The Advantages Of Professional Wedding Photography

...Professional wedding photography is certainly not cheap...

An important aspect of planning the events and preparations for your wedding lies in the selection of a photographer. Some people are intimidated by the concept of arranging for professional wedding photography because they fear the cost will be too exorbitant. Professional wedding photography is certainly not cheap, but it is one of those things in life where the old adage you get what you pay for is certainly true. You can use an amateur for your wedding photos if you so desire, but the difference in the end result will be readily apparent. Still, there are ways to get good quality wedding photography, performed by a professional, and still have enough cash left for the honeymoon.

When selecting a professional to handle your wedding photography, price will be a factor in your decision. While you get what you pay for, there is no reason to pay more than you have to. Before deciding on any one photographer or photo studio, do some comparisons. Look at the sample photos that you are shown and ask if they have samples you can take with you. Compare the look of the photos from each photographer with one another. If you find two that seem to be of similar quality but with vastly different prices, then the decision is easy. Obviously the less costly photographer can do the same or similar work for less.

Another consideration in selecting a professional photographer for your wedding is what you get for your money. Most professional wedding photographers offer package deals that include a set number of prints of different shapes and sizes for one price. These packages can vary greatly in terms of content and price from one photographer to another. Look at all they have to offer and make your decision after weighing what you think is the best deal for the money in terms of what you actually get.

One thing many people do not consider when selecting a photographer for their wedding is the impact of copyright law. The photographer may hold a copyright on your wedding photographs. If so this technically makes it illegal for you to create additional prints, copies, or even computer scans of the photographs for reproduction elsewhere. Find out when interviewing photographers what rights they exercise over your photos, if any. Youll find that most photographers do exercise some form of copyright over the finished product. Others will sell you the entire package, including the negatives for you to do with as you please. This is not the most important part of selecting a photographer, but it is something to consider carefully.

Professional wedding photography is one part of your overall wedding experience that will, unfortunately, cost you some money. There is no way around that if you want the best wedding photos you can get. With a little investigation and comparison, however, you can still save money on this most important feature and make sure that you get the absolute most for your money that you possibly can.

Kirsten Hawkins is an event planner from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.wedding411.net/ for more event planning tips, strategies, and resources.

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tags:   wedding   weddings   photography   wedding photographers in clearwater fl

Digital Cameras + Photo Printers = Quality Instant Photographs

In the 1950's and 1960's Polaroid's instant cameras were all the rage. You could shoot a picture and have the finished print in a minute or so.


...Happily, photo printer reviews disclose that even an inexpensive photo printer produces true photo quality prints.

The quality wasn't that great, but hey, you had your pictures now! Today with digital cameras and high-tech photo printers, we have quality instant photos virtually indistinguishable from processed prints. And unlike the old instant cameras, you have the digital equivalent of a negative for future use.

Happily, photo printer reviews disclose that even an inexpensive photo printer produces true photo quality prints. The main difference in printer prices is the number of features. Of course the best digital photo printers will produce better quality, but for the average consumer there's no noticeable difference.

Types of Photo Printers

The two types of true photo printers are: 1) thermal dye transfer (usually called dye sublimation), and 2) photo ink jet. A quick photo printer review reveals the differences.

Thermal Dye - These printers transfer dry pigments from a ribbon, usually 3 colors plus a protective clear coat. Most have a maximum print size of 4" X 6", but a few will print digital photo enlargements up to 8" X 10".

Many are portable, some even battery operated, and they have excellent resolution. For instance, 300 X 300 dpi on a thermal dye printer will match an ink jet's 1200 X 4800 resolution. And the print's clear coat makes it look and feel more like a conventional photograph.

Photo Ink Jet - Differences from traditional ink jet printers include; faster printing, inks formulated specifically for photos, and more nozzles applying the ink. Prints are very high quality and generally cost less than thermal dye transfer prints. Photo ink jet printers print photos up to 13" X 19", and can also serve as an all-purpose printer for your computer.

Tips for Comparing Printers and Printing Photos

If you want to print photos directly from the camera, both camera and printer should be PictBridge compliant. Most camera/printer dock combos are brand & model specific so if you replace either one, you can't use it with the other. PictBridge is a standard allowing any compliant camera and printer to interface with a USB cable.

When reviewing printers make sure they will print the sizes you want. Otherwise you may not always be able to get the prints you want, and/or waste a lot of paper and ink in doing so.

Just because a printer has a lot of whistles & bells, high resolution settings, etc., doesn't mean it will give you better pictures. Look for the features you will actually use, and by all means carefully compare the finished print quality for each printer.

Download some free photo editing software for easy picture enhancements. It isn't necessary to buy expensive computer software when you can find a free photo editor with a quick Internet search.

