Tips for Wedding Photography

Sample couple wedding shoot

2011-11-19T12:27:00.001-06:00

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My summer in Mexico, just a break in the wedding schedule.

2011-11-16T13:06:00.002-06:00

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Wedding at the Green Pastures

2011-11-16T12:38:00.001-06:00

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Wedding in Austin

2011-11-16T12:36:00.001-06:00

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San Antonio Wedding

2011-05-12T14:38:00.000-05:00

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The Handkerchief

2011-04-09T17:44:00.001-05:00

Many people tear up at various points, especially brides. I suggest that the groom, who has pockets, carry a cotton handkerchief. When he sees his bride with tears in her eyes he can retrieve his hanky offer it to her or even dab away the tears himself. It can be a great moment for everyone and much classier than tissue stuffed in the bodice of the brides dress. If you like the later idea you may want to practice so the brides' make up is kept in place.
http://www.charlottebell.com/

Wedding Planners

2011-04-06T20:40:00.001-05:00

Have you considered hiring a wedding planner? Here are some of the many tasks they do.

Process:

1) Help the bride build a timeline of tasks that need to be completed before the wedding day.

2) Help the bride create a budget and make sure to find the perfect vendors to fit her budget.

3) Handle all of the details on the day of the wedding so the bride can relax and enjoy her day.

For Photography

The planner can help organize people for the family portraits on the wedding day.

Contact this planner for more info: www.weddingsandeventsbychelsea.com

Children

2011-03-28T09:52:00.001-05:00

Children are fun to photograph most of the time. They are at their best when not posing. However people want to have all the family in the group photos. Frequently the two year old is unhappy with this situation. First, it is important for a parent to hold the child preferrably on their hip so they are facing forward. Then you need some techniques for directing their attention toward the camera. Other family members, not in the shot, can help. Have favorite Aunt Cathy or Uncle Doug stand right next to you and talk to the child. They can call out the childs name. Or go up to them like they are going to tickle them and them move back quickly while you catch that giggle. You only need a couple of seconds. Make sure you tell everyone else to keep looking at the camera The tendency is for the group to look at the child. However, if the child starts to cry or is not going to cooperate go on to another shot without the child. Then when they settle down you can try again.

Albums

2011-03-26T11:33:00.001-05:00

You've hire a professional photographer, have hundreds of images to look at, now what? Frequently couples have not considered what they will do with all the beautiful photos they have of their wedding. They are either on a proof sheet or a proof CD of perhaps your photographer gave you permission to print copies. But this leaves you with a bunch of photographs that you need to organize, sort or do something with. It's a lot of work. Albums are wonderful keepsakes of your wedding memories. However a classy album needs some experience to create. Talk to your photographer before the wedding to see samples of what they can create. Albums vary in price depending on the size, type of paper and covers. However they are something that will be looked at again and again and be passed down in the family. So even though they are a bit expensive consisder them as an investment for the future.

The Bride Room

2011-03-20T15:40:00.003-05:00

Many brides want photographs of them getting into their fabulous gown. Frequently this is a good time to get photos with her and her attendence and her parents. However most bride rooms are a mass of boxes and shoes and paper and clothes. Keep the mess to one part of the room so those pre bride photos are as lovely as the rest of the photos

Gum

2011-03-20T14:40:00.001-05:00

Yes, that is a cigar in her mouth. Everyone was fooling around at the reception. But I use this as an example of how the mouth can be distorted by what it has in it. When people chew gum, even if they store in in their cheek it distorts the face. During the portraits after the ceremony make sure all gum is gone. It can be dissappointing if a great photo is ruined by one person whose mouth looks goofy from gum

Make up

2011-03-20T14:18:00.002-05:00

Look how soft and creamy the skin of this beautiful woman looks. Yes, she is just naturally lovely but I have done nothing in photoshop to her skin. I did not need to because she is wearing the correct make up. Perhaps you have seen photos where the womens noses and foreheads look like bright lights. This is because they are wearing a liquid oil based foundation and the flash from the camera is reflecting off the oil. There is special make up especailly for photography that will resist shin even is you perspire. Be sure your make up artist uses this type of make up or purchase a powder based make up if you are doing it your self. Have the mothers and attendents use the same foundation and everyone will have great looking skin in the photos.

Tips for Wedding Photography

2011-03-20T14:11:00.001-05:00

The following blog will be a series of tips that you can read and share with family and friends. These are things you can do which will create great photographs. Read on and see what I mean.

San Antonio Wedding

2011-03-12T13:52:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to add this beautiful photo of a wedding I did in San Antonio TX. It was such fun. Everyone piled into boats on the river walk and took a 20 minute ride. All along the way people waved and cheered the new couple. What a delight.

Meeting your Photogarpher

2011-03-12T13:31:00.002-06:00

Do you realize that you will be spending the entire day with your photographer? All the other vendors are behind the scenes but the photographer is there all the time getting those photos. In a sense they will be your friend for the day. So it's really a good idea to meet with them beforehand. Sometimes people will hire someone with only a phone call. What if they show up dirty and in a t- shirt. Yes that does happen. The videographer for a wedding I did once had a skull on his shirt and he looked like he just crawled out of bed. So best to have a meeting to make sure they are who you want in your wedding.

