Wedding Photography Unveiled

July 16, 2009 in
Etsy.com handmade and vintage goods

Photo by © Melissa Mermin

Jacqueline Tobin
Jacktob4

We invited Jacqueline Tobin, author of Wedding Photography Unveiled, to share her knowledge with our readers. Jacqueline is a great resource for insider info for both newly engaged brides-and grooms-to-be, as well as photographers interested in breaking into the wedding business.

Over the past 23 years, I have watched as wedding photography has evolved into one of the most well-respected and lucrative fields in the industry today. I’ve worked at Photo District News (PDN), a trade magazine for professional photographers, since 1986 and currently work there as deputy editor. While not a wedding photographer myself, I do assign and write many, many articles about wedding photography; I help judge PDN’s Top Knots New School of Wedding Photography Contest every year, and I recently collaborated with the top 20 photographers around the country to write my first book Wedding Photography Unveiled (Amphoto Books/March 2009).

It was important for me to write this book because the industry has changed so much over the years, going from staid and stoic poses to purely candid photojournalist shots to a current, and much sought after, mix of photographic styles and approaches, including fashion-forward looks, lifestyle and editorial feels, and fine-art touches. Wedding photography has never looked better!

We bounced some frequently asked questions off of Jacqueline. Here are some of the tips she has for couples searching for a great wedding photographer:

I’m engaged! When is a good time to start looking for a photographer?
The sooner you start, the better, since the wedding photography is such an important element of your special day; it’s something you will look back on and cherish forever. Even if you don’t book someone for another year (once a date is set), it still can be helpful to start looking as early as possible to decide the style you want, the price range you can afford, and so on.

Where does one look?
These days brides get inspiration for their wedding photography from a variety of sources:

    • Bridal and fashion magazines (high-fashion looks are a big trend in wedding photography right now).
    • Photographers’ websites (You can find national, as well as and international, listings for wedding photographers at the Wedding Photojournalist Association, the Perfect Wedding Guide and The Knot.)
    • Your family’s and friends’ wedding albums

How is it possible to tell the caliber of a photographer? What should I ask to see?
You definitely have to shop around, see what’s out there, check reputable sites (like those above) and just look through lots and lots of images. When you meet with a photographer, ask to see finished albums so you can see what they’ve done for previous clients. Online, you can also put his or her name into a search engine and look for comments (good or bad) from past clients.

Also, ask the photographer to show you more than one wedding album and more than one style. [pullquote]These days photographers are shooting a mix of traditional and candid images, and they need to excel in several different genres: still life (for important details), fashion, lifestyle, and photo journalistic looks (for candid moments).[/pullquote]

Is it my responsibility to do anything for the photographer while the wedding/reception is taking place?
You should have a conversation with your photographer well ahead of time so you don’t have to be giving directions while the wedding and reception are taking place! This is your day and you don’t want to spend it working out the kinks: that’s what wedding planners and maid of honors are for!  Many brides like to supply a shot list to a photographer ahead of time that maps out exactly the photos they want the photographer to get; others hire photographers who shoot purely documentary and candid images and are very “fly on the wall” — you don’t realize they are present, but they are and they are getting every single moment that unfolds.

How long after the wedding does it typically take before I get my photos?
It depends. First you’ll see proofs, which many photographers post online days or weeks after the wedding. Next, you’ll choose the images you want (I recommend going to the photographer’s studio to discuss your choices in person), and then an album can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to sometimes even a year. Ask up front how long it will take before you can expect your albums.

Since Etsy has a lot of great photographers, we figured some of you may be thinking about shooting weddings. We asked Jacqueline for some tips about getting started in the business:

How do I go about breaking into the business?
I recommend taking workshops from professional photographers (pros like Dennis Reggie, Joe Buissink, Bambi Cantrell, Mike Colon, Elizabeth Messina and Jose Villa are the more popular choices), going to trade shows and attending seminars, ordering DVDs on the basics and searching web sites like DigitalWeddingForum.com, WPJA.com and WPPIonline.com to get a sense of what the latest trends and technology in the industry are the moment. Also ask friends who are getting married if you can be a “second shooter” (but stay out of the way of the hired photographer!) and just take as many images as you can to see what the pace is like and what it really takes to be a great wedding photographer. You’re working 8 to 10 to 12 hour days, and after wedding day you are still working on a job for weeks and months — proofing images, doing post-production on the computer, designing the albums, etc.

