Sam & Sarah’s Wedding Series: Photograhy & Videography
One of the biggest anxieties when it comes to your big day is capturing it on film. Whether you choose photography or videography (or both!), making sure your celebration is memorialized exactly the way you've imagined is a difficult endeavor. Luckily, Sam and Sarah are back with a few helpful hints for ensuring the images from your wedding will stand the test of time, and always bring a smile to your face.
1. Will you have a photographer? If so, who and how did you decide?
Sam: Yes, we will most definitely be having a photographer along with a second shooter. To us, this was one of the most important decisions to make because after the wedding is over, all you will have left is your photos (and possibly frozen cake and dried out flowers). This is is the one vendor where I was willing to splurge a bit because I want to have beautiful photos to look back on. I had a few photographers I knew of (through work!) and I contacted a total of about 10. Whilst looking for a venue, I stumbled upon Eyelet Images and fell in love with her style. Her photography is very soft and romantic, but still punchy with the color. I decided to reach out to her for pricing and availability and she was very reasonable -- I expected her to be much more expensive. I immediately got a wonderful feeling from her over our email conversations, and when we met in person, we fell in love with her personality. She's truly just a great gal who is amazing behind the camera.
Sarah: Yes, I have a photographer. My fiance and I looked through different portfolios and websites to find someone who’s photographs really seemed to embody the look and feel we were going for. We ended up going with Robby Cavanaugh, who is a friend as well.
2. Will you have a videographer? If so, who and how did you decide?
Sam: Yes, we will also be having a videographer. This was the easiest and quickest decision to make. Our media gal who puts together our lookbook videos is also my friend, and she had offered to do our videography. I already know her style and have shot videos with her so it was an easy answer -- YES!
Sarah: We have not officially booked our videographer yet, but that is one of the things that is next on the list. We are going to meet with No One Knows whose wedding videography we absolutely love. We want that cinematic feel to our wedding video.
3. Are there are many “must-have” photos on your list?
Sam: Along with all the standard shots, we decided to go with the first look session before the wedding. For many reasons (see here), we just thought it would be more relaxed, more intimate and less intimating than to see each other for the first time at the altar. Plus, I really don't want to cry in front of an audience.
Sarah: We aren't going to do a first look, so capturing that moment walking down the aisle is very important. Our reception venue has beautiful art deco architecture throughout, so we would like that highlighted as well. We both really want candid, non-posed photographs that really capture the emotion of the night.
4. What were the most important questions you asked your photographer?
Sam: I had my list of standard questions for all the photographers, but most importantly, I wanted to make sure that we'd mesh. I wanted to make sure that we would feel comfortable with that person following us around for 10 hours. Some important questions we did ask was if a second shooter was available, what her style of photography was, how she approached weddings - if she liked taking control and posing everyone or being more of a fly on the wall. I also asked how she felt about having a videographer to make sure there wouldn't be any competition for getting the best shots. There's also a lot of great non-traditional questions in this previous post!
Sarah: My fiance and I wanted to know things such as is a second shooter needed, and recommendations as far as day of schedule to ensure that what we want photographed can fit in the timeline.
5. How far in advance should someone book the photographer and videographer?
Sam: Along with the date and venue, the photographer is one of the most important vendors to select. I think as soon as you can, you should start looking and book one that you feel comfortable with as soon as possible.
Sarah: I was told 9-12 months in advance for a photographer and videographer. Our photographer was one of the first things we booked, besides the church and the reception venue. Depending on when you would like to take your engagement photos taken should be factored in as well, in regard to booking a photographer.
Photography and videography are an essential on your wedding day, and we're so happy Sam and Sarah could share their experiences with us! See more of Sarah and Sam's advice leading up to walking down the aisle here!
xo,
Ruche
