PHOTOGRAPHY ESSENTIALS:
Found a great article about photography from a guest writer at the link below:
Fol Rana Jr: Looking At The Big Picture
I was able to get some important exerpt/tips that I believe would be useful for me and other brides.
****************************************************
Looking at the Big Picture
by: John & Benz Rana (www.weddingsatwork.com)
article originally appeared in print: 03.17.07
"It was, and remains, the quintessential wedding picture. One look at John F. Kennedy Jr. kissing the hand of Carolyn Bessette as they came out of the chapel and it said everything about the couple: grace, poise, elegance, gallantry. Two words always come to mind: picture perfect.
Suddenly, that one seemingly innocuous picture of two beautiful people, taken by leading Hollywood wedding photographer Denis Reggie, became the inspiration for a new standard of wedding photography. Some call it candid, reportage style, or as-it-happens photography. However it is known, the photojournalistic type of wedding coverage soon became de rigeur as couples opted for more natural looking photographs.
It is nice to have memorable and non-posed shots. That one has to attend to a gazillion details during the wedding and remain photogenic is next to impossible. The reality is that one begins the day looking as if one just stepped out of a magazine and ends it looking somewhat like a magazine somebody stepped on. The trick then is to capture those rare in-the-moment episodes during the wedding before the frazzles of the day take hold of you. To ensure this, the following are some reminders on how one can get those pictures that will not only last but will also be valued for a lifetime.
---------------------------
During Preparation:
1. Your makeup area should be right at the back of a bay window. The illumination from the ambient light outside the room will be very dramatic.
2. You should position your gown right behind you so that the photographer can shoot your reflection in the mirror with the gown as backdrop. If this is not possible, always ensure that the position of the gown is in the same angle as your makeup area.
3. Always see to it that your hotel room lights are working, especially the bed lamps. They are superb highlights for your accessories pictures.
4. Make it a point to have your maid of honor and bridesmaids present (if you're the bride) or the best man and the groomsmen (if you're the groom). It is nice to have interaction shots in the room during your preparations.
5. Flowers are key accessories but can arrive notoriously late. Make sure that the flowers arrive earlier than the photographers. It is quite challenging to take outstanding shots without these key accessories.
---------------------------
During the Ceremony:
1. If the church has swivel doors and they are not very heavy (like those of San Agustin), always insist on a dramatic entrance. Assign two people to open the doors as soon as the bridal march is played. You need to ensure, though, that you are the only one by the door for a dramatic silhouette shot.
2. If it is possible, the bride should walk alone and meet her parents midway. This is especially cinematic when there is a choir loft that gives a bird's eye view for what I call the "Princess Diana" shot.
3. Walk slowly down the aisle. This is your moment; savor it.
4. If you have the tendency to cling to your parents when walking then let them hold you. Don't cross your arms with theirs since that looks awkward in pictures.
5. If you will kiss your parents at the end of the aisle, just do a beso-beso (cheek to cheek) or a Park Avenue air kiss so as not to smear your veil with lipstick. Don't lift your veil anymore.
6. As you reach your seat, place the bouquet on top of your pew. Better hold your partner's hand or arm; it will definitely photograph better than arms sagging under the weight of a bouquet.
7. From time to time, look at the photographer on your side. A reminder, though: this should be done sparingly since the presiding priest or minister might scold you for unabashedly enjoying shots rather than the homily.
8. Occasionally glance at your partner. That lovely stare will not be missed by an attentive photographer.
9. Hold your partner's hands. Better yet, kiss the hand of your future wife. At times, kiss the side of her head.
10. Memorize your vows or, better still, write your own – it will certainly elicit a more natural and heartfelt reaction from your partner. It is better to be looking at your partner than be looking at the missalette.
11. When exchanging rings, utter the words first then put on the ring. This will give the photographer time to capture your expression and do a close up of the rings while they are being put on.
12. Do not forget to remove the price tag on your shoes even if they are that expensive. Yes, some people actually forget to remove the tag; it is certainly a serious faux pas even if the photo becomes a conversation piece…of sorts
13. When the cord is placed on top of your veil, make sure that it is not blocking your face. Tugging it discreetly down to one's bodice level will do the trick
14. Your first kiss is one of the highlights of the ceremony. A peck might seem a little prudish while Frenching the bride might be more appropriate in the comfort and the privacy of your suite. A good, photogenic kiss should be long enough for photographers to capture it.
15. After the kiss, you can hug your partner or dip your bride, or kiss her hand or forehead. This is your moment; get the most mileage out of it.
