Working with a Photographer by Christian Oth
We work with so many great wedding photographers on Style Me Pretty. In fact, it’s the gorgeous photographs that really give Style Me Pretty life, so it’s an understatement to say that finding the right photographer is beyond important. So important in fact, that we’ve asked one of the world’s best photographers, Christian Oth, to stop by and share some of his tips for getting the most out of your relationship with your own photographer. And the information that he sent us, is so valuable. So worth printing out, bookmarking, saving or whatever else you do to that must-know info that you stumble upon. Today’s feature is a total keeper.
For those of you that don’t know Christian….ummm, how do I possibly give his work justice. Christian and the photographers that work with him are genius. Their images are so good they’ll easily make you cry, make you laugh, make you wish they were hanging on the walls of your home. Oh and did I mention that he’s also cute and has an accent. AND he just might have won the award in my head for best wedding photograph on the planet. So without further ado, here’s Christian Oth!
image by Christian Oth, a collaboration with Jung Lee from Fete
Communication between the bride and the photographer is key to capture those stunning, meaningful images that last a lifetime. In this two-part discussion, we’ll discuss the icebreaker questions to build a relationship of value with your photographer, (because conversations make relationships, and result in better pictures), and wrap up with Do’s + Don’ts that are helpful for taking pictures at every event.
Conversations Make Better Pictures
Booking your wedding photographer isn’t another check off a Wedding To Do’s List, never regarded again until the wedding commences. A conversation needs to turn into a relationship, so the photographer “knows” you better for your wedding photography, and takes the most meaningful pictures. This holds especially true for photographers who specialize in photojournalism or a hybrid version of photographic styles.
Regardless of whether the relationship is a direct one: couple to photographer, or through an intermediary such as a wedding planner or mom, the key element is dialogue. The couple, and others involved with the wedding, all want her day to be as magical and memorable as the photographer would like to capture it. There are three questions that a photographer has about you, before the most meaningful shots are achieved at any wedding: Who Are You?, What Do You Look Like?, and What’s Your Style?
by Michael Falco for Christian Oth Studio
Who Are You?
Get to know each other, do it by an in-person meeting, if you haven’t done so already. If your schedules don’t allow, at least skype or google chat to communicate with each other. During this face – to face the photographer can get to know your personal style. So much is communicated non-verbally. Are you a graphic designer, a real estate lawyer or an acrobat? Discuss how you met your fiancée and simply tell the photographer a little about yourself. Ask the photographer how he/she got into this field. Discuss your wedding and talk about the details, both of a visionary and logistical nature. Give the photographer a sense of who you are and what you want as a person. Photographers need to know, in advance of your wedding, how, where, who, and what kind of shots are expected to be captured on the day.
by Christian Oth
What Do You Look Like?
Definitely do an engagement photo shoot with the photographer. It’s great for you to get to know the photographer, and it’s best for the photographer to take your best angles. Remember, photographers are visual people, they need a visual reference of yourselves to take great shots. If you can’t do an engagement photo shoot for whatever reason, send the photographer some pictures of you – individually and as a couple, as the more information shared with the photographer, the better the results.
What’s Your Style?
What’s your color scheme, your wedding theme, what will it look like–in seasonal colors? What is your personal style, both everyday, and for your wedding? Will you have a salsa band or Yo-Yo Ma perform at your wedding? Will there be a groom cake at the rehearsal dinner? Will you come in with a pony? I’ve seen it all. Photographers and their crew need to know these details before the wedding. Obviously, not everything, but the more, the better. It gets the photographer as excited about your wedding as you do. A lot of these details get fleshed out in the planning process and by the time the wedding comes around, another pow-wow with the photographer is on the to-do list.
image by Shawn Connell for Christian Oth Studio
How do we handle this at my Studio? We seek out communication with the clients, because we recognize that for all weddings, it’s the human connection expressed at weddings that make the most moving photographic images. This personal meeting is a must. It’s the one that is hardest to schedule, because most couples get very busy with family and last minute planning details. So, I always push for at least a phone call, a video chat or a short in person meeting going over the final details. Trust me, this last meeting works wonders in the personal relationship. If for nothing else, the photographer who you might have booked a year ago gets a good refresher just before your wedding.
Often, a wonderful confluence of the factors mentioned above occur at destination weddings, achieving the best photos. Since they tend to be multi-day engagements, the photographer has time to scout the locations, plus, get to know the family and special relationships between the couple and their loved ones.
image by Shawn Connell for Christian Oth Studio
We work with brides and a coterie of talented wedding planners, acting as conductors of the orchestration of elements that help make the documentation of the wedding day flawless. We know how timelines affect the photography, regardless of scale the wedding may be. For high-end weddings, no matter how hectic the bride’s schedule becomes, the photographer must still get to know her better to take the best photos. All weddings are moments of one’s lifetime—how many chances do you have to get it right? That’s why these conversations between the photographer, bride and wedding planner build relationships well before the wedding day, and make things picture-perfect.
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OK- I cannot believe the beauty of this work. Christian, please come to Toronto!!!! I love every single shot, especially the first one, and the last one. Wow- you are simply incredible.
Brilliantly written...relationships with your vendors are paramont to a fabulous outcome.
I agree - your photography is absolutely amazing...I love the last photograph
Am I dreaming? That first shot of the bride surrounded by candles on a dramatic staircase...pure magic!!
beautiful post and so timely! we're just starting the process to find a photographer
Not only is Christian hugely talented, he is the planet's NICEST guy. I am a forever Christian Oth fan. So great to see his work up in lights today. Such a treat. Made my day.
Great advice! And that image with the candles is amazing.
These are phenomenal and also, great advice!
Love this man's work! I echo Tiffany's comments...You need to come to Toronto!
Thanks Abby for the advice in wedding photography, so very informative!
Thank you for this well thought-out article. As a photographer too, my relationship with my clients is so important!
His work is beautiful and so romantic but not cheesy. (Please don't ever post that lovely pic of the light blue dress again! I saw that last year and fell in love but sadly, that dress isn't available anywhere.)
Thanks everyone for your supporting comments. I am very humbled by all of this. Abby, I always love how you write about me... you're too kind!
Great article and beautiful photographs. Building a relationship with your photographer truly is a key element in getting outstanding photographs on your wedding day!
Very well spoken Christian! So many couples wonder why we must take the time to spend with them, why we must make it our responsibility to know the details about them and their relationship, their chemistry, etc and you have captured so eloquently how that human element weaves throughout the relationship and greatly affects the final photographic outcome--their images! Kudos to you and your staff for such beautiful work!!
the first and last photos are stunning!
Love this post!
Great job!!
His Photos are AMAZING too!
Well written. There are several areas that help a couple as well as any vendor. Nice to see think about the side across the table
Without a doubt... one of the most amazing photographers I have come across in the many years I have been in the business. It is such a delight to find such talent with such attention to detail! Each photo speaks for itself!!!!
These photos are absolutely surreal!