Tips for Great Results
Your Photographer & Videographer Schedule
Please provide your current addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, starting times and other pertinent data on the enclosed form entitled Photographer & Videographer’s Schedule of Requested Poses. Make sure you mail, fax, or scan and email your schedule, together with any requested materials, to our corporate office at least two months prior to your affair.
The Schedule will allow your photographer to concentrate on the poses you want in your album. Please check off all of the poses most important to you. If you would like a pose taken that is not listed on the schedule, just write it down in the appropriate space. Your photographer will photograph many more poses than you select – all packages include unlimited images from start to finish. For your video lead-in, please arrange your 10 photographs in chronological order and number them on the back in the sequence they will appear in the video. Additional photos may be added to your sequence for an additional charge. If your Agreement provides for VIP editing, we’ll need a CD of your first dance song. Label the CD with your name, wedding or event date and desired song. All items will be returned with your finished video.
Preparing for a Great Experience with MJS Photo
Understanding your Photography Agreement is the first step in preparing for a great experience with MJS Photo! Our coverage includes a professional photographer who will start at the Photographer’s Starting Time (or later, at your request) and stay until the Photographer’s Ending Time listed on the Agreement (unless the band or DJ ends earlier in which case your Photographer will leave when the band or DJ ends). If you request additional time, and our schedule can accommodate your request, a fee will be added for each additional hour as per our Agreement. Our price is based upon photography coverage at the locations listed on your Agreement and the corresponding times. If any location is changed or added or you need to extend your time, please notify our Photography Department immediately. The Agreement lists the number of images in your album, any parent albums, additional prints and portraits. Portraits are not retouched unless otherwise stated, and backgrounds, facial creases and stray hair can be removed or changed for an additional charge. Portrait images can be digitally enhanced or color infused as part of a digital upgrade package. To purchase additional prints please contact us.
If you have given a partial deposit at the time you reserved your date, please check your Agreement for the dates that the balance is due. Deposits paid within 21 days of your affair date must be paid by cash, bank or certified check. We do not accept credit cards or personal checks after that time.
Great Photography at Your Home
Unless you suggest otherwise, your photographer will choose the background that, in his or her opinion, is the best available. Since normal living spaces do not have picture perfect backgrounds, the photographer’s decision is often limited to the best of a group of choices. Check the background before your portraits are taken, as we cannot change it afterwards without an additional charge. Avoid busy backgrounds – photographs are two-dimensional and statues, vases, flowers and other decorative items may appear distorted or out of place. Please ensure all floor areas are clear and vacuumed, all mirrors are cleaned without streaks, and any stray objects are removed prior to the starting time.
Check for unsightly wires or outlets that can be moved or covered to enhance your images. Your photographer will need an eight foot by ten foot open working area for posing, so please remove any furniture that might get in the way before he or she arrives. If weather permits, we urge you to take advantage of outside portraits; the lighting and surroundings provide beautiful backgrounds for digitally designed albums.
Make sure that everyone involved in the photographs, including your family members, bridesmaids and groomsmen, are completely ready at least one half hour before your photographer is scheduled to arrive. Ask the florist to deliver any personal flowers early, as we have learned through our experience that this way they will come on time. Lateness in starting is the leading cause of rushed or missed poses, and will certainly distract from the quality of your photography. Your photographer will need approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes of uninterrupted time to complete the photographs in your home.
If you would like the photographer to change some of the poses that are being taken or to change backgrounds please feel comfortable in letting them know – he or she will be happy to make any adjustments to please you. Our clients typically pick out their backgrounds for group photos and dressing shots PRIOR to the photographer arriving. If you’d like an extra pose that you didn’t list on the schedule, be sure to let your photographer know so the adjustment can be made. If you have any questions please let us know – we are here to help.
Great Photography at Your Ceremony
Your ceremony coverage is subject to the regulations of the church, temple or officiating clergy. Please note that if the person officiating the ceremony limits photography, we will do all we can to take your ceremony images without obstructions. Please be aware that your photographer may be limited as to the location or position from which he or she can photograph the ceremony. If you desire poses photographed from the front of the altar or pulpit, showing your faces, please obtain permission from your clergy and advise your photographer accordingly – before the ceremony. Your photographer will use a combination of available light and electronic flash, unless instructed otherwise.
During the procession, be sure your bridesmaids separate themselves by six pews as they proceed down the aisle – otherwise, the photographer will not be able to capture them separately. Because of the candid nature of the procession, your photographer will not be able to adjust the poses and will have limited time to capture each person – so remind everybody to take their time, look straight into the camera and smile!
Great Portraits
Daylight and weather permitting, we suggest that you arrange to have your family groups photographed in the church or temple and the bridal party and bridal portraits photographed outdoors. It will take 20 to 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to complete the portraits in the church or temple and about 45 minutes to complete the outdoor portraits.
Before your wedding or event date, you’ll need to select a location near your church, temple, or reception facility to have your outdoor portraits photographed. Your photographer will only need an area approximately 20 feet by 20 feet for posing. Please be sure to get any permits that may be necessary to use the location for photography.
After 4:00PM in the spring or 5:00PM in the summer, the sunlight may not be sufficient to produce consistently acceptable results. Even though your friends with automatic cameras might be able to capture a few poses after these hours, your photographer needs to be certain that most of the poses he or she takes are printable. When the amount of sunlight is not sufficient, your photographer will elect to use electronic flash, which may cause the background foliage to photograph dark. At this time of day, we suggest you discuss with the photographer the possibility of photographing your portraits either inside the church, temple, or reception facility.
To reduce the possibility of squinting, your photographer will look for an area shaded from direct sunlight. Depending on the time of day and weather conditions, this may not be available. If you would like to change the choice of backgrounds, or some of the poses, or you see an item that needs adjustment, please be sure to tell your photographer, they are there for YOU. If you desire studio type portraits in addition to or instead of outdoor portraits, please call our Photography Department to arrange a sitting. In certain situations, your photographer may be able to bring a portable background to your affair if a request is made to the studio in advance.
Great Photography at Your Reception
Your photographer will capture candid images that revolve around you and your families. If you want poses taken of other special people, just tell the photographer. We suggest that you appoint someone to assist in rounding up these special people, and to alert the photographer of any poses that were missed. During the grand entrance, take your time, look into the camera and smile – your photographer will have limited time to capture your images.
Your photographer will capture a combination of semi-posed candid shots, where the subjects are directed to look at the camera, and completely un-posed candid shots (photojournalism), where the subjects are unaware that they are being photographed. Semi-posed candid shots are generally more pleasing but require the subjects’ participation. Un-posed candid shots do not require the subjects’ participation and may depict more natural expressions, but may also show backs of heads and other matter that will distract from the pose. If you prefer one type of candid to another, please inform your photographer at the start of the reception.
And please be aware that because candid shots are not posed as your portraits, your photographer will have little control over the people or subject matter that appears in the backgrounds. It is not possible to photograph tables during a buffet dinner. For a traditional sit-down dinner, your photographer will make every attempt to photograph your tables. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to capture the tables with all of your guests present as guests constantly tend to wander. Additionally, a photographer concentrating on the table photographs may cause the candid coverage to be less extensive, because coverage of your tables requires significantly more time and processing. For this reason table photographs must be requested in advance, and all tables photographed must be purchased in addition to your Agreement price.