Pregnancy photographs a “must have”! By Lizelle Möller Photography

I often get asked: “Why should I have photographs taken of my oversized belly?”

Whether it's your first pregnancy or your third, I believe one should celebrate the miracle of a life being formed!

If you love photographs and you are planning to take a zillion of your children to capture their precious lives, why would you then only start your baby's album at their birth? This will make the baby photo album incomplete because by that stage you would have already missed their first 9 months!

So often women get caught up with their growing bellies and the fact that none of their clothes fit anymore that they forget that there’s nothing more beautiful and natural then the experience of pregnancy. I am sure that you will find it special, looking at photo’s of your mom when she was pregnant with you…why not give your child the same sentimental gift?

Another question frequently asked is: “Why Pregnancy/Maternity photography?”

The most awesome photography is photography that brings joy to the photographer and at the same time the subject being photographed. I just love maternity photography!!! I feel so honored to capture the miracle of pregnancy and I have a lot of fun doing it!!

What differentiates my photography from other maternity photographers? I take these maternity photographs in the comfort of your own home or at a place of your choice because I believe that when people are relaxed and comfortable they make better photography subjects. I furthermore believe that what makes a photographer a good one, is the ability to get their clients to relax and be happy in front of the camera…and the result? Stunning work, capturing the very essence of the moment and turning a photograph into a absolute work of art!!

Another element of my photography, which makes it totally unique, is the fact that I ask the pregnant fairies to have something special at the shoot…something close to their heart. This ensures that they get unique photographs that tell the story of their pregnancy, special keepsakes that they will treasure long after the belly has disappeared.

Wedding Photography: The most important decision when planning your wedding day - by Lizelle Möller Photography

Choosing a style for your Wedding Photography

When searching for the perfect wedding photographer, you'll need to know some basic photography terminology. Firstly, you'll need to consider the style of photography you want.

Two of the most popular wedding photography styles are traditional and photojournalism. Traditional is the more classic, posed style. There will be many different moments happening before, during and after the wedding. Wedding photography is part photojournalism and part portraiture. Some wedding photographers provide a mix of both.

What exactly is photojournalism?

Photojournalism is a skill, not just the name of a style of photography. Photojournalists capture images that tell a story. A wedding photojournalist also known as reportage-style photographer will take care to work inconspicuously so that you and your guests can enjoy the day. Photojournalism is all about the spontaneous emotions and the unplanned events. A reportage-style photographer is a photographer whose strength is in capturing the moments and documenting the day as it unfolds.

What is the origin of photojournalism?

Often a wedding photographer using this style has experience in journalism - newspapers, magazines, etc. This style originated within the news media, and transferred to other areas of photography, such as weddings…

Why choose photojournalism as a style for your wedding photography?

Nowadays, Wedding Photojournalism is an increasingly popular style of wedding photography. Choose a wedding photojournalist to document your wedding day if you want unique photographs designed to tell the story of your day. Brides who choose photojournalists to capture their wedding day feel the traditional photography style is “past its sell-by date” and old fashioned, they are looking for something fresh and special. Since the subjects are unaware the camera is there, events are captured in a pure and genuine state. True emotion is caught and revealed using this style of wedding photography… Isn't a shot like this much more fun than a rigid posed photo of the couple holding the cake knife and saying cheese?

How do you know if this style is right for you?

You prefer sincere and artistic photos and you also prefer a relaxed way of being photographed, with a photographer that lets the actions of the day happen instead of making them happen…if this is what you like: choose a wedding photographer who will depict your story with a distinct style that is fresh, funky and artistic.

How to identify a wedding photojournalist?

"Hold the knife, look here and smile please"... these are words that you will never hear a wedding photojournalist utter! Nor will the photojournalist ever ask you for a cheesy smile with a perfectly positioned bouquet whilst signing the marriage register in the church.

The wedding photojournalist usually arrives well before the bride is dressed and is constantly looking at how differently people do things; your wedding is unique and so your photos should reflect your individuality.
The wedding photojournalist is a photographer who unobtrusively captures each action of the day, someone who makes sure that you do not end up with photographs that are posed or staged.

What to look for in a wedding photographer

Photographs are the most tangible reminders of your wedding day, and remain valuable for generations to come… Imagine, standing in the foyer of the Church while the Bride is waiting with her father for their cue. Emotions are running high and their eyes are doing the talking. This is the photograph you want in your wedding album. Be sure to give your wedding photographer clear details of the wedding location, venue, theme and most of all – what you want to see.

You want your wedding photographer to be prepared for the unpredicted. You want a wedding photographer who’s passion lies in capturing all the elements that tell a complete and original story of your wedding day, from the once-off moments shared with family and friends to the details that you’ve been planning for months – the dresses, the flowers, the tables, the decorations, the food, the venue.

You want a wedding photographer who watches the people around them. You want wedding photography that is everything but bland and catches not only the key wedding moments, but also the moments of deep connection between the bride, the groom, the family members and other guests.

Tips that make your wedding photographer’s life easier

Remember that while the wedding photographer is a professional, it’s still your wedding. Take the time to talk to your wedding photographer during the interview and during the wedding planning.

Write down what you want your wedding album to look like before you meet with the photographer in order to give them clear directions.

The most important tip of choosing a wedding photographer

Since you will be spending a large quantity of time on your wedding day with the wedding photographer…make sure to choose a wedding photographer you like and really get along with.

There will be a significant difference in the final images you receive if you connect with your wedding photographer and feel comfortable in her presence… The best results are obtained when the bridal couple is completely relaxed and are having fun.
(This tips originally from Wedding Life Tips)
Planning your wedding photography

One of the important things that will determine the quality of your wedding photography is how well you have prioritized the time allocation. Remember to plan enough time for ultimate photographs. I good wedding tip is to plan a time line which you will hand out to all those providing a service, and then hold them accountable for sticking to it. The more time a wedding photographer has with the bride and groom exclusively, the more romantic and memorable your photos will ultimately be. Keep your guests entertained while you are away having your wedding photographs taken by adding disposable cameras to tables at your reception. (This tips originally from www.weddingphotousa.com)

How Much Does a Wedding Photographer cost?

‘Wedding photography is arguably one of the most important wedding planning decisions you will make as a bride - after all, once the plates are cleared and the flowers die - all you'll have left of your wedding day is the photographs. Bottom line - scrimp on photography, and you'll regret it forever!’
(this tips originally from www.weddingphotousa.com)
Most people will say that wedding photography is both an art and a science. A wedding photographer need to capture the right emotions during key times that cannot be recreated…this is a HUGE responsibility!

So how much does a wedding photographer cost?

The honest truth: You will usually get what you pay for. This includes the creativity and time spent to create something unique.
The real question to ask, is how much will I be getting in value? It never ceases to amaze that most brides make decisions based on pricing alone.
This price range can vary from R4000 to R44000 in Johannesburg and each wedding photographer offers something different, so be sure to check what is included for the price you will be paying.

Important questions to be asking yourself and to be thinking about before rushing into choosing the right wedding photographer, is:
Do I need prints? Do I need and album right away? Do I only want 100 photos or would I prefer to have everything my wedding photographer has captured on my wedding day?

Please think very carefully before asking a family member or friend to be your main photographer on the biggest day of your life!
Ask any wedding photographer you meet and they will tell you that wedding photography requires a different kind of skill and precision. Wedding photography is very different to photographing anything else! The recipe for a good wedding photographer is a mixture of talent, experience, professional equipment and ultimately an eye for detail to turn your precious memories into a work of art.
(this tips originally from.http://articlehole.co.za)