Ask almost any bride and she’ll tell you that one of the most important things to her are the wedding photos. After all, it’s one of the best—and most photographed!—days of your life…you want the pictures to be, well, perfect.
We sat down with A Grand Wedding.com vendor and one of our favorite photographers, Malcolm Smith of
Malcolm Smith Photography, to find out what’s new, what’s hot and what’s up.
A Grand Wedding.com (AGW): Are there any 'new' trends in photography?
Malcolm Smith, of Malcolm Smith Photography: Just like fashion and music, photography styles can also change with the times. One trend I'm seeing is more manipulation with wedding images, including color and lighting effects to help the images 'pop.' While I like to do some Photoshopping—and think it does add a level of creativity—I also think it's important to let the image stand on its on two feet without too much manipulation.
AGW: What would you say to someone who wants to 'save money' by having a family member/friend take pictures at their wedding?
Malcolm Smith: I just had a client mention they were thinking about hiring one of their dads to do the photography. While he is a pro, would you really want a family member stressing over something like this? The bride and groom will have enough things to worry about, and the photography doesn't need to be one of them.
AGW: What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
Malcolm Smith: I get to be part of something really special and I'm tickled pink that I've gotten the nod to be a part of it. I see a lot of wedding photographers who are in it for the money and don't really enjoy what they do, and sure...there are parts of the business I'm not thrilled about—like the marketing part!—but the payoff is the thrill of the day.
AGW: What are three questions a bride and groom should ask a wedding photographer candidate before hiring them?
Malcolm Smith: 1.) Why do you photograph weddings? 2.) Do you photograph anything else besides weddings? 3.) What makes you different from other photographers?
AGW: What’s your $1,000 package?
Malcolm Smith: My $1,000 package is up to three hours of wedding coverage, basic touchup of all images, involved touchup of eight images with eight 8x10s. This also includes about 200 to 300 print [and web]-ready images on a CD, one set of images in color, one in black and white, and one in sepia tone. Lastly a client will get a contact sheet of all the images, a slideshow of 30 to 40 of the best images, and all the pictures are posted online. All for $999*!
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*Non-Saturday weddings only