Today’s guest article is from Jason Kaczorowski of Jason Kaczorowski Photography. Jason is a Chicago Wedding Photographer and multiple award winning ISPWP member.

5 Survival Tips for Winter Wedding and Engagement Photos

Countless couples choose to get married throughout the winter months and enjoy the advantage of the off-season discounts, greater venue and vendor availability, less expensive honeymoons and the multitude of seasonal decoration ideas. Many also favor bundling up for their engagement portraits to capture the winter wonderland that awaits them outdoors.

Here are a few tips to making the most of your winter wedding and engagement photographs:

1. Adjust the Schedule to Have More Daylight
After daylights savings takes effect in October, outdoor photographs may become challenging as it tends to get darker sooner. It typically gets darker during the day so it’s best to plan your ceremony earlier if you would like to plan to get photos outdoors and aren’t planning on seeing one another before your service. It’s best to arrange for your ceremony to conclude by 2pm if you would like to capture family portraits indoors while still having reasonable time to capture photos outside. Likewise, engagement photos should be captured in the morning or early afternoon to catch the best sunlight.

2. Remember That Bad Weather = Bad Traffic
Leave extra time for travel. Reduced visibility combined with wet or snow-covered roads may create slower travel times than initially anticipated. Allowing for extra travel time will make your day less stressful because you will be less rushed and will feel secure in knowing everyone will arrive safely. If your wedding day arrives and the weather is perfect you will have additional time for more photos or time to freshen up before greeting guests during cocktails.

3. Dress for the Worst Weather Case Scenario
Treat your feet to winter boots and bring an extra pair of socks just in case. The bride’s dress, combined with the snow on the ground, will cover her boots in photos. Choosing to not wear boots will shorten the amount of time spent outdoors and potentially ruin your formal footwear. A pair of sweatpants can be worn under a dress to keep ladies legs warm. Shawls or wraps can be created to match your existing bridal gowns and will help keep necks, backs, arms and hands warm. Matching mittens, hats and scarves are a creative way to bundle up in winter and look fashionable in your photos. Don’t forget an umbrella in case snow turns to sleet or rain. When your portraits are finished, enjoy thermoses of eggnog, spiced wine or hot chocolate with family and friends.

4. Engagement Sessions Locations – Look for Public Decorations and Lights
Look for locations that feature dramatic holiday light displays to create a colorful ambiance in your photos. Some public parks and zoos cater to the holiday crowds by providing enchanting illuminations. Train stations often decorate for the holidays and allow for fun photos featuring holiday shoppers passing in a blur of motion with bags in hand.

5. Wedding Location Ideas
The intimate warmth of a historic mansion or a charming Bed & Breakfast can provide a great backdrop for your wedding with a roaring fire in the background for family photos. If you’re looking to capturing portraits outdoors consider a location that would allow you to also move inside quickly if the weather becomes unbearable. Conservatories with outdoor gardens often provide indoor locations within a short walk. Choosing from these locations for your reception may add the extra money-saving advantage of including seasonal decorations at no additional cost. Hotels often provide spectacular holiday displays featuring Christmas trees, wreaths and garland. These are often featured in their lobby where guests check in and out so seek permission to capture portraits in these spaces and assure there are no plans for large conventions or other corporate parties that may hinder your ability to create portraits without patrons in the background of your photos.

Did you have tips for Winter Wedding and Engagement Photos? Leave your comments at the bottom of the page!

Wedding Photographer Contact Information:
Jason Kaczorowski, Chicago, Illinois Wedding Photographer
Website: Jason Kaczorowski Photography | Email: weddings@jasonkaczorowski.com | Phone: 312-671-7678

Check out the ISPWP Wedding Photographer Directory for photographers serving your area.

Today’s guest article is from Christina Craft of FunkyTown Photography. Christina is a Costa Rica Wedding Photographer and multiple award winning ISPWP member.

Lately I’ve noticed a new trend emerging in wedding photography. Many couples are opting to spend more time with their wedding guests by taking their wedding portraits at night after the reception or during the dinner hour.

If you have guests coming in from all over the world – or the country – you’ll want to spend as much time as possible with them. Taking a one or two hour break in the middle of the day to have portraits taken means less time with everyone. Often, if a wedding is in the middle of the afternoon the sun is too bright for flattering portraits (think squinting, sweating or the dreaded shadow in the eyes) so I’ve been particularly excited to hear couples actually request an after-reception, night-time portrait shoot.

Digital camera technology has improved so much that photographers can photograph very dark places with far less grain than we used to see in film days. Photographers are now able to achieve a more cinematic look with low levels of ambient light, even in dark settings.

This year alone I’ve had several couples decide to head out for 30 minutes or so after the reception is over and have their portraits taken around the city or the reception venue site. We still did the traditional wedding party and family formal photographs after the ceremony, but this never takes too long and you can catch everyone while they’re still at the event. Then, we saved the creative portraits of the couple for the end of the night. These particular couples weren’t big drinkers and they spent a few minutes freshening up before the photo shoot began.

Some couples have wanted to let loose and party during the reception, so for those cases we headed out between dinner courses for some quick post-sunset night shots, which are also just as dramatic.

Not all venue lighting is created equal, so if you’re interested in this kind of late night photography it always pays for your photographer to do a little bit of research to make sure it’s going to work (or that your photographer has the right equipment to light the scene in the dark).

Did you have a portrait session after the reception or during the dinner hour? Are you planning on doing it for your wedding? Leave your comments at the bottom of the page!

Wedding Photographer Contact Information:
Christina Craft, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Wedding Photographer
Website: FunkyTown Photography | Email: christina.craft@gmail.com | Phone: 250-475-9268

Check out the ISPWP Wedding Photographer Directory for photographers serving your area.

Today’s guest article is from Fellipe de Paula of Estúdio Depaula. Fellipe is a São Paulo, Brazil Wedding Photographer and ISPWP member.

