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 CONNECTICUT  WEDDING photographers  : CONNECTICUT WEDDING photography
 
     
Begin with a Grin Heartprint Photography Fleeting Moments ALBUM Design
203.704.1552 (203) 598-9718 203-704.1552
$1500.  named one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the state of Connecticut.  Packages with 2 photographers, 5 hours of coverage, online proofing, and ALL images on DVD with full copyright release to the client.   Did you receive your digital negatives, but do not have a bridal album?  Our staff of graphic designers can produce many style albums for you.  Prices start at $500.
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TIPS for CHOOSING a WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER by Sue Cunningham/Begin with a Grin

 

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing.  There are no set standards in wedding photography.  Today we are inundated by digital photographers.  Some are professionals and some are simply hobbyists who shot a decent digital picture who label themselves as wedding photographers.   When choosing a wedding photographer bear in mind, these are you memories finitely captured for eternity.  Do you really want to trust a hobbyist or someone new to wedding photography with such a tremendous responsibility?

Questions to ask, and think about:

How long have you been photographing weddings?

I hate to say it, people lie....but their website, bridal feedback (www.weddingreports.com) , and their portfolio should tell you the truth.  If they only can show 3-4 weddings, you may want to dig a little deeper into their business background. 
 
What do you wear?
Seems like a silly question, I know. We all  dress for the occasion to blend in. We usually wear a Black & White pant suit, appropriate for the occasion and yet flexible enough to allow us to work.  On the other hand, I have seen photographers wear jeans & t-shirt to a wedding.  Personally I think a professional should dress professional.
 
Do you have any references?
Besides what a photographer will give, which invariably will be GOOD references, check other websites like www.weddingreports.com or bridal chat rooms to hear what your peers think.  Also professional references should count considerably.  If a photographers competition would recommend them, it says a lot. 
 
What kind of equipment do you use?
Most photographers who are digital will shoot with either a Canon system or Nikon system.  In canon 20D, 30D, 40D, 5D, mark II, Mark III are high end pro quality equipment.  Nikon runs a similar line.  Also make sure they have a FULL backup system.  No camera is perfect, things happen and a pro should be well prepared to act on a whim. These pro-line cameras are 8 mega pixel or higher and can render a 2'x3' large format print without a problem.
 
Retouching?
Also when viewing a portfolio or sample books, look for things you like as far as editing goes.  This is a art in itself.  After the pics are taken, they are left either raw (which is full color, no color correction, no cropping, effects etc) and edited and enhanced to bring the image to an art quality.  Images can be translated to B&W, Sepia (old brown tone), retouched (blemishes, double chins etc), duo-toned (black and blue, red, yellow hue), and tinted (part color-part B&W).  Like I said retouching takes time, and really brings out the artist to create a stunning image for you.  Not everyone does it, and not at the same levels.
Raw                       color corrected      Blur Effects            Duo-Tone              Black & White          Sepia                   Soft Effects           Tinting           
 
Traditional or Photojournalistic?
Traditional: The 'traditional' photographer will attempt to make a perfect portrait from each shot. Most shots would be posed or set up. This approach requires the photographer to guide the couple and to manipulate many of the day's events, and in effect take more time.
Photojournalist (aka: documentary, candid)  A photojournalistic photographer covers a wedding  by observing and recording the highlights as they happen.   They create a story-telling sequence for the couple to remember their day by. It requires the photographer to be versatile in their skills as they adapt for each moment. This allows them to record the day, yet remain as unobtrusive as needed. 
Creative/Illustrative : Semi-posed.  Actually situations may be suggested and the bride and groom will react naturally to each other.  Example we may say take a stroll by the beach or lake.  What the bride and groom do from there is up to them.  It can be some intimate moments that can be captured from afar with a zoom lens and create the most romantic images without "posing or interfering".
 
Digital Negatives - Can you buy them or are they included without copyright restriction?
There is no set standard on this.  It is entirely up to the photographer whether or not they want to release your images to you.  Some will include them if you buy and album package, where others just give them to you without question.  Some may charge you more, and some may make you wait a waiting period.  Bottom line, Digital negatives (your disk of high resolution images) can be printed at almost any lab today.  You have the ability to print whatever you want, post whatever you want, make your own albums etc.  You can even duplicate your disc.  Personally I feel this is your day, your images.  I store a copy as backup for down the road, but really I feel they are yours.
 