16. Don't remove your veil during the pictorial. A veil is picturesque, especially if captured during windy moments.
---------------------------
During the Reception:
1. As soon as you are introduced and the door of the reception is opened, kiss the hand of your partner as you are walking.
2. Always make it a point to get guests to go to your table instead of table-hopping. This is more convenient for you, and more group shot variations can be taken—not to mention this helps get rid of messy tables and half-eaten courses. Make sure that your table is easily accessible.
3. Don't release the doves indoors. Always do it after the recessional. It makes for better pictures and is less cruel to the birds. Butterflies are au courant these days and seem a good alternative to doves – make sure, though, that the bridesmaids are not afraid of bugs.
4. Putting the garter on by hand is passé. Try using your teeth for a change, unless violent objections are expressed by the lucky bridesmaid.
5. Don't throw a single bouquet. Single Filipinas will not catch them unless they are in their mid-40s. Do a game or throw a dozen and just mark one as "it".
6. Practice your first dance. A twirl here and there rather than a lame side to side sway will yield wonderful photographs.
Again, these are just pointers that can help your photographer capture the magic during your wedding. Of course, it is a must that you have a rapport with your chosen photographer. A cheap wedding photographer does not assure you of good photographs, and neither does an expensive one. The best thing you can do is to scout around, join wedding resource groups, ask friends, and look at photography websites. Most importantly, talk to the photographer who will be personally taking pictures of your wedding.
I admit a photographer can produce striking photographs but a large part of the equation is equally cooperative and enjoyable couples. "
--------------------
Here's another one that was posted at the W@W egroups.
"Why does the camera add ten pounds?"
Blame it on lighting.
* Turn partially sideways, planting one foot in front of the other.
* Pull your head forward to eliminate double chin.
* Hold arms slightly away from the body.
* Take a deep breath as you pull your shoulders back, chest forward.
* Look away from the camera, then turn towards it, breaking into asmile before the camera clicks.
* Wear an entire outfit of just one color.
Conclusion: At the end of the day, we really need a good photographer (and lightman!) and make-up artist (for shading more prominent cheekbones).
Fol Rana Jr: Looking At The Big Picture
I was able to get some important exerpt/tips that I believe would be useful for me and other brides.
****************************************************
Looking at the Big Pictureby: John & Benz Rana (www.weddingsatwork.com)
article originally appeared in print: 03.17.07
"It was, and remains, the quintessential wedding picture. One look at John F. Kennedy Jr. kissing the hand of Carolyn Bessette as they came out of the chapel and it said everything about the couple: grace, poise, elegance, gallantry. Two words always come to mind: picture perfect.
Suddenly, that one seemingly innocuous picture of two beautiful people, taken by leading Hollywood wedding photographer Denis Reggie, became the inspiration for a new standard of wedding photography. Some call it candid, reportage style, or as-it-happens photography. However it is known, the photojournalistic type of wedding coverage soon became de rigeur as couples opted for more natural looking photographs.
It is nice to have memorable and non-posed shots. That one has to attend to a gazillion details during the wedding and remain photogenic is next to impossible. The reality is that one begins the day looking as if one just stepped out of a magazine and ends it looking somewhat like a magazine somebody stepped on. The trick then is to capture those rare in-the-moment episodes during the wedding before the frazzles of the day take hold of you. To ensure this, the following are some reminders on how one can get those pictures that will not only last but will also be valued for a lifetime.
---------------------------
During Preparation:
1. Your makeup area should be right at the back of a bay window. The illumination from the ambient light outside the room will be very dramatic.
2. You should position your gown right behind you so that the photographer can shoot your reflection in the mirror with the gown as backdrop. If this is not possible, always ensure that the position of the gown is in the same angle as your makeup area.
3. Always see to it that your hotel room lights are working, especially the bed lamps. They are superb highlights for your accessories pictures.
4. Make it a point to have your maid of honor and bridesmaids present (if you're the bride) or the best man and the groomsmen (if you're the groom). It is nice to have interaction shots in the room during your preparations.
5. Flowers are key accessories but can arrive notoriously late. Make sure that the flowers arrive earlier than the photographers. It is quite challenging to take outstanding shots without these key accessories.
---------------------------
During the Ceremony:
1. If the church has swivel doors and they are not very heavy (like those of San Agustin), always insist on a dramatic entrance. Assign two people to open the doors as soon as the bridal march is played. You need to ensure, though, that you are the only one by the door for a dramatic silhouette shot.
2. If it is possible, the bride should walk alone and meet her parents midway. This is especially cinematic when there is a choir loft that gives a bird's eye view for what I call the "Princess Diana" shot.
