Planning a wedding is an exciting, albeit challenging, journey. It's a delicate balancing act of priorities and budgeting, where every decision plays a crucial part in creating your perfect day. One of the most significant decisions you'll make is selecting your wedding photographer. Your wedding photos are more than just pictures; they are tangible memories that capture the essence of your celebration. But how much should you spend on wedding photography?

The cost of wedding photography varies greatly based on several factors, including the photographer's experience, package options, location, and the time of year. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, couples in the U.S. typically spend between $2,000 and $10,000 on wedding photography, with the national average cost hovering around $2,800. Keep in mind that prices may have slightly increased due to inflation since then.

Evaluate Your Budget and Priorities

Begin by considering your overall wedding budget. Experts generally suggest allotting about 10-15% of your budget to photography. However, this percentage isn't a hard-and-fast rule. If high-quality photography is important to you, you might want to spend more. If other elements of your wedding hold greater significance, you may opt to allocate less.

Once you've decided on a budget range, start thinking about what you value most in your wedding photos. Some couples want a documentary-style narrative of their day, while others prefer formal portraits. Some might value quantity, wishing for thousands of images, whereas others desire a carefully curated set of standout shots. Different photographers have different specialties, and their pricing structures often reflect this.

Understand What You’re Paying For

When you're assessing the cost of wedding photography, it's essential to understand what you're getting for your money. Many photographers offer packages that can include a variety of services:

• Pre-wedding consultations and site visits: These allow the photographer to understand your vision, scout the best locations for shots, and plan their work.

• Engagement shoot: Many photographers offer this as part of their package. It gives you an opportunity to work with the photographer before your big day and have some beautiful pre-wedding photos.

• Coverage on the day: This usually includes coverage of your ceremony and reception, but it could also extend to capturing preparations or an after-party.

• Post-production editing: This is a significant part of a photographer's work and is crucial for achieving professional results.

• Deliverables: These could include digital files, prints, an album, or a combination of these.

Be sure to clarify what's included in your chosen package, and ask about any additional costs, like travel expenses or overtime fees.

Consider the Long-Term Value

While it's easy to focus on the immediate cost, remember that your wedding photos are an investment. They're one of the few things from your wedding day that will increase in sentimental value as time passes. As such, you should consider not just the upfront expense, but the long-term value.

Choosing a professional photographer whose style you love can make a significant difference to the end result. Remember, these photos will be viewed by generations to come and will be the trigger to reliving your special day over and over.

In Summary

Determining how much to spend on wedding photography is a deeply personal decision that depends on your budget, priorities, and the value you place on these tangible memories. While the cost might seem significant now, the emotional worth of beautifully captured moments from your wedding day is priceless.

Always remember to do your research, ask potential photographers plenty of questions, and ensure that you understand what you're getting for your money. In the end, the best decision is the one that feels right for you and your partner, creating a lasting narrative of your special day to cherish forever.

Here are compelling reasons why you should definitely consider it:

1. A Unique Expression of Your Love Story A pre-wedding style shoot gives couples the opportunity to craft a unique narrative that captures their relationship. It's more than just a set of well-coordinated outfits and exquisite photography. The choice of location, theme, and style of the shoot can be tailored to reflect your personalities, shared interests, or even the tale of how you met. This kind of personalized storytelling is what makes each shoot unique and genuinely representative of the love between two individuals.

2. Relaxed and Unhurried Atmosphere Weddings can be a whirlwind of emotions and activities. In contrast, pre-wedding shoots typically occur in a more relaxed setting, allowing couples to express their love without the pressure of an audience. The focus is on the two of you and capturing authentic, spontaneous moments. This unhurried atmosphere often results in beautiful, genuine shots that are truly priceless.

3. Building Rapport with Your Photographer A pre-wedding shoot serves as the perfect opportunity to establish a comfortable working relationship with your photographer. This can be particularly beneficial on your wedding day, where the familiarity will enable smoother and more natural interactions. It's a great rehearsal to understand your photographer's style, cues, and direction, and for them to learn your best angles and how you two interact as a couple.

4. Test Run for Wedding Attire and Makeup These shoots also provide an excellent opportunity to test your wedding attire, hair, and makeup. You can see how everything looks on camera and make necessary tweaks prior to your big day. This reduces the risk of last-minute surprises and ensures that you look your absolute best when the wedding day comes.