All brides want wonderful pictures of their wedding day. Here are five easy tips for better wedding photos.

1) Avoid Looking at the Camera (Unless your photographer asks you to)
Have you ever wondered why you don’t see actors looking directly into the camera in the movies? One of the reasons is to give the impression that the camera is “invisible.” So, watching a movie is like seeing all the action without being noticed. Not looking to the photographer will yield more natural-looking pictures.

2) Smile More
The moment you’ve always dreamt of has finally arrived and you may be really anxious. Sometimes it’s good to take a deep breath and relax. Many brides spend the whole time at their ceremony with a serious expression. You want beautiful photos, don’t you? You want to look gorgeous, don’t you? It’s simple. Simply smile more. Let go of all the stress and planning. Smile while you’re walking down the aisle and during the whole ceremony. Relax, enjoy the day and really try to enjoy each moment. Oh! It’s good if your husband is all smiles also, right?

3) Show Off Your Love
Do you want to know one thing that EVERY wedding photographer likes? Wedding photographers like couples who interact with each other. What instantly makes a wedding picture more appealing are couples that look at each other, that smile at each other and that show off their feelings and love. And stay together during the reception! Spend time visiting friends and family together, eat together, and of course, dance with each other!

4) Avoid Boooooooooring Formals
The formals have the potential to be the most boring pictures ever. How about we make them fun and try to create uncommon pictures? The guys can stand arm-crossed and looking each one to a different side… The bridesmaids can crack up for a really natural picture. The intention is to think outside the box and get more enjoyable photos in addition to the simple “stand in a line” shot.

5) Have Fun
The first thing to put in your head is that you must have fun on your wedding day. Forget about minor problems or insignificant details. Enjoy each moment of your day. So, laugh a lot, make funny expressions and be playful. Even if the two of you need a glass or two of champagne. Don’t forget, it’s a day to really be happy and to celebrate.

Wedding Photographer Contact Information:
Fellipe de Paula, São Paulo, Brazil Wedding Photographer
Website: Estúdio Depaula | Email: contato@estudiodepaula.com.br | Phone: (19) 3254-5167

Check out the ISPWP Wedding Photographer Directory for photographers serving your area.

Today’s guest article is from Anne and Bill Holland of Holland Photo Arts. Anne and Bill are Charlottesville, Virginia Wedding Photographers and ISPWP members.

When meeting with our clients to plan the photography for their wedding, a key part of the planning includes the question: Should the couple see each other before the ceremony?

Modern weddings sometimes conform to tradition, yet more couples are finding their own paths that work best for them and their guests. The bottom line is there is no one right or wrong answer to this–only the way which you feel most comfortable. That said, let’s lay out some advantages and disadvantages to seeing each other prior to your ceremony.

Advantages
There are two primary advantages to what we call First Sight. The first is that you get to, often in the presence of your photographer, enjoy a few private moments alone with your soon-to-be-spouse. As the bulk of your wedding day is often dictated by a pre-ordained schedule, this period may be the only opportunity the two of you have alone to reflect on the commitment you’re each about to make. Many clients have reported the alleviating of undue nervousness because they saw their partner first.

The second primary advantage to a First Sight is you now have the opportunity to do some portraits with the two of you, your wedding party, and perhaps even your family members prior to the ceremony. The upside to all this? You can now attend most, if not all, of your cocktail hour, mingling with your guests. This may also negate or minimize the need to visit each table during dinner, which has the added benefit of giving you and your new spouse the opportunity to actually eat your delicious meal without rushing through it.

Disadvantages
Your parents, or even your partner, may have strong feelings against doing this. Just like in any relationship, the planning of your wedding will involve some compromise, and it is up to the two of you to communicate how strongly you each feel about your position. A little give and take is a good thing here.

Some partners may feel that seeing each other prior to the ceremony can lose some of the emotional charge of proceeding down the aisle and seeing each other then. Again, if feelings are strong on this point, it may be best to leave well enough alone. But in our personal experience as well as the experience of the vast majority of our clients, this feeling remains strong throughout.

Why? With First Sight it’s a completely different feeling – it’s just the two of you – and you have the freedom to act and speak freely with each other. Whereas with the start of your ceremony, your partner is waiting for you with everyone watching, the music is playing, and there is the feeling of imminent marriage. Speaking from Bill’s personal experience, it is a completely different feeling. I never once felt a sense of loss in seeing Anne before our own celebration, and our clients have reported similar feelings.

Final Thoughts
While most of our clients who see each other do so privately, some couples will opt to have their families and/or their wedding party present to celebrate with them. This is, of course, your individual choice. In the end, your schedule as well as religious customs may also play a role in deciding to see each other. The key is to speak with your partner about his or her feelings, as well as your wedding planner and photographer to discuss logistics and what you can expect. But in the end, regardless of your choice, you’ll be married. Congratulations!

Wedding Photographer Contact Information:
Anne and Bill Holland, Charlottesville, Virginia Wedding Photographers
Website: Holland Photo Arts | Email: info@hollandphotoarts.com | Phone: 434-249-3149

Check out the ISPWP Wedding Photographer Directory for photographers serving your area.

The ISPWP holds a members-only wedding photography contest four times a year. Each contest has 20 different categories, so over the four quarterly contests that adds up to 80 First Place winners for the entire year. Here is a look back at ALL of the 1st place winning images from 2010.

NOTE: The images are in order of category and contest, they are all number one category winners. The images are numbered simply so that you can leave a comment about your favorite image!

