Wedding Blog

Today we introduce a new segment here on the Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Planning Blog – Ask a PWG Wedding Pro. Each week, we will select one of our vendors from across the country to answer common questions for brides regarding different aspects of wedding planning.

This week, we caught up with photographer Diana Ard from Absolutely Perfect Pictures in Houston, TX, to hear her perspective on working with couples to ensure they find the perfect wedding photographer and have exceptional wedding photographs.

PWG: Do you tend to create more traditional or photo-journalistic photographs when shooting a wedding? Do clients typically prefer a balance?

APP: Brides do want an even mix of candid and traditional images. When we shoot a wedding we not only have a balance of candid and traditional shots, we add in a great mix of fun and energetic poses as well as a vast array of decorative shots and custom graphics. Brides do want candid as well as posed shots, but where some photographers fail is the balance of close ups as well as over all shots.

Naturally a good wedding photographer knows the need to have shots, like bride entering, ring exchange, cake cutting and toasting as well as the first dance and departure. We make sure to get that, but then we have our favorite shots. Like groom looking through the ring, or groomsmen stopping groom from entering church, bridesmaids assisting bride, “strike a pose” during bridal party formals, bridal party jumping in front of facility, rings within bouquet, the classic dip and many, many more.

PWG: How much time do you typically spend preparing and shooting a wedding?

APP: As a rule we visit the facility prior to the wedding day to familiarize ourselves with it’s location, it’s lighting and all that it has to offer (for back rounds). We also contact the venue liaison to inquire about any rules or concerns as well as helpful hints they may have for us.

On the wedding day we get there early so we can get shots of the dress hanging up with the bouquet and shoes, as well as shots of the venue before the guest arrive and disrupt the decor. Also after the ceremony we make sure to get a good 5-10 minutes with just the bride and groom, because those will be the images they cherish and display.

PWG: Costs for a wedding portfolio can really vary — what tips would you suggest for those who don’t want to be completely extravagant?

APP: Photography is the third most important decision you will make next to the groom and dress. You can scrimp and save in lots of places photography should not really be one of them. A good experienced photographer can make the event, just as an amateur can break the event. Most brides know that to really save money, [you should] have your event on Friday or Sunday. Most vendors have a discount for non Saturday event. If you have to save on photography then skip all the prints and books and go for the disc of images. Odds are you can find a lab to get prints from at cost (do not use a store kiosk, use a lab and add a luster overcoat). If you are computer savvy you can usually create a book that is good. It may not have the feel of a professional design but it will have the best possible images. As a rule most brides use their images more digitally than in print.

PWG: What tips would you offer for a bride-to-be searching for the best photographer for her wedding?

APP: Obviously you will want a photographer whose work impresses you. They should have a fully functioning website that offers a proofing gallery. We upload our images usually within three days and mail the disc of images with in 10days. Most importantly they should bring 2 photographers to guarantee complete coverage. They should be easy to deal with as well as accommodating. I have found that bride like that we coach them through all the best shots. A good photographer should have at least 8 weddings to show you, so you can see that they are consistently good not just lucky. You want to see real brides, real weddings . . . not just a few great shots of the most beautiful bride who may even be a paid model.

To learn more about Absolutely Perfect Pictures, check out their vendor profile on PerfectWeddingGuide.com. Also, if you have a question you would like to see answered in an upcoming “Ask a PWG Wedding Pro” wedding blog segment, email us at profiles [at] pwg [dot] com!