Now here is a fun fact. Did you know that the first camera was called the Camera Obscura? Now you know. It is also interesting to note that photography traces back to ancient Greek and Chinese Civilizations and this, we are talking about 400 BC!
However, the camera Obscura was not essentially for taking photos but rather, it focused light through a lens (technically a small hole) and projected it onto a screen. It is this technology that evolved and was developed over time to give us the cameras we now have; historians generally agree that the very first Photographic Camera is dated back to the 1800s, having been invented by the Frenchman Joseph Nicéphore Niépce.
Technology in photography has definitely evolved since, from paper photos to digital photos; from use of funny looking cameras to cameras being incorporated into our phones. With this evolution and tremendous strides in technology, it has become absolutely possible and easy to document your most precious memories captured along life’s path.
It is essentially right to assume that these memories are often taken for personal gratification but very quickly, you realize that they become most significant when we want to remember seasons of our life, or how we expressed our emotions at a time, as well as share these moments in the later days of our lives. Isn’t it wonderful to have something to show the significant people that you will be blessed to join your life; I am talking about your offspring and their offspring’s, offspring.
This makes documenting our life’s milestones quite important and a wedding is definitely one of those. In a rapidly changing world and if granted the gift of life, I’m sure your grandchildren will want to know how weddings looked like in your times compared to their times; and what a joy it will be to have something to show.
Photography will help you capture the still photos, videography and cinematography on the other hand will help you better tell that story as it records events as they unfold in real time motion. Sounds good right?
Now you want to make sure that you have done a good job at documenting your wedding, and we’ve got your back as we share tips on how to get that done or at least help you on the journey to getting the job done:
It is possible that there is that cousin or friend who loves taking photos; better still they have volunteered to use their newly acquired camera from their most recent trip! Well why not and save yourself some bucks? Sorry to burst your bubble there, but unless they are professional photographers you are better off going out to hire one.
Remember you are not repeating these moments, so just hire professionals to rid any chances of failure if documenting your wedding story is important to you. While our loved ones may mean well, distraction is possible as they will see this auntie, and that cousin and very quickly go on to hugging and catching up, forgetting the core business of the day. Quality may also be compromised if their photography is just a hobby that they only pick on once in a while. If you are looking to properly document your wedding, then do hire a professional.
To land a good vendor means you will have to put some work in research. Get referrals from family and friends, to land at least a small pool from which you can choose the most ideal candidate for the job. Do not shy away from going online because chances are that a professional photographer, videographer or cinematographer have either fully operational websites, are marketing their work through the different social media platforms, or a combination of both. You will definitely find someone you can work with.
With these resources it will be a little easy to find out quality of work, various views or reviews on their work can be the yardstick used to inform your decision. From the same reviews you can also be able to gauge the rates for your planning purposes.
Some of the best part of working with a professional, is that they will be able to easily understand what your vision is in terms of how you want your wedding story to be captured and told. Your part however is to communicate what you want. Like an Abstract painter would capture soem emotion and withthe stroke of his paint pbrhs express it on canvas so will it be if you are able tou epress what you wnat to see to a photographer and they will bring to life that vision.
Sometimes the biggest failure is when important moments fail to be captured; moments like the activities going on in the morning of the wedding at the respective homes of the bride and groom, when women are singing and maids are preparing, when the mother of the bride is sharing her final words with her daughter. These are truly precious moments and should be captured. Unfortunately, without proper planning of time you can forget having these moments in your photo archives.
If for example the hired team is coming from so far away, and you have no clarity of activities, failure to allocate time in the morning schedule for the photoshoot especially will only affect the desired final result.
In a nutshell, consider time as a big factor to be able to get what you want to see on the captured moments.
A professional photographer will have a sketch of their photo itinerary so that each part of the event is properly captured. However, you are a unique couple and there could be very specific elements you would want captured. The best thing to do is to create this itinerary together so that the parts that you want specifically covered, are covered. Whether it’s at home, at the church, during the event, and so forth. Sync the list with your photographer. Best way to go about it is to segment and here is an idea how:
These are shots taken at home, capturing the preparation, the outfits, the bridal party (both ladies and gents), details of the accessories.
This captures the vows, the certificate signing, the announcement celebration, the signage, the entrance of the bridal party, bride and groom.
Shots of the newlyweds with officiating team, parents, family, and friends.
Most couples fail to see exactly how their set up was before their guests settled. To solve this, there is now a photoshoot called the Decor Reveal; it is essentially the couple being the first to step into their reception space to capture a few photos before guests stream in. Plainly put, it is the first time the couple gets to see the decor before the other guests.
Reception shots will also include the details of the table set up, the meal set up, entertainment, individual guests as they stream in, and as they indulge in the meals as well as the photo booth.
This is mainly for the newlyweds. Often planned for the evening after guests have gone and can take place at the couple’s choice location, most probably where they will be staying the night.
In conclusion, this checklist acts as a guide, but you can add any other unique features you want incorporated in your own wedding photoshoot. Point is, put it all down so as not to forget.
A prewedding photoshoot is a great idea if you also want to get the feel of the chosen provider’s work. So, choose a day, giving time allowance between the prewedding photoshoot and the wedding day so that you have ample time to make any necessary changes or decisions as pertains your choice vendor.
This is really important as you must consider proximity to where you are having the wedding ceremony; simply for better management of your time and getting the most out of your wedding shoot with no rush.
Here is a simple tip to consider as you scout for your wedding venue; try get one that will provide you the ambiance and features you want for your wedding photos.