiants to limit us in our ability to cover as many angles and perspectives as possible.

The solution is simple, and one that I follow as often as possible and practical: First, have the photographer scout the location to determine the best places to set-up camp. Then contact the officiant and discuss your plans for the photographer to cover your event.  (The rehearsal is ideal for this) Usually, when you demonstrate the proper respect for the ceremony, the officiant will help you determine the best way for everyone to do their jobs so the special day can be captured in images without compromising the solemnity of the occasion.

I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it many more times. The one wedding expense you should not cheap out on is your photographer. And now a survey by online photo lab Shutterfly has the results to prove my point:

“ Should’ve spent less on the dress; more on the memories. Of survey respondents married within 12 months prior to the survey, 28 percent felt they didn’t spend enough money on the honeymoon; 22 percent felt the same about the photographer. 19 percent of the same sample reported spending too much on the bridal gown and food.”

Your wedding day is one that you have carefully planned, with every detail carefully considered. Perhaps it is even the day you have dreamed of since you were old enough to dream. Why would you put the job of capturing those memories into the hands of an inexperienced amateur? Would you go to a butcher to have a cavity filled? Or to a seamstress for heart surgery?

With the dawn of digital photography, everyone who can afford an SLR thinks that wedding photography is an easy way to make some extra cash, but I assure you, of all the photography specialties, capturing weddings on film is one of the most difficult to master. We are capturing a once in a lifetime event while keeping track of exposure, depth of field, and a myriad of other factors. Our photos must come out right the first time, because with weddings, there are no “do-overs” (we hope!)

So maybe your Uncle Bob has a beautiful Nikon kit, and he has many gorgeous images of his vacation in Tuscany hanging on his wall, but those are not wedding photos. As the saying goes walk a mile in the wedding photographer’s shoes before you take on this very important task. It is a big job, and entails quite a bit more than it seems.

When you have spent the better part of a year or more planning everything from the color scheme to the flowers to the menu and seating arrangement, you want to make sure the images captured that day preserve the details and evoke the emotion of this day of days.

Skip the sushi bar and hire an experienced photographer. You won’t regret it.

Since wedding photography provides the physical, visual record of the day, it is a great way to preserve the traditions that your families have developed. However, it is important for the photographer to know that something has a special meaning, so it can be captured on film. One family I worked with took special care to tell me about how the wedding album in each generation had finished with a photo of the matchbook, with the bride’s and groom’s first names followed by “a perfect match!”  Of course once we knew about it, we made sure we captured the matchbooks in a couple of different set-ups so the new couple’s album would finish with that too.

Does your family have special traditions? Share them here with us, but also remember to tell your photographer!

In fact we at Vivid Visions Photo think it’s great thing.  This isn’t a debate about global warming, but reminder that conservation of our resources, environmental and financial are the smart and right thing to do. As a photographer, I want to see the beautiful vistas of seascapes, landscapes and wildlife remain as the backdrop for my photos. And conserving our natural resources is the way to do it.

There is a TV personality who likes to say “Just One Thing” when referring to the difference we can make as we figure out how to minimize the negative impacts of human activity on our natural environment.

Vivid Visions, we have done a few things, such as using recycled content materials for our products and supplies, and recycling our used materials. In fact, we have positioned ourselves as leaders in this effort to green the way we conduct business, and we are very proud to be certified members of Greener Photography, and the Green Bride Guide. For details, look for the badges in our sidebar.

So as you plan your wedding or your next family portrait sitting, I hope you will consider taking a walk on the greener side with us.  You’ll see how easy it is to be green.