1. Marcin Rusinowski | 5czwartych | 5fourths Documentary Photojournalism | Warsaw, Poland Wedding Photographer

2. Britney Gardner | Turn Loose the Art | Huntington Beach, California Wedding Photographer

3. Christina Craft | FunkyTown Photography | Vancouver Wedding Photographer

4. Cristina Lima | Cristina Lima Photography | Belo Horizonte, Brazil Wedding Photographer

5. David Wittig | David Wittig Photography | Chicago Wedding Photographer

6. Mark Ridout | Ridout Photography | Toronto Wedding Photographer

7. Jeremy Lucero | Lucero Photography | Fullerton, California Wedding Photographer

8. Michal Warda | WhiteSmoke Studio | Warsaw, Poland Wedding Photographer

9. Lilya Gorlanova | Liliya Gorlanova Photography | Moscow, Russia Wedding Photographer

10. Abby Rosenbaum | Abby Rose Photo | Ann Arbor, Michigan Wedding Photographer

11. Fer Juaristi | ferjuaristi photographer | Monterrey, Mexico Wedding Photographer

12. Sergio | Sergio Photographer | Tucson, Arizona Wedding Photographer

13. Mark Ridout | Ridout Photography | Toronto Wedding Photographer

14. Benjamin Young III | Benjamin Young III Photography | Davao, Philippines Wedding Photographer

15. F.C. Wong | F.C. Wong Photography | San Francisco Wedding Photographer

16. Jose Luis Guardia | Xpression International | Granada, Spain Wedding Photographer

17. Vagelis Giotopoulos | Giotopoulos | Preveza, Greece Wedding Photographer

18. Fer Juaristi | ferjuaristi photographer | Monterrey, Mexico Wedding Photographer

19. Lilya Gorlanova | Liliya Gorlanova Photography | Moscow, Russia Wedding Photographer

20. Christina Craft | FunkyTown Photography | Vancouver Wedding Photographer

21. Christina Craft | FunkyTown Photography | Vancouver Wedding Photographer

22. Radmila Ladyzhinskaya | Sunflowers Studios Photography | Brooklyn, New York Wedding Photographer

23. Jose Luis Guardia | Xpression International | Granada, Spain Wedding Photographer

24. Carolina Pires | Carolina Pires Fotografia | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Wedding Photographer

