About the Photographer
Sarah Rimel of Sarah Apple Photography, an outstanding photographer in Kansas City, Missouri, specializes in documentary-style weddings and creative portraiture. Sarah Apple Photography believes in protecting and supporting the environment by operating in an environmentally responsible manner and in compliance with environmental laws and regulations. In an effort to ensure that the studio's footprint is as small as possible, it uses natural resources as efficiently as possible and takes every opportunity to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Figuring out the timing of wedding photos can be a little like spotting an albino squirrel in a snow storm – difficult. So, Rimel generously took time out of her busy day to answer a few questions to help nearly-wed couples obtain great wedding pictures and have a good photography experience.
~ Tip One ~ Plot the Photography Session
Suite101: How much time should wedding couples plan for pictures?
Rimel: I generally require an hour and a half for portraits (30 minutes for bride and groom alone; 30 minutes for bridal party and 30 minutes for family).
Suite101: What suggestions do you have for couples so that they get the most out of their photography session?
Rimel: If you choose to see each other before the ceremony, the time you spend shooting as a couple can be a special time to interact before the craziness of the day. After the ceremony, I find that brides and grooms, as well as the wedding party and family, are often not very enthusiastic about portraits and would rather interact with their guests. Therefore, I recommend getting as many portraits as possible out of the way prior to the ceremony.
Suite101: What if the couple wants to adhere to tradition and not see one another until the ceremony?
Rimel: Find somewhere to go [that is] isolated on the property or a completely separate location between the ceremony and reception for the portraits, away from the guests and any distractions.
Suite101: Do you have any other suggestions on the timing of the photography session?
Rimel: Natural light makes all the difference in the quality of your photos. So, make sure to time your ceremony so there is sufficient light available. Always plan at least a half hour after the ceremony to interact with your guests and family before beginning portraits. So, depending on how many portraits are taken prior to the ceremony, you may need to ensure that your ceremony ends as much as two hours before sunset to be safe.
I also recommend planning in extra time between different events of the day. Unexpected delays tend to pop up here and there. I guarantee it will take longer to get ready than anticipated. The extra time will help reduce stress and allow you to enjoy your day.
~ Tip Two ~ Don't Leave Guests in the Dark
Suite101: Why do you suggest that couples prepare their loved ones for their chosen style of photography?
Rimel: It is important to communicate your excitement about your choice of photography to your family and friends. Preparing them will help everyone enjoy the day, which ensures that the best possible images are captured. My style of photography is primarily photo-journalistic, for instance, and when they see examples of my work, they will better understand what I am doing on the wedding day and feel more comfortable around the camera.
~ Tip Three ~ Make Photography a Priority
Suite101: Sarah, why do you say to make photography a priority in a wedding budget?
Rimel: I have had multiple brides contact me to "fix" the images shot by the individual they hired because they weren't happy with the images. You have to be very careful with whom you select as your wedding photographer. I always remind potential clients that the photographs are usually the one tangible thing remaining after the wedding day.
Suite 101: What is your suggestion if a couple can't afford a professional photographer?
Rimel: I would suggest a student in a photography program over a family member or friend, not only because they may be better prepared and have access to more equipment, but also because if things don't go well [those] relationships could end up strained.
Suite101: Is it possible for a wedding couple to have a session before or after their wedding day, in order to cut the cost of their photography budget?
Rimel: It is always possible to do a "Day After" session, a portrait session in wedding attire, with a professional photographer for portraits. It's not the same thing as having your wedding day covered, but it can provide the gorgeous portraits of the couple that you are most likely to feature in frames/albums. Plus with the pressure of the wedding day over with, you can really cut loose and have fun – creating relaxed and unique images.
They could definitely book a portrait session at any time – though if it is a Saturday it is quite likely the photographer would not be able to book much in advance because a photographer wouldn't want to give up booking a full Saturday wedding for a portrait session.
Suite101: Thanks Sarah!
Check out Sarah's Blog and Facebook page!
Sonya Dunham - Sonya studied English Literature and Writing at Park University and is currently working on a novel.
