Lisbon, Iowa

I LOVE WEDDINGS ! !

From Napa, CA to Dallas, TX to Raleigh, NC and beyond.

[click any image below to enlarge]

The first two things I recommend to couples who are researching wedding photography:

1. Check out each photographer's weddings pictures - not baby photos, graduate photos, etc.  A wedding is a very different photo opportunity than any other, and requires different use of equipment and different skills.  It is very important to meet the photographer who will be with you all day at your wedding.  Make sure that the pictures you are shown are ones taken personally by that photographer. You want to make sure that the person asking you to "smile" and fussing with your dress or tux will be most compatible with your personalities.
2. Make sure that you have the wedding photography terms in writing. Professional photographers that have done enough weddings know the importance of all details being recorded on a wedding contract. It's definitely as important to them as it should be to you. If a contract is not offered, I recommend that you insist upon a written agreement.

These are other things I tell couples when they come to my studio for a consultation (it's a great time to meet the photographer and see LOTS of wedding photos). I don't have a set number of pictures I take at all weddings; I just take a lot of photos  and try to cover everything well. In the wonderful world of digital, I don't count photos. I just want to be sure that I am completely and creatively capturing all areas of your wedding day during the time that I am supposed to be there. The size of the package you order doesn't determine the number of pictures I take - it determines the number of pictures your pick for your completed formal album. The photos taken at your wedding are displayed in a preview album. You decide from those which ones are your favorite choices for your completed album.  Enclosed order forms give your family and friends an opportunity to order for themselves.

I like to have 1 ½ hours to take the formal photos (those that are posed - usually before the wedding). Less time could mean rushing or missing something. Too much time means you could get tired or bored with the photo session. I think 1 ½ hours works best for everyone to be able to enjoy the photos. I always want everyone to remember the photography in a positive way. I get to the church early to set up my equipment and take some of those "getting ready" pictures as you arrive or are preparing for the wedding. I take the formal pictures, the ceremony pictures, and then the reception pictures. I am at the reception for 1 to 2 ½ hours, depending on which package you choose. If the timing is right and you want to, I love to stop off somewhere, on the way to the reception, to take some nice outdoor pictures. It only takes a few minutes, as you don't want to keep your guests waiting any longer than you have to.

1. Call and inquire about prices, etc.

2. Consult with the photographer to meet them and see their pictures. Discuss the details of your wedding and the wedding photo packages.

3. Make a careful decision, but don't delay any longer than necessary, as your first choice of photographer can easily get booked before you get back to them.

4. If you choose to have First Impressions photograph your wedding, a non-refundable deposit is required to hold the date.

Your typical considerations are cost, quality, and packaging. They're all very important. There are many photographers out there with many different levels of equipment, experience, talent, personality, and packages. It's a big job, but, after the day is finished, what can be more important than those beautiful photographs that you will be able to treasure and enjoy for years.  Choose carefully !

My local packages range from $1695 to $2595. They include a formal wedding album, pictures getting ready at the church, 1 ½ hours of formal photo time, ceremony, and time at the reception from 1 hour to 2 ½ hours.  Each album package has different numbers and sizes of photographs that you choose from the previews.

If you are interested in my photography services, please call me to discuss your wedding, and set up an appointment to meet and see my wedding presentation.

QUESTIONS?

1. Call Pat at (319) 455-2329

2. Or send email to pat@firstimpressionsphotography.com