Don’t Skimp On the Photos!

By: Shana Karn, Shots by Shana Photography, 129 North St. Dryden NY

Planning a wedding? As per Portland Newborn Photographer, the last thing you want to skimp on is a Wedding Photographer! Pictures of your ceremony and reception will last a lifetime. Don’t opt for the “family friend” who is really good at taking photos but lacks professional wedding experience or the hobby photographer who decided to begin a photography business last month but hasn’t done a paid wedding. Then another thing that I love to see at a wedding is a photo booth, as guests just love those and taking fun photos. I always suggest the photo booth hire from https://www.pictureblast.co.uk/ as it’s easily the best, so if you are soon having a wedding, I’d highly recommend getting a photo booth hired as they are just amazing. Wedding photos cannot be duplicated— unless, of course, you are willing to spend the time, energy and considerable money needed to throw yourself another wedding…

The same holds true for other special “photos…” Newborn pictures, senior pictures, etc. Keep in  mind that the friend or family member who does a good job with family function photos may or may not have the knowledge about posing/sizing/editing “professional” photos.  A couple of weeks ago, I saw pictures of a “Senior Shoot” on a social media site. While the senior was stunning, the pictures left much to be desired. Be sure you ask for references and view a photographer’s portfolio before choosing one! If a photographer shows you photos with shadows across faces, over-saturated greenery or plastic-looking skin, you may want to keep looking. During warmer months, heat and humidity can make faces “shiny,” but that shine should be minimal in a photo—even if the RAW image is a “shiny face,” there are professional editing tools out there for the skilled photographer to use to remove it. In colder weather, the same holds true for “red cheeks and noses!”

If you can speak with a photographer’s references, it is always good to ask about their experience at the shoot and afterward—- and always ask about “print quality.” Ask if images printed well and weren’t grainy.  Were skin tones even and not too red or yellow? Always ask if the photographer was open to [subject’s] ideas. Was the photographer easy to work with? Was s/he polite and respectful? Did s/he take their time or rush through a session?  If a reference was uncomfortable during the shoot because of something the photographer did or said, move onto other photographers.

When a photo lasts a lifetime, it is worth the additional cost to go with someone with experience and there is no shortage of professional, experienced photographers in our area!

Fall in Central New York is the perfect time for photos for anyone. I am beginning to book family fall and holiday photos as well as still offering Senior Sessions. Of course, I am always booking newborn shoots and weddings. For more information or a list of questions to ask any photographer, please contact: shana@thesecondknob.com. Or call Shots by Shana Photography (607) 844-5662.