Download | Duration: 00:03:50

We've got an awesome wedding promo for all Gina Carter Photography couples!

Celebrate Your Love Promotion - take $400 off any GCP wedding package.  

See our full price list: www.ginacarterphotography.com/Gina%20Carter%20Photography%20Weddings%202009

Promo ends August 30, 2011!
*Valid for all Miami/Broward events taking place before DEC 21st, 2012.

There are so many great reasons to have an engagement photography session. Here are just a few:
Establishing a relationship with your photographer long before your wedding will make a difference in the outcome of your wedding images. Your photographer will be able to watch you and take note of your individual personalities, which will help in capturing images on the wedding day that are unique to you.

    

The other benefit is that you get to know your photographer and see how they work. Hopefully, you’ll have more confidence in yourselves and in your photographer, so on the wedding day you will look forward to having your picture taken.



Once you have chosen your photographer, get your engagement pictures taken right away. Make sure to use the photographer who will be photographing your wedding. Have your engagement photos taken at a location that has some meaning to the two of you. This could be where you had your first date, where you got engaged, or somewhere you both like to spend time.

    

An engagement session is also the perfect opportunity to do your hair and makeup test. This way, you’ll get to see how your hair and makeup look in photos in case there is anything you want to change for the Big Day.



An engagement session also serves as the perfect way to take formal shots of the two of you that can be used in your wedding programs, invitations, or save-the-date cards. Or send an engagement picture to your hometown newspaper to announce your marriage. They also make great gifts for the family, and can be used to make an album or wall collage.

    

Whatever you choose to do, get creative and have some fun. In the end you are the ones who win. Knowing and liking your vendors, especially the photographer, is significant in the success of your wedding and will help keep you focused on the real reason you are having getting married in the first place -- each other!

Portfolios

When analyzing a portfolio, look for relaxed faces, bright eyes, and genuine smiles. The photographer's work should demonstrate the ability to capture emotions, evoke a sense of movement, and unveil relationships intuitively and honestly. 

    

Exposure

Every photographer is a little different. Some are rapid fire and some not so much. My team usually shoots 3000-4000 shots at an average wedding. After some editing you may have 700-1500 images to choose from. This is a very good thing. When looking for a photographer ask for access to an online gallery from a real wedding. This way you can see how many shots the bride and groom actually had to select from. It will also let you know what kind of coverage you can expect at your wedding.

Behind-the-scene Queen

Choose a photo pro who you feel extremely comfortable with and don't mind inviting backstage. Some of the most beautiful wedding moments happen while the bride is dressing or during the reception when the couple steals away for a kiss. Keep your photographer aware of your whereabouts at (almost) all times.



Pick a Perfect Package

Some photography packages include albums, prints, and digital negatives, but many don't. Talk about each package's perks and try to narrow down your must-have items. Once you do it will be easy to create your own custom package.

Share the Wealth

Allow friends and family to order prints directly from your photographer: This is easy if your photographer uses a service like pictage.com to post your wedding photos. You can email guests a link to your online album, and they can order prints directly, without having to go through you.



The ALBUM

The wedding album should tell the story of the day beautifully. If possible, ask to see an actual wedding book as opposed to a compilation album with only their best work. Ask yourself if the photographer was able to capture the mood of the day.

Do it Yourself Albums

If you choose to make your own album be careful not to put your pictures in low quality albums that may damage them over time. Look for "archival" or "acid-free" on the label.



Must-haves

Don't overwhelm your photographer with many must-take shots. Instead, create a wish list of your top 5.

Beware the Bait and Switch

Some contracts spell out the studio's right to send any staff photographers to your wedding -- don't sign if that's not okay with you.



Black-and-white Benefit

Plain and simple, black-and-white photography is preferred for documenting emotional moments. The fewer colors your eyes have to process, the cleaner and easier an image is to absorb when viewing. The result? The subject shines through!



A Tip on Tipping

Know this: It's totally optional.  That said, a monetary "thank you" is always graciously received. Estimate $50 to $100 (depending on the length of the work day).

Rain, Rain Go Away

Don't let the weather ruin your wedding day -- use it to your advantage! If it rains, grab two big umbrellas, go outside, and shoot pictures in the rain. Black-and-white shots of a couple kissing under one umbrella with delicate raindrops creating puddles at their feet are very romantic. Plan ahead and have classic black oversized umbrellas on hand.

    

Details

Don't forget about all the big and small things that went into making your perfect day. Each detail from the cake to the napkins help tell your story. Make sure your photographer knows what items are really important to you before the big day.

    

    



    



    

Kati and PJ's beautiful beach wedding is just as romantic as their love story. High school sweethearts, K & P are the kindest, loveliest people you'd ever hope to meet. It was truly our honor to be part of their day. 

Download | Duration: 00:04:00