If your hair is short your options are somewhat limited but the chances of a hair malfunction is decreased as well. The longer your hair is the more options you have. Up- do’s, partial-up do’s, braiding, curls, the list of possibilities is long.

What you decide should be what you prefer and what looks good with your dress but if you choose to have your hair up be prepared for a headache if you don’t plan ahead. I don’t mean to say that having your hair done will be a headache. I mean that an up-do can literally cause you to have a headache because of how tight your hair is pulled back. Prepare yourself for an up-do. For two to three weeks before your wedding put your hair in a pony tail, pig tails, braids or anything that can simulate the pulling back and pulling up of your hair to get used to the feel.

I have seen brides with their hair up so tight that when they smiled it made them look uncomfortable. When I asked if everything is ok the answer was always ” I am getting a headache”. They would just assume it was from the stress of the day and it would be gone after the excitement and anticipation of the ceremony was over. It was the hair.

Hope this helps a little.

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Authored by Alicia McGinthy.

Alicia McGinthy works with her husband Jeff as wedding photographers. Their business is named Save the Moments Photography and they have photographed over 300 weddings together since 2002.

Their website is www.savethemoments.com and they travel Nationally.

Wedding Photography is more about communication, leadership, and work ethic than simply posing people and having a digital camera. As a bride in today’s market, in order to save yourself disappointment, you’ll want to distinguish between the novice who is experimenting in a hobby, and the true professional who has years of experience. Due to the improvement and declining prices of technology, there has been an increase of substandard photographers entering the wedding market. These people will often use the auto functions of a camera, which are fine for consumer use, but in creating high quality sharp images it takes a highly skilled, experienced photographer who knows how to manually adjust the settings of the camera for different situations to get optimum results.

A High End Photographer also has to have the unique ability to move people around, deal with interruptions, and do so in a friendly, yet timely manner. It takes communication skills, to direct and guide them, with a servant attitude. The more time wasted during the Formals, the fewer shots you will get, and the more time your guests will be waiting at the reception. In order to do this, he or she has to be in good physical shape to be able to move equipment quick enough so as to not miss out on anything. He has to have a good ‘work ethic”. You will hear the word “photojournalism” used a lot. A true “photojournalistic photographer” has the ability to anticipate action so as to be in the right place at the right time. Most inexperienced photographers do not understand what photojournalism is, they think it’s just taking candid shots, but there is a lot more to it than that. An Artistic Photographer has to see beyond the surface, to make something ordinary, extraordinary.

In order ensure we are meeting the changing needs of today’s brides our photographers learn from each other by exchanging ideas. We keep up on the latest technology and education by attending conferences. Unlike some companies who casually hire contractors, we have a Photography Manager who assists with their constant development. We also learn by having you the bride evaluate us with customer satisfaction survey forms. Look at our photo galleries and judge for yourself. At Celebrations of Tampa Bay you’ll get a photographer who has a passion to serve you with Excellence.

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Authored by Randy Markham from Celebrations of Tampa Bay

Randy Markham is the owner of Celebrations of Tampa Bay which has been serving Tampa Bay weddings since 1991. He started as a sound technitian for a contemporary church, and found himelf providing music for weddings. He starting DJing professionally in August of 1991 along with a girl who played the harp. Now 18 years later, employs a staff of 20, including Photographers, Videographers, and DJs. He credits the grace of God along with a good work eithic, and an obcessive desire to always impove, for his success. http://celebrationsoftampabay.com

Aside from choosing the perfect mate (which we know you have already done!), selecting your wedding photographer may be the single most important decision of planning your wedding. After all, the images that you have of your day will help you recall every perfect detail, reminisce with those who were there or recreate the day for those who couldn’t be with you. Although the choice is important, it needn’t be stressful. As you talk to prospective photographers, consider the following to help make sure the photographer you are hiring compliments your style and your personality.

Know what you like.

Look at your friends’ wedding albums, magazines or online photos and decide what you find most appealing – traditional, candid, posed, black and white, artist rendered, or a combination of it all? Photography is an art, so it makes sense that you may or may not like the style used by all wedding photographers. Now look at sample albums from the photographer. Pay attention to your emotional response. Does the photographer connect with the couple and capture the mood of their day? Does his/her forte match your favorite style?