PACKAGE ELEMENTS? Here is another confusing thing for people. Packages and items/services to be included in that.

Hours of time: How many hours are included? - Do you need only 6 hours, 8 hours, or will you have a 12 hour wedding day?  Photographers time starts from when they arrive to the time set on the contract to leave. 

Second shooter or assistant?  Second Shooter is just that a second person taking photographs.  An assistant tends to be a main photographers "helper"-carrying bags, loading cameras, handling external lighting etc. It isn't always necessary to have a second shooter.  If you are having a wedding with 125 people or under, an experienced photographer can capture the day just fine.  Larger weddings you may want to have multiple photographers snapping away.  This way more moments can be covered.

All Images or edited Images?  Many photographers will give you edited images. I like to give all the images because what I think is a bad picture may mean the world to someone else.  I also like to give all the raw images and the retouched ones as well.

Online proofing?  Does the photographer offer online proofing for your guests to view?  If they do how long will the images be online for?  The average seems to be for 3 months, I post them for over a year.  It depends on the service they use for posting and the package you choose.

Proofbooks - Proofbooks are just that usually proofs.  Photographers will choose a certain amount of images that highlight the day and make 4x6 prints for a proofbook.  Sometimes they are RAW un-retouched images and sometimes they are enhanced.  Look for it when you view their sample proofbook at your meeting.  Also make sure you review a complete wedding, and not just the photographers "favorites" from a variety of weddings.

Italian Milano proofbooks.
Guest Signing Books - A new trend.  Some photographers who do an engagement session (usually an on-location one to gain the most variety) can produce a custom made guest book encompassing your engagement picture shoot.  It is an amazing keepsake.
   
Travel Charges - Does the photographer charge more for locations outside their range or out of state?  Also do they charge more for multiple stops? i.e. You are getting ready in one town, ceremony in another, pictures at another location, and the reception in a different town?  Some do, most don't but it doesn't hurt to ask.  You don't want to find out after the fact, that there are extra charges. 

Canvas Prints - These are large format prints that look like an oil painting.  Typically the best quality ones are pricey.  It is an option some photographers will offer their clients.

ALBUMS -  albums are not created equally.  Also most manufacturers will only sell to professional photographers.  So even though you can design your own album, having it bound professionally may be a challenge without the help of a pro photographer or an album design company (www.fleetingmoments.us)

Traditional matted albums  - contemporary matted albums.  Images are printed individually in different sizes and mounted to the page with a mat over it to frame the image.  Matted albums are usually 12x12 and hold 8x10 images with a mix of smaller sizes.  Some allow panoramic images to span across 2 pages.

 Flush mount albums (where the images are apart of one page) are the most common.  There are many companies, grades of quality, sizes to choose from.  Coffee Table sized albums run from 8x10 to 12x16.  Pages are no where near as think as a matted album which allows for a sleek album that is easy to handle to be left out on your coffee table to view.   Other companies like Graphis Studios creates a stunning large format album bound with Italian leather for a contemporary look with a real bridal album feel.  Like any import, they are more expensive than the regular flush mount album.  Some USA Companies include: Leather Craftsman, Zook Binders, Capri, Art Leather, Renaissance.  International imported companies : Graphis Studio, Queensberry, Digicraft.

Scrapbook - For the real "Art minded" couples. Very element scrapbook albums are in the mix.  Images are individually mounted to an acid free heavyweight textured art paper, loosely bound with rice paper in between.  They are not as main stream but appeal to a smaller group of clientele.

Flush Mountnew covers 07
                     Traditional Matted                                              Flush Mount Story Books                                   Graphis Studio Collections
 

DVD Slideshows - Many photographers will offer a slideshow with "photographer" selected images.  Most include it into their packages, some offer it complimentary (which is the same thing as including it in their packages) and a few will offer it with a separate charge.

 
How long before you can see your proofs?
I have heard horror stories.  It should be on average 3-4 weeks.  I have heard brides waiting up to a year.   That is for a proofbook.  Albums are different as alot is dependent on you choosing your pictures, then the photographer designs a layout and WAITS for your approval.  Once approved, the album manufacturers can take 4-8 weeks to print, coat, bind your final bridal album. 
 