Names of family members

2010-09-30T17:11:00.002-05:00

Your photographer will be taking lots of photos of family members. It is very helpful if you have a short list of your parents and immediate family. Then we can say "Joe, can you move a bit to the right you are being blocked by the groom. I want to see your handsome face as well as his" This is much better then say, "Could the guy with the bald head behind the groom move the the right a little." You get the point.

Summer Heat

2009-05-14T06:53:00.003-05:00

Are you having an outside wedding in the south or during the hot months of the year? Make sure your venue has fans and places your guests in a shaded location. You will be having older relatives and friends and they can really suffer from the heat.

DVD or VIDEO?

2008-06-09T06:48:00.003-05:00

A DVD of your still photos with music and special effects can serve the same purpose as a video. It will cost hundreds of dollars less, be easy to make copies of and it will capture only the best of the event. Videos tend to be long and tedious. DVD's are usually only about 10 minutes of the very best images. Remember also the videographer and their camera will very likely be in those lovely photos you want for prints or albums.
www.charlottebell.com

The Hired Help

2008-06-02T09:32:00.001-05:00

For most couples this will be the first big event they will plan. No wonder they hire wedding planners!! However whether you hire a planner or not you will be dealing with a number of vendors: caterers, floral, officiant, venue provider and your photographer. You will receive the best service if you treat them with respect and kindness. You may be under pressure but you want to maintain a good relationship with all of them especially those that will be there during the event like your caterer, wedding planner, officiant and photographer. Make sure you tell before hand to partake of the food. You will also need to make arrangements for them to sit somewhere. They may or may not want to eat at a table with your guests. Remember they are working hard and need a break as well.

The Ceremony

2008-05-26T09:33:00.004-05:00

Ceremonies can have a new look by having the officiant with their back to the audience and the couple facing forward. How refreshing. That means everyone gets to see the faces of the bride and groom, who they want to see. Also your photographer will be less visible and get better picture of the ceremony. Ask the person doing your ceremony if they would change positions. Some will not but many are flexible.
visit:www.charlottebell.com

The Rings

2008-05-20T10:24:00.003-05:00

You will want photographs of all the beautiful things you have planned. A good time to take photos of the rings is before the ceremony when the bride is getting ready. Have the rings in the brides room with the flowers and your photographer can get some lovely shots of them together.
visit www.charlottebell.com for sample photos

Video and other photographers

2008-05-05T09:57:00.000-05:00

If you have a friends who are taking videos and photographs tell them to stay out of the view of your professional especially during the ceremony and portraits. Otherwise you will have beautiful professional photographs with your friends in the background spoiling the shot. Remember you are paying the pro.
Visit charlotte's website: www.charlottebell.com

The First Dance

2008-03-06T09:54:00.000-06:00

When you are dancing the "first dance" with each other and then when each of you are dancing with your parents, take a moment and consider where the photographer is. Dance toward the photographer and give them a smile. This will give you a fun portrait with a spontaneous look. If you do not do this, all photos will be one face with a back or a profile of the other.
Visit charlotte's website: www.charlottebell.com

Family Portraits

2008-02-26T12:14:00.000-06:00

Family portraits are an important part of wedding photography. These are usually taken right after the ceremony. However people are understandably impatient to get on with the party.
So to make the process as short as possible; organize. Have a list of exactly the photos you want. Example: bride and groom, bride with parents, groom with groomsmen, etc.
Divide the list into 3 categories: Brides family, Grooms family, wedding party. Make a copy of each list and give it to one person in each group that is a good organizer. Their job is to get all the people in their group together. Now when you start the photographic process you can file people in and out quickly. Then within a short time you can go on to do what you really want: Party with your friends and family! Also tell people that you want to photography to stay around so you do not have to hunt them down.
Visit charlotte's website: www.charlottebell.com

The Garder Toss

2008-02-24T08:24:00.000-06:00

The Garter Toss.
Most single men have no interest in catching a garter and this tradition usually falls flat on its face. Sometimes it is almost embarrassing. I suggest you have a different association with the garter. The man who catches it for example could receive a prize, like a bottle of champagne, or get creative. Then instead of reluctance you will find the men vying to catch the garter. You just have to clue the DJ in so he can announce the change. The watch the fun.
Visit charlotte's website: www.charlottebell.com

Tears

2008-02-22T09:36:00.000-06:00

Many people tear up at various points, especially brides. I suggest that the groom, who has pockets, carry a nice cotton handkerchief. When he sees his bride with tears coming he can retrieve his hanky offer it to her or even dab away the tears himself. If you like the later idea you may need to practice so you don’t mess her makeup. It can be a great moment for everyone and much classier than tissue stuffed in the brides dress.
Charlotte Bell photographer
Check my website: http://www.charlottebell.com/