Wedding Photography – Focus on Results!

I have noticed a trend recently in wedding photographer’s web pages of trying to clear up the confusion over the various styles of wedding photography.  New names have emerged for these styles:  Documentary, Illustrative, Fine Art, Classic, Contemporary, the now familiar Photojournalism and of course Traditional. Also we now hear photographers talking at length about how they only shoot weddings using “available light” and promise you that they won’t use flash.   

 

    The other hot topic is the discussion of the benefits of various types of camera equipment: The advantages of full frame cameras, or is Nikon better than Canon, etc.  Much of this information has been posted to supposedly help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of all these approaches.  However, when you read further, you often see that there is a slant towards the equipment or style used by that particular photographer.  I recently read a web page where the photographer warned the reader to beware of wedding photographer’s who still shoot weddings using the traditional approach because it obviously means that they are using outdated equipment. Huh?  So what does all this tell you?  The answer:  Nothing!   

 

    A few months ago I attended a seminar by one of the leading wedding photographers in the country.  Her input on this subject was enlightening.  Although she, herself used digital capture and some film, she emphasized that what really matters is how the photographs look.  Do they have impact?  Do they tell the story of the day?  She went on to say that she is growing tired of other photographers always asking her what type of camera she uses or what the benefits are of digital over film, etc, etc.  “Lets talk about the photographs!” she exclaimed. She talked about how lucky we are in this era to have access to such great equipment and that even some of the lowest cost equipment can be used to make beautiful images.   

 

    I could not agree more. At
Dubnoff Wedding Photography
our philosophy is that what really matters is the end result – your wedding album. 25 years after your wedding you are not going to care if your wedding photographer used a $10,000 camera or a Kodak disposable camera.  Will you remember if you hired a photojournalist or an illustrative photographer?  Probably not. Its the photos that you will remember and cherish.  I do use some of the most modern and up to date camera equipment, but I am not obsessed with it.  I spend more of my time trying to figure out how to make the most memorable and artistic images possible.  This is not accomplished by simply going out and purchasing a $1,800 lens that is so sharp that it pratically allows you to see the pores on your subject’s face.  Sharp, high quality lenses are important, but it is what the photographer does with them that matters.  Find a photographer who talks about the images and not about how great his equipment is.    

 

  However, there are other factors important when choosing a wedding photographer. Developing rapport with your photographer is vital. A rude or bossy photographer can ruin a wedding for both the bride and groom. Look for photographers you are comfortable talking to.  Make sure they can give you references and when you check those references ask how the photographer behaved at the wedding.  Did he or she spend a lot of time eating food and drinking alcohol? Did he or she get along well with the guests?  Calm Demeanor? Unobtrusive? Obviously, you want to make sure the photos are great, but these other factors can make or break your wedding photography experience.      

 

About the Author

Mike Dubnoff has been a Bay Area wedding photographer since 1979. His work has been published in local newspapers, commercial brochures and national magazines. You can also check his website for San Francisco Napa Wine Country Destination Photography

Loganville Short Video Hwy 81 August 3, 09

Fujifilm QuickSnap 400 Speed Single Use Camera with Flash (10-Pack) $24.08 The QuickSnap Flash 400 camera features a compact body and comes pre-loaded with Fujicolor 400 speed film. This One-Time-Use camera produces very sharp pictures and features a 10-foot built in flash. The QuickSnap Flash 400 camera is fun & easy to use, and is great for taking pictures indoors or outdoors. The continuous flash switch makes it easier to take multiple shots, letting you concentrate e…

10 Pack Calla Lily Disposable Wedding Cameras in Matching Gift Boxes with Table Tents, 35mm, 27 Exposures $33.99 35mm 27 exposures, Built in Flash for pictures indoors and outdoors, Batteries included inside cameras, Sealed nicely inside beautiful matching gift boxes. Matching TENTS SAY: Use the camera on the table to take some pictures of all our friends and family…the fun, the special moments, the cute and loveable moments, and of course not-to-be-forgotten shots. When all the pictures are taken, plea…

Kodak MAX 35mm Single Use Cameras with Flash (2 Pack) $6.45 EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KOD 8951428 POWER FLASH ONE TIME USE CAMERA 2 PACK 27 EXP KMF135KOD 8951428 POWER FLASH ONE TIME USE CAMERA 2 PACK 27 EXP KMF135 Manufacturer : EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY UPC : 041778951422…