5. Creating Keepsakes and Wedding Day Material Pre-wedding photos can be used for a myriad of purposes. They can be incorporated into save-the-dates, invitations, or a wedding website. They can also be displayed at your reception venue for a personalized touch. Beyond the wedding, they serve as a cherished keepsake, a beautiful reminder of the time leading up to your union.

6. An Adventure to Remember Last but certainly not least, a pre-wedding style shoot can be a lot of fun. Whether you choose to do it in the city where you first met, the mountain where you had your first hike together, or the café where the proposal happened, it's an adventure you'll always remember. It's a chance to take a break from wedding planning, to connect, and to create memories together.

In conclusion, a pre-wedding style shoot is an incredible opportunity to express your unique love story, prepare for your big day, and create lasting memories. It's an intimate, personalized experience that every couple should consider including in their wedding journey. As you prepare to embark on this wonderful journey of matrimony, remember that capturing these precious moments is as essential as the wedding day itself. After all, these are the memories you'll look back on as you both grow old together.

1. Preserving Precious Moments: Weddings are brimming with magical moments: the first glance, the exchange of vows, the tearful speeches, and the lively dance floor. These moments are ephemeral, and without photography, they would fade into distant memories. Skilled wedding photographers have a keen eye for detail, capturing not only the big moments but also the subtle glances, spontaneous laughter, and heartfelt emotions that make each wedding unique. By preserving these precious moments, wedding photography immortalizes the essence and emotions of the day.

2. The Power of Storytelling: Wedding photography is more than just a collection of beautiful images; it's a narrative that tells the story of a couple's love and celebration. From the intimate getting-ready shots to the grand finale, each photograph contributes to the unfolding tale of the wedding day. A skilled wedding photographer knows how to curate a series of images that weave together to create a cohesive narrative, evoking emotions and capturing the essence of the couple's journey. These images become a visual legacy, allowing future generations to step back in time and experience the love and joy that surrounded their ancestors.

3. Eternalizing Relationships: Weddings bring together family and friends from near and far, creating a gathering of loved ones that may never happen in the same way again. Wedding photography captures the interactions, embraces, and shared laughter that represent the relationships and connections within the couple's lives. These images become precious reminders of the support, love, and presence of loved ones on such a momentous day. As years go by, looking back at these photographs rekindles the warmth and nostalgia associated with the bonds shared during the wedding celebration.

4. Unveiling the Unseen: On the wedding day, couples are often caught up in the whirlwind of emotions, interactions, and logistics, leaving many aspects unnoticed. Wedding photographers have a unique ability to capture the beauty in the details that may have gone unnoticed by the couple. From the intricate lace on the wedding dress to the delicate floral arrangements, these details enhance the visual narrative and add depth to the overall story. Wedding photography unveils the unseen, allowing couples to appreciate the finer aspects of their day and relive the magic that surrounded them.

5. Passing Down a Legacy: Wedding photography is not just for the couple; it's a visual heritage that can be passed down through generations. The images become a part of a family's history, allowing future descendants to connect with their roots and appreciate the love story that started it all. They provide a tangible link to the past, creating a sense of continuity and shared identity. Wedding albums, framed photographs, or digital galleries become cherished heirlooms, treasured by generations to come.

Conclusion: Wedding photography is a powerful art form that captures the essence, emotions, and details of one of the most important days in a couple's life. Its ability to create images with a lifetime of value lies in the preservation of precious moments, the art of storytelling, the eternalization of relationships, the unveiling of unseen details, and the passing down of a cherished legacy. Investing in a skilled wedding photographer ensures that these invaluable memories will be beautifully captured and cherished for years to come, allowing couples

The Emotional Impact of Photographic Prints

One of the most important elements that distinguish photographic prints from digital images is the emotional impact they offer. Unlike digital images that often remain unseen in the depths of our devices, physical prints invite interaction. They are things we can hold, hang on our walls, or arrange in a photo album. A printed photograph has a profound way of stirring emotions and making one feel connected to the moments they depict.