How does wedding photography differ from other kinds of photography?
[pullquote]Today’s wedding photography is not different, just expansive — it includes many different genres (fashion, lifestyle, editorial, fine art), and these days you need to have a basic knowledge of all of them to shoot the day as it unfolds, from capturing the getting ready shots to the ceremony photos to formal and semi formal portraits after the ceremony to the wedding reception.[/pullquote]

What are some of the tricks of the trade? Are there any special tools?

    • During the reception, lots of photographers like to use fast lenses, fast film and high ISOs, because most times these parties take place at night in low light conditions.
    • Befriending the videographer always helps because you can use their light in a shot. (Try to stay at a 45-degree angle from the videographer’s direct light or try to keep him or her directly behind the wedding couple to use as a backlight during their first dance.)
    • Never use direct flash. Bounce off the ceiling or tent, or slave a second strobe remotely for depth.
    • Instead of using a tripod, try to steady yourself by shooting a few images in a burst. With a camera like the Canon 5D, you can shoot with higher ISOs without too much noise and can steady yourself to half-second handheld for images at dusk.
    • When shooting formal portraits, mix it up a bit and take the couple outside and find interesting locations or settings and to make the shot more memorable.
    • As for special tools, you can probably start out shooting a wedding with just one camera, like a basic or mid-range SLR, but as you become more and more advanced, you’ll personalize your equipment list. (And it always helps to have a handheld light meter, lots of memory cards and extra batteries on hand.) Later on, you may want to get into post-production on your computer to further enhance your images (many photographers like to use a photo-editing program like Photoshop to adjust skin tones, brighten the sky, or just make an image more dramatic or vivid.)

How can I prepare for the unexpected?
I don’t think you can. That’s the beauty of a wedding. There will be lots of unexpected moments that arise, but fortunately for the photographer, most couples want those images too. You are there to document the day as it unfolds. You can always edit out the bad images later on!

  • IrinaPhotography

    IrinaPhotography says:

    Wedding photography is really exciting. I would love to be a wedding photographer.

    14 years ago

  • rikrak

    rikrak says:

    oh this is so fun! once upon a time i was a wedding photographer as a little side job - and it was so fascinating a process... what a helpful article this is... for all photographers! great stuff!

    14 years ago

  • voleurdebijoux

    voleurdebijoux says:

    gorgeous!! lovelove weddings...these picks are truly beautiful!!

    14 years ago

  • PersistentGreen

    PersistentGreen says:

    Great tips here. I got married last September--a dear friend was kind enough to photograph our wedding. The photos turned out beautifully, but I sure learned a lot...while becoming busy with other preparations, I totally spaced out on having a good sit-down with her and planning out our shots. Because of that, our picture-taking was a bit chaotic and spur of the moment. Could have saved a lot of trouble with a little more planning. :)

    14 years ago

  • FancifulForm

    FancifulForm says:

    Beautiful! :oD

    14 years ago

  • shopgoodgrace

    shopgoodgrace says:

    Lovely!!

    14 years ago

  • tldgrainwear

    tldgrainwear says:

    The first photo is truly amazing...look at the kids faces! Awesome, cheers!

    14 years ago

  • beccamari

    beccamari says:

    Very helpful! And what a pretty treasury!

    14 years ago

  • flywithme

    flywithme says:

    I'm raising my champagne glass to you right now for posting this! I've been meaning to check out that book Wedding Photography Unveiled. I've heard some amazing things about it! See ya'll July 2!

    14 years ago

  • 4TheSparrowsNest

    4TheSparrowsNest says:

    This is SUPER fascinating...wow...so much interesting information. Some of the most alluring, romantic, and enthralling photographs I've ever seen have been made by wedding photographers. Thanks for posting this one.