Do they offer Packages or ala Carte?
Ask if the photographer is flexible on their packages.  Let them know what you are looking for and see if they can custom create a package for you.  Maybe you can swap out one element for another. 
Standard Package Pricing - again photographers are not created equally.  Their prices can be dependent on their quality, reputation, awards and publications, volume of weddings booked (supply and demand) location, and the elements in the packages.  It depends on the studio.  Photographers can be people too.  When you find one that is down to earth and understands what you are looking to achieve for your wedding day, they can be more flexible in their packages rather than "by the book".  Economy can play a factor too.  You do get what you pay for in this industry.  On average expect to spend $2500-$4000 for a full album package by a real experienced professional.

Traditional Photographers range from $800-$2500 for album packages.

Photojournalists range from $1500 - $6000 depending on the package and creative elements (retouching, enhancements etc)

What are their payment terms?
Read your contract.  Most photographers will state your deposit aka retainer is non-refundable.  That is fairly standard.  Because they are guaranteeing you the date, they can not book themselves out for that date.  If you cancel 3 months before the wedding, they may not be able to re-book the date.   Retainers typically are 1/3 of the package price, 1/3 a few months before the wedding day, and the balance 30 days before the date.  Some will have the final balance due after the wedding, that is at the discretion of the photographer.  Some will offer a basic package up front with an option to purchase an album within a time span after the wedding and pay for it then as well.
 
 
 
Antonio Garland (203) 452-8145 Trumbull  
A Gagliardi Photography (203) 452-8145 Trumbull
A/1 Photo Studio (860) 632-0808 Middletown
Aesthetic Exposures (203) 459-2751 Trumbull
A & M Photography Service (860) 749-1180 Enfield
A.J. Shaw Studios (860) 208 . 4840 Dayville
ARKAY Photo/ Graphic Design (203) 853-6805 Norwalk
Albanese Liborio Photography (203) 226-6553 Westport
Allen Wayne Studio (203) 466-3566 Branford
Anderson Photography (860) 829-9300 Berlin
Anderson Horizon (800) 215-0797 Berlin
Autumn Studios (203) 794-0016 Danbury
Avon Photography & Video (860) 677-5761 Avon
Barbara Szostek Photography (860) 225-1224 New Britain

