Ask a Pro: Wedding Photography 101
A picture is worth a thousand words. What wedding day is complete without the photos to refresh momentous memories? It’s so important for a couple to have pictures they love and can share with family and friends; so, it’s equally important to have a talented, dedicated photographer just like Kristy of Moodeus Photography, located in Denver, Colorado. Kristy was kind enough to spare some time to share some advice and tips on hiring the right wedding photographer. She also conveys how it feels to be on the other side of the camera. If you have specific questions for any of our wedding vendor Q&A’s feel free to email them to contact@marriage.com
Marriage.com: How long have you been into photography?
Kristy: I received my first camera when I was still in elementary school. It was a bumblebee colored 35mm SLR with the “Kids R Us” logo emblazoned on the front. My father taught me how to love seeing the world through the camera lens. His father and grandfather instilled that in him. I never met my Great Grandfather, but I have the camera he gave to my father on his sixteenth birthday and in turn my father gave it to me around that same age. It’s fitting that photography is part of my family legacy and now I create photographic legacies for my clients.
Marriage.com: Why weddings in particular?
Kristy: Actually, I was terrified of weddings. Photography has been a part of my life since childhood, but I’d been trained as a fine art photographer and dabbled in journalism before I took a steady job photographing nightlife in Boston. It wasn’t until I’d taken on free gigs for friends’ intimate and unconventional weddings that I started to see an opportunity in the wedding world. Now I see my place in the industry as someone who caters to DIY, Backyard and Offbeat brides, but I wouldn’t be where I am without the confidence and support of some incredible people.
Marriage.com: What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?
Kristy: I love building relationships with my clients. Some become friends, others become family portrait customers after their wedding, but no matter how long the relationship lasts I feel lucky to have a real connection with my couples. I work hard to get to know them before their wedding and really create a synergy between my artistic style and images that reflect who they are. There’s nothing like seeing a bride or groom tear up when they look through their wedding album and remember the amazing moments of their day. It’s a good feeling to see that I’ve created something really special that they’ll treasure forever and that hopefully one day their ancestors will too.
Marriage.com: What are the latest trends in weddings for 2010?
Kristy: Anything goes! I’m seeing some lovely vintage inspired dresses, hair accessories and decor that I just adore. Bright colored shoes on the bride are a big trend too. I’ve even seen cowboy boots and galoshes in bad weather! But what I really love about modern wedding trends is the freedom to really express yourself. People aren’t locked into old standards or traditions. The values of faith are still prevalent, just incredibly personalized.
Marriage.com: How important is the “chemistry” between the couple and photographer?
Kristy: PARAMOUNT. I believe it is SO imperative to find a photographer you really gel with. You’ll be spending a HUGE portion of your wedding day directly interacting with your photographer and that relationship can make or break your photographs. You want to be at ease, able to laugh and even relax when you’re having your photos taken. This is the reason I include engagement sessions in all of my packages. It’s a great opportunity for the couple and their photographer to form a bond. The best compliment I received from a bride on the day of her wedding was that our photo session was the most relaxed she felt all day!
Marriage.com: What has been the biggest fiasco you’ve dealt with and how’d it conclude?
Kristy: There are always little ordeals throughout the day. I’ve actually seen a bride get blood on her dress when opening her garter packaging. I happen to carry a Tide stick and Shout wipes, along with Band-Aids, pens, deodorant and mints in my camera bag. You never know when you’ll have an emergency! The spot came out of the dress and no one was worse for the wear. I tell all of my couples that things WILL go wrong. No matter how much planning you do and even if you hire a wedding planner. Just remember what IS important about the day and focus on that – you’ll be happier and if something does go wrong you’ll be prepared.
Marriage.com: What’s the most extravagant shoot you’ve coordinated?
Kristy: I’d love to say I shot the cover of vogue with Uma Thurman riding an elephant or something akin to Annie Leibovitz, but that’s not really how I shoot. I do a lot of work with kids groups and those are always big productions, but I wouldn’t call them extravagant! I pride myself on being real and human, extravagance doesn’t really jive with my personality.
Marriage.com: What’s the most important thing a couple should consider when hiring a wedding photographer?
Kristy:
1. Photography – Obviously this is important. Hire people whose work you really like. Imagine yourself in their portfolio. Is it what you want to be represented as?
2. Personality – You’re spending a lot of time with this person, you better feel at ease with them!
3. Professionalism – Are they experienced? Do they have contracts? Insurance? Referrals?
4. Products – Does the photographer offer the albums, prints, negatives, online proofing, etc that you want?
5. Pricing – There are an abundance of photographers out there in all price ranges. Some even offer discounts for weddings not on Saturday or Sunday. Respect their artistry and price range, but don’t be afraid to ask them if they can work with your budget. You might not get an album or unlimited coverage, but you may get your dream photographer.
6. Miscellaneous – Is photography their full-time or part-time job? Do they have insurance? Do they work with a second shooter?
Marriage.com: What is the most stressful part of the job?
Kristy: Wedding photography is like a triathlon. You have to put all of your skills to work, deal with whatever comes your way and do it with grace and a smile on your face. The most stressful part is probably the timeline. I work very hard to keep things on track. If the wedding photographer takes 20 minutes longer than planned and the bride and groom arrive late to the reception, the caterer isn’t given the opportunity to put their best foot forward. I pride myself on knowing how to interact with all the vendors involved at the event. A wedding is a huge orchestration and a lot of money, hard work and love go into it. If the photographer doesn’t work well with everyone involved they’re doing a disservice to their client.
Marriage.com: Describe your dream wedding
Kristy: Anything urban. I’d die for a Rockabilly wedding ceremony on a loading dock in an alley. I’d love to see tattooed Roller Derby girls as bridesmaids, a live punk band, lots of stylized makeup and hair and maybe a couple pit bulls as ring bearers. I’m really drawn to the unconventional side of weddings.
Marriage.com: What’s the most memorable photo shoot or couple you’ve shot?
Kristy: That’s a hard one. I would say one of my first couples stole my heart. They have a way about them that is irresistible and overflowing with love. They were gracious to me and everyone they met. They brought so much to the photographs by just being themselves. They made me melt. They are just so in love. During the ceremony they could barely stand up straight, they were giggling and so excited to be getting married. It was genuine and beautiful. They weren’t afraid for the world to know how they felt.