The generation gap

Photo style choices

Wedding photography as recent as a decade ago was a very different landscape. With the birth of the digital era in photography, brides and grooms learned about another type of photography, photojournalism, which, along with a host of new styles of pictures, edged out some of the older “classic” or “traditional” wedding photography that your parents, or your family, may expect.

When weddings were shot on film, the average number of photographs taken was much smaller (think 300-400 as opposed to today’s 700+) and the vast majority of these photos were classic portraits. Two people, posed, looking at the camera, smiling. “One, two, three, CHEESE!” The day was mostly spent taking formals at the bride’s dressing location, formals at the church, post ceremony formals, the big moments at the reception, then backdrop formals for much of the evening.

With digital photography, the number of photos that can be taken on a given day is staggering, and has changed photography tremendously. No longer do formals dominate your collection because of the added candid, photojournalistic photos that showcase the real moments and emotions of the day. This ability to shoot more than just the standards once the digital switch was complete, really gave rise to the demand for photojournalism.

Slowly some of the more traditional pictures that were considered “must haves” fell away in favor of more time at locations, and the photographer spending more time being a photojournalist and capturing “in the moment” shots. This shift, in as short a time as a few years, has created a disconnect between what parents want, and what the brides and grooms want.

The other change that happened was the emergence of online proofing. Before the shift, the only people that got to see all the wedding photos were immediate friends and family, because of the hassle of carrying around (often) stacks of bound 3.5×5 photos. For the first time guests at the wedding and distant family and friends were able to see the non-traditional photos being taken, the ones that weren’t winding up in the classic wedding album.

The parents, though, often still prefer the inherent value and tradition in the formal photographs and classic albums. Which can lead to a battle of sorts between the happy couple and the parents and in-laws. With only so much time in the day, and a very different priority focus, there can be a struggle puts the photographer square in the middle, trying to please everyone, and sometimes unable to please ANYONE.

Nowhere is this struggle between traditional and photojournalistic more evident than the photo backdrop. While “old school” photographers weren’t focused as much on dancing, and could be at the backdrop long enough for all of your guests to get portraits taken individually and with their families. Today’s weddings often don’t have that second photographer at the backdrop. The single photographer now has to divide time between the exciting dance floor photos (ie, the ones you REALLY want) and waiting at the backdrop to see if anyone else wants a portrait. Or worse yet, being STUCK at the backdrop when you’d like her on the dance floor.

So, how does one bridge the generation gap that causes this conflict, and get the amazing photos they really want? Explain to your family that you don’t want to spend that extra half hour at the church, you’d rather spend it in a park, or on the lakefront downtown. Then figure out the photos that your families cannot live without and give those to your photographer in your photo shot list. Make it clear what your priorities are, so you can avoid conflict between, you, your mom and the list of shots requested.

Through compromise and planning, though, you’ll be able to all have the photos you really want from your most special day!

Hire a pro

Photo requirements

The availability of high-tech digital cameras has led many couples to put Uncle Bob behind the lens, instead of paying for a professional. While the editors of Wedding Guide Chicago understand the need to reduce costs, we recommend you hire a professional and find a different area to cut costs.

Despite the fact technology may help a beginning photographer produce better photographs, your photographer needs the knowledge, experience and training of a true professional. You need a professional who knows how to maximize what their camera can do, can work a wedding and has an expert eye for catching the best angles and moments.

Start your search by asking recently married pals who they worked with and whether or not they were satisfied with the results. Flip through their albums and browse their photographers’ websites. The key is to avoid amateurs and hire someone who not only has some experience shooting weddings but can produce quality memories.

If interested in a photojournalistic style, contact your local paper or city magazine and find out if there are any photographers who shoot weddings on a freelance basis.

Whether freelancer or dedicated wedding photographer, it all comes down to the results they produce. Request samples of work from any potential photographer during the initial meeting. It is also advisable to view an entire wedding your photographer has shot so you can see the variety of images you can expect.

PERSONALITY COUNTS  Your wedding photographer is likely to be with you for most of the day. And capturing important details, such as the moment you slip into your dress or stealing a kiss with your new hubby, requires getting up close and personal. If you’re not comfortable with the person behind the lens, it’s going to show in the photos. In addition to finding a photographer to suit your budget and taste, he or she also should suit your personality.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK:                

HOW MUCH COVERAGE CAN WE EXPECT AND AT WHAT COST? Packing can range from just a few hours of coverage, meaning only the ceremony and part of the reception will be photographed, to the entire day and evening. Find out prices and the amount of coverage available upfront.

CAN WE GIVE YOU A LIST OF SPECIFIC PHOTOS WE DEFININTELY WANT? Yes, most photographers will even ask you what family members should be photographed and what moments you want captured.

WILL YOU CHOOSE AT OUR VENUE BEFORE? if the photographer has experience shooting at your ceremony or reception venue, he or she will know want to expect in terms or lighting ect. Some photographers who haven't shot a venue will " scout out" the location before the wedding day.

WILL YOU CHOOSE THE PHOTO OR WILL WE RECEIVE EVERY IMAGE TAKEN? Discuss this with your photographer upfront. More affordable packages include a DVD of unedited images. You and your new spouse can review and select favorite images for the album, If you're not up for going through 30 different shots of the cake cutting, ask your photographer for recommendations.

DO YOU HAVE A BACKUP PLAN IF YOU GET SICK? This is especially crucial if you're working with a freelancer who isn't associated with a studio. There's nothing wrong with asking to meet the backup person and checking out his or her work to put your mind at ease.