Black & white pictures are a popular special request, but we recommend using color, too, for your wedding pictures.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
BLACK & WHITE FILM - Many couples request black and white film for its mood, emotion and classical qualities, particularly for some of their formal pictures together. Some couples wish to have the entire wedding photographed in black and white (which we recommend against); others wish to have just one or two rolls taken (which we think is about right); while many want only color film (which is just fine).
Bear in mind that black & white may be more expensive than color photography. Also, be sure that your photographer uses actual black and white film for your photography. Some photographers may shoot in color and use the color negatives to make black and white prints. The difference is quite noticeable.
Note, however, that film manufacturers make black and white film that can be processed in a color film processor, and it is of pretty good quality. If you authorize your photographer to use such film, you can expect good results and perhaps get a bit of a discount, equivalent to color film anyway, since the photographer's costs should be the same.
SPECIALTY FILM OR SPECIAL EFFECTS - Infrared film, super high-speed film, the use of props, different photographic techniques, off-beat lighting and unusual filtration can provide special effects that some couples may like and that may suit the mood of their wedding. Discuss these options with your photographer if you have an interest in out-of-the-ordinary or bizarre effects.
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHS - For newspaper announcements, invitations, far-away relatives and to round out a comprehensive wedding album. (See Engagement Photographs.)
UNUSUAL SETTINGS OR SITUATIONS - Some couples become married while parachuting; others while deep-sea diving. Some want to be photographed in gown and tuxedo on horseback, or at a golf course or in an army tank. Any unusual request you may have should be discussed with your photographer, who will probably be delighted with the change from the norm and the challenge in recording your unique event. Just be sure to take all safety precautions if there are potential hazards, and be sure to line everything up in advance with the camp commandant, pilot or whoever is in charge, and then to pass on all details of your plans to the photographer. The photographer will probably want to personally double-check the arrangements, so he or she should be given contact names and numbers.
TWO OR MORE PHOTOGRAPHERS - Got a big wedding budget? Want to get different views of the same scenes, perhaps both black & white and color? Or prints and slides? Or digital pictures? Want to have one photographer shooting the main activities and another shooting people’s candid reactions? Or one shooting close-ups and another roaming around, shooting general views? Perhaps you would like 35mm and medium format images. Or, maybe you’d like two completely different styles of photography for your wedding.
The answer to all of these is to hire two (or more) photographers. It may seem extreme, but it is not out of the question, and you will undoubtedly have a greater variety of proofs to choose from. It happens all the time at weddings of the rich and famous.
Many photographers who get married themselves will have two or three of their associates collaborating to shoot the wedding. The resulting variety of images makes for a very special wedding album. It's only money.
RESTRICTIONS
For religious, cultural and personal reasons, many couples do not wish to have photographs taken during specific portions of their wedding ceremony. Sometimes, the church, synagogue or wedding facility may have its own photography restrictions. They may require a photographer to shoot without flash during the ceremony, or they may insist on no photography at all, except perhaps from the vestibule at the rear of the church or from the choir balcony. It is important for your photographer to know if there are such restrictions, and what they comprise, since they will influence film speed choice and the photographer’s selection of lenses.
PRE-WEDDING DAY FORMALS
Formals of the bride and groom can be shot well in advance of the wedding day, outdoors on a sunny day, in the studio or at the bride's home or another location. It is not unheard of to shoot the bridal couple in full wedding regalia two weeks or so before the wedding. Then you are sure of having some of the most important shots properly taken. It means, however, that the bride's gown and the groom's tuxedo must be in final form well before the wedding, and flowers, hair-dos and make-up will need to be done twice.
It can be a great stress-reliever to get these critical pictures done in advance of the wedding day, and they will be even more appreciated if the weather is inclement on the actual day of the ceremony. The atmosphere won't be rushed, and plenty of time can be taken to ensure that the poses, settings and backgrounds are exceptional. Besides, it's a kind of dress rehearsal and fun for the bride and groom. If taken well enough in advance, the pictures can be ready to provide everyone at the reception with a personal copy, which makes a surprising and welcome souvenir of the event.
TIME
The average wedding runs about six hours (one hour for the ceremony, one hour for a gathering immediately after the ceremony, and four hours for the reception.) The photographer, however, usually allows an additional two hours for portraits, generally to be taken between the completion of the ceremony and the start of the reception. Bridal preparation photography before the ceremony may be included in the two hours, or may require extra time, usually not more than an hour. The thing to be aware of is that any time over eight hours is typically considered overtime, and will be charged at a premium rate.
It is imperative that all parties to the wedding photography contract understand what is being provided, time-wise, and keep an eye out that things run as scheduled. If they don't - if there are unforeseen delays - the bridal couple (or paying client) should be made aware by the photographer of any potential for overtime charges that may legitimately be charged if events run beyond the agreed-upon timing.
Most photographers who have a good deal of experience with wedding photography will keep the bride and groom apprised of any problems that may affect the cost of their photography, and many will just go with the flow and accept the fact that unforeseen delays are beyond their control or their clients' control, and simply do their job at no additional cost.
If you feel that things are getting out of hand, that everything is taking too long, and you may be charged extra for overtime, see the photographer immediately and get a clear understanding of his or her position. Not all photographers are generous with their overtime, and you want to be sure that you don't face a bill that you didn't expect just because the bridesmaid was delayed.
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This special effects sequence, which is a bit off the wall, was created for a groom who loves golf with the cooperation of a game bride who loves him.
The brave bride demonstrates trust in her husband from day one of their marriage.
Wham! Good impact and a clean shot! Trick photography like this requires a fun-loving couple and an imaginative photographer.
"Good. No divots to replace," thinks the caring husband as he follows through on his swing.
This particular church restricted photography during the wedding ceremony, but permitted interior pictures immediately afterwards.
A request to be photographed by the ocean can become a challenge if there are close to gale-force winds on the shore. But, look at how interesting the pictures can turn out.
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