Nov
14
Disclaimer: CHIC TidBits are only suggestions derived from CHIC Studio’s observations and experiences as a wedding photographer. These tips address some issues future brides and grooms may wish to consider during the planning stages of their wedding and have been provided as a means of aiding them during the decision making process. CHIC TidBits are intended to help both the photographer and the couple obtain their desired results. CHIC TidBits may not cater to everyone but is for use at your (the couples’) own discretion. CHIC TidBits are a hallmark of CHIC Studio owned by Antwan D. Albuoy and written collaboratively with Georgette C. E. Howard and are in no way to be misconstrued as definitive directives.
When selecting a photographer while cost is a factor, don’t cheat yourself! Photography and photographers has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade or more. There will be many to choose from and so there are several angles which we encourage you to consider when making this crucial choice:
- DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS
- Ask questions about his/her work style, work ethics etc.
- DETERMINE the VALUE of capturing your special day in print- not just the dollar value but more importantly the sentimental value.
- Review the photographer’s work and ask what inspired him/her
- Consider the presentation of the photographer’s work – this will give you an idea of their creativity. Remember, photography isn’t just “shooting”, it’s about capturing time, vividly and beautifully.
- Think about how much coverage you really want – do you want a complete photographic log of your day from start to finish? Do you want to be able to reflect on the before and the after? Or do you only want the actual ceremony and reception covered.
- Does the photographer understand about lighting, positioning (when necessary for the more traditional shots) and capturing naturalism
- Tell the photographer about your vision for your wedding and what it means to you.
- Do you feel the photographer has LISTENED to you?
- Do you feel comfortable with the photographer after the initial meeting?
CHIC recognizes that most everyone has a budget that they may have to work within but we want you to recognize that your wedding photos are a lifetime INVESTMENT! The photographer you choose is providing you with a collection of Priceless memories that will last a lifetime. Memories captured pictorially for your children, grandchildren, parents, other family members and friends to reflect upon for years to come - a photographic memoir of THE MOST special occasion of your life!
We encourage you to take the time to consider, really ponder the value of having tangible memories – that is to say, GOOD QUALITY tangible memories. We encourage you to consider the possibility that your wedding photos are almost as important as the selection of your gowns and suits – after all, you want a photographer who will know how to capture the best of you and your wedding party and your wedding day overall.
Finally, we want your wedding day to be the euphoric experience you’ve imagined and dreamed of, from start to finish. From the emotional ceremony, to the fairytale reception with great food, music and happy guests, to the photographer who has captured your dream and portrayed it in living colour with style, flair, creativity and Quality!
Sep
30
CHIC TidBit #4: Eye to Eye
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Disclaimer: CHIC TidBits are only suggestions derived from CHIC Studio’s observations and experiences as a wedding photographer. These tips address some issues future brides and grooms may wish to consider during the planning stages of their wedding and have been provided as a means of aiding them during the decision making process. CHIC TidBits are intended to help both the photographer and the couple obtain their desired results. CHIC TidBits may not cater to everyone but is for use at your (the couples’) own discretion. CHIC TidBits are a hallmark of CHIC Studio owned by Antwan D. Albuoy and written collaboratively with Georgette C. E. Howard and are in no way to be misconstrued as definitive directives.
Photography, though some may not acknowledge it as such, is indeed an Art. And, like (typical) art e.g. paintings – it is Subjective and Open to Interpretation. While you may not understand a particular piece of artistry, (painting, literary, dance, photography or other) the average person can identify and does appreciate the talent it takes to CREATE in general.
You and your Photographer may not always see eye to eye on a particular shot captured. As the client / subject, you may automatically tend to think that you are supposed to be visible in every shot. Not so. Here’s where creativity, professionalism, and artistry (the photographer’s viewpoint) and practicality, logic & and basic human nature (client’s/subject’s viewpoint) sometimes collide. It’s at this point that Interpretation has to be clarified and treated with open-mindedness.
A Photographer may see a shot in his/her mind’s eye where even though you are the subject, the photographer may want to hone in on the beauty of the landscape surrounding you. As such, the photographer may fade you out of the picture and zero in on the surroundings and/or natural backdrops. The photographer may make your face “hazy” while having a “sharp” image of nature’s glory.
Here’s where understanding your photographer’s style is important and also taking time to ask questions of him/her concerning his/her particular style. Your photographer will certainly capture enough shots of you, the client, but creative and dramatic license is a key part of the beauty of professional photography. A professional photographer is hired to capture what you, the client, can not capture for yourself. After all, you chose your photographer based on his/her portfolio – work you’ve seen and enjoyed, that made you say to yourself, “I’ve got to have him or her!”
Your photographer will and does take your desires into consideration and will ultimately capture many of the shots you ask for BUT, he/she will also capture the shots he/she sees with his/her creative mind. And, for marketing purposes and his/her portfolio, your photographer may/will use a variety of shots to highlight his/her creativity, ingenuity, and skill.