25. Morgan Lynn Razi | Morgan Lynn Photography | Houston, Texas Wedding Photographer

26. Debra Simpson | Simpson Photography | Sherborne, UK Wedding Photographer

27. David Murray | David Murray Weddings | Atlanta, Georgia Wedding Photographer

28. Edoardo Agresti | Edoardo Agresti Photographer[s] | Florence, Italy Wedding Photographer

29. Katherine Birkbeck | Katherine Birkbeck Photography | Knoxville, Tennessee Wedding Photographer

30. Erwin Darmali | Apertura – Erwin Darmali | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer

31. Marco Miglianti | Marco Miglianti Photography | Tuscany, Italy Wedding Photographer

32. Ryan Jones | RCJones Photography | Fresno, California Wedding Photographer

33. Aaron Willcox | Aaron Willcox Photography | San Diego Wedding Photographer

34. Ron Storer | Ron Storer Photography | Seattle Wedding Photographer

35. Christobal Perez | Azul Photography | Raleigh, North Carolina Wedding Photographer

36. Emin Kuliyev | Emin Wedding Photography | New York Wedding Photographer

37. Marcin Rusinowski | 5czwartych | 5fourths Documentary Photojournalism | Warsaw, Poland Wedding Photographer

38. Aaron Willcox | Aaron Willcox Photography | San Diego Wedding Photographer

39. Christina Craft | FunkyTown Photography | Vancouver Wedding Photographer

40. Liliya Gorlanova | Liliya Gorlanova Photography | Moscow, Russia Wedding Photographer

41. Monika Wasylewska | Monika + Konrad Wasylewski – Glamour & Documentary | Valais, Switzerland Wedding Photographer

42. Cristina Lima | Cristina Lima Photography | Belo Horizonte, Brazil Wedding Photographer

43. Fernanda Petelinkar | Fernanda e Sharon – Fotografia de Casamento | São Paulo, Brazil Wedding Photographer

44. Marcel Siegle | Marcel & Meher Siegle Photography | San Francisco, California Wedding Photographer

45. Alexandre Borges | AleBorges Fotografia | São Paulo, Brazil Wedding Photographer

46. Marcin Labedzki | B&W Photography | Gdansk, Poland Wedding Photographer

47. Yvonne Zemke | Yvonne Zemke | Düsseldorf, Germany Wedding Photographer

48. Ray Soemarsono | Apertura – Ray Soemarsono | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer

49. Alexandre Borges | AleBorges Fotografia | São Paulo, Brazil Wedding Photographer

50. Scott Juarez | Scott and Tem Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographer

51. Tatiana Garanina | Tatiana Garanina Photography | Moscow, Russia Wedding Photographer

52. Daniel Aguilar | Daniel Aguilar Photographer | Monterrey, Mexico Wedding Photographer

53. Nancy Beale | David Wittig Photography | Chicago, Illinois Wedding Photographer

54. Franco Milani | Franco Milani Photographer | Milan, Italy Wedding Photographer

55. Marco Schwarz | Schwarzbild | Frankfurt Wedding Photographer

56. Doru Halip | The H Photography | Bucharest, Romania Wedding Photographer

57. Edoardo Agresti | Edoardo Agresti Photographer[s] | Florence, Italy Wedding Photographer

58. Melia Sorenson | Lucida Photography | Vancouver, British Columbia Wedding Photographer

59. Astrid Garcia | Astrid and Rene Photography | Naples, Florida Wedding Photographer

60. Ben Godkin | Godkin Photo | Austin, Texas Wedding Photographer

61. Steven Young | STAK Photographer Duo | New York City Wedding Photographer

62. Jenna Shouldice | Jenna & Tristan | Vancouver Wedding Photographer

63. Alessandro Baglioni | Alessandro Baglioni Photographer | Firenze Wedding Photographer

64. Fabricia Soares | Fabricia Soares Fotografia | Rio de Janeiro Wedding Photographer

65. Roland Michels | Roland Michels | Hamburg Wedding Photographer

66. Christophe Viseux | Christophe Wedding Photo | Paris Wedding Photographer

67. Marco Schwarz | schwarzbild | Frankfurt Wedding Photographer

68. Olivia Brown | Olivia Brown | Toronto Wedding Photographer

69. Alexandre Borges | AleBorges Fotografia | São Paulo Wedding Photographer

70. Jeremy Foo | Red Co Photography | Singapore Wedding Photographer

71. Marco Schwarz | schwarzbild | Frankfurt Wedding Photographer

72. Igor Pavlov | Pavlov Studios | Kanata, Ontario Wedding Photographer

73. Liliya Gorlanova | Liliya Gorlanova | Moscow Wedding Photographer

74. Marco Schwarz | schwarzbild | Frankfurt Wedding Photographer

75. Yannic Schon | Paul liebt Paula | Berlin Wedding Photographer

76. Pablo López Ortiz | Pablo López Ortiz | Toledo, Spain Wedding Photographer

77. Jason Kaczorowski | Jason Kaczorowski Photography | Chicago Wedding Photographer

78. Julio Vasconcelos | Julio Vasconcelos – Studio Fotográfico | João Pessoa Wedding Photographer

79. Juliana Pessoa | Juliana Pessoa Photography | Rio de Janeiro Wedding Photographer

80. David Josue | David Josue Photoboutique | Monterrey Wedding Photographer

Have a favorite image? Be sure to leave a comment below!

View all of the ISPWP Wedding Contest Results
Find an ISPWP Member Photographer in your area
If you meet the ISPWP Membership Requirements you may apply for membership

We like Uncle Bob. We really do. He’s a great guy and everyone loves being around him. He tells great jokes and can even do a few magic tricks at parties. He’s the guy we all look forward to seeing at Thanksgiving.

Uncle Bob rocks.

But what do you say if he offers to photograph your wedding?

It sounds pretty good. He has a really expensive camera, and he says that he won’t even charge you. It will be his wedding present!

Awesome. It sounds too good to be true! And it’s totally understandable to consider it. After all, who wouldn’t like to shave a few thousand dollars off their wedding budget?

However…

The problem with this scenario is that many clients have the same expectations of Uncle Bob as they do with the professional images they see in the wedding magazines. After all, anybody can be a photographer, right? And if that’s true, why not save the money and put it towards something else?

It’s true that anyone can press a shutter, but it’s a wholly different thing to have them deliver professional quality images at a wedding. Wedding photographer is considered by many to be one of the most difficult, challenging, and high-pressure photography jobs. You have to be master of multiple photography disciplines, and you have no luxury of a re-shoot if things don’t turn out.

So what are the REAL differences between Uncle Bob and a professional? Why should you have much lower expectations from hiring Uncle Bob? What advantages does a professional have?

We decided to outline, in a lighthearted way, the differences between what to expect from Uncle Bob vs. a professional wedding photographer:

ISPWP Member Comments

It’s always sad to receive emails like this: “I’m not really sure why I’m contacting you as it all seems a little late now. You may remember that Rob and I came to see you as a possible photographer for our wedding, but decided to let a family friend have a go in order to save a little money. I’m sorry to say that this was a huge mistake and we deeply regret our decision but fear that there is nothing we can do. Is there anything you could do for us in terms of rescuing our wedding photos?”
London UK Wedding Photographer Martin Hill

How long has the photographer been in business? Experience is really important on the day of the wedding. Knowing how to deal with difficult situations is a real plus for you.
Bloomington, Illinois Wedding Photographer Mark Romine

There are NO re-dos in wedding photography. None. Despite the percieved ease of digital photography, there is no margin for error when shooting a wedding. You have to anticipate moments over and over in uncontrolled lighting situations. You cannot recreate moments after the fact. You have to be alert and react and know your gear inside and out. Uncle Bob? He’s a nice guy with a good camera, but he’s not a professional photographer. Anyone can buy the most expensive cookware available, that doesn’t make them a Top Chef.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Wedding Photographer Kimberley Anderson

They say it takes 10,000 hours of doing something before you become world-class. If an average wedding is ten hours, that’s 1,000 weddings. Perhaps not many of us have photographed 1,000 weddings, but no matter how many, I’m pretty sure Uncle Bob lags way behind.
New York Wedding Photographer G.E. Masana

Based on his/her experience a professional can handle unexpected situations and can give the couple advice prior to their wedding day regarding timetable, recommended family groups, etc. Uncle Bob (if he’s a friend or relative) isn’t very objective. An “outsider” is able to capture the day in the best objective way. A professional photographer can interact with everybody – from the small child to grandparents – often sensibility is required.
Düsseldorf, Germany Wedding Photographer Yvonne Zemke

Today’s top-notch wedding photographer has to be well-versed in almost every aspect of photography. For the professional wedding photographer, there are no do-overs. No weather-related delays. No reshoots. No reschedules. You have to know everything and be everything, and have it all in the bag by midnight, when everyone turns back into pumpkins. Period.
Portland, Oregon Wedding Photographer Fritz Liedtke

I’ve heard two stories this past week of brides scrambling to find last minute photographers with their weddings just weeks away. Why? Because they hired non-professional photographers who decided at the last minute they had better things to do that shoot their weddings. Professional photographers have contracts and agreements that protect BOTH parties. You are assured your photographer will actually show up for your wedding and not decide that because it’s a sunny weekend, they’d rather be hanging with their friends at a backyard BBQ drinking beers.
Portland, Oregon Wedding Photographer Randy Kepple

Other Sources

Here are a few other great resources that discuss the risks of hiring a non-professional.

The Offbeat Bride blog article that covers “What I Regret From My Wedding”
“…So, while I’d do a few aesthetic things differently if I was planning a wedding today, there’s nothing I’d go back and change … with one exception: I’d invest half our wedding budget in photography….Photography was about 10% of our $5k budget, and if I had it all to do over again, I’d make it half. That’s my only regret.”

