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Carol Bluestein Photography A Non-Traditional Approach "Our Focus Is On You!" |
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Carol Bluestein Photography A Non-Traditional Approach "Our Focus Is On You!" |
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FAQs |
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Carol answers some Frequently Asked Questions...
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What are the advantages of hiring a professional wedding
photographer? "A professional photographer will be timely - arriving at your wedding promptly, and getting the results to you on time. A professional has just the right equipment and film for photographing your wedding. Having attended many weddings, an experienced wedding photographer will be at ease at your wedding. A professional uses a color laboratory that is in the business of meeting high professional standards of print quality. And, a professional is used to working with individuals, couples, and groups to make the formal photography go smoothly. When you think about the cost of photography, remember that the photographer's fee is only part of your investment: You, your parents, your extended family and your friends will be investing time with the photographer during your wedding." 1 Top How do we find a good professional wedding photographer? "Shopping for a wedding photographer is not like selecting a gown or a bridal bouquet. You can see something tangible before you make your decision, when you're shopping for specific items like that. But in the selection of your photographer, you're often at the mercy of a super-salesperson and/or your own intuition. It seems as if PRICE is usually the main determining factor, even though there's NEVER going to be a second chance. Nor has there ever been anything written that gives you, the bride, a true guideline as to how to select the one person who could supply you with a heart full of memories to last a lifetime."3 "First of all, undoubtedly the best way a bride has to prejudge the competency of a wedding photographer is to have a recommendation from someone whose opinion she trusts. If she has more than one recommendation, that's even better - especially if the same photographer's name comes from different sources."3Top What should we ask in the initial phone call? "The telephone conversation should begin with the availability of the studio to cover the wedding on your specific date. You should also learn the name of the photographer who would be doing the actual pictures at your wedding, and at least a rough estimate of the costs involved. You should find out on the telephone how the photographer feels about posed and un-posed pictures and decide whether or not you agree or are interested in the studio's philosophy of how the wedding photography should be conducted. That is photojournalism, candids, portraits, groups, etc. Just one concept? A combination of several? An appointment should be made to meet with the photographer who will be assigned to your wedding [note: be sure to get this in writing], see his/her work and discuss the details. Without doubt, this meeting should include both the bride and groom as well as the bride's parents...or however many of these people can be assembled for the consultation. Without all these people in attendance it would be virtually impossible to come to any conclusions that would effectively work for all the principle parties involved."3Top What should we do when meeting with a photographer? "...Look through a photographer's portfolio - candids, formals and illustrative pictures. You will know if this photographer has the technique, style and spirit to be the eyes through which you and your children will see your wedding day. ... Look for an established and reliable photographer whose work moves you ."1 Carol: Then consider how the photographer interacts with you and how they seem to interact with their subjects. Do they like people? Are they flexible, sensitive, enthusiastic, and personable? Will they be able to work with all the people and other professionals at your wedding? Personality can play a big part in your comfort level - especially if something unexpected happens. If you and your photographer don't connect, the photographs and your memories of the day can be permanently affected. When " you find a photographer who makes you happy, you never will never regret your investment, whatever the dollar cost. When we have invested in items that will be with us for the rest of our lives, our satisfaction has been highest when we have paid that extra bit for the best quality."1Top What
kind of an investment in photography should we expect to make?