    14 years ago

  • travellingcircus

    travellingcircus says:

    I just shot my brother's civil ceremony last month and it is a LOT of work for anyone that is interested in this! A few things that have already been mentioned but here are a few tips that certainly made my day a lot easier: *Make sure ALL your batteries are charged and ready to go (Including the ones for your speedlight...my batteries for my speedlight died about a half hour before the event. Thankfully there was a store nearby where I could purchase extras!) *Have enough memory cards in the event of a disaster *Extra lenses (if you can afford them) *Know your equipment REALLY well before you go out for the first shoot...I generally shoot with my 2 cameras, but had borrowed a 3rd one. Good thing I had already used it a few times to know it well enough to use it on the actual day *Have FUN & be creative! There's always lots going on and know that if you're the only person covering the event, there will be a few things that you miss. But there are inevitably other moments that make up for this. So don't stress if you miss a couple of shots. For a small selection of my favourite photos from that day, use this link and click on the image to enlarge: http://travellingcircusphotography.blogspot.com/2009/05/commitment.html Thanks for an absolutely fantastic article!!!

    14 years ago

  • capitalcitycrafts

    capitalcitycrafts says:

    great info and lovely picks!

    14 years ago

  • aimeesarmoire

    aimeesarmoire says:

    Working with the brides/bridal parties on any project can be so much fun-- the enthusiasm is infectious!

    14 years ago

  • KOALACaddie

    KOALACaddie says:

    Wedding photographs are a treasure. Over the years, I have found that looking through my album has been like taking a refresher course in why I love my husband. God bless our photographer! Thanks for a wonderful article.

    14 years ago

  • odiliafu

    odiliafu says:

    Interesting and informative interview. Love the colors of the photos!!

    14 years ago

  • thebestvintage

    thebestvintage says:

    Photographing wedding well, is truly an art!

    14 years ago

  • millalove

    millalove says:

    I absolutely love the first image, it's good photography through and through. Beautiful.

    14 years ago

  • photoamato

    photoamato says:

    What a fantastic article! Interesting and informative for both seasoned and new wedding photographers!

    14 years ago

  • OhFaro

    OhFaro says:

    Beautiful. What an art!

    14 years ago

  • talis

    talis says:

    Great article. I design wedding albums. Check out my listing here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26421097

    14 years ago

  • honeypielove

    honeypielove says:

    I love everything. I used to work in the wedding industry doing flowers and I know first hand all of the waste that goes into the typical 1 day event. It's disgusting. It's wonderful having articles like this and the eco section highlighting the great work that artists do to recycle and reuse common things into beautiful peices for that special day. No need to waste- especially on the day that's supposed to 'kick start' the rest of your life.

    14 years ago

  • honeypielove

    honeypielove says:

    p.s. BEAUTIFUL GOWN!!!!!

    14 years ago

  • nakedpeggies

    nakedpeggies says:

    Gorgeous! Everything!

    14 years ago

  • Kirsty2715

    Kirsty2715 says:

    Fantastic Article! Thanks!

    14 years ago

  • lovelygifts

    lovelygifts says:

    Great article. For any brides interested, I make wedding accessories - pillows, baskets, hair items. Check out my shop if you are interested.

    14 years ago

  • circlesareforever

    circlesareforever says:

    oh so beautiful photos

    14 years ago

  • MyJunkyTrunk

    MyJunkyTrunk says:

    Really beautiful! All of it! Check out my newly-weds, too! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22901061

    14 years ago

  • bijougirldesigns

    bijougirldesigns says:

    great article! I work part time as a wedding photographer's assistant and it's mucho fun (and kinda strange being that close to people's personal moments.) But I truly enjoy it.

    14 years ago

  • beautifulbridget

    beautifulbridget says:

    stunning!! love love LOVE weddings!

    14 years ago

  • bobnstitch

    bobnstitch says:

    Excellent!! Love the photo with umbrella and his sandals!

    14 years ago

  • bobnstitch

    bobnstitch says:

    and also all of the hands putting on the corset!

    14 years ago

  • FlawlessArt

    FlawlessArt says:

    lovely!

    14 years ago

  • GreenTease

    GreenTease says:

    What an inspiration! Thanks getting married myself next year! Full of grand ideas now.

    14 years ago

  • sandali

    sandali says:

    AWESOME -- It's amazing capturing that special day in full bloom -- happy days ;)

    14 years ago

  • upmysleeveboutique

    upmysleeveboutique says:

    Beautiful photographs ... Truly stunning reflections of a very special day.

    14 years ago

  • zeropumpkin

    zeropumpkin says:

    this is so romantic :)

    14 years ago

  • PomLove

    PomLove says:

    Beautiful! What a great collection of photos. I really love the top one, a little scary with the hairspray but the look on the little girls face in the back is priceless.