The Every Last Detail blog article: “I Took the Cheap Photographer Route”
“…I made a mistake that I hope to prevent other brides from making. I took the cheap photographer route. I attribute this to the fact that when I was planning my wedding, I had no clue. The only resources I used were The Knot and Brides.com, because that’s all I knew about…Needless to say, I’m still pretty heartbroken about my lack of knowledge when I chose my photographer. Now that I look at amazing work from photographers every day, I know that my photos could have been so much better.”

The Seattle Bride article: “Pros of Hiring a Pro”
This is one of my favorite articles because the author is an advanced amateur photographer who tags along with Joey Hong of John & Joseph Photography (an ISPWP member) and finds out first hand the difference a true professional makes.
“…when those spontaneous moments that are here and gone in the blink of an eye happened, Joey caught them with lightning speed, while I lost many of them to improper focus or exposure.”

If you have your own comments on hiring Uncle Bob, be sure to leave them in the comments!

Today’s guest article is from Christina Craft of FunkyTown Photography, a Vancouver Wedding Photographer and ISPWP member.

A destination wedding can be both the easiest and most difficult way to have a wedding. It’s easy because you and your guests get to leave town and celebrate while on vacation. It’s difficult because you’re organizing everything from a distance, including hiring a photographer. That’s why it can be daunting to find the right fit for your wedding.

I travel almost every month for destination weddings in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. I’ve seen lots of people have weddings that were perfect for them and their guests… and I’ve also seen a lot of frustration from couples when things don’t go as planned. With this in mind, I created this handy guide to help you have the most fabulous destination wedding photographs ever.

Shauna & Craig had a post-wedding shoot in Soufriere St. Lucia

Check to make sure you can hire an out-of-town/country destination wedding photographer

Some places require your photographer to have a permit while others are more relaxed. Mexico, for instance, doesn’t require a permit for out-of-country photographers if they are only photographing one event and are staying in the country for only a few days. Turks & Caicos, on the other hand, has strict rules and require photographers to have a $500 permit to work in the country and the permit can take up to four months to obtain.

Unfortunately, even in countries where it’s easy for your photographer to obtain a permit, a handful of venues may not allow outsiders, or they will charge you an extra fee if you bring your own photographer. I know of one larger resort franchise in particular that won’t permit any outside photographers whatsoever. That’s because they have a staff photographer who will photograph your wedding for “free” (and then they simply increase your package and hope you will buy lots of prints).

I once had someone book me for a smaller private resort and, even though I had permission to work in the country, the venue had a strict policy that outside photographers are not allowed (I then had to decline the job). The client was upset that she had already paid her retainer with the venue only to find out that she didn’t have any control over her wedding details. They told me that photography was the most important part of their wedding day but they were locked into only being able to choose the resort photographer.

That’s why it’s a good idea to ask your wedding coordinator about policies for hiring outside vendors (photographers, videographers, decorators, etc.) before you pay a retainer or sign a contract.

Don’t be afraid to venture away from the resort to get some local scenes in your pictures (like Keisha & Garett did in the Barbados)

Find a photographer who is a good fit for you

While it’s important to find a destination wedding photographer who has a style that appeals to you it is equally important that they are a good fit with you and your guests. If your photographer doesn’t live in your city see if you can meet with them over Skype. After all, they will be spending a large part of your wedding day with you! Finding someone who matches your temperament means you’ll have a better time and mostly likely better results.

I took this photo about 10 minutes before guests began to arrive. The sunbathers stayed in their deck chairs throughout the ceremony. Some beach-goers also paused to watch.

Find out whether your ceremony site is truly private

Ask your wedding coordinator if you can see photos of the ceremony site from all angles. Some marketing brochures will make a venue look private and secluded, then you find out that your wedding is on a public a beach with thousands of people in their bathing suits, watching every moment of your ceremony.

This beach is in Haida Gwaii and the tide only splashes like this at very specific times of the day. We planned our photo shoot to ensure we were at Naikoon Park to get a photo with the splash.

Pick the right time of year for your particular location

Don’t forget that it is the rainy season from June to September in many Caribbean and Central American destinations. Some people will tell you “it only rains for a few hours – no big deal” but, unfortunately, some of those rains lead to flash flooding, heavy winds, and other elements that can ruin your wedding. If you’re getting married during the rainy season make sure your venue has a walled and roofed (real walls, not just canvas walls) indoor location in case of heavy winds or flooding.

Shelise brought her own hair and makeup artist from Chicago to the Turks & Caicos. Her preparations went perfectly.

Request extra time for hair and makeup

While I’ve worked with some phenomenal stylists at destination weddings (people who know exactly how to interpret your look and can work efficiently), I’ve also seen situations where the clients weren’t happy and asked for hair or makeup to be re-done. This usually results in styling taking longer than estimated – sometimes by a couple of hours.

It’s a great idea to have a trial hair and makeup done before the wedding day and to pad in at least an extra hour of time so if things run over it won’t make everything else late. The best case scenario is that you are ready early and get to have more pictures taken while your makeup and hair is fresh.

If you time your portrait session for sunset you’ll have the best light of the day (even if it’s overcast)

Have a plan in case your dress gets wrinkled

Ask your airline if they will allow you to hang your dress on the plane. If your dress gets squished it may cause wrinkles. Steamers are an excellent investment or ask your resort if they have one (many will have industrial steamers). Have your dress steamed at least one day before the wedding so you’re not worrying about it on the date itself. It’s unfortunately not always possible to take out the wrinkles with Photoshop.

Nikki Beach Resort, Turks & Caicos – Perfect sunset lighting for the wedding portraits

Schedule the timing of your ceremony and portraits

Many tropical destinations are closer to the equator and have shorter days with the sun setting at 6 p.m. in January and 6:30 p.m. in June. Most coordinators will suggest getting married at around 4 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. if the sun is setting at 6:30 and this is great advice.

