Carol Bluestein Photography 518-489-9922: FAQs

Carol answers some Frequently Asked Questions...

Section 2
How can we tell if the photographer is good?
What should we look for in a photograph?
What should we look for in an album?
What are the dominant photographic styles?
How can we minimize the time spent on posing and/or formals?
Should we do the formals before or after the ceremony?
What can you tell me about proofs?

How can we tell if the photographer is good?
"There is a trend among skilled photographers to produce highly posed bridal portraits - which can get great scores in print competitions, but which may not be a true picture of the bride and groom's personality." ¹Therefore, " evaluate the work by placing yourself in the position that this could have been YOUR wedding coverage. Ask yourself if the photographer has actually considered the individual characteristics and personality of each of the important persons in the photographs. Has the photographer caught the individual's actual feelings of the moment, or are these just pictures of people standing and looking self-consciously into the lens. Do they look natural? Or even better than real? And, in fact, is that what you and they really want?"³Top

What should we look for in an album?
Carol : Professional all agree that you should ask to see a whole album so that you get a sense of the complete coverage not just the highlights. Alternatively, by looking at enough highlights, you can certainly determine the photographer's style and how they interact with their subjects and interpret the events, and what they think is important. Also, when looking at the album(s), ask "What were the instructions and/or requests from the couple?" This way you can be evaluate the responsiveness of the photographer to the needs of their clients and better understand the choice of photographs.

In all cases, regardless of the "assignment", in an album look for:

" Sequence of images tells the story of the day and makes sense
Good photographic quality throughout
Logical flow from one image to the next
Consistent color and quality throughout
Solid mechanical feel and workmanship
Good protection and alignment of photographs" ³Top

What should we look for in a photograph?
"Lighting quality is an important ingredient in superior photographs. The light in photographs should be natural and flattering, so that the pictures look three-dimensional. ... Look for a variety in subject size - a mix of distant, medium and close-up pictures. Even with groups, lighting and posing should be interesting." ¹

In all final prints, which differ from proofs, look for:

"Sharp, clearly focused image - at least the main part
Full range of tones from the whitest white to the blackest black
Attention drawn to the main subject of the photograph
Clear, distinct center of interest or emphasis without distractions
True, vibrant colors
Definite subject or theme
Good finish quality "²Top

What are the dominant photographic styles?
Portrait-based and photojournalism. Portrait-based "depends on use of a studio setup, or portrait session at some location where lighting and posing are carefully controlled. It is someone more invasive and demanding, but provides the elegant results some brides prefer." ²

"Photojournalism demands alertness and preparation of the photographer to capture the natural, spontaneous images of the day. Most do take a short time for formal group pictures, but the majority are done without prompting or commands to smile. To take advantage of this style, expect to have a large number of pictures in your album. It is the choice for reality with least intrusion and a natural flair."²

"Regardless of which style the photographer advocates, he/she should know the principles of how to flatter a subject with portraiture and know that key groupings are a part of any good coverage and provide the most satisfying results."²

Carol : I lean towards the photojournalistic style. This means that unless specifically asked or the environment demands it, pictures are 35mm and taken in available light, with or without flash at the photographer's discretion. Photographs of the bride and groom, wedding party and families tend to go more quickly since there is less set-up and the wedding party, hosts and/or guests of honor are less involved in posing and more involved in enjoying the event. Please note that there is a certain amount of posing (formals)... with the degree dictated by the wishes of the couple and hosts.

Carol : I have also developed my own style of candids. I eliminate the unflattering intrusions of backs, blurred movements and people in awkward expressions so that intrusion is minimal and the "poses" are actual reflections of the shared joy of the event.

Carol : While studio portraits are certainly available, they are shot on a different day. However, we do have a fully portable studio system with one or two lights and a backdrop that can be transported and set up at any event. In order to chronicle the event and do formal sittings at the same time, two photographers are required so you get the photographs you expect unless you prefer one style over the other. These and other details can be discussed and worked out during your consultation. Top

How can we minimize the time spent on posing and/or formals?
"This is also a matter of taste, combined with necessity. Great wedding photography can be done with no formal posed pictures at all (wedding photo journalism). But, there may be many people and combinations of guests that will never be captured unless the photographer deliberately gathers them in one spot for a picture. (Whether the picture looks posed or natural depends on the photographer.) When planning with your photographer, draw up a list of "must get" photos ... and then expect your photographer to spend more time doing those, and less time doing candids and wedding photojournalism."¹

As for the concern, "put enjoyment of the wedding day ahead of posing for pictures! Choose a photographer whose samples illustrate the look you want and who is willing to work with you in creating a unique repertoire of images. If you have some unique or novel ideas, share them with your photographer. Do some brainstorming together before the wedding day."²

"Pick a photographer who works unobtrusively and goes for natural expressions. If doing formals and portraits, schedule as many as possible early in the day - before the ceremony, or even on a prior day. Make sure the photographer is keenly aware of your wishes."²

