Wedding photography captures timeless moments
Brides can be selective in choosing perfect photography options

Wedding photography offers the capability of capturing every moment of the bride and grooms special day, but the prospective wedding couple should look beyond mere affordability when selecting the ideal professional to do the job.

Still photography can mean more features and value just by sheer quantity, greater than videographers can produce without an unlimited budget.

Couples might opt to look at the photographer's work to see if his or her style matches their desires before making up their minds who to choose.

"Whether they're looking for casual or formal, they need to see that style reflected in the images the photographer presents," said Jerry Bell of Jerry Bell Photography in Fort Worth.
Many wedding photographers offer black-and-white photos along with vibrant color as part of the overall coverage because experience has shown these types of photos have artistic appeal.

Another reason to choose wisely is that the couple and their families spend lots of time and money on wedding details so quality photos are important.

"The wedding couple often doesn't get to enjoy the details they planned until after the ceremony," said Kristi Chavarria, who owns PHOTOconcepts in Arlington with husband Gus. "When they get the photos back, they'll be able to recognize the effort they put into the event."

Professional photographers agree that there are many reasons not to allow amateur photographers to photograph a wedding.

"If a photographer offers a good deal because it's the first time they've done it, then steer clear because it's too important of a day," he said. "They may jeopardize being able to capture the sequence of events because they don't know how the wedding will go or they have a lack of knowledge about indoor lighting. Plus they may get caught up in the emotions and miss timely shots."

Tricky lighting isn't the only challenge professionals face. Bell said the main drawback to outdoor photography is the Texas heat.

"The heat is worse to work in than the rain," Bell said. "Brides with their long gowns and layers of clothing find it hard to look romantic when its hot."

Chavarria said the trend she's noticing is the wedding couple wants their ceremony to reflect their personalities and the experiences they've shared.

"It's really changing," Chavarria said. "It's a lot different than when mom and dad got married."

For example, couples are choosing to marry in non-traditional locations, like ballparks where they may have fallen in love. They're also personalizing wedding details like placing golf motifs on the bride and groom's cakes for golf enthusiasts. One bride even wore basketball shoes beneath her gown.

As such, brides and grooms are requesting photography that's just as unique as the believe their relationship is to each other.

Couples are also agreeing to participate in after-the-wedding photo sessions, when they can be focused on the photography and don't have the pressure of their wedding day.

Learn more about this author, Joy Cressler.
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