Wedding Photography 101

One area where the professional you choose will make a huge difference in how you remember your wedding, is your photographer.  I’ve been talking to local photographers lately, and one of the questions I ask them is to describe their style.  I realized though, that many of our clients may not know the difference between “Traditional” and “Photojournalistic”.  I was even unclear until I attended a workshop by Scott Patrick at the 2009 ABC-WI spring retreat!    Here are the three main families of styles you’ll find in wedding photography.

 Photojournalism: You don’t pose for these photos; the photographer takes candid shots of the guests and events as they happen throughout the day.  Much like a photojournalist for a newspaper, a wedding photojournalist will not direct events, but will capture images of the events as they happen.

Pros: A photojournalistic photographer will tend to be fairly unobtrusive. They will capture the feel of your celebration, and aim to capture “real” moments rather than choreographed scenes.

Cons: Like I said, they will capture “real” moments rather than choreographed scenes. Their goal is not to make you look beautiful, their goal is to capture how you look!  Many of us need a little more coaching to look good in front of the camera.

Traditional: You provide a list of everyone you’d like included in the photographs. The photographer stages the shot and gives direction to get the best shot possible.   These are the photographs many of us have in the family album with the  traditional family groupings. 

Pros: Traditional Photography is really good for creating a “Who’s Who” of your wedding day. Thirty years from now when you’re looking for a photograph of Uncle Edward, he’ll be right there next to Aunt Louise in the family photo. The images will make a lovely addition to a montage of family photos that have been accumulated through the generations. 
Cons: These staged shots look a lot like everyone else’s staged shots. The style was really developed in the era when people had to be still for a  long time while their photograph was being taken, so the poses can seem a bit stiff.  It may or may not capture the artistry of your celebration.

Editorial: This is the style high-fashion photographer’s use. The photographer will give direction to help you get the best photographs, and you’ll get pictures with an artistic flair.  The photographer’s goal is to create images that are works of art.

 Pros: The photographer will work with you and become an integral part of your celebration. The photographer will show you how to pose to look your most beautiful. 

Cons: The photographer will be an integral part of your celebration.  This is not the unobtrusive style of the photojournalist.

Most if not all wedding photographers will blend these styles. Any wedding photographer will be prepared to photograph specific traditional groupings you request.  They will all do their best to capture candid moments as well as to try to make you look your best in your photos. When you’re looking at photographers though, it's helpful to know the vocabulary.

It’s all about deciding what’s most important to you – do you want your photographer to give you direction and set up poses and action shots with artistic flair, or do you want them to stay in the background, unobtrusively documenting your celebration?

There are a myriad of different photographers at various price points, so make sure to look at the photographer’s portfolio and choose the one whose style and values fit yours. The professionals at Planned Spontaneity partner with a variety of photographers that can deliver beautiful products with many different styles. Contact us today at events@plannedspontaneity.net or by calling
608-446-0346 to schedule your free consultation now!  

Mr. Tutera's 3 Rules

Ask a Celebration Specialist

Dear Marilee,

I'm familiar with the standard formula of big-white-dress... ceremony... dinner... dancing. But frankly I'm a little bored by all that. I want my wedding to be more personalized. I really want it to be more memorable and fun! Do you have any ideas about how I can create a more memorable and fun wedding celebration?

Signed,
Thinking-Outside-the-Box Bride

Dear TOBB,

This is a very exciting topic! In November 2007, I attended a Conference with the Association of Bridal Consultants in Orlando Florida. The keynote speaker was David Tutera (Party Planner to the Stars).

Generally I’m only marginally interested in what’s going on with the stars. I’m much more interested in what’s going on in my own community with people I already know or might meet. But…

OHMYGODIMETDAVIDTUTERA!!! I purchased his beautiful book, listened to his talk and jostled with everyone else to get my book autographed. By the end of it I was giddy, AND I learned lots. Here are David’s 3 rules for wedding celebrations.

1. Take your guests on a journey.
Regardless of your budget, you don’t need to have a cookie cutter wedding. You can tell your story in many ways, but the key is to invite them into an experience. All the details can invite your guests to discover more about you individually and as a couple- what’s important to you?

2. Change it up.
The typical wedding day schedule is:
•Ceremony in the early afternoon
•Take a break for the bridal party to pose for photos and visit a bar
•Serve cocktails and appetizers around 5
•Grand entrance around 6
•Dinner
•Toasts
•Cake
•Dancing
You can keep things more interesting and less predictable just by changing the order. Imagine joining your guests for the party and ending the evening with your wedding vows by candlelight.

