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Charlie Archambault’s Top Five Things to Consider When Booking A Wedding Photographer:
1. Know the style of photography you are looking for. Do you want traditional, documentary, or crazy-out-of-the-box? Then look for photographers that meet your needs.
2. Do your research. When you meet with the photographer, be sure to look at photos from at least three weddings that he or she has shot. One nice album does not ensure quality or consistency.
3. Ask for references. Be sure to chat with previous clients to be sure the personality of the photographer matches yours. Ask previous brides and grooms about their experience with the photographer. Remember, even though you may love the finished photos you see, the photographer may be ADHD on the job when you want calm, cool, and collected — or he or she may be too mellow for your wild-and-crazy crowd. If their personality doesn’t match your expectations, you aren’t going to feel comfortable on your wedding day.
4. Set a realistic budget. But be flexible. Given this economy, we’re all willing to work for a little less. Be realistic, though; these photos will last a lifetime and you want them to be stellar.
5. Book early. Once you have a photographer in mind and if the photography is important to you, book as early as you can to avoid disappointment. You can change your venue more easily than losing your chosen photographer.
Emily and Jeff: A destination wedding in Maui
During the course of the day, I watch for telling moments between the bride and groom. Emily and Jeff’s beach ceremony had just ended and they were walking away from the guests to be alone for a few minutes. Both were emotional. She gently raised his hand and softly kissed him on his wedding band. These small moments are what make a wedding memorable and as the photographer, I have to find and capture these moments on film.
Samantha
I always start the day with the bride as she prepares for the wedding. The pictures taken with the bride at this time are usually fun and relaxed because she is surrounded by people who love her. It is a very comfortable situation where I can create memorable images. The stylist had just finished Samantha’s hair. She walked over to the mirror to have a look. What I saw in the mirror reminded me slightly of Vermeer’s “The Girl with the Pearl Earring”. I wanted to capture that moment.
Jessica and Adam
After the ceremony, I like to take the new couple away from the crowd to make some nice, intimate portraits. Often, I have to create the ambience by using lighting effects that still look natural. This photo was shot in a basement hallway with a chandelier overhead and mirror lined walls. The ambient light level was poor, so I used a small strobe to create a warm glow on the bride and groom. I used a fast, prime lens that gave me a shallow depth of field to create the romantic effect.
For more information, visit: www.charliearchambaultphoto.com.