More than Wedding Photography
Engagement photos are a fun way to start the relationship with your wedding photographer.
What else can your wedding photographer offer you?
Your wedding day unfolds in a whirlwind of emotions and precious moments. That's where St. Louis wedding photographers come in, capturing the magic with a keen eye and artistic touch. But did you know many photographers offer a variety of services beyond traditional photography packages? Let's explore some ways wedding photographers can elevate your special day experience.
1. Engagement Shoots and Pre-Wedding Events:
Not only do engagement shoots provide stunning save-the-dates, they're a fantastic way to break the ice with your photographer and get comfortable in front of the camera. Some photographers extend their services to capture other pre-wedding festivities like rehearsal dinners or bridal brunches.
2. Second Shooters and Associate Photographers:
For comprehensive coverage, particularly for larger weddings with multiple locations, some photographers offer second shooter or associate photographer packages. This ensures you don't miss capturing special candid moments from different angles. When you’re discussing additional staff with your photographer, be sure to clarify if they are bringing an assistant or a second photographer. An assistant may be there just to help move equipment and may not touch a camera.
3. Wedding Album Design and Printing:
Many photographers go beyond delivering digital images. They curate and design beautiful wedding albums, transforming your photos into heirlooms to cherish for generations. Options for high-quality printing and specialty materials are often available.
Digital images were popular in the early 2000’s, but have since lost popularity. Digital-only offerings lowered the bar to allow more photographers to enter the market. Unfortunately, the long-term result was a decrease in overall customer satisfaction; clients are long-term less happy when all they got were the digitals.
4. Boudoir Shoots:
An increasingly popular add-on is the boudoir shoot. This empowering and intimate experience provides a chance to capture stunning photos that celebrate you and your body confidence, perfect for a private gift to your partner.
5. Photo Booth Rentals:
Keep your guests entertained and create lasting memories with a fun photo booth rental. Some photographers offer this service, providing props and backdrops for a touch of whimsy.
6. Drone Photography:
Take your wedding visuals to new heights with drone photography. This service captures breathtaking aerial shots of your ceremony location, reception venue, or the stunning St. Louis skyline, adding a unique perspective to your wedding story. This does require licensing by the Federal Aviation Administration, so be sure to ask if your photographer is providing this service legally.
7. Videography Packages:
Many photographers collaborate with videographers, offering a combination of photo and video packages. This ensures a cohesive visual narrative of your wedding day, capturing not just the stills but also the emotions and sounds that bring your celebration to life.
8. Editing and Retouching Services:
While photographers typically include basic editing with their packages, some offer additional options like advanced retouching or conversion to a specific artistic style.
9. Influencer Services:
The latest addition to the wedding photography service to be added to the market is to include an influencer to accompany the events of the day. An influencer may post updates to social media in real time as the day unfolds. When they work with the photography and videography teams they are an asset and can add a spice to the day.
10. Bridal Portraits
A wedding day is a super busy day and often on a tight timeline. Your photographer may also offer a separate session for just the bride. High-end photographers may offer these in a studio for a timeless, classic, artistic portrait that highlights the beauty of the bride and her gown.
Remember: When searching for a St. Louis wedding photographer, inquire about the auxiliary services they provide. This allows you to create a customized wedding photography experience that perfectly captures the essence of your special day.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What services do wedding photographers offer beyond the wedding day? Many St. Louis wedding photographers offer a variety of services including engagement shoots, pre-wedding event coverage (rehearsal dinners, bridal brunches), wedding album design and printing, boudoir shoots, photo booth rentals, drone photography, videography packages, advanced editing and retouching, influencer services, and separate bridal portrait sessions.
What is an engagement shoot and why should I do one? An engagement shoot provides stunning photos for save-the-dates and is a fantastic way to break the ice with your photographer and get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. It helps build a relationship with your photographer so you feel more relaxed and natural during your actual wedding.
What's the difference between a second shooter and an assistant? A second shooter or associate photographer actively photographs your wedding from different angles, ensuring comprehensive coverage—especially important for larger weddings with multiple locations. An assistant, on the other hand, may only help move equipment and may not touch a camera. Be sure to clarify this with your photographer when discussing additional staff.
Why should I get a wedding album instead of just digital files? Digital-only offerings became popular in the early 2000s but have since lost popularity. Research shows clients are less satisfied long-term when they only receive digital files. Wedding albums transform your photos into heirlooms to cherish for generations, with options for high-quality printing and specialty materials that stand the test of time.
What is a boudoir shoot and is it a good gift idea? A boudoir shoot is an empowering and intimate photography experience that celebrates you and your body confidence. It's increasingly popular as a pre-wedding add-on and creates stunning, private photos that make a perfect gift for your partner.
Is drone photography legal for weddings? Drone photography can capture breathtaking aerial shots of your ceremony location, reception venue, or the St. Louis skyline. However, it requires licensing by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Always ask your photographer if they are providing this service legally and have the proper certifications.
What are influencer services for weddings? Influencer services are the latest addition to wedding photography offerings. An influencer accompanies the events of the day and posts updates to social media in real time as your celebration unfolds. When they work with the photography and videography teams, they can add an exciting, modern element to your wedding coverage.
What are bridal portraits and why get them separately? A wedding day is super busy and often on a tight timeline. A separate bridal portrait session gives the bride dedicated time for timeless, classic, artistic portraits that highlight her beauty and gown without the time pressure of the wedding day itself. High-end photographers may offer these in a studio setting.
