The Bridal Book

Wedding Planner

Celebrations

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GET IT ALL IN BLACK & WHITE, COLOR OR DIGITAL

Finding the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make, so taking the time to research your options is well worth the effort.

But you need to be up on some of the latest trends to get a good mix of posed and candid shots, the best video possible and plenty of extras to give to friends and relatives in your thank you cards!

Capturing candid shots unobtrusively throughout the day, before and after the wedding, has become a specialty that many photographers have embraced.

"I love the candid approach," says Jeffrey Fleisig, of Jeffrey Fleisig Photography.

Fleisig, who is based in Haverstraw, spends his time observing and shooting Þlm "in the moment" to catch the symbols and signs of the wedding day. "Too much posing doesn't capture a couple's personality, " says Fleisig, who enjoys shooting in black and white as well as color.

He has no set formula, no preconceived idea of how each wedding will unfold, and he thinks that's the way it should be. Fleisig, whose candid lifestyle images are sold worldwide, advises couples to:
•Get to get know your photographer. You want to see if the photographer will listen to your needs and to insure that your personalities mesh well.

• Ask about the sample albums you see at the photographer's studio. "You want to see if it is the work of the person you'll end up working with on your wedding day."

Elise Culver, a co-owner of Michael D.

Studio in Elmsford, has been handling weddings for more than nine years. She has seen a trend towards candid shots, but says her staff photographers also do formals or more posed shots.

Her tips:
•Ask about the studio's back up plan, in case of an emergency.

•Find out how the photographer is with guests who may want an extra bit of attention. "Personality is the most important part of assigning a photographer," says Culver, admitting that not every photographer can work with every bride and groom.

Michael D. Studio has a great website where the couple's family and friends can purchase their own copies of wedding pictures online, without having to bother the bride and groom.

For the well-heeled set, husband and wife team Charles and Jennifer Maring, offer the creme de la creme. The Marings, who have won numerous awards for their own unique style of "moment-capturing," specialize in artistically rendering and digitally mastering the images, providing the ultimate in heirloom wedding art.

Their prices, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 per day -- are not for the faint at heart. The Marings not only photograph, they also handprint everything in-house. "We take an average of 1,500 photographs at each event," says Jennifer Maring. The wedding couple will then choose their top 200 photos, those that "really depict the essence of the day."

Charles Maring's advice to couples:
•First and foremost find out if your wedding will be shot digitally or on film."

•When interviewing photographers and viewing their work, Maring recommends that couples ask whether the albums they are viewing reflect digital work or film work. Many photographers, cautions Maring, may still be novices in the art of taking digital photographs, and the couple may end up getting burned by that inexperience.

•You're buying more than a product. The photographer you work with should make you feel good about yourself, and make everyone comfortable.

It's a Snap
Here's what to consider when choosing a photographer or videographer:

1. Book at least six to nine months in advance
2. Ask about styles of wedding albums, and special effects - black and white photos, borders, Sepia - tinting used for an old-fashioned look, spot coloring used to highlight a bridal bouquet on a black and white photo.
3. Most photographers can customize their packages. Normal package prices start at $1000 on up.
4. Ask about timing. When can you view the photos after the event?
5. Ask about Websites and Internet access.

Many photographers will now post your proofs online, allowing you to see the finished product soon after your event. Some offer a link for your family and friends, as well.

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