Chicago Wedding Photography

When looking for a venue to hold your next big event, conference, or wedding reception you may feel overwhelmed by all the options you are faced with. There are so many important factors that should be considered when making your decision and it can be difficult to know where to start. One helpful tip would be to make a list of what is most important to you when booking this event. Also, never sign the contract until you are sure of any additional charges that may have been tacked on.The best way to gauge how your event will look if booked at a particular banquet hall is to interact face-to-face with the on-site event planner. The person that is heading up your event on location can be the biggest supporter of your event but they can also be the biggest opponent to the success of the event. The interest, time, and effort that you feel they are willing to spend in the initial meetings with you can be very telling of how the rest of your interactions and overall experience will be. Finding a event planner and venue staff that is accommodating to your requests can be just as important as the actual venue itself.That being said, there are a few things about the venue itself that are absolutely necessary to know upfront and consider in your decision. First of all, the capacity of the room can help you decide if a location is even worth looking at for the event. If the room is not going to fit the anticipated number of guests, move on from it unless the venue is worth cutting down on your list. While evaluating the room, check the d矇cor. Does the room need a lot of added decorations to meet your standards? Will this fit in the budget? If you feel that money could be better spent on another area of the event than look around at your other options.Besides a friendly, accommodating, staff and a beautiful room, the guests of your event are going to remember the food they are served. Never trust that because you like everything else about the location the food must be great too. When forming the menu, start by asking your planner what some favorite dishes are among the staff or from past events, then work from there. Always sit for a taste test of your final menu and don't be afraid to change something that doesn't taste just like the menu description describes. Taking these precautions should help in guaranteeing that the major bases of your event are covered.

I come across many brides who become bemused when they start to study what they want for their wedding receptions. After being bombarded with so many images of flowers, tables and centre pieces, their original vision becomes lost. A lot of brides simply can't find anything which inspires them. Others have a feel of what they'd like but find it tricky to visualise or articulate it. However you feel, there is a way you can focus and create an event that fulfills your hearts desire. This simple task is really beneficial for brides as it helps them encapsulate what wedding decor style to go for.Every bride ought to choose a wedding motif before they begin the planning process. A wedding motif is the visual representation of your style. It is a emblem or an item that will denote what you want your special day to be. An illustration would be a white swan for a bride who wants an elegant day or an orchid for an exotic event. Your motif can be anything an animal, a flower, an object, a landmark, a precious stone, or a fruit.I usually suggest beginning with a brainstorming session. Say for example you getting married in spring, brainstorm things that remind you of spring; tulips, Easter, birth, renewal, energy etc. If you've already chosen a theme such as Vintage, expand on that in your brainstorming session; tea party, pearl, parasol, bird cage. When you have a list of words, let imagery inspire you. Search for images that signify these words, the internet is especially useful here. Save the imagery that you are drawn to and you believe characterise you and your partner. From here you can design your motif.When you have your symbol be it a grapevine or a bunch of lavender, you can use it to help select every feature of your wedding decor. It makes choosing wedding decor, flowers, invitations and even colours much simpler and easier. Your symbol can be used within the decor. You may like it so much it could be used to embellish parts of your decor. The symbol may be recurring on your napkins, plates, chair covers, the possibilities are endless. You may just end up with an ideas board and you can't choose between the symbols. This can work to your benefit also - just use the several different symbols to make up the components of your theme.An different but sometimes more difficult idea to finding your motif is to choose your archetypal bride, Pocahontas, Maid Marian etc. You can even use celebrities, Katie Price or Princess Diana. Your archetypal brides style will determine the style of the rest of the wedding decor.Creating your motif is a fun task and it will really help you decide what kind of wedding you'd like. You can also use it in your wedding decor too. To demonstrate, let's say your symbol is the daisy. This instantly conveys that you would like an informal, personal day, perhaps in the open air, pinks, yellows, greens, spring/summer colours, natural, fresh, light and airy wedding decor. There you have it - you've just discovered your perfect wedding decor style.

