This,
to many people is the BIG question. There has been an explosion
in digital technology in recent years with digital cameras now
widely available. Many professional photographers agree, however,
that the quality of digital photographs is still a long way
behind that of film. The photographs taken by digital cameras
(while adequate for basic photographs, snapshots, posting on
the internet, etc) often lack the accurate colour rendition
of film, with poor shadow detail, washed out highlights and
unbalanced contrast. It is generally agreed that even the VERY
expensive professional digital camera models cannot produce
the same quality picture as can be produced by using professional
film. While, to the untrained eye, this difference can sometimes
go unnoticed, we believe that only the best quality is good
enough - especially for Wedding Photography! Also, because digital
camera memory-sticks (as any good Photo Laboratory will tell
you) are much more likely to contain corrupt files (especially
the more they are used), we believe they carry an unacceptably
high risk of damaging or even losing your photos. This is why
Distinctive Photography only uses professional grade film as
we believe this still represents the best medium for professional
photos. We believe that digital photography in it's present
form is a fantastic medium for photographers but not yet the
best medium for photographs. Film is still the best!
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How
Long Will My Photos Look Good For?
There
are three things you need to consider here. The actual quality
of the materiels used to take the pictures, the quality of the
processing of those photos and the style in which the photo's
are taken.
For
your photo's to last without rapidy fading your need to be asking:
Will
my photographer be using professional film?
Will
my photographer be using professional processing?
Professional
film and professional processing do cost more, so many photographers
will use the standard amateur range of films and mini-labs to
reduce their overheads. While there have been improvements in
film quality in recent years there is still a difference. For
professional results that last, the photographer needs to be using
professional film, professional processing and must only print
on to premium-grade photographic paper. If this is followed exactly
(and your photos are correctly stored in an acid-free environment)
your photos should be virtually indistinguishable from now even
after 100 years!
In
regards to the photographic style, consider this.
Fashion
fads will come and go. There has been a movement with some
photographers of late to produce images that follow the popular
culture, however, what is popular and in vogue today can very
quickly date. So, before considering any photography trend,
you need to be asking yourself these questions: "How
will I feel about showing these photos to my children or grandchildren
in 10, 20 or 30 years time? Will I be proud of them then or
will I have to explain them away as being the fashion of the
day?" They're YOUR photos!
Remember,
timeless images are most appealing & will always remain
in style.
What
Makes a Good Photograph?
When
viewing a photographers work it is very important to look beyond
the subjects in the photograph. Not everyone is a model yet sometimes
having a model (or similar looking individual) as a subject can
focus our attention on them rather than the photograph on it's own
merits. Rather than judging a photo on the look of the subjects
in it, look instead at the composition - is it harmonious? Look
at the focus - is it clear and sharp. Look at the exposure (a good
way to judge exposure is to look at the skin tones). Are they even?
Does any facial shadow add to the overall picture or is it a result
of poor composition? Is there detail in both the light and darker
areas of the photograph.
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Am
I Shown Photos From a Complete Wedding?
When
viewing a photographers portfolio it is very important that you
be shown a complete wedding shoot. This is so you can judge whether
a photographers work is consistent. It is very easy for a photographer
to pick out their best photos and show you these alone. Look not
only at the quality of their better photos but also at the quality
of their worst. Only engage a photographer once you have satisfied
yourself that the quality of their worst photographs is at an acceptable
level. Another good thing to check is whether the photos you are
viewing are from an actual wedding or whether they are set-up or
studio shots involving models.
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Will
I Get the Negatives for FREE?
Negatives
are not usually included in the price of any photography package.
They usually remain the property of the photographer who may give
you the opportunity to purchase them (usually around 18 months after
your Wedding) when you have made all your reorders. There is a huge
mark up on all photos reproduced and most photographers make a substantial
portion of their income from this mark up. This can greatly add
to your overall Wedding Photography expenses.
At
Distinctive Photography it is both our philosophy and strong belief
that the negatives are your property! This is why we have always
included them FREE OF CHARGE at the same time you collect your photos.
In addition to this, we also pass the copyright of your photos over
to you at the same time so that you can freely reproduce, enlarge,
email or post your photos on internet websites or however you choose
to do so.
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Will
I Get a Written Guarantee That I Will Be Happy With My Photos?
We
believe this is one thing that makes us totally unique in the Melbourne,
Wedding Photographic Industry. We give this iron-clad, money back,
satisfaction guarantee to you freely. This is so you can be completely
confident in your choice of us as your wedding photographer as well
as for your total peace of mind. This guarantee covers all aspects
that Distinctive Photography is in direct control of.
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Will
I Be Charged For Extra Locations?
Many
photographers charge per photographic location. Make sure you find
out if they do and if so how much. This can make a big difference
to your overall costs on the day.
Other
photographers will charge by an hourly rate or by a fixed package
price.
At
Distinctive Photography we will sign an agreement with you prior
to your wedding giving you a complete outline of all your expected
expenses so you can budget accurately with no unpleasant surprises.
We do not charge you for extra locations and our fixed-package prices
are clearly stated and all inclusive. Follow this link to view our
Wedding Packages and Pricing.
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How
Well do I get on With the Photographer?
Of
all the Professionals on your Wedding Day, your photographer is
the one you will spend the most time with. It is essential then,
not only to your enjoyment of the day but also to the successful
outcome of your photos, that they relate well with you as well as
your bridal party and guests. Consider whether their image is compatible
with yours and whether they will make the extra effort to cater
to your individual requirements.
If
considering a Photographic Agency, make certain that you know which
of their photographers will be taking your photos and ensure that
you view their personal portfolio and meet with them personally
prior to your wedding. Unfortunately, in many cases, the quality
of the photos you may view in their window does not match up with
or guarantee the quality of YOUR wedding photos.
At
Distinctive Photography, a pre-wedding consultation is included
for FREE. This is so we can not only be more comfortable with each
other on your wedding day but so you can fully communicate your
desires and expectations for that day to us. It also give us an
opportunity to impart to you some of our knowledge built up by our
experience to help ensure the success of your wedding.
We
do this because we want you to be happy.
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Is
The Photographer a Member of a Photographic Association?
This
can be an important point to some people. However, to become a member
of any association or club it usually only requires the endorsement
of two exsisting members. Membership does not automatically guarantee
either the quality of your photos or the level of service on your
wedding day.
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How
Soon Will I Get My Photos Back?
It
is obviously important (as with all after sales service) to know
well in advance what to expect from your photographer and to get
a firm commitment from them in this regard. There have been many
reports of couples waiting 6 months and longer (in some cases over a year)
to receive their photographs.
The
general turn-around time for Distinctive Photography is under two
months.
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To
make comparing us to other photographic services easy, we have provided
you with a simple, easy to use, check-list.
Simply
Click
Here and the checklist will open in a new window. There is a
printable version available also.
We
hope that the information provided above is of some assistance to
you as you choose a wedding photographer.
If
you wish to view our photo gallery and to read what others have
to say about us, simply go to our Gallery & Testimonials
page Click Here
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