Photo printer technology has come a long way in the last couple of years. Do-it-yourself prints cost more per print than commercial services, but less than conventional film processing, and the convenience is well worth it.

About the Author:

A-Z Digital Cameras.com is your complete A-Z resource for digital cameras and accessories including information, reviews and where to find the best deals.
This article may be reprinted in its entirety, with no changes, and this resource box included.
© 2005 A-Z Digital Cameras, All rights reserved.

Submitted at: Content-Articles.com
- The Premier Web Site Content Article Directory

tags:   wedding   weddings   photography   wedding photographers in clearwater fl

Digital Video Cameras: Not Your Father's Super-8

Camcorders have been around for years, but today's sleek technologically advanced digital video cameras are huge improvements over the bulky VHS cameras of the past.


...Look at a few digital video camera reviews and it's easy to get confused, so let's examine the key factors to review when comparing digital camcorders.

High resolution video and CD quality sound are hallmarks. And even with features like image stabilization, full-color viewing screens and high powered zooms, many of these cameras weigh in at less than a pound.

Digital video camera applications are amazingly diversified. Preserving milestones and memories like wedding, birthday and vacation videos are just a few. Digital camera technology and super miniaturization allow hidden digital cameras to record activity at a business or home. It's said that many of us are recorded on a digital surveillance camera several times a day in our normal activities.

How to Compare Digital Video Cameras

Look at a few digital video camera reviews and it's easy to get confused, so let's examine the key factors to review when comparing digital camcorders.

Camera Format

Almost all digital video formats deliver 500 plus lines of resolution and CD quality audio. This is about twice the resolution of VHS with vastly superior sound. The following summarizes digital video camera formats:

• MiniDV video cameras are compact, have broad software & hardware support, and can record several hours of video. They are the most popular video cameras.


• MicroMV are ultra compact video cameras using the smallest video cassettes. These cameras record in high quality MPEG-2 format. Software/hardware compatibility is limited and cassettes are more expensive.


• Digital8 video cameras are lower priced and also play older analog 8mm and Hi8 video cassettes. While slightly larger than MiniDV camcorders, they have wide compatibility with editing software and hardware devices. Some provide analog to digital conversion features for older videos.


• Mini-DVD camcorders record directly to mini DVD-R or DVD-RAM discs. DVD-Rs can be played on most DVD players, while DVD-RAM discs require a DVD-RAM drive. Mini discs provide easy storage, but video recording time and editing capability are limited.


• Micro-Drive and Memory Card video cameras offer ultra compact designs and like Mini-DVD cameras, easy search/access. The unique features of these cameras make them better suited to gadget-loving techies.

Image Sensor and Light Sensitivity

Digital camcorders use CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensors to interpret light and color. In general a larger CCD delivers more pixels and better quality video. High-end video cameras feature 3 CCD's, each dedicated to a single color for better resolution. The CCD should be at least 1/6 inch, delivering 290,000 pixels or more. 1/4 to 1/3 inch with 690,000 plus pixels is even better.

Light sensitivity, or illumination ratings should be no higher than 7 lux. For low light videos, 2 lux or less is preferred. To capture digital still photos from your video, look for a still resolution rating of 1-2 megapixels.

Optical vs. Digital Zoom

Look for at least 10X to 20X optical zoom. Digital zoom is practically worthless because instead of zooming in on the subject, it crops the image, severely reducing pixels and degrading resolution.

Exposure and Focus Controls

These controls are automatic on almost all video cameras. But manual overrides provide better video in situations like focusing on a subject in front of a distant background or adjusting for unique lighting conditions.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen

The viewfinder may be black & white or color, largely a personal choice. The LCD viewing screen should be 2.5" or larger. If possible compare screens outside in sunny conditions as some will wash out so badly they're effectively useless.

Other Cool Features

Some will add significantly to the camera's cost, so carefully evaluate and decide which ones you will actually use (unless of course you simply must have the coolest video camera available).

• Progressive scan rather than interlaced


• 16:9 widescreen mode


• Wireless (Bluetooth) and remote control


• High definition capability


• Webcam, email and cell phone functions


• Fade and other digital effects

There are many more options, but match these key features to your needs when doing your digital video camera review and you'll ensure your video camera choice provides the flexibility and enjoyment you want.

About the Author:

A-Z Digital Cameras.com is your complete A-Z resource for digital cameras and accessories including information, reviews and where to find the best deals.
This article may be reprinted in its entirety, with no changes, and this resource box included.
© 2005 A-Z Digital Cameras, All rights reserved.

Submitted at: Content-Articles.com
- The Premier Web Site Content Article Directory

tags:   wedding   weddings   photography   wedding photographers in clearwater fl