A printed photo on your desk, of a loved one or a fond memory, has an immediate, emotional, and personal connection. It reminds you of the context and the emotions you felt at that moment. This tactile engagement with memories makes photographic prints a precious possession.

The Tangible Experience

Photographic prints offer a tangible experience that digital photos cannot match. The feeling of the paper, the process of flipping through a photo album, and the act of physically arranging photographs create an engagement that goes beyond simply viewing.

Furthermore, printed photos have a physical presence in our homes and lives. They become part of our decor, turning a house into a home, a testament to the memories and experiences that define us.

Aesthetics and Artistry

Photographic prints reflect the artistry and intent of the photographer more powerfully than digital images. The choice of paper type, the finish, the dimensions, and the framing all contribute to the aesthetic appeal and impact of the image. A well-produced print will always have a level of depth and richness that a screen cannot replicate.

Photographers often say that a photograph isn't complete until it is printed. The print is the culmination of the photographic process, from composing the shot to tweaking the exposure, from editing in post-production to the final presentation. The print is the ultimate representation of the photographer's vision.

Archival Value and Legacy

Photographic prints possess an archival quality that digital media lacks. Technological advancements make digital file formats and storage media obsolete over time. In contrast, a well-preserved photographic print can last generations. Prints offer a way to keep our memories alive, a tangible artifact handed down through the ages, providing a glimpse into the past for future generations.

Moreover, photographic prints hold a significant place in history, documenting human evolution, significant events, and lifestyle changes. They bear testimony to different eras and act as the custodian of human legacy.

Preservation of Visual Data

Unlike digital files that may suffer from data loss or corruption, printed photographs preserve the visual data in a physical form. Once a photograph is printed, it's safeguarded against the digital calamities of accidental deletion or hard drive failures.

In conclusion, in a world dominated by digital technology, photographic prints retain a unique, irreplaceable value. They offer an emotional, tactile connection to our past and present, enhance our living spaces with personal aesthetics, and serve as tangible vessels of our personal and collective histories. They force us to slow down, engage, and appreciate the beauty and fleeting nature of the moments captured. As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words; a photographic print might just be priceless.

When selecting a wedding photographer, it's important to consider your budget, but remember that quality and expertise should be key factors in your decision. Here are some tips for choosing the right photographer:

1. Research and Review Portfolios: Look through photographers' portfolios and websites to assess their style, creativity, and consistency. Pay attention to their ability to capture emotions and tell a story through their images.
    
2. Read Reviews and Testimonials: Check online reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gain insights into their experience working with the photographer. This feedback can give you a sense of their professionalism, communication skills, and overall client satisfaction.
    
3. Meet in Person or via Video Call: Schedule a consultation with the photographer to discuss your vision, ask questions, and get a sense of their personality and working style. Building a rapport with your photographer is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
    
4. Compare Packages and Pricing: Request detailed pricing information from multiple photographers to compare packages, inclusions, and pricing structures. Assess the value you'll receive based on their expertise, services, and products.

Most Of All Trust Your Instincts 

Weddings are one of the most important events in a person's life, and couples invest a lot of time and money into making sure everything is perfect. Part of that perfection involves capturing every moment of the special day. That's where professional photographers come in. They have the experience, equipment, and talent to capture beautiful, high-quality images that couples can cherish for years to come. However, when cell phone photographers get in the way, it can be frustrating for the professionals.

One of the biggest frustrations that professional photographers face is when guests with cell phones get in the way of their shots. They may step into the aisle during the ceremony, block the view of the bride and groom during their first dance, or simply get in the way during group photos. This not only makes it difficult for the professional photographer to do their job, but it can also ruin the moment for the couple. They may end up with blurry or poorly composed photos that don't capture the beauty of their special day.

Another frustration that professional photographers endure with cell phone photographers is the proliferation of unflattering photos. With the rise of social media, guests can share photos instantly, which means that unflattering shots can end up online before the professional photographer even has a chance to edit their images. This can be particularly frustrating for the couple, who want to remember their wedding day as a beautiful and happy occasion.

Perhaps the biggest frustration that professional photographers face with cell phone photographers is the lack of respect for their work. While professional photographers invest a lot of time, money, and effort into their craft, cell phone photographers may view photography as a casual hobby or simply a way to document their own experience at the wedding. They may not understand the importance of the professional photographer's role in capturing the couple's special day, or they may simply not care.

