Photography Life

There is an ongoing debate between photographers who prefer natural light and those who prefer artificial light sources such as flash or strobe lighting. Natural light can arguably produce stunning photographs. However, the photographer is versed at reading light direction and can expertly position their subject to maximize quality light and shadow. On the other hand, artificial light can be used either in conjunction with natural light or on its own to create the desired light pattern. Personally, I think being versatile with light usage will give you the best results. This becomes even more important if you shoot events such as weddings, where things happen quickly and you don't always have the luxury of setting up a perfect lighting situation. Being skilled enough to use natural light, flash or a combination of both can be a life saver. So whether you're a beginner or a professional I highly recommend that you learn all that you can about lighting.

The Rule of Thirds is one of the first rules of composition that you will learn in photography and it’s a very important one. Knowing how to effectively use this rule makes for the most effective photo composition. It gives your photo the “wow” factor. Simply put the photographer must imagine two vertical and two horizontal lines that divides the photo into nine even sections. They must then place the main subject/s of the photo where these lines intersect as seen in the photo above. Photos using this rule are more interesting and often more pleasing to the viewer as the eye is naturally drawn to these points of any photo.

With all the advances in camera phone technology and digital photography, it seems that everyone is a photographer these days. Guests holding up cameras, mobile phones and even tablets as you walk down the aisle or flashes going off throughout the wedding vows. Not only is this going to be a distraction for you but other guests. Not to mention, this can actually ruin your professional photographs. Imagine your photographer missing the perfect photo opportunity because of this. So kindly ask your guests to put their cameras away and really enjoy and partake in your ceremony by being truly present for those special moments instead of looking at them through their camera lense.

Your wedding ceremony photographs will undoubtedly result in some of the most important shots of the day. Most couples are surprised just how much they cherished this part. It also flies by in a nervous blur and you’ll likely not remember a whole lot about it, so these photos are undoubtedly important. However, some priests and pastors won’t allow ceremony photography or will limit the photographer to specific areas. If you really value these images, make sure you speak to whoever is officiating your ceremony to find out if there are any limitations beforehand.

Choosing a photographer for your wedding!!! This should not be taken lightly….. Do your research. Wedding blogs are a great place to start. Look through real weddings on your favourite blogs, check out the photographer’s sites and make a shortlist. Yes, you can luck out by getting an enthusiastic and super talented newbie, but finding someone like that is certainly the exception and not the rule. The average in Trinidad & Tobago for a professional wedding photographer is somewhere between $7500. to $10,000. for a basic package. If you’re looking at photographers who are way below this average, more than likely the end product will be sub-standard. The number one thing couples regret is not prioritizing more on their photography. Once that day is gone, you can never get it back. So choose wisely!!!

Don't underestimate the importance of liking and bonding with your photographer. Is the photographer excited by your vision when you describe it? When they make suggestions, do they present them in a clear and respectful way, or are they timid? Are their mannerisms off-putting? In order to get the best photos; go with a pro who has a firm grasp of social graces but is bold enough to go out hunting for great images and who, above all, puts you at ease and doesn't irritate you in any way. To get the best photos, your photographer needs to be assertive enough to seek out great moments, cajoling enough to coax relaxed smiles and natural stances from guests and calm enough to be a positive force. They should ask lots of questions and be a good listener. So don’t be afraid to be picky when choosing a photographer for your event. Make sure they are the right match for you.

Having an engagement shoot can improve your wedding pictures more than anything else you might do. Think about it, your photographer is VERY comfortable on his end of the camera. The time you spend in front of the camera will help YOU become more comfortable on your end as the subject. Try to get to know your photographer. Have fun! Be crazy!  Let's face it; those "magazine bride photos" that you have been looking at do not happen all by themselves. They are well planned, rehearsed, and the photo that you finally see in the magazine was probably picked from hundreds of photos. The more time you spend with your photographer, the more likely it is that he will capture the photos that you have been dreaming about.