Carol : I pride myself on our customer service. I work with you to make sure you get the range and type of wedding pictures you prefer. I also have a check-list of of "must-get" photos which I have available at appointments. You are definitely encouraged to go over the list and add key photos of your own. I review these with you before the wedding day and will make sure I get them at the wedding. Top

Should we do the formals before or after the ceremony?
Some couples think it is bad luck to see each other before the ceremony. If following this tradition is important to you, all of the photos of the bride and groom together will be done afterwards, but solo shots can be done before. However, getting all the formals done at the beginning has several advantages: Flowers, clothing and make-up are fresh, and you can carefully budget time for formals. (And, if your ceremony ends after dark, the only time for natural light pictures of the two of you will be before the ceremony!) Couples who feel formal photos are important will set aside one, two, or even three hours for formals, which finish up about half an hour before the ceremony begins. If you do formals immediately after the ceremony, guests have to wait before they can greet you, and members of the bridal party will have pose for pictures rather than mingle. About half of the weddings I photograph have all the formals taken before the ceremony."¹

On the other hand, "don't worry [about] this unless you want lots of portrait groupings or combinations which involve the bride and groom in the same picture. I firmly believe that couples who are opposed to a pre-ceremony photo session in wedding attire, for whatever reason, should not be pressured, coerced, or embarrassed into it. But they must also be made aware of the consequences with respect to picture results or impact on the flow of the day. If you want lots of posed romantic portraits, there's no other way, unless you are willing to take time out from festivities or don wedding attire a few weeks later for photos."²

"In my personal experience (since 1984), many couples have regretted not meeting in advance for nice pictures and some moments alone. But NOT ONE COUPLE that met in advance ever regretted it; many admitted afterwards that it was their most memorable experience of the day. Many have started a new tradition of the First Meeting. Let it be a private personal moment you share before the vows. You will see each other close up at your best. And it is a wonderful opportunity for spontaneous, expressive pictures that really show your relationship."² Top

What can you tell me about proofs?
"Fifty years ago, photographers presented clients with proof pictures printed on special paper; images would last for a few weeks and then fade. Now, color proofs are made with the identical paper and chemistry as final pictures. However, only on final pictures can you have retouching and cropping. Some photographers use the term "images" or "originals" in order to avoid the confusing word "proofs." Many photographers are now using video "proofs." That means that you initially view the images on a computer or television screen. You then order from the screen (or from a video tape of the images) and have true prints in your hand a few weeks later."¹

"Some photographers include the proofs in the price of their photography, others sell them separately. Some keep the proofs, putting them in the final album or simply not selling them. When you first see your proofs, you take them home and keep them for a few weeks. I recommend you order your album and reprints quickly - your photographer will have ways of helping you to avoid procrastinating. The price list should state explicitly the price of the proofs, which may be sold either individually or only as a complete set. If your photographer uses a video or slide presentation, then there will be no proofs."¹

Once you have the proofs, you might ask, "Why can't we just copy the proofs to save money?"

1.It's illegal, unless you have been given written permission to do so.
2.Quality will be very poor.

"Of course, some photographers do not claim copyright and even release the negatives. The right of a photographer to copyright the photographs has a firm basis in law. A number of copyright "infringers" have learned the hard way that illegally copying a photographer's work is a big no-no and cost them LOTS of money in damages and fines - and legal fees! So unless you have written permission, don't try it - and don't ask anyone to do it for you."²

Here is another comment on the subject..."According to federal law, images produced by a professional photographer are copyrighted the moment they are created. Federal law prohibits copying or reproducing copyrighted material without permission from the owner of the copyright, i.e., the photographer. If you copy or scan your photos, the photographer should be paid just as if you were buying reprints. If you or your videographer transfer the proofs to videotape, the photographer should be paid just as if you were buying reprints. If you don't feel comfortable paying for these copies, find a photographer whose work is so good that you are glad to pay. When I really appreciate something I purchase, like a fabulous meal, an antique, a good pair of shoes, or even medical care, I do not mind paying a premium for getting the highest quality. Look for the photographer who will provide you the satisfaction of paying for job well done."¹

Carol : I am well aware of the issues surrounding proofs and the current available technology. To minimize misuse of images, I include negatives with my wedding packages and fees. However, I also use the current technology. While I shoot the wedding with regular film (still better than digital), through digital imaging I am able to scan at high dpi from print or negative, critically crop, retouch, filter, "clean-up" and have professionally printed any image to virtually any size. This includes vignetting, soft focus, removing unwanted shadows, objects and even people or adding a different sky, more shrubbery, and even another light source. Plus, digital imaging brings composites to a whole new level. The retouching/hand-painting capability is no longer limited to medium and large format negatives and effects are expanded through digital imaging. If you are interested and would like to see some effects and results. see Digital Imaging. Top

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