Today’s bride wants more than just several dozen pre-posed shots to remember her wedding by.  Normally these type of photos only capture the newlyweds, the wedding party, and a few close relatives. 

Photo journalists are quickly replacing the traditional wedding photographers.  Candid shots of the guests and the wedding party will bring back memories more vividly in the days and years to come after the wedding.  Photo journalists specialize in capturing moments that would otherwise be forgotten or maybe not even noticed at all.

Some companies will provide several photographers per wedding so every moment is caught.  Thousands of pictures are able to be taken and with the right equipment, these pictures can instantly be transferred to a computer screen set up in the reception hall so guests can enjoy the pictures as they are taken.

Recently my daughter was a bridesmaid in a wedding where three photographers covered the entire wedding day from beginning to end.  They were able to take the wedding party ‘off-site’ to an old train yard and the pictures they ended up with were remarkable. 

As you might expect, this service does not come cheaply, but after all is said and done, your photos will be your only memory of this very special day.  No matter where else you need to cut corners, it’s a wise idea to invest in a great photographer.

A wonderful way to add a truly special, unique touch to your wedding ceremony, is the use of the personalized music video.  My youngest daughter chose to include this idea into her ceremony and it was a beautiful addition to an already beautiful day. 

She and her fiance chose dozens of pictures of themselves from the time they were babies throughout their ‘growing’ years.  Then they gathered all the pictures they could find of the two of them from the time they first met until their engagement picture.  Then they picked two of the favorite love songs.  Using the computer, my son-in-law used a very simple program to set all of the pictures to the music they had chosen.  Anyone with this kind of program and the ability to create a music video can do this, however, if you’d prefer, a professional videographer can be hired.

The video was played right before the vows were taken the effect was tremendous.  The video included the wedding guests in their ‘love story’ and made them more a part of the whole ceremony.  The best very part was that we had several copies made and the newlyweds, parents and siblings were all able to have a truly cherished keepsake from this special day.

Pictures of your wedding will be treasured for years to come, so this is not the area you want to pinch pennies.  You do, however, want to find a photographer that will give you the style of pictures you desire. 

Whether you’re looking at photographers out of the phone book, from among your acquaintances or on word-of-mouth referrals, you’ll want to visit their studio and see a sample of their work.  Here’s a few questions you should be sure to ask:

~ How many weddings have they done?
~ Do they shoot film, use a digital camera, or a combination?
~ Are they open to taking both color and black & white pictures?
~ Are they willing to take requests for specific poses?
~ What are their prices, types of payment, payment terms?
~  Ask about packages.  Do their package prices include photo albums, mother’s books, etc.?
~ How long before you can see proofs?  How long before pictures will be completed after ordering?
~ What is their schedule for your wedding date?  You don’t want to share your photographer on your wedding day with any other obligations.  That will put a real strain on his time table and add stress to your day.
~ Do they have a cancellation or refund policy?
~ Do they require a deposit?

Be sure to ask for references and check them out.  Find out what others think of their work and if they were satisfied with the shots that were taken.  The cost of a good photographer can start at $3,000 so it is well worth the time to check out references. 

Your wedding pictures are one of the few things that will actually be around after the wedding day and they will grow more and more precious with each passing year.  Choose your photographer wisely.  A good photographer is well worth their hire.