    14 years ago

  • klacustomcreations

    klacustomcreations says:

    great post, love the pic of the little girls getting ready too cute!

    14 years ago

  • southernladysvintage

    southernladysvintage says:

    Beautiful and artistic photos! Enjoyed this article!

    14 years ago

  • MissFiKingdom

    MissFiKingdom says:

    Thanks for this great article. I've been photographing the weddings of friends and family (and the friends of friends) since 2000. With some of these tips I feel maybe I should think about taking it to then level.

    14 years ago

  • ArtDecoDame

    ArtDecoDame says:

    beautiful!

    14 years ago

  • TwistedCrystals

    TwistedCrystals says:

    these were all so fantastic, thank you for sharing! :)

    14 years ago

  • recycledwares

    recycledwares says:

    thanks for some great photo shoot info. i don't expect to be a wedding photographer, but can use some of the tips and tricks in other photography.

    14 years ago

  • littlepinkpebble

    littlepinkpebble says:

    the photos are wondeful~!!

    14 years ago

  • soule

    soule says:

    So pretty!

    14 years ago

  • steinschmuckdesign

    steinschmuckdesign says:

    Beautiful and all so pretty!

    14 years ago

  • SundraSandrusi

    SundraSandrusi says:

    gorgeous!! the photos are wondeful!

    14 years ago

  • EJPcreations

    EJPcreations says:

    So pretty!

    14 years ago

  • madetogether

    madetogether says:

    Not really involved in the wedding industry other than I'm drawn to beautiful things (naturally, I find myself flipping through bridal dress catalogs, and looking at the latest in cakes, flowers etc.)... just had to say thanks for the images! BEAUTIFUL!!!

    14 years ago

  • MessyJesse

    MessyJesse says:

    beautiful photos! :)

    14 years ago

  • ShugaRose

    ShugaRose says:

    Great tips~ I love the kissing couple photo!

    14 years ago

  • Iammie

    Iammie says:

    Ooh, nice!

    14 years ago

  • amarshall

    amarshall says:

    I recommend my wedding photographer for anyone in the Nashville, TN area. David Wright does amazing work & he is really a pleasure to work with!

    14 years ago

  • HopePhotoArt

    HopePhotoArt says:

    I love the new trends that are evolving with wedding photography as well as family portraits and engagement. As a photographer myself, I have never been a fan of "staged" looks or traditional poses. I think that any event should be photographed the way you remember it. To have a record of those precious moments is priceless...

    14 years ago

  • ezza80

    ezza80 says:

    Beautiful :)

    14 years ago

  • BeadinBabe

    BeadinBabe says:

    Gorgeous photos, Just stunning...

    14 years ago

  • nfall2rt

    nfall2rt says:

    WOW, those are some amazing photos!

    14 years ago

  • capow

    capow says:

    what a great article! Thank you for including my photo with all these other beautiful pieces!

    14 years ago

  • lilworkerb

    lilworkerb says:

    I like wedding stuff, yet I hate actually GOING to the wedding. I love these pictures, you get to see all the beatiful accessories without having to be there.

    14 years ago

  • lilworkerb

    lilworkerb says:

    *Beautiful

    14 years ago

  • rainbowwrangler

    rainbowwrangler says:

    sooo pretty

    14 years ago

  • SimpleTraditions

    SimpleTraditions says:

    I love looking at wedding photos. Thanks for the article!

    14 years ago

  • MagicIsland

    MagicIsland says:

    Thanks for including my listing for wedding photography! Great article, Jacqueline! PDN is the best, it's always informative and stunning. I worked as a photojournalist for many years and now I've come back to wedding photography. The new wedding photography today I agree has never looked better. There is a lot of freedom to be creative! Luckily, I live on the world's most beautiful backdrop, Ocracoke Island!

    14 years ago

  • VIKukA

    VIKukA says:

    Thanks for the article, it's so beautiful!

    14 years ago

  • CutieDynamite

    CutieDynamite says:

    Gorgeous shots!

    14 years ago

  • embellishjewelry

    embellishjewelry says:

    Great article! I am currently looking for a wedding photographer in the Southeast Idaho area. I would love someone with an artistic eye...more of an untraditional/unconventional style as far as weddings go :) Any recommendations?

