Choose your Photographer Wisely

Twenty years from now, you can relive the thrill and excitement you felt on your wedding day, and those special moments you will cherish forever, through the photographs in your Bridal Album. Today’s memories become precious family heirlooms when they are captured and preserved by a caring, professional photographer.

Choosing your Wedding Photographer involves a little work on your part. Take time to check the credentials, which simply means look at their pictures. Anyone you are considering should be eager, not just willing, to show you pictures of other brides. Check for poles, lights, extraneous people, trees and bushes that appear at inappropriate places in the photographs. Look for clarity of focus and good use of light and color. Details are extremely important. In the formal portraits, did the photographer catch members of the Bridal Party with their clothing gapping unattractively? Are the candles reasonably straight? Are they all still lit?

Remember, when you are viewing samples, you are probably looking at the photographer's best work. If the pictures are only mediocre, do not book that photographer. Ask your friends and acquaintances who recently married. You'll probably hear a horror story or two if you check with more than just a few newlyweds. When you have gone to all the trouble and expense required to plan a beautiful wedding, it doesn’t make sense to trust your most valuable memories to anyone but a top notch professional.

Ask about the studio's packages, and how you can get the most for your money. Is your engagement portrait included in the package you are choosing? What about special effects: Is there an extra charge for overlays and misties? Also, be certain you are clear about the payment policy. How much is required to confirm a booking? When is the balance due? Is there a payment plan? You need answers to these questions to assure there is no last-minute misunderstanding. What you don't need is extra stress on your special day.

Choose a plan that allows for economical expansion when it comes time to select specific pictures and place your order. Can your relatives order at the package price? If not, what will their price be? Remember your parents and grandparents, his parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters, and close friends may want to order several pictures. You want those choices available at a reasonable price. Some packages include pictures, or even albums for grandparents. Be sure you know what you are buying.

If you have chosen your photographer wisely, you can be rely on the experience and skill of a real professional. Your wedding album will become one of your most valued family treasures.

c. 1999 Bonnie Luther

Bonnie Luther is owner of Bonnie’s Photography and Video Studio at 1532 W. Yale Avenue in Orange, California. She has been in the business of photographing brides for more than 20 years. She is also owner of the Christian Wedding Planning Center which offers the Everything Package, a new concept in wedding planning.

Each of the photographers at Bonnies Photography and Video Studio delights in the studio's reputation of photographing every wedding as a unique and special event. They treasure their Brides, and provide professional service using the finest equipment and technology. A wide selection of traditional, contemporary and creative styles is provided in the numerous Wedding Album packages available through Bonnie’s Studio. Scenics, Love Lines, Creative Love Portraits, Misties, Fantasies, Candlelights, Song Overlays and Montague photographs are among the list of Bridal favorites.

"We believe a Bride and Groom should be able to enjoy their special day without worrying about their photographer," says Bonnie Luther, owner. "That’s why we have adopted an efficient but pleasant and enjoyable way of photographing at weddings. We like to have our Brides and Grooms enjoy their wedding day."