Content-laden links Search engines love context when assigning link values. In-line or content-laden links positioned within deeper page content provide search engines insight into the physical architecture of your website. By placing in-line links within the textual content of your website, you offer search engines a semantic structure to index.How is this useful? Okay, that all sounds interesting enough - but what does that mean in the real world? When designing the structure of your website (and you are mapping your content before you construct it, right?) a main navigation or link structure is typically created. We will refer to these links as "top level" anchors:Home - About - Services - Contact UsSearch engines place more value on content-laden links than your "top level" navigational elements. Your main navigation elements are clearly still important - after all, the usefulness of your site is more important than its rank on Google - what good is being found online if nobody finds your site compelling? Luckily content-laden links act as an SEO tool and a benefit to the user experience.For example, an average website homepage contains some general introductory copy (and typically some imagery to add aesthetic value). Lets focus on the introductory paragraph.If we target a keyword that has value or describes one of the major aspects of the website and turn that word or phrase into a link driving users to more information about the topic, we have created a useful content-laden link.Let's say we are discussing a photography website. We will assume that "Wedding Photography" is the principal money maker for the company. So we have selected it as our first in-line or content laden link in our introductory paragraph on the website homepage. The text link "wedding photography" will direct our visitors to a page under the "services" section of the website. More specifically our content laden link will lead to a page called "event photography".We can choose to make another text-based link from our intro paragraph. However, it is important to note that Google assigns more value to the FIRST in-line or content laden link it encounters. Therefore, you do NOT want to over saturate your homepage copy with links. If you do decide to target a second key phrase in your homepage copy, know that Google will rank its value as less important.

The wedding photo album is a crucial part to remembering the best parts of your wedding ceremony. You can have one professionally compiled, which will consist of photos taken by a professional photographer and steer wedding; or you could have an album containing photos taken by friends and family members at the ceremony. This can give a unique insight into the ceremony as a whole.If you are having a professional photographer take photos at your wedding, then chances are they will be including a wedding photo album with their charges. Many photographers offer a wide range of outputs you to choose from so you can pick out exactly what you want your cherished wedding photos sitting. However, these albums can be overpriced because they come from a professional. Like with most things, sometimes prices are jacked up simply due to the fact that they are being sold by a professional. It is possible to also get the photos from the photographer and compile your own album. This can be a more affordable alternative.If you do not have a professional photographer coming to your wedding, then having the photos taken by the people who attended the wedding is a good idea. A wedding photo album that includes pictures taken by loved ones can do much more intimate than those taken by professional. What your friends and family lack in professional skill, they make up for in caring and being all over the ceremony. A professional can only be in one place at a time. If you have more than one person take photographs, then you can get every detail from different perspectives.The album itself should be high quality solo last for years to come. The more common and more durable albums you can get will be made of leather. These can be customized to your liking if you want them to be, and they will last you for much longer than you may expect. These are where the more expensive options, but if you really want to album to last that is a good way to go.Look of the album itself is almost as important as the photographs that it contains. Make sure that the album you choose is appropriately themed for your wedding so that you can look at the cover alone and recollect fond memories of that day. This way those memories will be ingrained into you forever, even the ones that you would not expect to remember.It should be no small emphasis and how important the wedding photo album is. All of your precious memories of the ceremony will be stored within, and you will be able to look at them whenever you want. People cannot remember every detail of every day for but so long, and the same can be said even for days as important as your wedding.