So, what can be done to address these frustrations? One solution is to communicate with guests ahead of time about the importance of professional photography at the wedding. The couple can let their guests know that they have hired a professional photographer to capture the special day and ask them to be respectful of their work. They can also ask guests to refrain from taking photos during the ceremony or other important moments, or to stay out of the way of the professional photographer.

Another solution is for professional photographers to be proactive in their approach. They can communicate with guests throughout the day, letting them know where they need to be and when. They can also be flexible and creative in their approach, finding ways to work around cell phone photographers and still capture beautiful, high-quality images.

In conclusion, professional photographers endure a lot of frustration with cell phone photographers at wedding events. From getting in the way of shots to sharing unflattering photos online, cell phone photographers can make it difficult for professionals to do their job. However, by communicating with guests and being proactive in their approach, professional photographers can still capture beautiful, memorable images for the happy couple.

Social media has changed the way we communicate and interact with others. With just a few taps on our phones, we can connect with people from all around the world. We can share our thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others in real-time. Social media has also become a platform for businesses to reach out to their target audience and build their brand. By creating engaging content, businesses can attract potential customers and increase their sales.

Photography, on the other hand, is a way of capturing moments and memories. Whether it's a family vacation, a wedding, or a simple day out with friends, photography allows us to preserve these memories for years to come. With the rise of smartphones, everyone has become a photographer. We can capture high-quality images with our phones and share them with our friends and family on social media.

The combination of social media and photography has given rise to a new form of communication. With the use of visual content, we can communicate our thoughts and ideas in a more engaging and effective way. Businesses can use visually appealing images to promote their products and services on social media. Individuals can use photographs to share their experiences and connect with others who have similar interests.

Social media has also given rise to new career opportunities for photographers. With the increasing demand for visual content on social media, businesses are hiring photographers to create high-quality images and videos for their social media accounts. Social media has also made it easier for photographers to showcase their work and connect with potential clients.

In conclusion, social media and photography are two important aspects of our lives that complement each other. Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and connect with others, while photography allows us to capture and preserve our memories. Together, they have created a new form of communication that is visual, engaging, and effective. Whether you are a business owner, a photographer, or an individual, social media and photography can help you achieve your goals and connect with others in meaningful ways

      1. Encouraging the Purchase of Printed Products

At Allgood Photography, we believe that printed products such as albums, prints, and other keepsakes are a great way to showcase your images and to preserve your memories. By offering print credit, we hope to make these products more affordable and to encourage our clients to invest in them.

      2. Increasing Revenue

Selling printed products can help to increase our revenue and profitability, which is essential for the sustainability of our business. Offering print credit is a great way to incentivize our clients to purchase these products, which can increase our sales and help us to continue providing high-quality photography services.

      3. Enhancing the Client Experience

We want our clients to have a great experience with our photography service, and we believe that printed products can help to enhance their overall experience. By offering print credit, we hope to make it easier and more affordable for our clients to purchase printed products, which can help them to create lasting memories of their special day.

      4. Building Brand Loyalty

At Allgood Photography, we value our clients and strive to build strong relationships with them. Offering print credit can help to build brand loyalty among our clients, who are more likely to recommend us to others if they are satisfied with our services.

      5. Demonstrating Professionalism

We take great pride in our work and want to demonstrate our professionalism and commitment to providing high-quality products and services. Offering print credit is one way we can show our clients that we are dedicated to providing them with the best possible experience.

In conclusion, print credit is an important part of our photography service at Allgood Photography. By offering print credit, we hope to encourage the purchase of printed products, increase revenue, enhance the client experience, build brand loyalty, and demonstrate professionalism. If you are interested in learning more about our wedding photography services and print credit, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and to discuss how we can help you preserve your special memories.

First and foremost, I love the challenge that wedding photography presents. Each wedding is unique and has its own set of challenges. As a photographer, I have to adapt to different lighting conditions, weather, and locations. I need to be prepared to capture those fleeting moments that happen in a split second, and I have to be creative in finding unique and interesting angles to capture the perfect shot. The unpredictability of weddings keeps me on my toes and makes every shoot a new and exciting challenge.

