Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Film vs Digital Wedding Photography

One of the most hotly debated topics among professional wedding photographers is whether digital wedding photography is as good as or better than traditional film. This is a natural debate as our world becomes more digitized. The majority of the population owns or has access to a digital camera and we enjoy the extra features and enhanced functionality that our personal digital cameras provide. When the time comes to decide on our wedding photography, it is only natural that we would consider digital wedding photography.

Only recently has digital photography begun to gain some recognition. Early digital cameras had many limitations that left the photos looking mechanical and cold. Today’s cameras have come a long way to correct these flaws and offer professional wedding photographers yet another tool to work with. Digital wedding photography is well on its way to coming into its own.
For many situations, digital cameras offer a number of significant advantages. A digital camera provides immediate feedback to the photographer. This enables him or her to risk tricky or difficult shots, knowing that if anything needs to be corrected it can be. This is especially important for photojournalistic wedding photography, in which many of the shots will be taken in ambient light conditions. A related benefit is the ability to take a greater number of shots. The photographer can shoot as many pictures as time and memory card will allow, without worrying about the cost of film.

Another major advantage of digital wedding photography is that all of the settings are internal. Rather than having to interrupt the proceedings to change film speeds or simply change out a film roll, the photographer can make changes quickly and easily.
Most couples today want their photos in a digital format as well as an album. While film photos can be scanned, moving digital photos around electronically is less labor intensive and therefore less expensive. In addition, digital photos can be easily manipulated if the couple wants copies of certain photos in black and white or sepia tones, for example.
The major drawback to digital wedding photography at this time is that many wedding photographers are not yet completely familiar with the new style. Digital photography is in many ways a completely different animal than film photography, and some very talented professional wedding photographers are simply not at their best with digital photography. When interviewing possible digital wedding photographers, be sure that you ask how long the photographer has been using this style. Also ask to see copies of both his film work and his digital work for comparison purposes.

Digital wedding photography is increasing in popularity. The medium has many distinct advantages over film photography. However, the medium that you choose will be determined by many factors, including your personal comfort, the comfort of your photographer, and the style of your wedding. Look at examples of both digital wedding photography and film photography and decide which is right for you.

Planning a wedding can be a very daunting task. What with time constraints as well as budget concerns, there are some couples choose to give a few of the of the more key aspects completely out of their wedding completely. One of those aspects should not be Photography. In this article, we will handle some basic issues on wedding photography that all couples ought to know when planning their grand day.

How far in advance should I book a photographer for my wedding?

Numerous photographers urge reserving a photographer as soon as you get engaged, or at least until you recognize when the wedding date is. It is advised that the engaged couple book 8-12 months in advance since numerous studios book wedding dates quickly. Weddings are more numerous from May to October while the weather is most favorable. If you choose to have your wedding within this period, the photographer you pick will probably ask for a non-refundable deposit or retainer fee to book your wedding date. This ensures that you will have this studio or photographer on your desired date, and ensuring a job for your photographer. The sooner you book your photographer, then it is more likely you are able to have a solid working relationship with your first choice.

What are some of the benefits of hiring a professional?

The primary benefit to employing a professional wedding photographer is the experience that they have. The vast majority wedding photographers have extensive experience working with numerous different people and awkward personalities. They have faced atrocious weather conditions, and encountered numerous technical problems. Because they are specialized in photography, they are well equipped to deal with numerous wedding sizes or photo demands. Unlike a friend or relative of the couple, a professional photographer’s all-important goal is catching candid moments on film. Knowing they are depended on delivering superior photos that will be loved for years to come, they are less apt to be carried away by aspects of the ceremony. With an event that allows no second chances, hiring a professional is a good investment that will help keep your memories of your special day around for years.

How do I choose a photographer for my wedding?

First, get several testimonials from people you know about different photographers they have used. relatives as well as friends who have had positive experiences with the photographers or studios they have used usually should be more than enthusiastic to share this information with you. After going over web sites as well as portfolios on the internet, get in touch with each individual studio or particular photographer that you are interested. Schedule a meeting at their individual studio and look at different samples of their work in person, preferably with each party of the engaged couple. Ask the photographer to see pictures from assorted weddings, and if at all possible a total wedding. Doing so provides for complete evaluation of the various styles as well as the formats of photography, or even artistic effects that each photographer can provide for you. Ask yourself if they share your artistic vision while looking through their portfolio. Are you in agreement with the various styles that they use? Is the quality to your liking? Also, observe how well you interact as well as communicate with each photographer. Besides family and friends, your photographer is the one individual that you will be contacting with the most. Being comfortable enough to talk with them while your wedding will diminish the tension of an a day which is already hectic. Once you have selected a photographer whose work you are happy with, and whose personality is harmonious with your own, you can then talk about price ranges.

When hiring a professional photographer how much should I expect to spend?

Expect photography alone to be around 5% to 10% of your total budget. That might be anywhere from $900 to $2,000, and possibly up to $10,000. This is all dependent on various elements for instance advertising, transportation, education, and insurance. Quotes on price include the cost of equipment for instance cameras and film. Top-notch professional cameras can cost in the thousands. While developing black and white film is a lot more pricey than producing color prints due to a long handcrafted process. Other things that couples have to take account into their budget for photography involve the number of hours that photographers spend at your wedding, additional photographers, extra prints, and custom albums. In addition, expect to pay more for a professional who is in high demand.

What about black and white photos as opposed to color?

There are a some advantages and disadvantages in terms of shooting in both black and white, as well as color film. Color is the more proficient of the two formats. It furnishes you an precise delineation of the events that just took place, and can easily be changed into black and white prints. Nonetheless, they do not last as long as prints that stem from black and white film. Yet numerous couples opt for color because it is not as high-priced as black and white film. Black and white film is the alternative for numerous wedding photographers who view themselves photojournalists. Additionally, many couples believe that black and white photos have a sense of timelessness as well as elegance to them. The primary reason why it costs more to shoot with black and white film rather than with color is because it is developed by hand. In this case, each exposure is an original piece of artwork that is untouched by technology. Selecting either black and white film, or color prints will all depend on what the photographer favors to use, and what styles you are akin to, and the amount you are willing to spend.


Madison WI photographer Terry Talbot


http://www.talbotphoto.com/

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