Guide to Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

 

 

This article is designed to give you an overview of different wedding photography styles, and other thoughts on Pittsburgh wedding photography today. Including brief definitions of each style, what is popular, and a few questions to help you choose the type of photography and photographer that is right for you . 

 

Styles of Wedding Photography

 

We all know that the wedding day will not last forever, and most valued memories will be forgotten. In fact, the only thing that is left to remind you of this special day is your images. Your wedding photographer must be a person that you are comfortable with and whose presence you enjoy. You will not only be investing money and time into him/her, you will be investing all your future memories as well. During your wedding day you and your family will be interacting with this person all day. Therefore, you should not decide on a photographer based only on price, but on their style and personality as well.

 

There are Three different approaches that photographer’s use: Traditional, Photojournalistic,  and Creative.

 

Traditional photography is any formal or informal portraits of the bridal party, family, and friends in close-up and full length, as well as candid photographs of key events at the wedding. Most brides choose this mixed version of photography for their wedding day.

 

Photojournalistic means no posed photographs - all images would be taken without any instruction from or awareness of the photographer.

 

Creative or Artistic photographer takes images from unique angles, lighting, etc. This type of photographer creates his or her artistic impression of your wedding day.

 

The majority of all professional photographers use a mixture of all these styles.

 

When meeting with photographers, view not only a portfolio of a mixture of weddings, also ask to view an album of a full wedding. Make certain the images were from current weddings and that he/she was the photographer. (Larger companies and even some smaller ones may have multiple photographers that photograph for them, or even sales representatives that meet with you.)

 

 

 

While looking at the images ask yourself these questions about style:

Are the posed images well lit and pleasantly arranged?

Do the candid images show emotion and free of blur?

Do the images have a focus point or convey a meaning of romance?

Are these the type of images that I would want taken at my wedding?

 

If any of the images do not please you, ask the photographer why the image is this way or that. It may come to the point, their view is not the same as yours. It is best to choose a photographer that will incorporate your views and not just capture images however they want, regardless of what you have in mind.

 

While looking at the images ask yourself these technical questions:

Is the light good; not to bright or to dark?

Is the lighting flattering to the mood it conveys?

Is the posing flattering?

Ask the photographer this: Was there a flash used?
(Most all professional photographers use flashes, due to low lighting in churches, or unflattering shadows in an outdoor wedding.)

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Does the photographer sell with packages or ala carte? (packages are couples best value)

 

Does the photographer's packages include full day coverage? (most weddings last between 8-10 hours)

 

Does the photographer include a Proof Magazine with packages? If not how does the couple view their wedding images? (Proofbook is couples best value)

 

Does the photographer included online ordering / viewing with all packages.

 

Does the photographer sell the Image Files? (copyrights to all photos)

 

Does the photographer's packages allow couple to choose between Traditional Albums or Coffee Table Albums at no additional cost?

 

Does the photographer go to multi-location sites before or after the wedding ceremony at no additional cost?

 

Does the photographer packages include CD slideshows? (all images set to music,approx. 25min.)

 

Does the photographer make you feel comfortable with the following:

understanding the prices and sales

image quality and presentation

artistic design in photos as well as albums

knowledge of your wedding photography needs

photographers personality and professionalism

 

 

Interviewing a photographer should almost always be done in person. If you will be traveling to another state for your wedding or a photographer is flying in to you, you should view an online gallery that consists of their resent wedding work and a full wedding, as well as talk to them over the phone. Most brides interview at least three different photographers before deciding on one they enjoy, and like the style of. Expect to invest 10% or more of your wedding budget on a professional photographer.