Weddings are also an emotional and joyful event, and I love being able to capture those emotions in my photographs. I get to witness and capture the love, joy, and happiness of the couple, their families, and friends. The moments that I capture are not only memories for the couple, but also for their families and friends who may not have been able to attend the wedding. Seeing the emotions on the faces of my clients when they see their photos is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

Weddings are also an opportunity for me to be creative and express my artistic vision. I love experimenting with different techniques, lighting, and compositions to create unique and memorable photographs. Each wedding has its own personality, and I enjoy tailoring my style to match the personality and style of the couple. Whether it's capturing candid moments or staging more formal poses, wedding photography allows me to be creative and express myself through my art.

Lastly, I love the sense of accomplishment I feel after a successful wedding shoot. Weddings are a once in a lifetime event, and I take my job very seriously. It is a tremendous responsibility to capture the most important day of a couple's life, and when I deliver the final product and see the happiness and gratitude on their faces, it makes all the hard work worth it. Knowing that I played a small part in creating memories that will last a lifetime is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job.

In conclusion, wedding photography is a unique and challenging genre of photography that I love for many reasons. The emotions, creativity, and sense of accomplishment make it a rewarding experience for both myself and my clients. I am grateful for every opportunity I get to be a part of a couple's special day, and I look forward to capturing many more precious moments in the future.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

1. Style

The first thing to consider when choosing a wedding photographer is their style. Every photographer has their own unique style, from traditional and classic to modern and artistic. Look through their portfolio to see if their style matches your vision and preferences.

2. Experience

Experience is a key factor to consider when choosing a wedding photographer. Experienced photographers will have the skills and knowledge to handle any situation that may arise on your wedding day. Look for a photographer who has experience shooting weddings, and check their references and reviews.

3. Portfolio

When choosing a wedding photographer, be sure to check their portfolio. Look for a range of styles and types of weddings to get a sense of their expertise and versatility. A good portfolio should showcase the photographer's ability to capture the emotions, details, and beauty of a wedding day.

4. Personality

Your photographer will be with you throughout your wedding day, so it's important to choose someone whose personality you feel comfortable with. Look for a photographer who is friendly, easy to work with, and who puts you at ease. A good photographer should also be able to communicate well and listen to your ideas and preferences.

5. Packages and Pricing

Wedding photography can be a significant investment, so it's important to consider the photographer's packages and pricing. Look for a photographer who offers customized packages that fit your needs and budget. Don't be afraid to ask questions about what's included in each package, and be sure to get a clear understanding of the pricing.

In conclusion, choosing a wedding photographer is a critical decision in capturing the memories of your special day. Consider these factors when choosing a wedding photographer: style, experience, portfolio, personality, and packages and pricing. With these factors in mind, you can find the perfect photographer who will capture your special moments with artistry and expertise.

1. You'll have more options to choose from

Wedding photographers are in high demand, especially during peak wedding seasons. If you wait until the last minute to book a photographer, you may find that your first choice is already booked. Scheduling your wedding photography well in advance ensures that you have a wider range of options to choose from, and you can secure the services of the photographer you want.

2. You can plan for specific moments

Your wedding day will be filled with special moments, and you’ll want to make sure that your photographer captures all of them. By scheduling your photography well in advance, you can work with your photographer to plan for specific moments that you want to be captured, such as the first kiss, the first dance, or the cutting of the cake. This way, your photographer can be in the right place at the right time, and you’ll have a comprehensive set of photographs that capture all the important moments of your wedding day.

3. You can build a relationship with your photographer

Wedding photography is a highly personal service, and the relationship between you and your photographer is crucial to capturing the essence of your wedding day. By scheduling your photography well in advance, you have the opportunity to build a relationship with your photographer. This will help you to feel more comfortable and relaxed on your wedding day, and it will also help your photographer to understand your personality, preferences, and style.

4. You can get the best value for your money

By scheduling your photography well in advance, you may be able to take advantage of early bird discounts, seasonal promotions, or other special offers that photographers may offer. This can help you to get the best value for your money, and it can also help you to stay within your budget.

5. You'll have one less thing to worry about

Wedding planning can be stressful, and the last thing you want is to be worrying about your photography in the days leading up to your wedding. By scheduling your photography well in advance, you can check one thing off your to-do list, and you can rest assured that your photographer is prepared and ready to capture all the special moments of your wedding day.