What follows are comments from three photographers from three different parts of the country that reflect their experiences as well as my own. "Prices range from $950 to $10,000, and even more! Photographs (and maybe video) will be your only permanent record of the day.... Expect better photographers to charge the higher rates. If you are looking for a bargain and shop via phone for pricing, you are following a recipe for poor to mediocre photography. My research indicates that photography runs between nine (9%) and fifteen percent (15%) of the total wedding budget. When couples value photography highly and are on a limited budget, they will spend up to 30% of their wedding budget on photography. Most brides initially underestimate the cost of photography by 50% - in other words, you will probably spend at least twice as much as you budgeted, unless you have advice from a wedding coordinator who is familiar with prices in your area."1 "Some bridal consultants say 10-20% of the overall budget. Due to the variation of markets, expectations, and practices around the country, I won't give specific numbers. Here's how to answer that one for yourself. First, list your requirements and expectations. Look at some examples to get an idea of price vs. quality. Note your preference for style and manner of working. If you are considering economizing her ask yourself, "How much would I pay to correct things if my photographer fails?" When inquiring, don't ask "How much do you charge?" Ask, "How much should I invest to get what I want, based on my needs and the logistics of my event?" The most important thing to realize is that your photography and video are the only tangible wedding-related purchases that are strictly for your benefit and hopefully will provide benefits years after the wedding."2 [In the final analysis] "it's difficult to pay too much for something you really like. Yet, price is usually the one obstacle that prevents many wedding clients from selecting the photographer who undoubtedly could give them the best value for the money. Quite often the difference between the price of the photographer you really like and one who you feel is "within the budget" is miscalculated. "3 "Understandably, of course! When wedding plans come down to dollars and cents, it's hard to keep spending "a little more here...and a little more there. Somewhere along the line," you feel, "you have to give a little! There's only so-much money available!" Yet, within the framework of the entire wedding day, it makes good sense to evaluate the money spent on photographs in relation to what's being spent on flowers, food and music. Although everyone knows that the pictures are the only thing you have after the moment has passed, some people still feel that they have to put the money "where it shows". Later, In the privacy of their own hearts, many of these people are often disappointed with photographic memories that give them nothing but heartaches...and there's no remedy!"3 "Let's face it! You're going to remember the wedding day through the eyes, heart and talent of your photographer. When making the decision as to who that photographer is going to be, realize that oftentimes you're talking a relative difference of pennies! On the other hand, if you're unhappy, regardless of the "good deal" you're getting, you could lose everything!"3 "What's the "going rate" among wedding photographers nowadays? The price difference is as great as the time, talent and technique of the studios being considered. Certainly, among competent photographers in a highly competitive area, or photographers in their formative years, a good wedding coverage can be found around the thousand dollar category. Spending less than that would probably be a high-risk gamble."3 "Other photographers may begin somewhere around a thousand dollars and go upwards from there. A true specialist, one who has a reputation for consistently delivering the best, might begin at two or three times that amount and go upwards to five thousand and more."3Top What
if we are on a limited budget? "The first thing to do if you want a professional photographer under these circumstances is to be flexible. A true wedding professional only can only work so many weekends a year, and reasonably expects one or two large weddings per weekend from May through October, or year round in tropical climates. If he/she reserves a prime Saturday in October for you, then larger weddings will have to be turned away. If your budget is small, you will be choosing from the second and third tiers of wedding photographers. If you plan your wedding in the evening or especially early in the day, you might find a photographer who can fit you in after or before another event, and thus be able to work with your budget."1 Even on a limited budget, think about what kind of coverage you want. "You can have the photographer meet you where you are getting dressed, and keep taking pictures until you leave the reception. Or you may just want a few hours of photography, with a few formal photographs and some pictures of the ceremony. (If you choose a high quality professional, the price difference between short and full coverage will be small.)"1 Furthermore, "If you are on a limited budget, it is even more imperative that you make wise choices to get the best value for your investment. Do not succumb to low-balling schemes with a small entry and and unpleasant surprise AFTER the wedding when you find the results poor or the initial package inadequate."2 For small intimate weddings, consider having professional portraits only done during the week rather than on Saturday or Sunday. Although I discourage the portraits-only plan for larger events, some opt for that and have the main event covered with video-only. If you do choose to have amateur coverage of the event, at least have the essential portraits of key individuals professionally done. "2 Top
Why shouldn't we have a friend or relative do it instead ofa pro "Asking an guest to do the official photographs and no different from asking dinner guests to work for their meal. The biggest equipment failing of amateur photography in lieu of pro (for weddings) is inadequacy of flash power. Compared to at-home shots, the flash must cover a greater distance in rooms with higher ceilings for a longer day with slower film. Wedding pro flashes have 5-6 times the power for three times as long as even higher end amateur flashes. Don't discourage your guests from bringing cameras, but DO suggest that they enjoy themselves as guests and they should not interfere with your hired pro. It is unfortunate when a couple truly limited in budget gets poor results. There is another big danger here. If the photography fails for any reason, then there is lifelong damage to the relationship."2 "Some of the problems a "pro-for-a-day" can have:
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