Know who you are hiring.

Make sure you know who is going to shoot your wedding and that you’re looking at his/her work. If you are talking to a one-person operation, find out who would cover your wedding in case of an emergency. Is this a job or a hobby for the photographer?

This will give you an idea of the expertise and passion for his/her work. You want to hire a professional that is familiar with the ins and outs of weddings so no key moments of your day are missed. Does he/she use professional-grade equipment and is back-up equipment available, just in case?
Most importantly look on the personal level and ask: Do I like his/her style? Does this seem like a person I could work with throughout my wedding day? Your wedding photographer will be spending a lot of time with you so you want to know that his or her personality blends with yours, making it a pleasure to have him/her at your side.

If you’re not comfortable, it will show in your photographs. Rapport is important with all wedding professionals, but it’s crucial here! Finally, ask about any assistants. Ask if you can meet them and ask about how they will dress and conduct themselves to ensure your wedding goes smoothly.

Know what you are paying for.

Though you don’t want to skimp on wedding photos it is important to make sure your photographer isn’t going to break your budget. Keep in mind that you’re paying for the photographer’s time at your wedding, hours spent developing or editing your pictures, the finished products (prints and albums) and for the photographer’s artistic eye and creativity. You’ll want to know how much time you’ll be allotted on your wedding day, how many images will be shot and how proofs and final results will be delivered. You’ll also want to ask about the cost of albums and copies, since you’ll probably fall in love with lots of your photos – especially if your photographer is a great artist! Ask if packages can be customized to meet your specific needs and find out about the deposit and cancellation policies. What is needed to hold your date? What if you need to cancel? What if your photographer cancels? When you have reached an agreement with your photographer, get it in writing. Most professional photographers will present you with a contract that outlines the details of your day. Make sure you review this carefully, sign a copy for the photographer and keep a signed copy for yourself.

Your wedding pictures are worth more than a thousand words. They’re everything.

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Authored by Mike and Melissa Hucal from Michael’s Artistic Photography

Mike and Melissa Hucal are a husband and wife team serving the central Illinois area.  While their studio is based in Peoria Illinois, Mike Hucal’s work has been published in international literary works and his recent work was featured on the cover of Midwestern Family Magazine.

Working in the industry professionally now for 8 years, Mike has artistically captured memories at more than 200 weddings.  His passion for photography has recently led him to start his own brand and he is now working with photographers all over the United States.  This recent milestone now allows Mike and Melissa to photograph weddings anywhere your dreams can take you.

To see more of their work visit www.michaelsartisticimagery.com or their wedding only site at www.memoriesbymichael.net

There is an ongoing challenge regarding photography and video which I, must address.

I know that there are many brides who have been affected or know couples who have been affected by a studio closing, creating apprehension on the part of booking couples, and fear from those who are awaiting their wedding day.

The truth is that there are many great studios and many great photographers and videographers, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that they have a great reputation in the wedding industry and have the trust of the couples they service.

Here are a few items which could help you re-establish your faith in the industry that has preserved wedding memories for decades.

1. Check the Studio out with the Better Business Bureau.

2. Look for a studio which has access to more than just one photographer or videographer. This can assure that even in an emergency situation, your wedding day will not be missed. At Abacus Studios, we have photographers and videographers on standby in the event of emergency or extenuating circumstances.

3. Do your homework. Visit with the studio, read reviews online and be sure to have a contract in place.

At the end of the day you must allow faith to climb the mountain which was created by your fears. This is the only way you will enjoy, what should be one of the most memorable days of your life.

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Authored by Alex from Abacus Wedding Studios

Abacus Studios has worked with several couples from studios that have closed and you can see some of the results on our website.

Stacey and Bob had their wedding shot by Celebrations Studios but were left without an album. Armed with their proofs, they came to ABACUS STUDIOS,

If you or someone you know needs to have an album or video created, please do not hesitate to have them call or e-mail our studio.