Barnes Studio

(860) 464-7258

Gales Ferry

Begin with a Grin

(203) 704-1552

Connecticut

Benoit Photography

(860) 582-7965

Bristol

Bungard Photography

(860) 745-0014

Enfield

Benka Photography Studios

(860) 690-1591

Vernon

Bethel Photo Works

(203)  748-1999

Bethel

Big Picture

(203) 791-2887

Danbury

Blaisdell Photography

(860) 886-1771

Norwich

Bob Hennessy Photography

(860) 635-3382

Cromwell

Calabrese Wedding Photography

(860) 282-9609

Windsor

Candid Wedding Service

(860) 643-1442

Manchester

Captured Moments

(914) 273-8702

Capture the Moment

(203) 929-9916

Shelton

Charbonneau

(860) 274-4768

C. Christopher Semmes Photography

(203) 531-5300

Greenwich

Claudio Mann

(718) 488-7549

Coolpix

(203) 846-3377

Creative Images

(914) 769-8921

Creative Studio

(203) 288-4265

Cummins Group Photography

(203) 921-1790

Stamford

Czarnecki Photography

(860) 654-1962

Windsor Locks

Dalla Valle Photography

(888) PHOTODV

Dakille Studio

(860) 223-3572

Dan Rosen Photography

(203) 452-1997

David Frost Photography

(203) 468-9797

East Haven

David Ottenstein

(203)-865-1831

New Haven

David Photos

(203) 748-2887

Bethel

David White Photography

(203) 624-4441

Deborah O' Brien Photography

(203) 431-0906

Ridgefield

Debranne & Company

203-254-7734

Southport

Dennis Martins (203) 393-0152
Donner Photographic Inc (860)-886-2475 Norwich
Doreen Birdsell (203) 226-2246
Elyse Shapiro Photography (203) 938-3291 Ridgefield
Everlasting Images (860) 628-6676
Fotogencia (914) 237-6153
Frank Delaney (860)-745-1819 Enfield
Frugal Photographer (860) 945-8055 Oakville
Gannon Photography (860) 663-1386 Killingworth
Gilles Rousseau (203) 744-0013 Danbury
Heartprint Photography (203) 598-9718 Southbury
Henry Gerkin (860) 873-1756
Hopkins Studio (203) 874-8839
I Do Wedding Photography (203) 377-1552 Stratford
Jack Gedney Photography LLC (860) 675-8790 Burlington
JT Photo (914) 244-3945
J. Everetts Studio (860) 223-1157 New Britain
Jeff Prentice Photography (203) 375-6826 Stratford
Jessica Dietz Photography (203) 852-9599
Joanne Schoefer (203) 746-8739
John Lee Croff (860) 564-2065
John Muldoon (860) 582-5259
Josephs Photography (800) 471-1511
John Zappala Photographer (203) 221-0311 Weston
The Jorgensens Fine Photography 860-285-8711 Windsor, CT
Joli Studio (203) 748-4375 Danbury
Juliano Wedding Photography (203) 271-3531 Cheshire
Kathy M McGarry (203) 287-1496
Katherine Sweet (203) 846-8510 Norwalk
Ken Fay (914) 632-3631
Kiernan Photography (203)-481-2990 Branford
Kristin Burke (203) 226-9536
Kristin Stewart (860) 355-8813 New Milford
Laurie Klein Studio (203) 740-1110 Brookfield
Larry Merz Photography (203) 222-1936 Georgetown
Lawrence Frank Photography (203)-762-2270 Wilton
Louie David (203) 748-2887 Danbury
Marilynne Herbert (914) 232-5908
Maher Photography (860) 355-3004 Sherman
Maring Photography (203) 949-9370
Mark L. Johnson Photographic Design (203) 481-4986 Branford
Maureen DeFries (203) 740-9343
Michael Oritz (914) 769-7644
Michael Studio (914) 345-9225
Moletto Photography (203) 375-0008 Stratford
Motta Studios (203) 269-3540
Muldoon Photography (860) 582-5259 Bristol
Panagrosso Photography 203-263-4274 Woodbury
Photography by Catherine 203-630-1334 Meriden
Photography by Mary Bridgett (203) 254-2122 Fairfield
Photography by Joseph (203)878-1666 Milford
Photography by Flannigan (203) 748-1999 Danbury
Photography by Lemos (860) 354-9833
Photography by Shari (203) 323-5226 Stamford
Photography by Shari (203) 256-9433 Fairfield
Photography by Terry (203) 882-8746 Milford
Photo Expressions (860) 628-2169 Southington
Picture This (203) 797-9743 Danbury
Portraits by Pielli (860) 354-7168 New Milford
Powers Photography (203) 333-7899
Professional Photography Service (860) 643-6764 Manchester
Prestige Photography (203) 758-3522 Prospect
Ray Gagnon Photography (860) 584-5119 Bristol
RandaMari Photography
(203) 748-7779
Danbury
Redford Photo (203) 469-5444
Robert Preston (203) 322-8743 Stamford
Ron Lake (203) 454-9956
Ron Zimmerman (203) 431-4699 Ridgefield
Rogers  Photography (877) 844-6938 New Canaan
Royal Photography (914) 739-0851
Sally Alvarez Photography (203) 261-8802 Trumbull
SM Cooper (888) 759-9745
Sharp Images (914) 471-5227
Susi Dugaw Photography (914) 939-4459
Stephane Colbert (203) 426-0448
Studio Paradiso (860) 684-4316 Stafford Springs
Stan Godlewski (203) 287-1230 North Haven
Steve Brimmer Photography (860) 651-1147 Simsbury
Steve Brown Photography (860) 243-9220 Bloomfield
Steven Laschever photography 860 953-6617
Studio A (203) 661-3393 Greenwich
T Hahn Photography (860) 442-1455 New London
Tim Coffey Photography 203-325-4599 Stamford
Tom PICH Photography (203) 531-5358 Greenwich
Toths Photography Studio (203) 874-4423 Milford
Treasures from the Terrace (203) 878-5703 Orange
Uniquly Yours (203) 596-7226 Waterbury
Underwood Photography (860) 6581653 Simsbury
Vita Studios (914) 939-9344
Wedding Images (860) 953-4363 Newington
Wedding Images (860) 267-7919 E. Hampton
     
 

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