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Blog - August 2008

20 August 2008 - What to look for when choosing a wedding photographer

Choosing a wedding photographer is not something most of us do every day.  Let’s face it, it’s usually something we have never done before and for most of us that usually means relying on the recommendations of family and friends or searching the web looking for a style that catches your eye.  Even then, what do you ask and what should you expect from the photographer?  It can be a difficult choice not to mention a big gamble.  That’s a lot of money you’re investing in a service that you cannot afford to get wrong. 

Remember unlike a portrait where you cannot go back and re-shoot, there are no re-shoots for a wedding.  But what if you got the inside edge on what to ask and look for in a wedding photographer from an actual wedding photographer?  So we asked a highly respected wedding photographer with over 10 years experience in the business and an active member of some of Australia’s leading wedding photographic associations, Helen McConnell of Helen McConnell Photography to give us some tips.  Here are some of Helen’s suggestions to ask your Photographer before you book them.
 
“Always ask the studio to see sample albums of the actual photographer who will be photographing your wedding.  It is not uncommon for some studios to call in casual contract photographers during busy periods.  Their work may be very different to the sample studio albums shown to you initially.  Always ask to meet the person photographing your wedding.  Remember you will be working with the photographer for most of the day so a good relationship and friendly personality is vital”

“Be clear on what is included in the various photographic packages on offer.  Always get the contents of the selected package clearly detailed in your contract with the studio and have all optional extras clearly listed and priced.  Ask how many photographs will be taken on the Wedding Day and how many of those you will get to choose from.  Ask the studio what are the most common extra costs that are likely to be incurred in their final packages.  Probably two of the most common extra costs couples encounter is extra pages in the album and digital enhancements.  A reasonable amount of digital enhancement should be included as this is what makes a great album a magical one.  Also ask if GST is included in the prices.”

“To photograph a wedding properly you need at least one photographer and an assistant.  Of course to photograph a truly magical day and really capture the different perspectives and angles of your wedding day you need two photographers.  Most good studios will include in their packages two people to photograph your wedding.

“The studio should work out a timeline with you well in advance of the wedding day.  This should include locations, travel times and any special considerations such as access to restricted locations, permits and parking arrangements.  When working out the timelines ensure that adequate time for hair and makeup has been allowed for.    Also make sure you hire a reputable make-up artist who uses high quality products and who also keeps to the arranged time schedule.

Never hire a friend of the family to photograph your Wedding unless they’re a professional wedding photographer.  A friend of yours may take a “great shot” here and there, but you really need a professional photographer who has the experience of shooting weddings and knows what can happen and how to deal with it.  I have heard so many stories over the years from disappointed couples who thought they’d save some money by hiring a friend.  It’s a regret they carry for the rest of their lives. 

And last but not least, RELAX on the day. It will make the world of difference to your photographs.

Catch you next time!

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15 August 2008 - It not just about your makeup on your big day

Choosing the perfect perfume for your wedding day is great fun and there is such a wonderful array of lovely scents to select from. Floral perfumes are a great favourite with brides who love an innocent and romantic feel. A perfume with top notes of rose would be perfect for the bride with a bouquet of roses. For that little extra extravagance, you might like to layer your scent. By using a shower gel, moisturiser, body powder and eau de toilette in your favourite scent, you can be sure you will smell divine all day long!

Catch you next time!

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9 August 2008 - The key to a flawless look on your wedding day is good planning

Stake out the bathrooms or changing facility at your wedding reception venue. Stash an emergency kit including powder to beat down shiny noses, clear nail polish to repair stocking runs, a hairbrush, hairspray, lipstick, and a sewing kit, along with anything else you think you or your bridesmaids might need.

Catch you next time!

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3 August 2008 - How to aviod puffy eyes on your big day

The last thing you want to worry about on your wedding day is waking up to puffy eyes. The great news is, there a number of simple solutions that can refresh and sooth your eyes, ensuring you look absolutely stunning on your wedding day. Here are some of my favourite cures:

  • For extremely puffy eyes, simply put some ice cubes into a sink of cold water and then make a cold compress with a face cloth. It will work every time
  • Another popular option is cucumber slices or cold, green tea or empty teabags. Apply on your eyes for 10 minutes in the evening or in the morning for the best results.
  • Place a gel eye mask in the fridge and use when required.
  • Try soaking two cotton pads in ice cold water.
  • Use a soothing eye cream everyday to help reduce any eye puffiness and to energise your eye area.
  • Place two teaspoons in the freezer and apply directly on your closed eyes.
  • If none of these options are working, you can always try applying a Haemorrhoid cream to the puffy area around the eye. You need to be extremely careful not to get any in your eye.

Catch you next time!

© Hollywood Brides 2009