We asked Dasha Wright of Mantas Wright Photography for some important tips for selecting a photographer, trends, cutting costs and looking your best.
Q: When meeting with a potential photographer, what should the first question be, and what should couples be looking for when viewing sample albums?
A: I would ask, “What’s your approach when shooting weddings?” It’s a pretty broad question, but the answer will let you know what to expect from the photographer. When looking at the albums, consider the overall style of the photography. Is it photo journalistic, editorial, artistic, or traditional? Also consider the construction of the album itself as well as the layout. You’ll want an album that will hold up and a layout style that’s clean and visually pleasing.
Q: What is today’s biggest trend?
A: We are starting to see a trend toward “fusion,” which is when photographers shoot some video in addition to their still photography. The result is a multimedia DVD fusing still and moving images, with a singular creative vision.
Q: Do you have any cost-saving tips?
A: Consider hiring a photographer for only two hours or so at the reception instead of the whole night. As the reception goes on, people tend to get less photogenic and those pictures are rarely used in an album or ordered as prints. Just remember, if you choose this option, to schedule the first dance, bouquet toss and cake cutting early in the night.
Q: Can you offer any tips on how to photograph well on your wedding day?
A: Absolutely! Consider doing an engagement portrait session with your photographer. This is one of the best things we’ve done for our couples. This gives us all a chance to get to know each other a little better, and for the couple to get comfortable with the way we shoot. Some of our brides also use this session as a test for their makeup as well.
Mantas Wright Photography
212-962-4072
mantaswright.com
All Photographs by Mantis Wright Photography