A Visual Guide to Wedding Photography

Have you ever wondered why there is such a big variance in the prices of wedding photography? The simple answer is there are just so many newcomers with their new digital cameras, proclaiming themselves as "passionate about photography", trying to work at any cost to get experience. But they are sooo cheap, you say. This is kind of like them saying "I want to be an electrician, will you let me practice on your house?" But hey, you can save a lot of money that way - if your house doesn't burn down.

There is a saying "You get what you pay for." Young couples aren't really savvy to the differences between the work of these beginners and the work of a properly trained and experienced photographer.

Here are the answers you need in an easy to understand visual form. This is real world stuff - very typical of what you will see in the portfolios of people selling wedding photography services. This is what you should be watching for.

Exposure

Under Exposed

Just Right

(By the way, tell your guests to put away their cameras during the formal shots,)

Over Exposed

You want to see detail in the whites of the wedding dress!

Much Better

Out of Focus

Sharp

Ordinary

Creative Composition and Lighting

Straight from the Camera

With Post-Processing

You should very much take it for granted that this kind of work is included in your package - no matter who your photographer is. This is where the full time professionals leave the time and skill challenged part-timers s in the dust.

Incorrect Color Balance (Too Much Blue)

Correct Color Balance

Incorrect Color Balance (Too Green)

Notice the light filtering through the tree leaves turned their skin green.

Fluorescent lighting, so common in reception halls does the same thing!

Correct Color Balance

Photographers talk about capturing the moment, but how often do you see real examples of it?

For further information, here is another interesting link about choosing a qualified professional.