    14 years ago

  • lazulibluecreations

    lazulibluecreations says:

    oh that bee kiss is soooooooooooo cute!

    14 years ago

  • Divanni

    Divanni says:

    I went out and bought this book today! As a wedding photographer, I continually look for new inspirations and ideas. My style is very flexible and I love how this book touches on different key areas and styles. Thanks for sharing :)

    14 years ago

  • WeddingsByWendy

    WeddingsByWendy says:

    Thanks so much for writing this piece. Photographers really capture the moments really well for us to place in our portfolios for the rest of our future clients to see. As a wedding planner, a picture really speaks 1000 words.

    14 years ago

  • VintageZen

    VintageZen says:

    Beautiful Photos!

    14 years ago

  • lovejujube

    lovejujube says:

    This is a fun topic! I never expect Wedding Photographer services are available at Etsy.

    14 years ago

  • MelissaBeach

    MelissaBeach says:

    Great article! Thanks for all the great tips. I am currently developing my wedding portfolio. This article gave me some great ideas. Thank you!

    14 years ago

  • cherrycreek

    cherrycreek says:

    Simply beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration!

    14 years ago

  • bedouin

    bedouin says:

    Love Tigerlily~ fantastic photo ~ thanks for sharing

    14 years ago

  • leeannritch

    leeannritch says:

    i am a wedding photographer in savannah, ga and love it! it is great to capture these moments. take a look, i travel too!! http://www.leeannritchphotography.com

    14 years ago

  • TessaKim

    TessaKim says:

    i love the parasol picture

    14 years ago

  • adoreneko

    adoreneko says:

    Love the handmade wedding series. Great inspiration!

    14 years ago

  • SwarthyDaisy

    SwarthyDaisy says:

    Very Beautiful!

    14 years ago

  • crystalcaketoppers

    crystalcaketoppers says:

    Just love anything to do with weddings. Its a true art to try and capture the atmosphere of a wedding through photographs.... and I can see you are a true artist.

    14 years ago

  • SquierDesign

    SquierDesign says:

    Gorgeous photos that tell a story. Thank you for sharing.

    14 years ago

  • twinkletoes27

    twinkletoes27 says:

    Inspiring and intimidating all at once. Great article!

    14 years ago

  • TheCraftyRagamuffin

    TheCraftyRagamuffin says:

    A long time family friend of mine was the photographer at our wedding. She was a photography major as well as an incredible artist. It was so nice to have someone we trusted and felt confident with taking pictures for us. We knew that her artistic eye would capture incredible moments and that she did. I treasure those works of art that she created for us.

    14 years ago

  • carboniferous

    carboniferous says:

    I really would like to know what Jacquelin suggests for people on a serious budget (like...$6K for the whole sha-bang.) How should they go about finding a photog?

    14 years ago

  • gumbygirl

    gumbygirl says:

    I want to redo all my wedding photos....sigh....

    14 years ago

  • GreighdayVintage

    GreighdayVintage says:

    Wonderful reading! Thank you, I have a love for photography as well. What perfect work...

    14 years ago

  • dandelionland

    dandelionland says:

    so beautiful!

    14 years ago

  • Morado

    Morado says:

    Such a pretty wedding! Its been 2 years to mine and I wish I could experience it all over again :o) http://twitter.com/MoradoShop

    14 years ago

  • lovelygifts

    lovelygifts says:

    Great info and selection. I love making anything bridal.

    14 years ago

  • PomLove

    PomLove says:

    faboush!

    14 years ago

  • cottonbirddesigns

    cottonbirddesigns says:

    Great article beautiful photos!

    14 years ago

  • girltuesdayjewelry

    girltuesdayjewelry says:

    The image of the girls getting their hair done (especially the one getting 'sprayed') is priceless! Beautiful photos!

    14 years ago

  • talis

    talis says:

    Great article, and great photographers! What about the side items related to the photography- Albums for instance?

    14 years ago

  • voleurdebijoux

    voleurdebijoux says:

    Gorgeous! I adore weddings and beautiful photography to celebrate this special occasion. Fabulous article!

    14 years ago

  • NewelryJewelry

    NewelryJewelry says:

    This is such a good business and your price is very reasonable. You have such a goo attitude. That shows why you are successful of what you are doing. Very inspiring!!

