Nancy Nelson Photography Maui, Hawaii

Choosing a Photographer
There are many things to consider when choosing your wedding photographer. Nancy Nelson Photography, who has hundreds in the field, has numerous sound recommendations to escort you in these areas of expertise.

Ideal Venues for Photography

1. When & where should I have my wedding?

There are many venues licensed to host weddings, so the options are endless. Prior to finding a photographer, you may have chosen the location where you are hosting your wedding union celebration. Whether you have or have not chosen your arrangements here, there are a several possibilities to consider, so as ensuring that your photography requirements may be suitably meeting your needs and expectations:
Book early! ~ Good popular venues tend to get booked 10 or more months in advance.
Time ~ Allowing photographer to set the proper time schedule in consideration to the time of year. I f you want to have mainly outdoor photographs in daylight conditions, are you allowing reasonable time for this? (For example: you cannot realistically entertain the thought of having outdoor group photographs at a late autumnal wedding commencing at 5.00pm). Also, if your marriage and reception venue are separate locations, give reasonable time for travel between the two sites and facilitating photography and other arrangements.
Venue(s) ~ Is the venue you are selecting suitable for photography and do you need to see picture of the area, particularly for flattering pictures of Bride & Groom? For example, it would not be intimate or practical to entertain the idea of family groups at a church that fronts on to a busy and untidy high street with no lawn. In these circumstances, you will need to consider carefully what your reception venue has to offer. If you are having your entire wedding hosted at a hotel, ask the banqueting manager what provision they can make here (suitable rooms etc) If you have collected a coordinator are they listening to your needs, patience and informative. Are your questions being answered?
Parking ~ Is there adequate space for your guests to park? If there are 2 venues being used, you may need to consider providing transport by hiring a bus, particularly in an urban setting.
Bad weather ~ If you are selecting a venue which involves being outdoors, what contingency plan is in place, given the tropical weather of Maui or any location you have chosen? Will the vicar, minter, priest, rabbi of this church allow photographs at the alter.

Here are some of the many venues that Nancy Nelson has photographed weddings and banquets at, which she would recommend very highly:
Sea Watch, Maui Prince, Kai Lani, Hyatt, Outrigger, Four Seasons. There are a numerous amount of lovely beaches on Maui just perfect for your wedding day.

Choosing your photographer

1. Qualified Photographer

There are many good ‘unqualified’ photographers, for an important event such as a wedding; in generally I would advise for you to consider someone who has a recognized qualification from a Professional Photographer of America or Photographic Guild. There are a number of reputable professional bodies, such as the Professional Photographer of America. Unfortunately, there are also some less reputable organizations. In order for a photographer to obtain a qualification with one of the above three, a portfolio of work has to be submitted for assessment, and must meet specific criteria. Following qualification, it is an expectation of these organizations, that work of the highest standard is maintained in all professional assignments undertaken.

1. Costs

The prices charged by photographers vary considerably, typically anything from $250 to $5,000 and more! The number of photographs selected, duration of coverage and quality of finished album(s) will have a bearing on the price. Experienced and highly qualified photographers tend to charge more. Most photographers usually offer various album package services and optional extras, so you should be able to gauge an approximate amount to budget. However, one word of warning - given the capital outlay you are likely to be making on your wedding, don’t compromise on the quality of your photography; it will be the only lasting memory of the occasion. As a rule, it is generally fair to say that you get what you pay for.

1. Traditional, Candidate, Photojournalist and Romanic Styles

Photography is very much an art, and styles of portrayal vary from one photographer to another. At the outset of making your enquiries, you may not have any preconceived notion of the style you want. Therefore, it is advisable that you initially look at the work of several photographers - most have Websites in which samples of work can be viewed. You should then make a shortlist of at least 3 photographers, email them and get pricing how many rolls of films the take during the whole wedding and what your collection is. If you are seeking classic & formal portraits, you should consider a Traditional photographer. On the other hand, if you prefer a ‘story-book’ portrayal where spontaneity, laughter and happiness are recorded, you should consider a reportage or photojournalist photographer. However, some photographers are competent in successfully combining the two styles.

1. Consistency in standard of photography

You will learn very little about a photographer’s ability to cover an important event like a Wedding by looking at a portfolio of 50 or more photographs from many different weddings. This will not tell you anything about his/her ability to cope under the pressure of working speedily and efficiently, at the same time as producing a high standard of images throughout. You should also ask whether the person you are meeting would be the person photographing your event! And what quality and quantity of film, prints you will receive.

1. Personality of the Photographer

Given that you will have a photographer around you for 1 or more hours on your special occasion, this is a question you may ask yourself: ‘Is the photographer someone with whom I will interact well and feel at ease?’ Spontaneous, happy and flattering photographs are more likely to emerge from a shoot where you can feel comfortable and relaxed with your photographer. Someone who is not afraid to see people expresses feelings and will be supportive. My opinion as Nancy Nelson Photography is to have someone who is very intuitive, innovative and come at your wedding from an individual perspective and expression for you unique wedding day. It may also be a good idea to ask the photographer for testimonials from previous clients to give you some further insight.

1. Insurance (Public Liability & Indemnity)

It is advisable for you to select a photographer who is adequately insured for all eventualities. Ask your photographer what provision he/she might offer if they are unable to cover your event through illness etc. So that every care might be taken to ensure attendance on the day and that film/digital files and camera equipment are handled correctly, no one can give 100% assurance that nothing will go wrong. Many of the more professional photographers are now getting liability insurance.

How to proceed having chosen your photographer

1. Contractual Agreement

When you decide to proceed with hiring a photographer, you should ask to have everything confirmed in writing. This should detail things like: attendance time, what exactly is being supplied and at what price. Most photographers will ask you to sign a contract, which is intended to protect the interests of both parties. Make sure you read the small print and discuss any thing you are unsure about, before signing on the dotted line! Most of the photographer will ask for a deposit.

1. Color or Black & White and Special effects

You should give careful consideration here. If there are vibrant color themes and you are using a modern location(s), then the wedding will look best photographed in color. Black & White can convey a timeless image and will work best on select compositions, particularly in historic settings etc. Most photographers will happily agree to produce a mixture of Color and black & White. Special effects such as soft focus, vignette, multiple exposures and montage images are best kept in moderation. However, you should discuss all of these with your photographer to establish what suits you best. Most photographers will have extra charges for additional Black and White combination. Nancy Nelson Photography uses a different camera for the Black and White and charge extra.

1. Planning the shoot

It is also very important that you outline what compositions you require, particularly specific family & friends groups etc. In establishing your requirements, your photographer will be better able to produce a pleasing set of images of your day, and not bore you with compositions of lesser interest to you. Nancy Nelson Photography has been using an approach where she will offer sound advice on timings and devise a personalized plan to suit your needs. This approach has enabled her to produce great photographs, executed speedily and efficiently. (See testimonial section)

I hope that you will have found this information helpful in guiding you to the photographer suitable for your requirements. Most importantly, this is your special day and enjoy yourself!
For further information on the services offered by Nancy Nelson Photography, please contact us here.