More than a Snapshot Volume 1 Issue 1 | Page 12

Crash My Wedding

Wedding Photography by Gregory Salvatore

Did you know that Wedding Photography is one of the hardest photography skills to master? Did you know a $500-1,000 camera is not capable of handling Wedding Photography? Find out this and more in this months Crash My Wedding.

What is left the day after your wedding? There’s a ring on your finger, a dress to clean. The endless task of changing your last name on

EVERYTHING and most important - Memories.

There are very few ways to preserve memories. As we get older and time passes the memories start to fade. We need visual reminders to help us relive that special time in our life. Who do you trust that important task to? Your uncle that has a nice camera? The college art student that picked up a camera for the first time at the beginning of the semester? Do you trust it to someone you found on Craigslist?

Wedding Photography is the most difficult of photography genres there are. Being able to capture a wedding as if it were a studio shoot takes years of practice and a lot of skill. Weddings take place at all the wrong times and places. A photographer to capture the best light and images.

Take the salon, there are some cool salons in the area BUT they are purpose designed. There are wires for all the hair dryers; the mirror reflects how busy the rest of the place is as well. Salons are laid out to maximize space and are usually very busy. This is not the ideal environment to take photos. I usually recommend to brides that the salon is not the best place to place my services, after all do you want the pictures before hair and makeup is finished?

What about the dressing area room, bring an additional 5-10 girls with all their make-up, dresses, shoes, jewelry, then add the flower girl to the mix. Get your hair done there on top of all that, Chaos!

I need to get the dress, shoes, jewelry, rings, flowers and anything else you want detail shots of. I then set up a studio to get the shots that are not only flawless but as unique as you are of those items. Next, we incorporate you into the photos and get you ready for your big day. We get you ready, a few more pictures of the bride and then pictures with the bridesmaids, parents, family and friends.

There are very few ways to preserve memories. As we get older and time passes the memories start to fade. We need visual reminders to help us relive that special time in our life.

The Ceremony has its own challenges. This is a somber event and cannot be interrupted. The photographer has to get great photos yet cannot make noise and must follow the rules of the officiant, some do not allow flashes in the church or during the ceremony.

Now is typically the most important time, Formal Photos. Among all the chaos we have up to usually 1 hour to take a gazillion picture combinations with the bride, groom, wedding party and family. This is also usually in the afternoon, Bright sun high in the sky, the absolute worst time to take pictures.