A late afternoon ceremony is win-win for you and the photographer. It’s a win for you because it’s not as hot and it’s a win for the photographer because the lighting is more dramatic. If your ceremony ends at around 4:45, it allows more than an hour of fantastic light (and cooler temperatures) for pictures.

The Crane Resort Barbados – Consider how late you want your reception to run – after all, the celebration involves guests who have traveled far to be at the wedding.

How late do you want to party?

Every resort is different and some will let you party all night long while others will end the reception at 9:30 p.m. Decide how long you want to celebrate with your out-of-town guests and don’t forget to consider keeping your photographer through the reception to cover everyone enjoying themselves (or hiring them to cover additional events like your rehearsal party).

Casa Santo Domingo in Guatemala – The lighting adds a lot of drama to the room

Confirm the reception lighting styles

Ask your DJ or wedding coordinator if you’ll have special lighting (strobes, disco lights, spot light, etc.) for the reception. Lighting is one of the best ways to give your party some extra drama – and you’ll see that extra visual drama in the photos.

Maria had her bridal session at the 16th Century ruins of the Capuchinas Monestary. I researched ahead of time to ensure we would be permitted to take photos at the heritage site.

If you want to visit other locations for photos, make sure photography is allowed

One of the best things about a destination wedding is that you’re in a location that’s vastly different from home. Consider booking time with your photographer to visit sites away from the resort so you get lots of variety. If you do decide to leave the resort, work with your photographer to come up with a plan and make sure you have permission before you spend the time and money on transportation.

Many UNESCO heritage sites (the Maya ruins in Mexico and Belize, for instance) will not permit any commercial or wedding photography at the ruins. Some locations are private and you may need to pay a fee to have photos taken. On the other hand, I photographed a bridal portrait in 16th century monastery by simply paying $3 each for admission. I checked out the location in advance and made sure we were allowed to take photos at the location before I brought my client spent the time, effort and money on the trip (wearing her full wedding attire).

Melia Santa Maria Cuba – Some couples like to hire photographers for an extra day to do a trash the dress session or post-wedding portraits

If you are at the location for a few days, have an additional photo shoot

Oftentimes couples will stay at the resort for an extended time. If you’re not flying off right away, consider hiring your photographer for a day-after or post-wedding shoot. After all, how often will you be in an exotic location with beautiful settings and landscapes while wearing a wedding gown? Take advantage of the time for some truly once-in-a-lifetime images.

Cabo Real – Cabo San Lucas , Mexico – Consider booking your photographer for night-time portraits if your resort has interesting lighting.

Make time for night photos

If your resort has spectacular lighting at night it might be worth scheduling extra time with your photographer for additional night-time portraits. If your reception ends at a reasonable hour you can always take extra pictures while you’re walking back to your room.

Enjoy your destination wedding!

Wedding Photographer Contact Information:
Christina Craft, Vancouver Wedding Photographer
Website: FunkyTown Photography | Email: info@funkytownphotography.com | Phone: (250) 475-9268

Check out the ISPWP Wedding Photographer Directory for photographers serving your area.

When you’re posing for photos, whether they’re at your wedding or your engagement shoot, there are a number of traditional, not-to-be-missed shots. Maybe it’s your groom dipping you in front of an area landmark, or a sweeping vista from the roof, featuring the newlyweds. But lots of couples get those kinds of shots. Take a second look at the area where you’re doing the shoot, and you might find some gems that will make your photos stand out from the brides that have gone before. Here are our suggestions for the top photo spots you never thought of before.

1. The escalator, elevator and other forms of transportation
Is there a more perfect ending to a wedding album than a bride and groom’s kiss captured as the elevator doors slide closed? How about the newly engaged couple traveling on separate up/down elevators, shot at just the moment where they come together? Check out these taken-for-granted people movers to see if they’re photo-worthy. Bonus points if it’s antique, ornate or otherwise just a little fancier than your typical closing elevator doors.

Kristen in the elevator minutes before her ceremony.

Amanda and George leaving Providence Convention Center at the end of their New Years Eve wedding.

Diana and Josh head over to their reception via water taxi in Boston.

2. The fire escape
Many a bride, groom and photographer have sneaked up to the roof to capture a shot or two during an evening reception, but for a new twist on this idea, scope out fire escapes at your venue. (Ask permission from your coordinator first, of course.) Lucky brides will find sweeping panoramas or cityscapes for a memorable portrait.

Sarah and Noah escape to the rooftop of The Lenox hotel in Boston.

3. The city alley
The gritty city feel of a narrow space surrounded by brick and cement against the romanticism of a couple outfitted in a white dress and tux make for a study in contrasts that will provide your album with a twist of something different.

Andrea and Kevin in an alley in Central Square in Cambridge.

The city doesn’t stop for Melissa and Al in the North End of Boston.

Holly and Steve caught in between the signs in Vermont.

4. The playground
If your wedding takes place near a kiddie park, take advantage of the natural props! A groom pushing his bride on a swing is whimsical—and a wink at the playground crushes we all remember.

Kathy and Brian in a playful moment in Cambridge, Mass.

5. The hotel bar
If your venue has a bar or pub, arrange to take a few shots there with your wedding party. Pose toasting to your new marriage or line up the bar stools for a cute take on the traditional bridal party lineup.

Suzanne and Ricardo at the Liberty Hotel Bar.

Melissa and Al people watching from the bar.

6. The mirror
A mirror can catch all sorts of interesting poses, from the bride approaching the groom for his first look to a pensive moment captured by a photographer where no one realizes there was a camera around. Scout out any mirrors where your shoot is taking place and let your photographer know.

Faith and Arin sneak away before their reception begins.

Amy and Robert in a moment at the Lyman Estate in Waltham.

7. Hidden spots
Every venue has its hidden spots. To capitalize on yours, spend some time exploring the area and keep an open mind about what might work. Ask your coordinator to recommend her favorite photo spots. She’s seen it all, so she’ll know what works and what doesn’t. And remember, get creative, but don’t get crazy! You don’t want to be trekking through mud in your dress or wind up with a sprained ankle from climbing a tree pre-ceremony. For some of our most creative shots, visit our blog.

