How to Coose a Wedding Photogrpaher - What to Look for in Your Wedding Photographer's ImagesWriten by Andy Peterson
Obviously, we have some bias here; we are going to explain to you what we look for in an image. You may be looking for something else. But, the following ideas are what make images of people interesting. When shooting people, we follow a few simple rules. 1.) We shoot with a wide-open aperture allowing for shallow depth of field. What this means is that the resulting image draws the viewers attention to the emotion and expression of the subject rather than to the background details. 2.) We shoot in natural light as often as I can (try to get all your group images in natural light) Natural light has a beauty that cannot be equaled with artificial light.
How is an image composed? Let's start with the rule of thirds. It is an interesting rule and one that dictates most great images (although there are times to break the rule). It is a simple rule: Divide an image into three parts and keep your subject out of the middle area. If the image is shot well, your eye will go to the same place every time you look at an image. An image should have a strong focal point to which your eye flows. If you look at a magazine such as National Geographic you will see the rule of thirds in almost every image. So, when you are looking at wedding images, this is a good place to start. Do most of the images follow the rules of third?
After the rule of thirds, take a look at the edges and the background of an image. They should blend in nicely with the image.
I highly recommend you use natural light for your group images. But, timing is very important; the later in the afternoon the better. Midday light is too direct and creates harsh shadows. If you are going to shoot midday, group photo outside, overcast skies are great. It provides even light that is not too harsh. It acts like a giant photo umbrella. Otherwise find a nice area with a good deal of shade; your images will be beautiful there too.
Look for flash shadows on images. Flash shadow occurs when a photographer is using too much flash and shadows are created on the wall behind the subject. A good photographer will not have shadow in images so check for this during the interview as you are looking at their images.
Low Light situations and unique angles
This is where the experienced photographer shines. They are not intimidated by low light situations and are not afraid to push the creative envelope as it pertains to light and angles. Ask how they handle low light situations
Andrew Peterson and Criag Davis are lifestyle and documentary wedding photogrpahers based out of Austin and Houston, Texas. They are owners of studio563.
http://www.studio563.com