Wedding Photography Contract
If there is ever a day that a photograph needs to be perfect, it definitely is your wedding day. A majority of both brides and grooms want a degree of professionalism, thus ensuring a quality that will represent one of the most important days of their life. However this standard is not always qaruanteed. Just because a photographer is listed at the right price and has a business that stems back decades, does not mean he/she is the right person for the job.
A couple administrative details that you should not only be aware of, but should explore is the contract and disclaimer. The contract should represent every aspect of your wedding photographic package. Inclusions in the contract;
* The size and the number of photos to be received
* The additional cost should you want more pictures
* How many hours the will be spent doing photography on your wedding day
* How long it will take to deliver the wedding photo proof album after the wedding
* Who keeps the negatives and for how long
Look for extra fees and ask your photographer the total sum of expenses at the end of the day. Just because they show you a picture with an impressive frame around it does not mean it is inclusive. Ask questions.
A Photographers disclaimer usually states that they are not responsible for photographs that do not come out due to equipment failure, which is not their fault. Unless otherwise specified, it is usually understood that any and all rights to proofs, final or sample prints, thereof shall remain the property of the Studio and may be used for advertising, display or any other purpose thought proper by the Photographer. One last but final point on the disclaimer is it should state that if the Photographer cannot perform the agreement in whole or in part due to unforseen cirucumstances, then the photographer will return all fees to the Client(s) but shall have no further liability with respect to the Agreement.
These are just a few points to think about and obviously the photographer or studio you are hiring for your wedding day need to protect their best interests. However, be aware of the fine print.
I have attached a link as a reference point – Contract Reference – for a wedding photographer contract. Please don’t take this contract as a replication of what is required by your selected photographer. Please use only as a guideline of what to expect.
Black and White vrs Colour
After researching many black and white photographic artists, I came across Toni Frissell. Her images although lacking colour are extremely sharp and clear. Her unbelievable technique is apparent in works such as ‘Underwater Model Swimming’. This is a photo of an underwater view of a woman at the Weeki Wachee Spring, Florida, dated January 1, 1947. Her talent to capture clarity at this time was truly amazing.
I truly love this image, it is simple and elegant, yet a little disturbing to me. On one hand it expresses the freedom from the flow of the gown, the uncomplicated surroundings and the stillness and clarity of the water. Yet her body is quite rigid. Her arms right down to her fingers are straight and stiff. Her torso also does not have that floating, relaxed feeling. However this does work so well in this image. The contrast of emotion attracts interest.
Toni Frissell was widely known for her high-fashion photography, but also volunteered to many organisations during WWII. Her shots are inspirational, as her desire to be taken serious and expose a world that fathers, brothers and sons all had to endure on behalf of our freedom.
After my exploration into Toni Frissell and her world of Black and White,Helen sent me an image to add to her wedding page. Now black and white would definitely not do this image justice. The blessing of colour has turned just another scenic wedding shot into a epic tale of romance, passion and intrigue. The unimaginable colours in the sky are exaggerated by the subtle, dull tones of the earth, rock and sea. This picture alone would be an award winner, but for your wedding day ………….. UNBELIEVABLE!!
Helen has a number of different wedding shots of the bride and groom, brides, parents and wedding parties. Her unique ability to capture the feel of an individual through the camera is exceptional. The use of window light and her attention to detail for a single shot far surpasses any ideas I could envisage. Helen transforms traditional, stale shots by using camera techniques, an array of colours as well as implementing her artistic expression. No two shots are the same, each is unique and memorable.
Black and White photographs
portray a whole different perspective. Focus is required from the photographer who takes the shot to the subject who desires the effect this medium brings to the table. Black and White Photography allows the focus to be shifted from technical to emotionally descriptive.
The timeless effect of Black and White Photography allows the photographer to capture the subject in an environment, position or outfit that would normally be drab or lifeless in a colour shot. The simplicity of this medium allows viewers to recognise the important, detailed factors of each subject. Allowing the subject individuality to be captured.
Brides usually ask about or select black and white photos, as it has a classic, romantic softness to it. Once again this timeless feel, encapsulates longevity, which of course every soon to wed or married couple aspires to. Skin tones, harsh light are all mellowed down in black and white images, which of course Brides love as these are the pictures that will last a life time.
Some of the more influential and beautiful moments have been captured in black and white. Indeed, beautiful black and white photography doesn’t attract with its play of colours. Here close attention to composition, lighting, perspective and the context it is shot in are important.
Your wedding is an important milestone, so in order to capture it perfectly, it is imperative that you choose the right photographer. Your photographer documents your journey on your wedding day, so you need to feel comfortable and relaxed with your selected photographer. An important point to remember is that, when the day is over, you will have only memories reflected by these photos.
When choosing a photographer, visit them, look at as many pieces of work as you can. Consider the price, however keep in mind the age old saying,’You get what you pay for’. Any accolades or awards are a great representation of the photographers skill and ability.
Communication with your photographer is essential. If you totally trust your wedding photographer to capture the essence of you as a couple, then it is best to leave the shooting angels and presentation up to your photographers expertise. However in saying this, if you have a style you want to follow e.g. traditional, then definitely let your wedding photographer know so she can customise the wedding photography shoot to suit.
If your worried about the expense of a good photographer, but really have your heart set on a selected wedding photographer, then simply prioritise. List all the aspects of your wedding and minimise in the less important areas, therefore allowing more room to move in the areas that you deem essential. Wedding Photography is usually pretty high on the bride and grooms list, as this is the starting reference in a new chapter of ones life, called Marriage.
Helen McConnell has been a professional photographer shooting weddings and portraits throughout South East Queensland for more than 10 years. Ideally based in Brisbane, Helen is easily able to service the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba, Australia.