When I was planning my wedding, a lot of people aid to me, Why are you spending so much time/money/energy on one day of your life? And, I said to them, Well, the pictures last forever.

And, you know what? I was right! Wedding photographs are handed down from generation to generation, and so long after the dress, flowers, shoes, and cake is gone your wedding photographs will still be around. I sat down with Ahmed, from AA Creation, to talk about some tips to get the most out of your wedding photographs.

Shawna : Hi Ahmed. Thanks for your time today.
Ahmed : Nice to see you, anytime.

Shawna : So, when does a bride actually need to start buckling down and booking her wedding photographer?

Ahmed: Well, that depends on her wedding date! Peak season for weddings is from May to September and November through January. If you are planning your wedding during these peak seasons, brides should be booking at least 6 months, if not a year in advance. However, if you are having a Friday or Sunday wedding, your chance for booking your favorite photographer will skyrocket as Saturdays are the most popular day. South Asian families love to have their celebrations on long three day weekends, so if that is your plan you need to book as soon as possible.

Shawna : Oh wow, so 3 day weekend-ers listen up : after you book your venue, before you get your invites, get your photographer! What other things are vital for great pictures?

Ahmed : I cannot stress lighting enough. You can have the most beautiful ceremony, and most extravagant reception… but if the lighting is poor, your pictures will suffer.

Shawna : So, what tips do you recommend to make sure you have good lighting?

Ahmed : Well, if possible, take advantage of beautiful weather and have some of the wedding outside! Two hours before sunset is ideal, as that time of day eliminates all those unpleasant dark shadows or blinding light that is characteristic of noon-time weddings. Two hours before sunset is the perfect environment for golden, natural, and powerful images that will never truly compare to indoor lit pictures.

Ahemd : The Photo on the left was taken in golden light, two hours before sunset. On the right the afternoon light (around 12pm) is harsher, whiter, and takes the blue out of the sky in order to expose for faces.

Shawna : I think that an outdoor, snowy ceremony would be lovely, but the guests might not! So, what should my winter time brides do?

Visit maharaniweddings.com to read the full interview.

1. The low rate photographer versus the high rate photographer- A good photographer will have the eye or vision for creating images that a person just owning a digital camera or a low rate photographer will not have. The low rate photographer will likely only own one camera and lens while standing in the same position for the entire wedding ceremony and reception and essentially doing the bare minimum. The high rate photographer although pricey will give you lasting memories through the photographs created. A high rate photographer compared to the low rate photographer will have several cameras and lenses such as a fisheye or wide-angle lens to give a whole new perspective. The high rate photographer will also offer new angles from high and low and ultimately be well worth the money spent.

A whole new perspective with a fisheye lens

2. Established Trust- Being able to trust in the photographer hired for your wedding is very important. There have been too many instances where a bride has hired a low rate photographer and they have either been disappointed in the images or even worse the photographer failed to show up. There are also the feared questions of “Will their personality work with my event?”, “Will there be an album and if so, will it even look well put together and presentable?” and “Will they nickel and dime me?”. These are important questions to consider when selecting a photographer for your wedding/event. Typically when spending the money for a high rate photographer there will be no issue about trust because these photographers have insurance and know the proper protocol when being hired as your photographer.

Click here to read rest of the article on THESARICLADBRIDE.com website

Click here to contact us about your wedding and event photography

Qasim & Saana Slideshow

Photography & Videography by Mehreen Ahad

Yong Ni from yongstudio 2nd shot the event.

Calviana also tagged along and photographed the event.

Floral Designing & Decor by:
Bilqees Abbas
408-621-4562
bilqeesabbas (at) gmail (dot) com

Makeup and Hair by:
Farhana Baig
farhanabaig (at) gmail (dot) com

Check out the above video for some cool album designing tips with InDesign.