Helpful Wedding Hints We have compiled this section to offer some answers to questions many brides have regarding photography for their wedding. If you have any questions please take the time to call us at: 513/561-3555. Ala Carte versus Packages As you talk to various photographers regarding your wedding you will see that there are several different ways that wedding coverages are priced. The two most popular are either Ala Carte or Packages and both hold advantages and disadvantages for a couple depending on their needs. Ala Carte pricing appears to be beneficial on the surface but once you throughly research this type of pricing you’ll soon realize that you will end up spending more money. Generally having the ability to pick and choose as you wish will cost you more. As an example of this the next time you go to your favorite drive-thru check the total price for that burger, fries and drink individually versus the value meal. You will probably pay more. Wedding Packages are like a “value meal”, you’ll get all the services you will need but at a lesser cost. Packaging will give you a base from which to chose from but will allow you to add various other items if needed. Thus you will be saving money because the initial package will save you money. Beware Of The Cheap Photojournalist There are several very good photojournalists in the Cincinnati area and their prices generally start well over $2500 and some have minimums in the $4000 to $6000 range. These photographers are very good and have been classically trained in lighting and posing. They have those extended those skills to the more “candid” style of photographing weddings. However there are “cheap” photojournalists popping up. They are new, have very little or no training in professional photography and their work resembles Uncle John’s snapshots. If the photographer is charging less than $1700 and giving you all your images on a DVD or CD, the images will be mediocre. They are using “auto everything” type consumer digital cameras. Since the camera is an “auto everything” camera, the camera decides what your wedding photography will look like, NOT the photographer. If you plan on hiring one of these types of photographers, I would strongly suggest that you purchase the same camera that he is using (usually in the $1000 range) and loan it to Uncle John. The quality will be as good and YOU GET TO KEEP THE CAMERA!! Since the “auto everything” camera is making all the decisions, it doesn’t matter who the operator is. Still Photographers and Videographer Relationships Imagine if you hired two caterers or two cake bakers or two disc jockeys and instructed them to share the same space at the same time while providing the best service they have to offer. Can you imagine the chaos!!?? This is the dynamic between a still photographer and a videographer. Photographers and videographers are trying to get the same shot usually from the same angle. This can lead to many problems unless they work well together. Recently there have been many photographers that will not work with certain videographers. Make sure that your videographer will co-operate with your photographer. It is best to check with your photographer BEFORE you hire a videographer, to find out if they can work together at your wedding. Never hire a part-time wedding photographer You can only re-live these great memories through your wedding photography. Your wedding photographs actually grow in value to you and your children as the years pass. With photography, you will get what you pay for. Cheap photography means very low quality images. Full time studios invest a lot of time and money in making sure that they have the latest technology and training. Never trust your once-in-a-lifetime photography Will the photographer use double lighting? The photographer should use two or three lights for the alter groups and your receptions. The difference is tremendous; the volume of light and the angle of multiple lighting creates an image that is not possible with one “small” flash mounted to the camera. It is the only way to capture the true color and contrast that makes your wedding images three dimensional!! Photographer should carry back-up equipment Cameras can malfunction, therefore, the photographer should carry several cameras, lenses, and flashes. If the photographer has backup equipment and something should malfunction, your photography coverage will not suffer. Your photography is a significant part of your wedding day. Without creative photographs, you will not be able to see all the emotions and feelings of your wedding day and that's where we come in. At Ron Carroll Designer Portrait Images, we believe in not just taking pictures but creating photographs that capture all those special feelings of your wedding day. Whether it's traditional, classical, or candid, we can capture your wedding as no other photographer can. For over 30 years, we have been providing discriminating couples with the best in wedding photography. We have won numerous local, state, national and international awards for our expertise in fine wedding photography. And, we have provided thousands of brides and grooms timeless memories of their wedding day. For current prices and specials, please contact the studio at: 513/561-3555 or complete the information form here on our website. We are more than happy to discuss our coverages with you. |