Wedding Photographer Contact Information:

Glen Cooper, Boston Wedding Photographer
Website: Decisive Moments Photojournalists | Email: info@dmpj.com | Phone: (617)869-5000

Check out the ISPWP Wedding Photographer Directory for photographers serving your area.

Wedding Photojournalism – It’s a Long Story

Wedding photography is a tricky business. It is virtually unique among the various services which make up the wedding industry insofar as it is, on the one hand, arguably the most important service which a couple will engage, and on the other, the one service about which clients may understand relatively little.

I stress the importance of photography as a service for fairly pragmatic reasons; after all, flowers do die, cakes and meals do get eaten, even the more enduring dress will usually be worn once and once only; and all the attendant experiences – fun, romantic, emotional, beautiful – all are ephemeral and all, apart from what remains in the human mind as memory, will simply vanish unless, of course, you have the photographs.

With regards to the second point about a client’s knowledge of photography, this is a slightly more complex matter, particularly in today’s rapidly changing industry and the attendant shifts in expectations. Put simply however, photography is once again unique since it is the only service which is pretty much sold to a client on the minimum of pre-knowledge and the maximum level of faith. I’m not suggesting for one minute that the majority of clients are at all ignorant of the impact and varying aesthetics of photography, but it does remain, unfortunately and quite often disappointingly, the one service which requires the most salesmanship and negotiation, where in fact it would be better for everyone if it required none at all. After all, and without wishing to appear too stereotypical, choosing a dress is a task with which a bride will be familiar, confident and comfortable.

The same goes, to a certain extent, for flowers, cakes, venues, Djs or bands, in fact most if not all of the other services involved in the wedding industry. Furthermore, a wedding client is not choosing from examples of a product but with the actual, more or less physical product itself. It is these levels of combined experience and confidence and hands-on prejudgment of a product which makes these services relatively straightforward to choose. But wedding photography, as I have already suggested, is very different.

But it was not always so, and in a sense it is this shift in trends and expectations that lies at the heart of the issues we face today. The explosion in exponents and popularity of so-called photojournalism and reportage wedding photography has dramatically and irreversibly rattled the cage of photographic practice and client expectations. Unfortunately for many, however, this has not led to an attendant explosion of true understanding and appreciation of what photojournalism and reportage actually mean or involve. The point here, perhaps, is that a client will always give themselves a better chance of satisfaction, if not delight, if they are informed and very clear in their own minds about what they actually want and expect from a service.

The obvious stumbling block here, as already suggested, is that in most other cases (apart from photography) this information and clarity of thought has already been firmly established through the simple everyday exigencies and pleasures of human experience (choosing clothes, tastes in music, food and location being the main players in this context). Photography, and photojournalism in particular, is not an area of experience in which many clients will normally have had such experience, knowledge and, by extension, confidence to make a successful, well-informed choice. Wedding photography is thus, for many clients, a fairly loose, abstract set of ideas and expectations informed by little more than a select set of images – it is, in short, a construct.

The answer to this issue, if there is one, is twofold, and the responsibility rests largely at the feet of the client. Firstly, it is up to the clients to really stop and consider just what part and importance photography really plays in their event. The tendency may be to simply consider it as just another service, another box to be ticked and another part of the budget to be successfully negotiated. And for some this is indeed, and quite reasonably, the case. But for those who desire a true, enduring and meaningful record of an event, which in many respects is the raison d’etre of the entire photographic enterprise in the first place, then they have to look way, way beyond the ticking of (quite often) media controlled boxes and penny counting.

Of course budget is a factor for most of us but photography, for reasons already indicated, ought to be at the top of the client’s priorities, not languishing around the bottom, which in terms of relative expense, it nearly always is. And this makes it all the more crucial for a client to make the correct decision which can only really be done if they develop their own understanding and appreciation of photojournalism, and not just photojournalism in the context of weddings but photojournalism as a free standing enterprise; in just the same way that a bride may have developed an instinctive feel for material and a deep understanding of what designs, colours and even bespoke alterations will help her choice in the perfect garment for a specific event, so wedding clients need, in my opinion at least, to take time out to research and develop an appreciation of photojournalistic photography.

For photography is a creative medium like any other and just as fashion and gourmet cooking has its shining stars, so does photojournalism, and clients, if they are to take control of the decision which they make, should familiarise themselves and develop personal opinions about these icons of photojournalism, past and present, in just the same way that they are familiar with and have tastes, preferences and opinions about the exponents of all the other trades and services which will play a part in their wedding.

In the end, it is all about developing your own construct – your own personal set of ideas, preferences and opinions – rather than having one sold to you. For me, as a photojoiurnalist, the ‘perfect’ photograph, if there is such a thing, will include a little of the impeccable composition and artistry of Cartier-Bresson, with a dash of the aggression and spontaneity of Ben Shan and Robert Capa, but always with that narrative – at any level, oblique or overt – which is integral to the very word and practice of true photojournalism.

And this is a crucial point, for photojournalsim is not about randomly tilting one’s camera at a 45 degree angle when there is, apparantly, absolutely no reason for doing so, or any of the other devices which have unfortunately, become such misleading markers for this style of photography. No. Photojournalism is precisley what the word imples – a photographic journal, both in terms of having a chronological set of images about a specific event, but more importantly perhaps, implying or suggesting a narrative within the image itself.

Wedding photography should, and very often does (depending on the photographer of course) lend itself perfectly to genuine photojournalism. It is, after all, an event packed with emotional charge, local culture as defined by tradition and ritual, a showcase of sartorial elegance, imagination and, hopefully, extravagance and, of course, includes a very large splash of adults and kids simply doing what they do. A wedding, in short, is a true photojournalist’s dream, and that should be reflected in the photography.

