Wedding Photography By: Madeline Barbour

Feb 08
2012

With all the trends in wedding photography these days, it can be hard to take creative photos that
genuinely represent the couple’s personalities and the feel of the day. Here are a few creative ideas for
wedding photos to inspire couples and photographers alike.

1. Find a Private Spot – After the wedding ceremony is over and the formal pictures have been taken,
lead the couple to a private spot where they can take pictures on their own. This allows them to have
some one-on-one time before returning to the reception. This will certainly provide some candid
intimate shots.

2. Use a Meaningful Object – One way to make wedding photos unique for a couple is to include an
object that is important to them in some of the shots. This could be anything from a baseball cap to a
stuffed animal – anything that means something to the couple. The object could be included in detail
shots, such as the head table, or the couple can interact with it in some photos.

3. Include a Pet – If a couple wants to include Fido or Fluffy in the special day, don’t be afraid to take
photos with the pet. Pets can add another element for the couple to interact with and will provide
spontaneously cute poses.

4. Have Fun – Some of the best wedding photos end up being the candid ones of the wedding party
laughing and enjoying themselves. Goofy expressions and funny poses can also make great pictures.

5. Be Daring – Even if the bride isn’t up to trashing her dress, there are a number of great shots than can
be taken if she isn’t afraid to get a little dirty. On a beach like Maui, a bride and groom could have an
intimate moment in the sand or take a dip in the ocean – in full wedding attire!

6. Leave Out Faces – Creative photos don’t always have to include faces. Shots of everyone’s feet, the
couple’s held hands, or the wedding party’s backs can be interesting shots as well.

7. Include Everybody – When it comes to big weddings, it can be hard to ensure photos of every guest.
Organizing a large group photo of everyone at the wedding, whether taken from up on a balcony in
the church or on a cliff overlooking the beach, can be a great solution. The group could even stand in a
specific shape, such as a heart or the first letter of the couple’s last name.

This article was written by Madeline Barbour. She is an experienced photographer who owns the site http://howtobecomeaphotographer.org

Hawaii Weddings And Three Key Hires

Feb 07
2012

Hawaii Weddings And Three Key Hires

Have you considered having a wedding on one of the islands in Hawaii or some other destination
location? If so, the key is to start your planning early. Remote paradises such as Hawaii often
book fast and any of the best vendors book up even faster. There are many things and people to
consider for your ceremony and reception, but none more important to book or to make your day
special than the wedding photographer, florist and your reception’s master of ceremony.

Wedding Photographers

One of the keys to your wedding planning, and especially for a destination wedding such as on
Maui for example, is the photographer. A local photographer will know all the best locations
on the island for any photo or theme you are looking to accomplish. In addition, the wedding
photographer probably knows just about everyone to recommend for you to put together a
successful wedding.

Maui wedding photographers get booked up quickly, so plan ahead and do your research. Check
out their sites for their portfolios and contact them as soon as you can to book your date. Often
you will need to leave a small deposit to hold that date, but if you wait, you may not get the date
or photographer you want.

Selecting the right photographer is about your gut instincts. Talk on the phone more often than
email so you can have that personal touch and emotion to see if you two connect or not. You will
find that your working relationship with the wedding photographer will be the most important
relationship to have during the wedding process. Get to know them and allow them to get to
know you. Your photos will reflect this connection.

Wedding photography is not cheap, so the sooner you plan, the sooner you can budget. However,
most photographers will offer different packages and one might be within your budget. Talk to
your photographer about all their options. If you plan to be in Maui early, or you are a resident,
some packages may include engagement, pregnancy or vacation shots if you have family and
friends there with you to celebrate your day. If these and other shots are not part of a package,
often they can be purchased at an additional cost.

Everyone looks to save money, but in the end, it’s the quality and peace of mind a good wedding
photographer will bring you during a very stressful time period.

Wedding Flowers

Quite often the floral arraignment sets the tone for the wedding ceremony as well as the
reception. Flowers bring beauty and a touch of grace, and it is the florist’s job to coordinate

the colors to match in every aspect, including the bouquets, flower petals, the altar, cakes,
centerpieces, the head table and any other trim needed. If the wedding is in Hawaii, they see to
the leis as well.

Florists book up quickly, so start your search early. A good florist should have referrals and
photos of their work so that you don’t sign up blindly.

Emcee / Master of Ceremonies

As many can attest, your emcee or master of ceremonies can dictate whether your reception is a
memorable one or not, and hopefully for the right reasons. Often couples try to save money and
ask their most outgoing friend or relative to handle the responsibility. If this is something you
are considering, be sure they have some public speaking experience or have emceed a wedding
before. Being funny or even loud is a great attribute to start, but for one to maintain it for a large
crowd and for long periods of time is very much different that being the life of the party in a
crowd of just a few.

In addition, when you have a larger crowd that is there for a wedding, they will have to deal
with different taste, therefore telling inside jokes can lose a crowd. Also sure to lose the crowd
are those awkward moments of silence, losing their train of thought, or telling off color and
inappropriate jokes in front of grandma after having a few drinks.

Unless you are sure about someone you know your best move is to hire a professional. Find
someone who has experience that can produce references as well. Do your due diligence and
check out their website if they have one or search for any possible reviews from other clients of
theirs. Good emcees are hard to find, so book early once you found someone you really want.

Weddings in Ancient Egypt

Feb 05
2012

 

Weddings in Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt it seems that young men had the liberty to choose their own brides.  Getting married and having children was considered a very important issue although the ceremony was very simple and had no official or religious value.  In many cases, however, a written agreement was made.

The bride’s father usually gave a dowry to the groom who bought gifts for the bride and her family before the wedding day.  Polygamy was very unusual even if it is known that pharaons had very conspicuous harems.

 

Maui Beach Wedding

Feb 05
2012

 

Maui Wedding Photographer- Nicole Sanchez