    14 years ago

  • HoneysuckleLane

    HoneysuckleLane says:

    Wonderful article and lovely examples!

    14 years ago

  • sirenedelmare

    sirenedelmare says:

    Thanks for the great article! Fabulous photos!

    14 years ago

  • MetroGypsy

    MetroGypsy says:

    Great article!

    14 years ago

  • FlawlessArt

    FlawlessArt says:

    Very helpful

    14 years ago

  • RanaMuck

    RanaMuck says:

    Good article! I just booked my photographer this week. The search was hard. My wedding isn't until June 2010 but most were already taken. But I found a great one!

    14 years ago

  • ButtensBoutique

    ButtensBoutique says:

    Absolutely love how Unique weddings are now.a.days..People have such wonderful*Beautiful Ideas! What Inspiration! Thanks!

    14 years ago

  • peapodray

    peapodray says:

    Very informative article. Sorry I missed the Virtual lab on this. Great inspiration for pictures I may take in the future.

    14 years ago

  • steinschmuckdesign

    steinschmuckdesign says:

    Absolutely Beautiful!

    14 years ago

  • crazy4jewels

    crazy4jewels says:

    I wish I would of have one of these wonderful photographer for my wedding! Momentos are everything!

    14 years ago

  • Tina669

    Tina669 says:

    great info and lovely picks!

    14 years ago

  • evihan

    evihan says:

    suppperrr usefulll articleee...

    14 years ago

  • JingjingHandmade

    JingjingHandmade says:

    Beautiful! I love those pics so much!

    14 years ago

  • lassandaliasdeana

    lassandaliasdeana says:

    ohhh, i want to get married again!!! delicious photos!!! ;)

    14 years ago

  • PawPawsWorkshop

    PawPawsWorkshop says:

    Great article

    14 years ago

  • babook

    babook says:

    How beauty ! The photo it made the dream to me :)

    14 years ago

  • beautifulspoon

    beautifulspoon says:

    i'm a sucker for good wedding photography.

    14 years ago

  • YANDEBRIDAL

    YANDEBRIDAL says:

    So gorgeous, I love wedding photography its always so dreamy!

    14 years ago

  • MarKhed

    MarKhed says:

    Beautiful photos!

    14 years ago

  • maryclarydesign

    maryclarydesign says:

    Great article. I love the feature photo! Really captures the moment.

    14 years ago

  • BragAboutIt

    BragAboutIt says:

    Just GORGEOUS! I wish to be a BRIDE again :) What a wonderful article !

    14 years ago

  • AandOgarcia

    AandOgarcia says:

    So beautiful! Wedding photos are so sweet.

    14 years ago

  • contempojewels

    contempojewels says:

    just lovely!

    14 years ago

  • mbrignall

    mbrignall says:

    The first picture could win awards--seriously! Wedding photography is extremely stressful. I did one and will never do it again. Cheers to those photographers that can withstand!

    14 years ago

  • harvestmoonbyhand

    harvestmoonbyhand says:

    Great article!

    14 years ago

  • styleannedesign

    styleannedesign says:

    As a wedding enthusiast, I am always happy to see beautiful photography! Being a planner, I am always looking for good references to recommend!

    14 years ago

  • theweddingcontessa

    theweddingcontessa says:

    As a wedding designer, it is fun to see the perspective of a wedding photographer. What talent and gift for sharing your talent! Love it when the photographer can capture the unexpected. Thanks for your article!

    14 years ago

  • TimelessPaper

    TimelessPaper says:

    Thank you for featuring my butterfly place cards on the front page of homemade weddings!

    14 years ago

  • angrybunni

    angrybunni says:

    so fabulous! love it

    14 years ago

  • jtimages

    jtimages says:

    Its fabulous! It completely fits your style and look, love the simplicity of it and the entire focus on the images! great job! calgary photography

    14 years ago

  • 26Sorts

    Alexa Sheraton from 26Sorts says:

    Such a good article! I remember how stressed I was trying to find the right photographer for our Seattle wedding! Luckily we found a lovely photographer named Yvonne Wong. I highly recommend her to all you Seattle area brides (& anywhere really - she travels!) www.yvonne-wong.com

    11 years ago