Aug
21
CHIC TidBit #3: PICTURE (NOT) PERFECT
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Disclaimer: CHIC TidBits are only suggestions derived from CHIC Studio’s observations and experiences as a wedding photographer. These tips address some issues future brides and grooms may wish to consider during the planning stages of their wedding and have been provided as a means of aiding them during the decision making process. CHIC TidBits are intended to help both the photographer and the couple obtain their desired results. CHIC TidBits may not cater to everyone but is for use at your (the couples’) own discretion. CHIC TidBits are a hallmark of CHIC Studio owned by Antwan D. Albuoy and written collaboratively with Georgette C. E. Howard and are in no way to be misconstrued as definitive directives.
Experience has shown me as a photographer that the bride & groom should NOT get their pictures taken at the same location as their reception. Confusion and obstruction is sure to follow.
When the guests see that the bridal party is gathering for their professional photos – they want to get in on the action as well. This is human nature. Unfortunately, this causes time delays and unnecessary frustration to both the bridal party, (who by now is tired and ready to relax) and to the photographer whose time is spent waiting for people to move out of the way of the camera’s eye.
These delays could potentially interfere with elements that would enhance a particular shot or look that the photographer may be trying to capture. There’s nothing worse for a photographer, then seeing the perfect picture in his/her lens & then a body crosses in the background just as he/she snaps the shot. Definitely not a perfect picture does this make.
The shot has to be retaken and I can guarantee you that it will not be the same as what the photographer originally saw. Expressions would have changed as well as body language.
Bride & Groom, please inform only the people who need to be in the formal pictures, of the location and stress the importance that they and ONLY they show up at that location. It makes for less aggravation and saves a lot of time.
If circumstances do not permit for you to have wedding and reception in differing locales, assign someone (or several people) who are “no nonsense” types and have them shepherd the guests away from the formal shooting area. If necessary, have your MC make an announcement that all guests should refrain from crowding the area where the photographer is taking formal photos.
In the end, setting some guest ground-rules will and can only benefit the quality and quantity of pictures you receive and the quickness with which the shots are taken.
Jul
18
CHIC TidBit #2: Reflections of You
Filed Under CHIC TidBits, Us Session, Weddings | Leave a Comment
Disclaimer: CHIC TidBits are only suggestions derived from CHIC Studio’s observations and experiences as a wedding photographer. These tips address some issues future brides and grooms may wish to consider during the planning stages of their wedding and have been provided as a means of aiding them during the decision making process. CHIC TidBits are intended to help both the photographer and the couple obtain their desired results. CHIC TidBits may not cater to everyone but is for use at your (the couples’) own discretion. CHIC TidBits are a hallmark of CHIC Studio owned by Antwan D. Albuoy and written collaboratively with Georgette C. E. Howard and are in no way to be misconstrued as definitive directives.
Ladies, I’ve been told it’s very hard for a guy to look bad in a suit. So this tidbit is geared more specifically toward you - the bride & bridesmaids.
Intended bride, choose your bridesmaids gowns with great care. They will be on stage almost as much as you and what they have on will be a reflection on you and a reflection of your personality and flair – or the lack thereof. If they don’t look good – you don’t look good and chances are your photos won’t look exactly like what you imagined or hoped for.
Select colours that complement their complexion while still showing who you, the bride is, as a person. It may sound daunting but with help from the right person(s), this task doesn’t have to be. Choose a style of dress that flatters the maids’ figures. There is no rule that says every dress has to be EXACTLY the same. Traditionally, we used to see rainbow weddings i.e. same dress, different colour for every bridesmaid. More & more we are seeing bridesmaids in the same colour dresses but not necessarily the exact same style. We are even seeing the maid/matron of honour in a different style and colour of dress from the rest of the bridesmaids. You may choose a spaghetti strapped gown but one of your bridesmaids may have big arms – add a shawl, wrap or shrug to their dress – what a difference! Little concessions or creative touches make all the difference in what the lens sees and ultimately captures.
Deeper, richer colours tend to be slimming and photograph beautifully. So choose colours that the camera will love without compromising your taste and desires. Also, choose colours that reflect the season and the theme of your wedding. You don’t want a sundress for a formal reception – yes, I have seen such and it doesn’t mesh well for a photo in your album. Likewise, try not to choose a formal gown for your bridesmaids for a wedding taking place on a beach. You get the idea.
Also, consult a makeup artist. Arrange a time for your bridesmaids to consult with a makeup professional. You don’t have to hire a professional on the day but you do want to have a good understanding about what looks good with your complexions and dress colour(s). Your face will tell a million stories in the eye of the lens – you want that story to be fresh and stunning!
Finally – Hairstyles! There’s nothing flattering about capturing a hairdo that looks like a bird’s nest. Not a very pretty picture does it make. Make sure all weaves, extensions, updos etc. are tightly secured and natural looking. It will make a difference in the photo. Again, all the hairstyles don’t have to be the same but they do and should all be picture worthy.
