Frequently Asked Questions Part 1 | Chloe Giancola Photography | Augusta Georgia Wedding Photographer | Aiken South Carolina Wedding Photographer
Chloe answers faqs - part 1
What should I look for in a wedding photographer?
Chat with your top photographer choices and see if you both sound like a good fit! You want to make sure you will enjoy being around them and like their personality, as they are around you more than anyone else that day. Choose a photographer who makes you feel comfortable, gives some guidance on posing while still allowing naturally occurring moments, and creates beautiful imagery. You may want a wedding photographer who helps some with your day of timeline and is organized and professional. Make sure you love their style of photos, these photos will be on your walls for decades to come! Don’t only focus on price, compare their years in business, what they offer, their style, and check out reviews from past clients.
How many hours of coverage do I need?
That depends on the flow of your day! 90% of our couples need an 8 hour coverage which puts us there from makeup finishing up until the sparkler exit. Every so often there may be an extra long reception that requires 9 or 10 hours of coverage. For a smaller coverage like 5 hours, I have found in my 14 years of photographing weddings these are good fits for smaller guest counts like 75 people or less. Maybe the reception does not include as much dancing or formalities or there is no bridal party. Shorter coverage can also be a great fit for destination weddings as well where typically the number of people is smaller. There will always be some exceptions, talk with your photographer about what is most important about your day and they should also help guide you on the right fit.
Are bridals a must?
You will always be glad you did them! How fun to have an extra time to wear your wedding dress. This is also a very smart time to schedule your hair and makeup trial too, so you’ll be able to see how they photograph and if you want to change anything before the big day. Bridals offer a special time to bring your mom and maybe your sister/MOH and even your grandma. They are also sometimes displayed at the reception, another reason clients choose bridal sessions. I usually photograph them about one month before the wedding, once the dress has come in, alterations are done, and there is enough time to order a large print to display at the reception.
What should I wear for my engagement photos?
Something that makes you feel beautiful and is at least somewhat comfortable. You want to feel great inside and out, capturing who you two are as a couple. Make sure you iron it before if it needs it and clean your ring for that macro shot. I typically recommend at least 2 outfits, one more dressy and one more casual. Two locations as well allow for more variation in your gallery. Patterns can be fabulous, just nothing too large or bold of a print. 2-3 colors coordinated works well, but you don’t necessarily have to commit to only certain colors. Let your personality and style be highlighted, use this opportunity for a new dress you have been eyeing. Most importantly relax, trust your photographer, and have some fun!