3. Walk slowly down the aisle. This is your moment; savor it.
4. If you have the tendency to cling to your parents when walking then let them hold you. Don't cross your arms with theirs since that looks awkward in pictures.
5. If you will kiss your parents at the end of the aisle, just do a beso-beso (cheek to cheek) or a Park Avenue air kiss so as not to smear your veil with lipstick. Don't lift your veil anymore.
6. As you reach your seat, place the bouquet on top of your pew. Better hold your partner's hand or arm; it will definitely photograph better than arms sagging under the weight of a bouquet.
7. From time to time, look at the photographer on your side. A reminder, though: this should be done sparingly since the presiding priest or minister might scold you for unabashedly enjoying shots rather than the homily.
8. Occasionally glance at your partner. That lovely stare will not be missed by an attentive photographer.
9. Hold your partner's hands. Better yet, kiss the hand of your future wife. At times, kiss the side of her head.
10. Memorize your vows or, better still, write your own – it will certainly elicit a more natural and heartfelt reaction from your partner. It is better to be looking at your partner than be looking at the missalette.
11. When exchanging rings, utter the words first then put on the ring. This will give the photographer time to capture your expression and do a close up of the rings while they are being put on.
12. Do not forget to remove the price tag on your shoes even if they are that expensive. Yes, some people actually forget to remove the tag; it is certainly a serious faux pas even if the photo becomes a conversation piece…of sorts
13. When the cord is placed on top of your veil, make sure that it is not blocking your face. Tugging it discreetly down to one's bodice level will do the trick
14. Your first kiss is one of the highlights of the ceremony. A peck might seem a little prudish while Frenching the bride might be more appropriate in the comfort and the privacy of your suite. A good, photogenic kiss should be long enough for photographers to capture it.
15. After the kiss, you can hug your partner or dip your bride, or kiss her hand or forehead. This is your moment; get the most mileage out of it.
16. Don't remove your veil during the pictorial. A veil is picturesque, especially if captured during windy moments.
---------------------------
During the Reception:
1. As soon as you are introduced and the door of the reception is opened, kiss the hand of your partner as you are walking.
2. Always make it a point to get guests to go to your table instead of table-hopping. This is more convenient for you, and more group shot variations can be taken—not to mention this helps get rid of messy tables and half-eaten courses. Make sure that your table is easily accessible.
3. Don't release the doves indoors. Always do it after the recessional. It makes for better pictures and is less cruel to the birds. Butterflies are au courant these days and seem a good alternative to doves – make sure, though, that the bridesmaids are not afraid of bugs.
4. Putting the garter on by hand is passé. Try using your teeth for a change, unless violent objections are expressed by the lucky bridesmaid.
5. Don't throw a single bouquet. Single Filipinas will not catch them unless they are in their mid-40s. Do a game or throw a dozen and just mark one as "it".
6. Practice your first dance. A twirl here and there rather than a lame side to side sway will yield wonderful photographs.
Again, these are just pointers that can help your photographer capture the magic during your wedding. Of course, it is a must that you have a rapport with your chosen photographer. A cheap wedding photographer does not assure you of good photographs, and neither does an expensive one. The best thing you can do is to scout around, join wedding resource groups, ask friends, and look at photography websites. Most importantly, talk to the photographer who will be personally taking pictures of your wedding.
I admit a photographer can produce striking photographs but a large part of the equation is equally cooperative and enjoyable couples. "
--------------------
Here's another one that was posted at the W@W egroups.
"Why does the camera add ten pounds?"
Blame it on lighting.
Unlucky for us, we don't have the luxury of having our own lighting technician casting light in all the right angles. Here are five red carpet secrets to looking thinner in photos."...The flat, even illumination on the red carpet makes it hard forthe
camera to capture dimension, unlike in a photo shoot with flattering soft
lights. Cast from an angle, light creates shadows that sculpt the face and body
by hiding unwanted flesh. Softer lights can hide wrinkles and smooth out the skin
for women, while harsher lights on male faces exaggerate lines for a chiseled
look. Without the aid of shadows, however, light exposes the imperfections of the
face and body, and makes the resulting image bigger and flatter..."
* Turn partially sideways, planting one foot in front of the other.
* Pull your head forward to eliminate double chin.
* Hold arms slightly away from the body.
* Take a deep breath as you pull your shoulders back, chest forward.
* Look away from the camera, then turn towards it, breaking into asmile before the camera clicks.
* Wear an entire outfit of just one color.
Conclusion: At the end of the day, we really need a good photographer (and lightman!) and make-up artist (for shading more prominent cheekbones).
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