Looking for a wedding photographer? Contact me for availability and see more information here.

I am often asked if I have ideas for places to go for couples who want a unique location for their photography. These are generally shoots which are more formal in nature, with some posing and specific direction given to get the most out of the experience. First off, not all clients choose to go to a different location for photography, some have their event at a location which happens to have decent areas for shooting, while some are simply less “into” the formal photo shoot. For those that do want to go to another location, I do have suggestions, however, I like to ask the clients what kind of locations are of interest to them? Are there specific places which hold significance, such as a favorite park, or a place where you met or were you popped the question. I wouldn’t presume to suggest a park if you were more interested in an urban environment, or vice versa, so I want to know what is significant to you.

So, where is a good place for photos? Aside from the considerations already mentioned, choose a public space which is readily accessible, keeping in mind that your transportation (cars, limo, or bus) as well as your photographer will need easy access and parking. Also keep in mind that you and your wedding party might not be dressed for a more vigorous expedition. If you choose a private or commercial space, it is your responsibility to gain permission and access, as well as permits or fees if applicable. These are all part of your wedding itinerary planning, and are not the responsibility of the photographer. Do not assume that a “public” building is necessarily public. Keep in mind other factors, like holidays or other events which may impact traffic and potential crowds at your location. When choosing outdoor locations, be sure to pick areas which have access to shade. Direct sunlight is not conducive to formal portraits, and will result in squinting and unwanted, harsh shadows. While all professional photographers will bring extra lighting to address these issues, it is still difficult to compensate for extreme situations under strict time limits.

Remember as well that you and your party will be subject to the elements, the most common and usually not considered being harsh, hot sunlight. A contingency for rain or other inclement weather is also the client responsibility, so consider spaces which have shelter, if not a secondary indoor location. In the case of threatening rain, I often suggest that clients purchase and bring umbrellas, which can be used in a pinch and add some fun and flair to a photo shoot.

Indoor locations should have plenty of space and depth for the photographer to utilize the proper focal lengths to avoid unwanted distortion. Less complicated or detailed space is preferable to lots of distracting decoration and furniture. Having access to good window light is also a bonus. A good photographer can make effective portraits with little more than a plain wall and strong light source or auxiliary lighting; less is more.

It is not unusual to need at least an hour or so at your location, so plan accordingly, setting aside travel time and extra time it will take to organize your people. Have realistic expectations, if you have several locations you’d like to go to, you’re going to need more than several hours to accomplish that. Prioritize and pick the most important or significant location. While most photographers welcome the opportunity to shoot more extensively, it’s your day and you should take care to not turn it into a lot of work for yourself and your party.

In the bigger scheme of things, the most important elements of the photos are you–the clients, not so much the location which is secondary. A park is a park, I’ve been to plenty of them. It’s my clients who really make the photos.

Looking for a wedding photographer? Contact me for availability and see more information here.

This article and all content is copyright 2012 by Steven Mastroianni, all rights reserved.

Looking for a wedding photographer? Contact me for availability and see more information here.

This article and all content is copyright 2012 by Steven Mastroianni, all rights reserved.

Engagement sessions are a great opportunity for couples to get in front of the camera and get to know your photographer before the wedding, and the images can be used for save-the-date cards and guest books or photos for signing.

What’s the catch? Just mention that you saw this offer on the blog or Facebook. Don’t hesitate, many prime dates for 2012 are already taken, and we’re booking for 2013 as well.

*Based on availability of your date; booking requires a signed contract and retainer. Engagement sessions are shot either in studio or within the greater Clevleland area, and must be completed no less than six weeks before the wedding date. Images are posted online for purchase; prints, guest-books, and other products are extra. Offer limited to new contracts booked during the promotional period, and cannot be exchanged or substituted with any other service or cash discount. Engagement sessions can be booked without a wedding package, call or email for more details.

If you know the clients and would like to see the full set, please contact them directly.

Of course now come the big plans–venue, dresses, cakes, and, well of course, photography. And when it comes to photography, I can offer up at least a few thoughts on the subject.

First and foremost, out of all of the “things” you may want, flowers, cake, food, etc, the photographs are what will last and provide you with a documentation of this important event, the people who were there, and the details of the day.

Photography is a professional service; your guests aren’t there to work, they are there to enjoy themselves and your day. Leave the work, whether it be catering, decorating, music, or photography, to the professionals.

An experienced photographer should be able to provide a range of service, from well lit and carefully posed family formals, creative and interesting portraiture, to truly candid documentation of the action and details which fill the bulk of the day.

A photographer who specializes in weddings has the experience to anticipate action and knows what to look for throughout the day without direction, providing comprehensive coverage of the main events as well as the unexpected and behind the scenes vignettes. He or she has the skills to work under pressure and within a strict time frame and still deliver commercial quality portraits as well as documentary coverage, utilizing the necessary range of equipment and lighting to get the job done. A professional also has the skills and experience to handle the often overlooked aspect of post-production of your images, including editing, color correction and retouching, as well as album design.

Finally, finding a photographer who is right for you and your style is as important as any other choices which reflect your personal taste. First and foremost, find a photographer whose work speaks to you. Comparing the specifics of services or packages is meaningless if the work itself doesn’t suit your taste or aesthetic. Good photographers are artists with vision, style and passion. So find a photographer whose work you like, and with whom you can work and vice-versa.

Good photography is not necessarily cheap, but bad or indifferent photography can be just as expensive. Consider your budget and needs, but don’t forget your taste and style.

If you know your event code, you can see the entire set here.

Florist: Jan Dell Flowers

Cake: Wild Flour Bakery

Coordinator: Heidzillas