Having made all these comments and observations about photojournalism and how it relates to successful wedding photography I should, perhaps, end with another piece of solid, accessible advice, and that is; whenever you begin to think about choosing a wedding photographer, if indeed true photojournalism is the stye which you are after, and also given that you have done enough ‘extra-curricular’ research to develop an understanding and appreciation – preferences even – of what photojournalism actually means, then you should always insist on being shown an entire wedding.

It may sound excrutiating to sit through someone else’s event but it is a necessary discomfort, for this is really the only way that one can gauge the true competence and consistent commitment of any photogapher who calls themselves a photojournalist. After all, any photographer, quite reasonably, will showcase their best and most exciting work on their websites, but glorious as many of these images may be they do not, quite literally, tell the whole story. For while it may be great to have a selection of spectacular images, this does not necessarily mean that they will be particularly enduring. A good photographer may supply a mixture of the two. A great photojournalist will have the commitment, skill and passion for his craft to at least try and pull off the combination every time.

So do look at whole weddings, for this is the only way that you can make any sort of decision about whether or not the photographer is at all proficient in the product which he or she is trying to sell to you being an enduring, meaningful and, above all, true photo story of your day. After all, a wedding is not a fashion shoot or a passport photo booth; it is a whirlwind of fun, tears, laughter, romance and many other of the warmer, more noble and endearing human responses and emotions all packed into a few short, ephemeral hours of your life. So what if the cake was a bit over-sugared or the band had an off night or the bouquet didn’t match your dress; these, again, are ephemeral irrelevances that will rapidly fade into nothing.

But the only way one can ensure that the overall memories of the day do not also vanish into thin air is through consistent, committed and authentic photojournalism. And it’s up to the client to discover precisely what this is.

Wedding Photographer Contact Information:

Jason Pierce-Williams, AJ Williams Photography, London, UK Wedding Photographer

Website: AJ Williams Photography | Email: info@ajwilliamsphotography.co.uk | Phone: 07723306565

Looking for the best wedding photography for your wedding? Check out the ISPWP Wedding Photographer Directory for photographers serving your area.

There’s no shortage of advice online that give you the questions you need to ask your wedding photographer. Many of these types of articles give good advice on what to ask at a formal consultation, but not many are specific to what to ask at a bridal show.

Bridal shows can be loud, chaotic, rushed, and provide sensory and information overload so you may not have time for a long interview with each photographer. You might leave the show with your head spinning with no progress to show for hiring your wedding vendors. Don’t let that happen!

Here’s how to get the most out of your time at the Bridal Show when looking for a wedding photographer:

Do Your Research Before You Go
Search through online wedding photographer directories to check out some photographers in your area before you go to the show. Of course not all photographers attend bridal shows, but it will give you some idea of who’s in your area, and if they happen to be at the show then you’ll already be familiar with their work.

Get a feel for the different kinds of photography styles by viewing a number of galleries. You may also get some ideas of price ranges and packages, but not all photographers provide complete details on their website.

Stop and Talk
You can easily scan through many photographers’ websites, but what you can’t do online is spend time talking with each one face-to-face. Take advantage of that at the bridal show. Don’t just run by each booth and pick up a brochure and business card and scurry off to the next booth, hoping to evaluate all of your options later.

If you’re interested in a photographer take the time to talk to them. They certainly would love to talk with you! Get a feeling for their personality and how compatible you think they would be with your family and friends.

Getting to know the photographer’s personality and communication style is important because he/she will be with you and your family for most of your wedding day.

Ask About Pricing Details
Look at their brochure or price list. Is it easy to understand or does it resemble a calculus exam? Some photographers may assume you know certain terminology such as “Flush Albums” or “RAW Files.” Have them explain any items that are unclear to you.

Ask detailed questions about their packages, services, and products so you know exactly what they are providing and at what cost. Without a clear understanding of what’s included in the various packages it will be hard to compare one photographer to another when you return home.

Look At Complete Wedding Samples
Are they showing a portfolio of only their best shots from a few weddings? Experienced and reputable photographers will usually have a number of complete wedding albums that the would be proud to show.

Ask to see complete wedding albums so you can see how they photographed the whole wedding from start to finish. See if you like how they photographed the getting ready time before the wedding, the ceremony, the formals and portraits, AND the reception.

Many of our ISPWP members agree:
“This is important because it can let you see what kind of coverage to expect.  Portfolios and blog posts only show the best of the best and are often not a good representation of what to expect from an entire event.” Mike Peyzner | Choco Studio | San Francisco, California

“Ask to see a whole wedding – including ceremony and formals – from start to finish. Not just the album  and not just the blog images. Any weekend warrior can shoot and make 10 killer images for their blog. But it’s the coverage of a whole wedding that makes the difference between ‘Uncle Bob’ and a professional photographer.” John Lyons Weddings | Windsor, Ontario

“Hire a photographer you trust, who will show you an entire wedding and not just a few dozen of “best photos” from each wedding. Look at all the images to get an idea of the level of expertise and talent.” Marcin Rusinowski | 5fourths | Poland

Make Notes
Chances are you’ll return home from the bridal show with a bag full of brochures, business cards, pricing sheets and it might be hard to remember particular photographers. As you leave each booth jot down a few brief notes about the photographer while things are still fresh in your mind.

For example your notes could be as simple as this: Rachel Smith, Smith Photography, beautiful pictures, in budget, easy to talk to, loves doing bride and groom portraits, will do engagement pictures, has shot weddings at our venue, etc.

One of our ISPWP members, Richard Esposito, covers a lot of these points on a TV interview he did recently. See the whole video.
Richard Esposito | Photographer RE | New Haven, Connecticut

Have fun at the bridal shows! And if you’re looking to do some preliminary research before you go, check out the ISPWP Wedding Photographer Directory for the best wedding photographers in your area.

Have other tips for getting the most out of bridal shows?
Post your ideas in the comments. I’d love to hear from photographers who attend a lot of bridal shows and brides who have survived bridal shows!