3. Keep things moving.
If something different happens every 30 minutes, you’ll have a unique and exciting celebration- your guests will be glad they accepted your invitation! Let the excitement crescendo toward a climax with a final denouement. If your vows are later in your party, that would be a beautiful climax that everything else can build up to.

If you are inspired by the possibility of having an outside the box wedding, but are a little nervous about the logistics, just drop me a line and I’ll give you a call. We can set up a free consultation.

Grattitude

Dear Reader,

Planning Spontaneity was on hiatus last month due to a very busy few weeks. It’s on my mind that I couldn’t do what I do without a great community of friends, family and professional support. Before I get to the article- Ask a Celebration Specialist, I want to thank the people who made late June and Early July possible.

My apprentice Tanja of Sunset Events, her husband Craig and her mom, Joan did a huge amount of work for me. They helped set up and coordinate my most complex wedding to date, and I couldn’t have done it without them.

I am a member of several professional organizations. These organizations are nothing without their members. The ladies in NAWBO- Madison (National Association of Women Business Owners) have been a professional and moral support to me since I first started Planned Spontaneity. ABC (The Association of Bridal Consultants) offers educational and networking opportunities for bridal professionals, and the members have been incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. Finally, I’ve recently joined WUMFA (Wisconsin- upper Michigan Floral Association) because Mel, Heather & Sarah at Bill Doran, my floral whole-saler were so generous with their time and knowledge as I was setting up my flower studio.

I also want to thank my clients who entrust their festivities to my care. Thank you for honoring me with that trust and letting me be part of your glorious celebrations.

I am vitally aware that my business is successful if the professionals I work with are excellent, so Kudos to Chad Torkleson of Midwest Sound and Light Show. He has gone far beyond what is required to give my clients great wedding entertainment.

A few friends have gone way above the call of duty with their generous support- Vicky Jones helped me capture what I do in pictures so I can share it with you, and Tina Matlock has given me many-many hours of napkin folding and website help. Because of both of these phenomenal loving women, I will soon have some great pictures on my blog and my website.

Finally, My family… My darling husband lovingly takes on the responsibility of single handedly caring for our children while I’m immersed in the minutia of weddings and parties. My beautiful daughters treat me like a rock star when I emerge from several days submersed in a celebration. They make me feel great to be a mom.

What I learned at the ABC-WI Spring Retreat...

1. Even at the end of April we can get snow in Wisconsin… BRRRR!

2.A wrapped pencil or wooden dowel can save a collapsing tiered cake from falling on the floor (who knew)!

3. ABC-WI (The Wisconsin Branch of the Association of Bridal Consultants) continues to be the best resource I have for wedding planning information and support.

3 Things to Look for in a Celebration Specialist

1. Chemistry

The first thing to look for when hiring a wedding coordinator or planner is chemistry. You should feel like this is a person you want in your inner circle during your celebration. You will rely on her to care for you, your family and your guests. She should be able to get to know you intimately enough to create a celebration tailored to your personality and values. You need to be able to trust her. Ask yourself “Is this a person I want in my inner circle during my celebration?”


2. Communication
The second thing to look for is exceptional communication. Your celebration specialist should always listen to you and keep your vision at the forefront. It’s not about them and their vision; it’s about you! She will craft an event that no one but you could have hosted. Ask yourself “Does she get me? Does she understand what I want? Will she give me the celebration of my dreams?”


3. Professionalism
Last but far from least is professionalism. Anyone who has hosted a party can start a business and call herself an event planner. Some things to check out are professional affiliations, legal contracts and references.


Two professional organizations for event planners

•ABC (the Association of Bridal Consultants)You’re not permitted to use the ABC logo until you have completed the ABC Professional development program. Look for their logo particularly when hiring a wedding planner. 

•ISES, the (International Special Events Society).
 •NACE, (National Association of Catering Executives)


A professional contract will clearly state what what she is obligated to do for you, and what it will cost. The services may range from a brief consultation to full service coordination including guest list management and budgeting. A professional will give you a clear contract and will give you time to read and understand it before signing.


You should also ask for references. In addition to former clients, other event profesionals like DJ’s, Photographers, Venue managers and wedding officients frequently see an event planner in action and will have a good sense of how well they do their job.

Here's wishing you the very best fit with your celebration specialist!