In conclusion, scheduling your wedding photography well in advance is essential to ensuring that you have the best possible experience on your wedding day. By securing your photographer early, you'll have more options to choose from, you can plan for specific moments, build a relationship with your photographer, get the best value for your money, and have one less thing to worry about. So, if you’re planning a wedding, don't wait until the last minute to schedule your photography. Start early, and you'll be well on your way to having a beautiful and unforgettable wedding day

All professional photographers will document a wedding with photos that can be viewed in print or on the web, and of those, only a few will you choose to have framed. Although time will never repeat itself, you can still cherish and relive that day through a custom designed wedding album.

Your wedding album tells the story of you both getting ready for the long-planned event, your entrances, the ceremony, the formal photos, the reception, and your departures. Many photos a photographer will take during your wedding, but photos of tears and looks of pure happiness may never make the walls in frames, but the album is where your story comes to life, and the journey begins.

When considering a wedding photographer, it is important to know if she/he offers an album in the package. Will the photographer design the album themselves, and can you approve or make changes. Your input into the final look of the album is just as important as your wedding day, for these are your memories and those of generations to come.

Why are they important

When was the last time you had professional moments taken of you
and your fiancée.  In my experience I've found that most couples do
not have fun day pictures. This e-session is almost like a date with a
paparazzi.  The engagement photography shoot is an opportunity to     
capture some great candid moments, before the hectic wedding day.
The more comfortable you are in front of the camera and photographer
the better the images will be of your wedding        

What Location Should We Choose  

My first suggestion is a place that is sentimental to you both. Place of
your first date, first kiss, or some place you visit frequently. Other
suggestions would be a park, the beach, a museum, the mall, an
 

The more comfortable you are in front of the camera and photographer

urban location, or just a walk around town.

What Should We Wear

Go casual, consider using two different outfits, and don't forget to
dress the groom.  Create a theme that fit your personalities, but  
most of all dress to have fun.  Wear something you wouldn't mind
getting dirty if rolling in the grass or splashing water at the beach
strikes your fancy.    

When is a good time to schedule the shoot

As soon as possible you arrange for the service, the closer it gets to
your wedding day the less time you'll have to get things  accomplished.
 I can shoot anytime, day or night, but the very best time would be after
sunrise or before sunset.  Most often I spend 2 to 3 hours with a couple
and during that time I will have easily taken a hundred or more photos.                                                                

Additional Information

I can guarantee you, that once you see the images from you  engagement
shoot, you will have more confidence in yourself and  your photographer,
and will enable you to be more relaxed having a  camera pointing at you on
 your wedding day. Once you have your engagement photos there are many
 things you  can do with them, announcements, invitations, programs for
 the wedding day, and what parent does not love to have photos of their
 children. These are just a few of many ideas for you engagement photos,
 and I'm sure you can think of many more.                                                         

. You're all mine

The groom got just a little too much cake on the bride's make up, and boy did he have to pay.

Here's your cake and eat it too

This picture says a lot to me, a young man looking at what a real man is all about.

  Looking into manhood

What better gift can a father give to his little girl, than the wedding of her dreams

Thank you Daddy

This shot was pure magic, the group shots had just ended, when the bride and groom turned to kiss and the wind lifted her dress

Always be prepared for that magic moment

Digital photography is only limited by the photographer’s imagination

  My favorite toast is you

There are unlimited pictures in everything we see, as a wedding photographer capturing the main photos is a given, you know the script.  But every wedding is unique, and although a Bride and Groom will most likely not choose photos like these for print, its in a wedding album that they reveal the spirit, the emotions and uniqueness  of that special day.

Thank you for viewing my blog, and as always comments, and suggestions are welcome.

We are thrilled to introduce Allgood Photography to you, a creative and innovative photography business that specializes in capturing your cherished moments with stunning imagery. Allgood Photography is dedicated to providing you with exceptional photography services, whether it be for weddings, engagements, family portraits, or corporate events. We are passionate about capturing those precious moments that tell the story of your life.

