Confessions From A Wedding Fair!

 

Confessions of brides at Wedding Fairs reveal many wishes and desires.  Here at Sterling Photography, we combine modern, traditional and Romantic styles to bring both journalistic and classic coverage to our weddings.

We know the 21st century bride wants this combination.  Even if they know nothing about professional camera gear, magazine shoots, lighting or Photoshop, most brides insist on this combination.

Sterling Photography knows brides want good photography, because we attend bridal fairs both in the United States and Canada.

We listen to the opinions of brides who are planning weddings both large and small.

Magic Time and Confessions at the Wedding Fair:

There is always a hushed, prime moment before the doors open to the public.  This is a moment when all the elegant displays sparkle and all the vendors’ smiles are in place.  We collectively inhale.  Then, the clock ticks and the bell rings.  We exhale.  Magic Time.

A sea of brides-to-be rushes upon us.  Your smiles are big and your eyes shine with anticipation.

1.    As you look over vendors from various wedding related industries, you seem to be unaware that we are looking you over too.

So, that is the first of our first confessions.  We, your wedding fair photography vendors, make judgments too.  We wonder–Later do you think about the impression you made as you rushed by our booth?

Also, we wonder, “Did you even see our work while you were in quest of coupons, prize drawings, glossy pamphlets or special deals?”

2.   Our second confession is that wedding fair meetings actually go two ways:  We want to know, “Will you be the same, pleasant-natured person on your wedding day that you are now?

We hope so.  No one really wants to give up a day in life to work with a Bridezilla at any price.

More Confessions:  What Photographers Overhear

We never heard a bride blurt out a request for a photographer who could handle different styles at a wedding.  But wedding fairs are very educational.  We have heard enough to know that these issues matter to you:

3.   What we heard:  “I just want someone with a really good camera.”

What we confess we know:  You want the moments of realism caught by an unexpected smile, captured in a tiny tear, moments almost lost in a single breath.

4.   Also What we heard:  “I don’t want any posing, just fun stuff!”

We confess we know:  However, we also know that deep in your heart you, your mom or your grandmother, also want those dearly treasured family poses

between ceremony and reception.
We refer to the time-honored shots of the special groups of people who will be part of your entire life as two families are melded into one.

Please make sure you hire someone trained to create these traditional “must do” shots smoothly and yet not delay your party too long.  Don’t avoid these shots because you don’t think you will want them. In the years to come you might, and other family members will want them and expect them. Now.

5.   What we heard:  “I don’t want of that mushy stuff or any couple stuff.”

What we confess we know:  Along the way, you will also want a few poses with you and your groom.  You will want shots in which you both look your very best, as a couple.  They may look sentimental, romantic or just pretty and a little formal.  This will depend largely, on your expressions and moods.

Your photographer, if professional and experienced, will pose you according to the mood you establish and the posture and look of your body types together.

The Last of Our Confessions:  What We Want You to Know:

We know we can’t talk to every bride at a wedding fair.  We do crave an individual moment with as many of you as possible.  Sometimes, given the “fair” nature of prize-drawings and cake tastings, we feel we do not get to talk to very many brides at all.

However, here is what we would tell you if we could speak with you for a moment:  To create all three of the above-mentioned styles, with flexibility and expertise, requires strong training.  It also requires hours of workshops and practice, and a high level of technical camera knowledge.

Photographers who show authentic, unique and genuine portfolios with all three of these areas are not simply self-taught, free-wheeling, creative types who ignore photography.

Caution:  you do not really want to entrust life-long memories to the friend of a friend.   They may charge you while they experiment on your wedding to gain their “new” skills.

We hope you take an extra moment to really look at each and every photographer’s art at your next wedding fair.  Then, meet us!  We need to be a good match for our wedding couples.  It is especially important because we share, in creating magic for an important day in your life.  Only then should you consider price.

At Sterling photography, we must confess to believing in an old saying promoted by a photographer long ago:  “Professional Wedding Photography isn’t just expensive, it’s priceless.”