Welcome to the third installment of "Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer: Answered!" Today's installment includes lots of good information, including the importance of being able to shoot with natural AND artificial light (and why that's important to you, as the bride), wedding day timelines, and what to do if it rains or snows on your wedding day. If you missed the last two weeks of this segment, be sure to check out part one here and part two here!
4: Do you shoot natural light or artificial light? Or both?
[Question taken and answered from this article.]
Both. I prefer natural light, but over the years, I’ve learned the necessity of using both to my advantage on a wedding day. Because weddings are booked so far in advance, you never truly know what the day is going to be like, so you have to be prepared on all fronts. For example – what if you’re planning on getting married outside on the most beautiful farm with an outdoor ceremony and reception, but the day of the wedding rolls around and it’s pouring outside, and the only option is to have your ceremony and portraits taken inside a dark barn with little to no natural light? That definitely changes the outcome of your wedding images, and if I’m a natural light photographer who’s afraid of using artificial light – it changes them for the worst! But, if I’m a photographer who loves and utilizes both natural light and artificial light, it’s not a big deal. Pop open a couple of flashes, and boom – beautiful, bright images, even on a dreary day!
5: Will you help me with the timeline for my wedding day?
[Question taken and answered from this article.]
I love helping my brides plan their wedding day timeline – I have an odd personality that loves all things creative, but all things organized, too, which makes wedding photography the perfect job for me! In fact, I love helping my brides plan their timeline so much that I've created an 80 page wedding magazine of helpful wedding tips that includes a very comprehensive sample timeline. All brides receive the magazine, complimentary, upon booking! Just to give a couple of quick benefits of having a photographer help you with your timeline:
- You’ll have more time for photos (couples who haven’t planned a wedding before are unaware of how much time it takes to get those stunning portraits they're cherish for years to come!)
- You won’t be rushed throughout the day (For example - too many family formals can lead to rushed bridal party/bride & groom portraits, which is always a bummer!)
6: What will we do if it rains or snows?
[Question taken and answered from this article.]
Pittsburgh weather can be so unpredictable, which is why I always like to discuss a back up plan with my couples prior to the wedding day – just so we’re all on the same page from the get-go! There are lots of ways to combat a rainy day, one of which is by using umbrellas, and another of which is by having a secondary covered (or indoor) location. In Pittsburgh, there are lots of outdoor areas with coverage (Mellon Institute, the Convention Center, to name a few), and lots of scenic indoor areas to take photos as well. No matter the weather, no matter the location, we can (and will) still get awesome photos!
As always, feel free to leave a question in the comments below to be answered in a future segment, or send your questions directly to jhidingerphotography@gmail.com. See you next week, and happy wedding planning!