One of a photographer's least favorite types of pictures to take at a wedding is the table shot, the pictures of the guests at each table at a wedding reception. This is because it is hard to get everyone from a table organized, and it does not have the artistry of other photos at a wedding. But this does not mean they aren't important or you don't have to put much effort into them. On the contrary, these table shots are popular with wedding couples because they are a testament of who attended their special day. Moreover, for many guests who are on the fringe, that is who are not family or close friends of the wedding couple; this may be the only shot of them from the entire wedding. As I said above, chances are these are not going to be your most artistic shots of the night. The important thing in these pictures is that everyone is present, visible, in focus, and looks all right. In this article I am going to give you a few tips on how to make these shots turn out as nice as possible.One of the most important things to taking table shots is having a strategy. Normally you will not be able to just go around the reception hall and get every table in order and at the same time. People will be walking around, or there will be servers coming by, so you will need to find a time to shoot each table. The first thing you need to do is keep track of which tables you shoot since you probably won't be able to get all the shots at once. Likewise, only shoot a table if everyone at the table is available for the picture. It doesn't make sense to set everyone up, do the shot, then have to come back and do the exact same shot later in the night. Therefore, as you are walking around taking other shots, you need to be looking around for tables where everyone is present. If you have an assistant, put him or her in charge of this.The most common method to taking a table shot is to have everyone set up behind the table. Obviously make sure everyone is set up so the heights look pleasing to the eye, that is, not all the tall people on one side of the shot for example. Again, if you have an assistant, put him or her in charge of setting up the guests. Have people place their hands on the back the chair if it is just hanging there in the air. Make sure you get enough shots to account for the chance that someone blinks. With more people, there is more of a chance that at least one of them is blinking. Don't be afraid to make the guests wait a few seconds more to get some extra shots. You already took the time to make sure everyone from the table is present, and to set them up so they look nice. It would be a shame to have a blink ruin the shot.Another tip is to make sure the table is neat. This does not mean taking all the plates off the table. You can crop the table so that only a small part of it is in the frame, but you still need to make sure that there is nothing distracting in the shot. After all, you never know if this is the picture they decide to frame and put on the wall.One more thing to keep in mind is your F-stop. Try to use a larger F-stop if there is going to be a lot of people in the photo. Remember the saying eight is great. So set your F-stop to 8 if there is enough light (ambient or strobe). Likewise, try to set up the guests so they are all in the same depth of focus plane. Depending on your camera lens, you may not want to crop so tight in camera. Some cheaper lenses are very soft around the edges, so it would be better to do your cropping post-production. Having people's faces out of focus due to soft edges will kill a table shot.Try these tips the next time you do table shots at a wedding. Thanks for reading!

What is the real focus of this day? The Ceremony! The whole reason for the day is the fact that you have found the love of your life. The most important moment is when you say, "I DO." It is the moment when two lives join. Two families unite and a new generation is born, that is so awesome. There is so much focus put on the dress, the reception, and the flowers; let us not forget the most important part of the day. Let's talk Ceremony.Your Wedding Ceremony should be full of meaning, reflecting the story of you and your fianc. So let's break it down into three doable pieces.

Music and Reading Selections
Ceremony itself includes the Opening Commentary, Declarations of Intent, Exchange of Wedding vows, Blessing of the rings, Exchange of rings.
Reflections of you and your fianc.First, here is a typical Order for a Ceremony. Pretty generic, how do we make it special.

You will hardly find a woman who does not dream of a posh wedding with a gorgeous white dress, tender flowers, smiling guests and numerous photos, depicting each moment of this happy event. However, in addition to these romantic fantasies, wedding involves much preparation and planning. To ensure that the special day goes without troubles, any engaged couples should consider lots of important details. With all this marriage planning fuss, many couples neglect the importance of hiring a professional photographer.Many people ask their guests to take pictures; however, there are no guarantees that you will get quality photos. Wedding pictures will remind you of your special day, thus it is important hiring a professional who will capture every single moment of your happy day.In order get quality pictures depicting the atmosphere of your wedding ceremony and celebration, it is crucial to find the right photographer. The process may take some time, so it is recommended starting your pursuit well in advance. To find an experienced cameraman, you may seek advice from your friends or surf the Internet. Most professional photographers have websites where you can find detailed information about the offered services and samples of pictures. Whether you are looking for a cameraman online, or follow recommendations from friends, the first thing you need to do is to check the portfolio. This will help you understand what photos you may have in your family album. To come up with the right decision it is recommended getting feedbacks from the former clients. Finding customer reviews is easy if you are looking for a photo taker online. Thus, be sure to read what people say about the photographer you consider hiring.A photographer is an important person on your wedding, thus avoid making rash decisions. To get more information about the photo taker and the services he/she offers you need to talk to this person. Live communication will help understand if you feel comfortable with this individual. If you feel any discomfort or if you understand the cameraman is not going to stick to your recommendations and requirements, you'd better continue your pursuit and look for a more compliant person.Do not forget about your budget. Since wedding is an expensive event, you need to know how many pictures you will get for your money. Besides, ask the photographer how long he/she will be present on your wedding. If you want the photo taker to spend the whole day with you, be ready to shell out a tidy sum.