Your day should be a reflection of who you are as a woman in general and of what captivated your man!
Jun
7
CHIC TidBit #1: EXHALE!!!
Filed Under CHIC TidBits, Us Session, Weddings | Leave a Comment
Disclaimer: CHIC TidBits are only suggestions derived from CHIC Studio’s observations and experiences as a wedding photographer. These tips address some issues future brides and grooms may wish to consider during the planning stages of their wedding and have been provided as a means of aiding them during the decision making process. CHIC TidBits are intended to help both the photographer and the couple obtain their desired results. CHIC TidBits may not cater to everyone but is for use at your (the couples’) own discretion. CHIC TidBits are a hallmark of CHIC Studio owned by Antwan D. Albuoy and written collaboratively with Georgette C. E. Howard and are in no way to be misconstrued as definitive directives.
Weddings have become increasingly more hectic, complex and intricate. Gone seem to be the days when “the family” got together and were the caterers, cake-makers etc. Gone seems to be the simplicity that weddings used to be – when, I’m told, that the reception consisted of sandwiches, cake and champagne. Your aunt made the wedding cake and your uncle video-taped or shot the photos.
Now, the Bride seems to do it ALL – planning, arranging, selecting etc. In this era of the independent woman – Brides are doing alone what used to be done by the entire family. As such, many brides are stressed out leading up to the wedding, and even on “The Day”. I’ve heard several brides say that they were almost too exhausted to fully enjoy their wedding day due to last minute details they had to attend to.
DE-STRESS!! HOW? Consider the following suggestions:
- GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME to plan the wedding. Time to oversee the details without being overwhelmed by the details. Time to pay for as much of the wedding as possible out of pocket so that once it’s paid for – it’s paid for. Time to enjoy the very idea of your upcoming nuptials. Time to breathe!
- HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER/COORDINATOR – neither you nor your bridesmaids, parents or other relatives can concentrate on all of the major and minute details or last minute occurrences that happen with every wedding. Everyone will be too busy trying to enjoy themselves and celebrate your big day with you. A wedding planner provides you with an unbiased professional who will concentrate SOLELY on those minute and/or unexpected details, leaving everyone else, the couple included, to enjoy the excitement of the day.
- BE DECISIVE AND FIRM in your decisions (where possible). Apply this to your budget and especially your guest list. If you say 200 guests – stick to it! Parents (you have to love them) will invite the entire world to see their “baby boy/girl” (it doesn’t matter if you’re the first born or the last), get married. Your loving and over-excited parent(s) will want to invite 5th cousins twice removed, extended family members so extended that you haven’t seen them in years, friends of friends of friends – whom you don’t know, and the list could go on until you suddenly end up with a guest list of 550 people instead of 200.
- CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PARTY WITH CARE….oh yes, I’m going there. Don’t feel obligated to have relatives in your party just because it seems “the right thing to do”. Don’t choose people just because they’ve been around or have been a ‘friend’ for a long time but have never really been a “true and/or good friend”. Don’t feel pressured to choose friends/family because they’re friends/family, knowing they can’t afford to pay for their gowns etc. – you know this is true!!! Who wants the added stress of having to hunt people down for funds? Your funds are needed elsewhere. Don’t be afraid to EXCUSE people from your wedding party who have nothing positive to say but offer a lot of criticisms under the guise of being helpful. The last thing you need is bridesmaids and groomsmen giving you grief leading up to your wedding day. I have heard some horror stories! It’s your party and you can have whom you want to!
- WEDDING COMMENTATORS – Ignore those people – family, friends & whomever else, who like to comment on EVERYTHING; the time, place, food, music, dresses, suits, cars etc. Any and everything that they can talk about – they talk about and loudly. Nobody has asked for their opinions but they give them anyway. They don’t offer any help, just ridicule - and, it’s rarely (if ever) to your face. Chances are, somebody else relays the message- “so & so wants to know why it’s so early, why it’s in the garden, why it’s in the church etc. etc.” This can become very annoying and stressful, very quickly. Shut them out and invite them NOT to attend!
- MASSAGE!!!! MASSAGE!!! MASSAGE!!! I can’t stress this point enough. Treat yourselves (fiancé & fiancée) to several massages leading up to your wedding. Yes, the man of the hour will experience stress also – though he may try to hide it. Believe me, he’s stressing because you (fiancée) are stressing and because he may be experiencing cold feet. Have a couple of massages by yourselves first then one or two as a couple – this is a great time for reconnecting/refocusing on each other and spending some quality together. Maybe have one with your bridesmaids (girl-time) and finally and possibly MOST IMPORTANTLY – have one on the eve of your wedding day. It will do wonders to relieve any anxiety, tension and/or stress you have that you may not even be aware of. Even if you don’t feel stressed – what a decadent luxury to indulge in, on the eve of your big day!!!!
Indeed, there are other ways you can stop your wedding from becoming a stressful occasion. These are just but a few of the ways some couples have de-stressed. Do yourself a favour – EXHALE!