Wedding Photography Elements

In yesterday's post I included a list of the photographs that most brides consider essential to capture the day. Now the question is how to accomplish this without spending as much on the wedding photography - or even is the wedding photography a place that the couple wants to cut back.

Assuming that the couple has decided to attempt to cut back in the area of the wedding pictures we need to consider what you are paying the photographer for:

• Technical Knowledge: This is obvious. It is also the least important aspect since there are any number of people qualified in this area. Still, to find someone that is really skilled a couple needs to look at a portfolio of ENTIRE WEDDINGS, not just a collage of the best of a variety of weddings. Take enough pictures and anyone can put together an album of great photos.


• Interpersonal Ability: A couple gets the best value from a photographer that sets them and their family at ease because the posed pictures will look most natural.


• Time and Labor: This is where you can save yourself the big bucks. If a couple keeps their photographer all day, it is going to cost more. That is obvious. Schedule the wedding day in such a way that it gets the photographer in and out and the price should be less. Is there a need to keep the photographer throughout the reception? Usually the first half hour is enough and some have found that the photographer need not be at the reception at all (see tomorrow).


• Popularity: Like anything else, the most popular photographers command the highest prices. Find one that sets the couple at ease, has good skill, and is relatively unknown and the couple should be able to save money.


• Memories: Ultimately, when we buy wedding photography we are buying a tangible recording of the wedding day. How much is that worth? Only the couple can decide that.

Tomorrow I will discuss options to dramatically cut the cost of wedding photography even more - if the couple is brave... or desperate.