Photography is a visual art. Creative photography ideas are important in wedding photography. Taking photos at a wedding venue is a challenge as the activities and light conditions there changes from second to second. Here are some basic photography ideas for a beginner wedding photographer.How to prepare for a wedding photographPreparation from at least from a month before gives you great photography ideas. Getting to know the couple is good to understand their views about their wedding photo album. Ask questions like, where is the venue? How many guests are expected? How many photographers are hired for the ceremony? This will help you plan for great shots.Know the wedding locationSpare time and visit the venue to get some photography ideas for a wonderful click. Also find a position to locate your self on the wedding day. Check out the reception area and other places of activities like the dance floorPhotography kitNow you have some photography ideas in mind, and it is time to organize your tools for photography. Make sure you have kept your camera, tripod, lenses, memory card and portable drive. Do not miss out to take an assistant along with you to the wedding venue. Be it your friend or colleague, an assistant can help you arrange things at the venue and share your stress.The wedding day has arrived and its time for you to be attentive and tricky with photography ideas. If you are asked to take photographs of the bride or groom getting ready for the wedding, be the first one to reach their home. In the church, position yourself in the predetermined place. Do not take too many photographs in the beginning itself, you have a long day ahead with a number of glorious scenes to click. If you are required to take group shots, start with big groups so that you can have combinations of friends and relatives pictures to stick on the wedding album.You are almost done with the wedding photography. Edit and remove redeye, cropping, etc. Use stunning creative Photography ideas that suit the function and place. Load the photos in a CD or DVD and deliver it to the lovely couple and get your next photography order there itself.

Although most photojournalistic wedding photography shoots are done using ambient light, there are situations whereby the lighting situation might not be ideal to turn out good pictures. That is why judicious use of an external flash plays an important role in assuring great shots and happy clients.A good photojournalist uses the external flash at appropriate moments to complement available ambient light. With a flash mounted at all times, you can address any kind of lighting situation, without having to scramble for one when the need arises. Many a time, the use of flash creates a distinction between getting the shot or not getting it at all. Therefore, there is no need to be so adamant in insisting that you follow the fad of just using ambient light in your photojournalistic wedding photography shoots.These are some examples which make the external flash an indispensable asset:i. Indoor shootsWhile many couples opt for a casual outdoor solemnization ceremony, there are some others who would prefer to have their ceremonies conducted indoors, such as a hotel ballroom or clubhouse, so that they are not at the mercy of unpredictable weather changes. While shooting indoors, it is practically impossible to expect to shoot using ambient light. The use of an external flash here would ensure that your subjects are correctly exposed.To prevent harsh shadows being cast behind your subjects, you should at all times avoid pointing the flash directly at them. Try using an omni-bounce or bounce card to soften the flash falling on your subjects, so as to foster an ambient feel and creating atmosphere while reducing the evidence of flash. Flash can be bounced off the ceiling, walls, wedding gown, a guest's white shirt or anything available that reflects light well. Bouncing softens the light source by effectively making the source larger and spreading it out in every direction to eliminate hard shadows. Using sideway bounce off a wall can also create side lighting in rooms with very flat illumination and directional effect for simple portraits.ii. Fill-in flash for outdoor shootsWhen faced with a strong backlight situation, the camera's exposure settings will automatically underexpose the subject to compensate for the bright background. Using a fill-in flash in such situations will illuminate the subject, hence preventing them from being underexposed. It can also be especially useful for keeping eye sockets from getting too dark or to lower the contrast ratio of shadows and highlights in direct sun. For best results, you should shoot in A mode, and put your external flash on high-speed sync, a function which is available in most TTL flashes. This creates a nicely exposed subject and ambient background. When the subject is close, and the sky is clear or partly cloudy, you can also take advantage of high-speed sync and use a fast shutter along with negative exposure compensation to darken the background, saturate the blue in the sky and add a little drama to the clouds above. Darkening the background here allows your subject to stand out from the background, instead of blending in, hence creating more depth in the picture.Contrary to the use of bounce flash indoors as explained above, direct flash rules reign for outdoor shots - no diffusers or modifiers, no bounce. Here it's used as either a slight fill to get rid of harsh shadows, or to bring the subject in balance with the ambient light - usually for strong backlight situations. For fill-in effects, try using strobes at about -1 to -2 power on your flash.

