Thank you to Patrick Clark of Shelby Street Photography, Jennifer Garber with Mark Garber Photography and Laura Leppert-Knabe with Leppert Photography!
Q: Do you prefer candid shots or posed?
Shelby Street Photography: Yes. They both have their place on a wedding day and both are very important. It is important for the photographer to get the subjects in the best position possible for a great photo. The best light, pose, background, etc. I think it's vital for the photographer to be able to get great posed shots. However, a lot of the great candid shots come from interactions in-between posed shots. In that case you get the best of both worlds!
Mark Garber Photography: Here is some straight talk on posed v. candid photography. The truth is that most photographers do a mixture of both. EVERY bride that walks into our studio says that they want "natural" or "candid" photographs like what they see on our blog. However, what they see on our blog or in our studio is actually posed or "guided" photographs. A skilled photographer knows how to pose or suggest poses to their subjects without it looking overdone or contrived. There is a true art to posing people so that they look their best (thinner, taller, etc.), but doing it in a way that looks natural.
Most couples are nervous, anxious, tired and overwhelmed on their wedding day, which doesn't lend itself to candid, carefree, happy-go-lucky photographs. Even bubbly, outgoing couples get a little nervous on their wedding day, and get that "deer in the headlights" look in front of the camera. A skilled photographer knows that and can not only help you to relax and feel more at ease, but also help guide you through your photographs ensuring you look and feel your best.
Leppert Photography: I truly love to do both. However, capturing moments as they naturally happen is, quite frankly, my favorite. It is almost like hunting... waiting patiently for that amazing moment, anticipating what might happen and capturing that true moment in time. There is nothing better. I hate the word posed... I love to put people in amazing light/and or architecture where they are going to look the best and most relaxed. Usually the moment will happen naturally, sometimes with a little help. It may be saying something as simple as, "Forget about everything and just be together, this is your moment."
Q: Which wedding moments are your favorites to try to capture?
Shelby Street Photography: One of my favorite wedding moments to capture is the first time family members see the bride in the dress. Whether that is mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, etc... for some reason all the preparation and planning for the day becomes real. The emotions and memories of their lives together comes to a head at that moment. I always feel really privileged to be allowed to witness it along with the family. It always reminds me of my little girl, and how I would feel.
Mark Garber Photography: The vast majority of our brides and grooms see each other prior to the wedding so that they can maximize thier time together and their enjoyment on the wedding day. We arrange a "first meeting" where the bride and groom can see each other for the first time. We make sure no one is watching them to give them the most privacy and intimacy. Many of our couples use that time to reflect, pray together or exchange gifts to each other. Our couples love it because not only does it allow them to share the whole day together, but it also dramatically reduces their nervousness. All our brides love it too because they say that they got to have two big moments, the "first meeting" as well as walking down the aisle. Couples also love not having to miss any part of their wedding day allowing them to savor and enjoy every precious moment.
Leppert Photography: I love the moment the groom sees the bride walking down the aisle and the emotion of the Bride and her parents. I love capturing those special looks between the bride and groom during a ceremony. I also love seeing the look of the couple's loved ones. I am truly lucky to have the honor to capture such treasured moments.
Q: What common mistakes do you see people make that may ruin your chances of getting a great picture?
Shelby Street Photography:
1) The best advice I could give is to trust the judgment of your photographer. Let him or her help tell you where to go and let them decide what shots to take. It is very difficult to impose your vision on someone who has their own vision. Even if it looks awesome on Pinterest ;).
2) Bridal Party. Groomsmen and bridesmaids... be flexible and honor the bride and groom by supporting the, during photos and try to be a good sport. A lot of times is hot, or cold on a wedding day. When you complain about the elements or talk about how uncomfortable you are. It makes it more difficult for you bride and groom to relax and take great photos.
3) Reception and Ceremony. The biggest issue I have run into lately is the guests with cameras/ipads/phones, etc. that aren't aware of their surroundings. During these periods, most of the shots are candid and the window of opportunity for them is very small. You don't want your guest with their DSLR or ipad in the background or foreground of a special moment. I would suggest a kind note in the program, or a small sign asking guests to be aware of their surroundings in relation to the photographer.
Mark Garber Photography: The number one mistake is lateness! We've had brides show up with only five minutes left of the two hours of photography time that we've had scheduled. It's not like you can change your ceremony or dinner time so something will have to go, and that is the fun and creativity of photography. When the wedding day timeline is cut short, we have to make sure we get just the basics covered and you miss out on all the beautiful images that you fell in love with when you hired your photographer. Lateness also causes a huge amount of stress and anxiety, which effects how you look in the photos as well.
The number one cause of lateness is people not being ready on time. The cure is to make sure that everyone (especially the bride, groom and wedding party) has all their shoes, jewelry and attire all set. Also, give yourself extra time with hair and makeup. We highly recommend that the bride gets her hair and makeup done first, after all, she is in all the photos so nothing will get photographed without her! We can deal with a late bridesmaid, but a late bride is a killer.
Leppert Photography: Really the most common is not being relaxed. I really try to get to know my clients as much as I can before the wedding. The more comfortable they are with me, the less aware they are of me, therefore enabling me to capture amazing moments. If you are constantly worried about everything going on, it is going to show. My advice: Relax and have fun with it! That makes the world of difference.
Q: What locations around Cincinnati do you like to use for photo shoots?
Shelby Street Photography: Cincinnati is very lucky to have many great parks and great, clean urban areas. It is also in close proximity to many farm areas as well. I can't say I prefer one over the other, but a good way to think about locations is to first narrow down whether you prefer an urban look, a park setting, or more of a rural farm setting... or a combination. I will say... I love shooting at night after the sun goes down. I would suggest to leave a little time for that if possible!
Mark Garber Photography: We try to pick locations that are in keeping with the couple's personality and look/theme of the wedding. Whether it is something more urban or more of a park setting, the location should be in keeping with the overall vibe of the wedding. However, our favorite locations are those that are more nontraditional like photographing a couple in the bar where they had their first date. Thinking outside the box or "park" can truly make your images unique and memorable.
Leppert Photography: Wow! There are really some amazing places to photograph. I love a variety of different places and settings. A lot of the time it depends on the couple and their personalities. I like to match settings with personalities. I love so many of the areas around downtown. We can get so much variety... classic architecture, urban settings and greenery. I like that you can get so many different looks within the same area.
Q: What time of day is best for taking pictures?
Shelby Street Photography: Generally speaking, the most ideal time to shoot outdoors is when the sun is lower in the sky. However, make sure you book a photographer that can shoot in any condition. A lot of times wedding schedules don't permit photos to be taken in the "ideal" time period. Any time of day can be ideal with the right preparation and location. So make sure and consult your photographer when determining your schedule.
Mark Garber Photography: The best time of day is late afternoon into early evening when the lighting is softer. Photographing mid-day (11am-2pm) is the hardest. Not only is it the hottest part of the day, but the direct sun makes people squint and have dark shadows under their eyes.
Leppert Photography: I think there are possibilities for amazing photos any time of day. But, I must confess, I LOVE to do night shots. They are unique and different and just plain fun to do! When working with my couples we usually plan ut the perfect time (when the sky is that brilliant blue) in advance so we know when I will pull them from the reception. I never want to take them away for too long, usually it is about 5-10 minutes.
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