On how to choose your perfect wedding photographer
“How did I get into photography? And why am I fascinated by weddings?
I believe both my twin brother and I got the artistic genes from my mother. She was an art major in college. Definitely not from my dad; he had an engineering mind. Though I didn’t draw, I picked up a camera (film of course) when I was a child. And I fooled around with photography through high school. Taking pictures of friends and family. Then, after graduating college, wanting to travel and not sit behind a desk, I started modeling. This gave me freedom to travel (which is a big part of my photography journey now) and I met and worked with some of the best photographers around the world. In a way, modeling was my photography school. I learned “in front of the camera” (as a model) how to direct my subjects from behind the camera (as a photographer). After traveling extensively during my 20’s, I felt it was time to settle down, and photography was a very natural progression as I had been involved in image creating for many years already. Since I was very comfortable around people (traveling and working on so many fashion sets), I felt I had more than enough experience in directing people to create “fashionable portraits.” Combining this with the non-stop photojournalistic photography that I did while traveling, I felt I was groomed for wedding photography (the culmination of both portraiture and photojournalism, set in a high pace environment). It didn’t take long before I was booking jobs in the Bay Area, Southern California, Texas, and a number of other cities around the US.
So what brought me to weddings was my previous experience, what kept me immersed in the wedding industry was: 1) The incredible satisfaction of capturing once in a lifetime moments to preserve forever, and the connection and appreciation from my clients. 2) The wonderful network of vendors that I worked with regularly at these events. From wedding coordinators, to caterers, to florists, and the venue operators. I was working two, or three events every weekend so we got to know each there very well. They were my extended family.
What is my specific style, and why?
Photography, is a visual representation on how I view the world. This is what makes each artist different. I love the spontaneity and unpredictability of life. It fascinates me. Having the vision and skill to capture these fleeting moments in a way that expresses the feeling and emotions of that instance is inspiring. This is the photojournalist in me. Along with that, composing and directing “set shots” that bring out the best in whoever I work with, is another rewarding aspect of wedding photography. This is the fashion side of me. So, fashion-photojournalism is the best description of my style.
How have I evolved as a photographer?
With any art, or job for that matter, you bring all of your experiences to the table when you go to work. Everything! So, year after year I expand my portfolio of knowledge. To date, I have a portfolio extending over 30 years. This experience includes something like a thousand weddings, countless portrait sessions, hundreds of corporate events, many wonderful family shoots, and traveling and photographing people and cultures in 6 continents (about 50 counties). I evolve everyday I shoot. I come to each session with an incredible amount of previous experience, but, I approach each situation with a “new set of eyes,” as each person, and situation will present new opportunities to create unique images. That is what keeps me inspired and engaged in every shoot I take on. Photography, like life, is a never ending process of learning and experiencing. To really accel in any business, it is critical to always be curious and want to expand on your previous experience.
How do I connect with couples?
I have always had a very calm demeanor. I believe this sense of peace resonates with my clients. Then, because I have so much experience, and have seen so much over 30+ years of photography, my confidence is evident. The combination of a calm demeanor and visible confidence, polite but purposeful direction, puts my couples at ease. They know they are in good hands.
What is the difference between a professional and part time photographer with a cell phone?
As mentioned before, weddings are a culmination of different types of photography. First, there are the “set”, or posed photos. These take a creative vision, and the skills to direct the subjects to get the desired result. Not necessarily an easy task unless the photographer is very accomplished, and has the full trust and attention of the subjects to make the posing go quickly and seamlessly. I am very good att this. Second, the photojournalistic aspect of weddings takes: anticipation, then instantaneous decision on angle, lens use, camera settings, etc. in order to fully portray the moment in a meaningful way. Both aspects involve experience and creativity. That doesn’t mean that a “non-pro” can’t take a good image. But, it takes someone with extensive experience and creativity to create powerful images on a consistent basis.
Why is wedding photography expensive?
People are paying for years and years of experience. There is no substitute for time. Also, the artists unite, one of a kind, creativity. Their vision cannot be replicated or copied.
Yes, a ’non-pro” photographer can shoot a wedding and probably be much less expensive. But there is no doubt that the quality of the imagery, and the experience working with that photographer will be very different from an accomplished professional. Also, a wedding is a “one shot” deal. There are no “re-do’s” in wedding photography. Everything has to be done right, at that very moment.
Beyond the “day of performance”, there is the post production work (editing) of the imagery. Most weddings are typically a one day event, but the post production can take many days. It’s not unusual to spend 40 or 50 hours in post production to create the final product.
To sum up my thoughts on wedding photography and booking the one that will work for you, I would consider a few things-
- Look carefully at how the photographer takes both candid and posed images. Does the style resonate with you? Also try to look at a lot of images, especially ones that are relevant to your event (Indoor? Outdoor? Formal? Casual?)
- The photographer is with you throughout the day. ALL DAY. How comfortable you are in their presence will affect you on the day, and the images that are created.
- Trust. Having trust is critical on the day of (no second guessing) as well as knowing that the person will deliver a product you are happy with in a timely manner.
Todd Rafalovich [email protected]. 650.619.0915
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