We pride ourselves on being professional, friendly, and easy to work with. Our team of experienced photographers has an eye for detail and a creative approach that will bring your vision to life. We believe that photography is not just about taking pictures, but about creating art that will be treasured for generations to come.

At Allgood Photography, we offer customized packages that are tailored to your specific needs and preferences. We work with you to understand your goals, vision, and style, and we offer guidance and support every step of the way. We are committed to making your photography experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

We understand that choosing a photographer can be a daunting task. That's why we offer a free consultation, where we can get to know each other, and you can see our portfolio and learn more about our services. We believe that a good photographer is not just about technical skills but also about building a relationship of trust and understanding.

In conclusion, we are excited to welcome you to Allgood Photography, and we look forward to the opportunity to capture your most precious moments. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation, and let's create something beautiful together.

Sincerely,

The Allgood Photography Team

All couples instinctively know the importance of having a professional wedding photographer document their wedding.  A wedding is a big step in a couple’s life together, and having the spirit of that day frozen in time is proof of how much that day really meant.  As a newly engaged couple looking to provide all those wonderful details, maybe making photography the last thing on your list, isn’t the best choice to make.  A wedding day is probably the most important day in a couples life, and since this is expected to be a once in a lifetime event these moments must be captured, and the photos must be of high quality portraying the true meaning of the day.  An article in Yahoo Voices under the Lifestyle tab, titled; “Wedding Photography: The Reflections of a Bride’s Special Day” States: “  A Professional Wedding Photographer is a vital link to a bride’s wedding day memories so it is important that a bride chooses her wedding photographer very carefully and not make the mistake of choosing the photographer strictly based on low price.  The lowest price combined with inexperience is the perfect combination for disaster.”  Ask any married couple for a look at their wedding photos, especially those that have been married for quite some time, and the importance of professional wedding photography will become clear.

On the Bridal Gathering website appears an article presented by the Standard-Examiner; an Ogden, Utah paper, titled,  7 Common Wedding Regrets. Number two on this list was a paragraph on wedding photography, the articles states; “Hiring the wrong photographer/videographer has caused a regret or two.  Hire the best professional photographer you can afford.  Look for one with creativity and an outgoing personality.  Get plenty of photos of family and friends while they’re there you can’t rewind time.”  Another website devoted to helping couples with the planning of their big day is, Something Blue Book, an article on their website filed under, “Wedding Planning 101, Photography” guest bloggers and professional wedding photographers, Gary Latimer and Maria Sharron, gives couples advice on the ten things they should look for when hiring a photographer for their wedding:  Experience, Concentration, Equipment, Emotions, Coordination, Standards, Relationships, Education, Exposure, and Post Production.  All across the web, similar articles can be found to tout the importance of wedding photography, but the best advise a couple can get is from a family member or friend, who has experienced the ordeals of the before and after of a wedding planning.

Just as there are proponents of professional wedding photography, there are also those who feel as though the fees a professional photographer ask for are; as commented by a bride on Craigslist “I think your prices are Wack” (Puget Sound). She also goes on to comment, “I know I’m speaking for more than just myself right now.  A lot of brides out there think the same thing. & I bet all you fancy photographers won’t even read this. oh-well.”  Maybe there are cheaper photographers that will read this and LOVE to take my photos :)”  These sentiments are probably quite prevalent amongst couples planning a wedding.  Although the deciding factor in a couple decision will always depend on their budget, but needless to say like all things in life, you get what you pay for, but with diligence, a shopper can always find what they want, at a price they can afford.

Photographers spend substantial sums of money on equipment, education, and software, to ensure that the specialized services they provide and the products that are specifically crafted for each individual is of heirloom quality.  Photography literally means to “paint with light” and like the art masters of old, professional photographers study and use the same techniques, that artist like Da Vinci and Rembrandt, use to create their masterpieces, and like all works of art, the artist value is determined by his/her skills and reputation.

Photographs of families and family events become a record of a family’s history that grows more precious with time, and their importance cannot be overstated.  In a story aired May 22, 2012, on American Public Media, “Riding Out the Joplin Tornado” and “Saving The Photos” The host Dick Gordon, interviews Angela Walters, a genealogist who has taken it upon herself to archive all the photos various people have recovered after the tornado. She goes on to tell of how the most precious of all thing that the survivors of that disaster look to recover are the photos that were lost in the storm. She quotes the sentiments of many of the survivors that contact her in hope that she might have recovered pictures of their loved ones, “I’ll give anything for my photographs.”