Regardless if you are an amateur or a professional photographer, if you commit yourself to a wedding you must have top notch photo equipment. Countless times I've seen wedding photographers shooting a wedding with less than standard equipment. This is not only very unprofessional, but it is also very risky; if something goes wrong with your amateur camera, go tell the bride that you can't finish the job.What is an adequate photographic equipment for a wedding photographer? Simple: the top, the best, the most expensive. No way around it. It is useless for me to list camera models here, because especially with digital photography, cameras evolve very quickly and before long this article would be dated. Instead choose a brand among the world's five best (Leica, Hasselblad, Mamiya, Canon, Nikon), look at the top 3 most expensive cameras... and pick one. That is the camera you will be expected to use at a wedding. Anything less will not be top notch photo equipment.What are the lenses you need for a wedding? The more the better. Each lens gives you a different point of view and a different prospective. So why limit yourself... get as many as you can afford. Each different lens will open new possibilities by enabling you to get new ideas. As a rule of thumb, you will be expected to carry at least three lenses: a wide angle, a normal lens and a telephoto lens.Because of the several moving optical elements, zooms are not very good quality wise (unless you spend really a lot of money) but they are commonly used at weddings when the photographer shoots using the reportage style.What about the flash? Flashes are an integral part of your photo equipment. Believe it or not, I have encountered people that intended to shoot a wedding without a flash... simply because they didn't have one. Were they mad? No, they were just amateurs and unfortunately the market is filled with those. Most of a wedding day takes place indoors and you must have some sort of light aid, or most of the photos will obviously be improperly lit. Once again, only buy top notch flashes, yes I said flashes, because you need at least two of them: one to use and one as backup. There are two main brands for flashed: Metz and Quantum Instruments. Regarding Metz, I advise you not buy the latest Mecablitz 76 MZ-5 as in my opinion is a poor flash.As a professional photographer, I am always looking for the very best performance in a flash, as well as in all my photo equipment. My wonderful old Metz 60 CT-4 was getting old, so I thought it was time to update. I got this new digital flash thinking it would have been just better than the previous one, but I was wrong. I used it once and sold it!My first disappointment was when I realized that the recharging time is longer than the 60 CT-4... I imagined that the compact battery, as a result of technological development, would have performed at least like the one on the old 60 CT-4, but instead it's just a smaller/less powerful battery. On a wedding job I usually rotate the head of the flash all over the place all the time. This new Mecablitz 76 MZ-5 flash has a locked head; to rotate it you have to press a button in the back, which is not that easy and/or comfortable to do and it got me stuck a few times, causing me to miss that special shot.I was in a quiet church when all of a sudden the newly installed cooling fan at the bottom of the head turned on... it is relatively loud and some people turned around to see what it was. To me it sounded like a vacuum cleaner and I simply cannot go around churches with photo equipment that gets people turning around... the job of a wedding photographer requires discretion. This fan stayed on for a long time, causing me some embarrassment...it just wouldn't stop! The ready flash beep is also very loud and it also gets people turning around, other than really bothering my hearing and nerves. There is no way to lower the volume. When using it in manual it is not as straightforward as the old 60 CT-4; you have to change the f/stop by pressing a few buttons on the control unit... when things are happening fast in front of you there simply isn't time to go through these electronic menus, that require me to put some extra thought and attention into them... nothing beats the old 60 CT-4 with clear manual dials that you can change without even looking.In the whole I believe this is the worst flash Metz has ever produced. The only positive thing about it is that you can change the power of the small fill flash by operating a little dial on the site. As a result of this sad experience, I bought another old 60 CT-4, still king of flashes.