Archive for April 19th, 2011

19

Apr

Wedding Planning Extra: Digitals from the Dancefloor

The digital camera went mainstream for professional wedding photographers a little more than a decade ago. Even then, however, traditional photographers were not entirely comfortable shooting digital at dynamic, somewhat unpredictable, physically-demanding events like wedding receptions.

My own wedding photographer, talented as he was, did the best with what he had to work with: a cold, icy January night, a dimly lit, 18th century clapboard church, and a rustic New England castle. I’m not complaining about my wedding photo album; but today’s brides and grooms are much savvier–both in terms of style and technology. They seek out photographers capable of capturing unaffected and carefree moments that createlong-lived memoriesof that special day.

But eventoday’s most talented, best equipped photographers can physically only be in one place at one time. Guests are often in a better position than the official photographer to capture the high jinx or tender exchanges worthy of display in wedding photo albums.

Brides and grooms used to count on disposable cameras to capture the guest perspective. But disposables today often sit idle on tables while click-happy guests turn to their own higher-megapixel cameras and mobile phones.

So how do you collect these valuable spontaneous spectator shots? Register ahead of time on a photo-sharing website, such as Shutterfly or Snapfish, with an account unique to your wedding. Then print the website address and log-in informationon wedding placecards or other wedding favors that guests take home.

Your DJ or band leader can also announce your photo-sharing website. To determine what photo-sharing website works best, visit one of the popular sites like Shutterfly or Snapfish, or check out reviews at http://photo-sharing-services-review.toptenreviews.com/ Decide what amount of time and expense you are willing to commit toward collecting guests’ images and whether creating additional albums is worthwhile for you.

For a look at wedding place cards, wedding favors and other original wedding stationery, visit looklovesend.com and subscribe to receive 20% off your first order.