With today's digital cameras the power of photography is readily available to everyone, and with its ability to instantly see a picture after it is taken, it’s easy for anyone to think; who needs a professional.  Most amateur photographers only know how to shoot with their camera set to automatic. What happens when a church official tells the photographer, “No flash allowed” or the sun is setting with a mixture of bright light and dark shadow; these are just a few of the instances where professional training, experience, and equipment will make the difference between great photographs and missed opportunity.

Although it is the professional wedding photographer’s skills that are the backbone of his/her business, perfecting those skills require constant training and experimentation with different styles. Photographers who specialize in wedding, incorporates techniques of photojournalism, glamor, portraiture, the timing of a sports photographer, and the patience of Job, just to name a few of their attributes. But to ensure the very best in photographic excellence, a wedding photographer must also have the equipment that is supportive of his/her trade. A professional camera body is only the first tool that a photographer requires, pro-grade lenses, which can cost just as much as the camera body if not more, various forms of lighting equipment and massive storage media to hold it all. Photographers invest a great deal of money and time to ensure that the spirit, emotions, and uniqueness of a wedding day is preserved, not just for the couple to relive that day, but also for the generations to come.

Not by accident does a wedding takes place, months of meticulous planning, and attention to every detail goes into making that day, a dream come true. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen dressed as royal attendants, parents at their grandest, a groom in a tux of splendid armor, a bride looking so beautiful in her gown, that it brings tears to her mother’s and father’s eyes. The makeup, hairstyle, nails done to perfection, the venue, linen, flatware and centerpieces, all become backdrops to a grand affair. A cake not just any cake, a wedding cake, one that entices and fill the eyes of children, with greed and anticipation. And like the opening night of a big Hollywood production, the star arrives in her chariot like no other. But unlike a Hollywood movie, there are no, take twos, no replays, or cut, and redoing the scene, no a wedding day comes and goes, like any other day. How to preserve the joy and laughter, the tears and love, of this day, should be of careful consideration, for it cannot be repeated.

On a wedding day, photography is not tangible. You can’t wear it, taste it, or see it. But weeks after the wedding when the guest is gone, the cake demolished, the Tuxedo returned, and the Gown cheerlessly hanging in the closet, who is it the couple hungrily anticipate seeing, the photographer, who now has the tangible proof of how happy and event their wedding day was. Weddings are already hectic and stressful, and the only parts you have left besides the rings and each other will be the photographs.

 Sources Cited:

Latimer Gary, Sharron Maria, “Top Ten Things to Look for When Hiring A Professional Photographer

for your Wedding” Something Blue Book, n.d. web, 21/05/2012

Grizzle Jeremy,” Can Today’s High-Quality Digital Cameras Turn Anyone Into a Professional

Photographer?” Ezine Articles, n.d. web, 21/05/2012

“Wedding Photography: The Reflections of a Bride’s Special Day” Yahoo Voices, 20/03/2010, web, 21/05/2012

Donnell, “The Importance of Wedding Photography” HubPages, n.d. web, 21/05/2012

Puget Sound, “Attn: Wedding Photographers :)”Seattle Craigslist, 17/01/2012, web, 20/05/2012

Gordon Dick, “Riding out the Joplin Tornado and Saving The Photos” American Public Radio, 22/05/2012, Podcast, 22/05/2012

Bibliography:

Donnell is a HubPages blogger, who has written extensively on a wide range of subjects ranging from, Photography, Real Estate, Home Improvement, and Games, Toys, and Hobbies.

Gordon Dick is a renowned radio personality and host of the radio program, The Story, a former foreign correspondent. He was also a Parliamentary reporter and correspondent in Moscow and South Asia. Grizzle Jeremy runs a professional photography business in North Georgia, along with his wife, and is considered an expert author.

Latimer Gary, Sharron Maria are both professional wedding photographers with over thirty years of experience between them and are regular bloggers for the Bridal website, Something Blue Book. Puget Sound, is an anonymous posting by a bride, from the city of Puget Sound, in Washington state.