Help finding a wedding photographer in Chicago
Wedding photography can be seen on hundreds of wedding blogs popping up. Beautiful wedding dresses, pretty little details, fabulous wedding bouquets, well coordinated DIY and Etsy decorations, styled shoots… Many wedding blogs focus on sharing wedding photos for inspiration and ideas. Undoubtedly, they are a great resource for newly engaged couples. As pretty as someone else’s wedding may be, it is important to be sure the photography you are actually looking at captures real moments, in a truly documentary style. Many of the shoots on these up and coming wedding blogs are staged, outdoors under bright lighting. More often than not, your wedding will take place in a reception room with dimmer lighting to create an intimate, memorable atmosphere. You want to be sure your wedding photographer has real experience shooting in these type of situations. I have weddings under a night sky, under reflective glass, and in churches where flash is not permitted even in the evening. Passing on photos without grain or distorted pixels is a priority, and I attained that skill training for four years without using a flash.
Photography is a lot more than just having a fancy camera or snapping a ton of photos. As a wedding photographer, I learned right away that I must not only be well versed in the technical side of the wedding photography, but must also be artistic and creative. Having a great camera and the technical skills to go along with it allows me to capture properly exposed, well lit images regardless of the lighting situation. On the other side, having top creative skills will allow your photographer to capture each shot with an artistic vision, making sure that the shots are not just photos, but artistic imagery. Just as important as their technical knowledge and creativity is the wedding photographers interpersonal skills. When you speak with your photographer, you will know pretty quickly if their personality will work for you.
Aside from technique, creativity, and personality, your wedding photographer should be experienced. The best wedding photographers will be able to handle tricky situations, lighting challenges, and be able to think quickly on their feet in what to do during inclement weather. Working with fussy children, churches with lighting restrictions, and under tight time restrictions is something an experienced wedding photographer can handle.
When looking for a photographer, it is often challenging to see past all the products each photographer is promising. Ultimately, you want to stay focused on the quality of the work provided. Many of those planning a wedding are working within a budget. You can always purchase an album, or additional prints later, but you can’t change the quality of the photographs taken at the wedding once it has passed.
As a wedding photojournalist, I always tell my clients if there is something you need to cut from your wedding photography package to make it affordable, start with the products. Cut the prints from the package or remove the album. Hiring a cheaper photographer because they are promising to give you all the products you want up front could leave you disappointed in the end. Putting an experienced documentary style wedding photojournalism at the top of your list will give you the best artistic storytelling images. The most effective way of getting an idea of whether or not a wedding photographer is actually a wedding photojournalist is to take a look at their portfolio or a real wedding on their blog.
The top things I pride myself in as a wedding photojournalist with over ten years experience are:
- Having the experience and ability to quickly adjust my camera
- settings based on different lighting scenes.
- Having the knowledge of how my camera interprets and reads light. This helps me compensate for under or over exposure.
- Relying on my experience rather than the camera’s readings.
- Being prepared for each situation with a secondary camera prepped with a different type of lens.
- Having my necessary equipment and accessories nearby at all times.
- Having expertise in creatively shooting moments that I only have one chance to capture.
- Anticipating angles and approaches to each scene. Experience has taught me what angles to shoot is something and where to stand.
- Arriving at each shoot with energy and break only during non-crucial moments of the day.
- Understanding light. I studied light and lighting and have shot in every possible lighting situation. I prefer to use as much natural light as possible,
- but supplement with flash as needed.
