Hiring a Professional Photographer and Videographer for your party!

After experiencing the recent loss of very important members of my family, including my own mother and father in law, and sadly realizing there were too many missed photo opportunities, it has become very clear to me of the amazing gift I provide to each and every one of my clients. In addition to the everlasting memories felt within our hearts, photos of our loved ones leave us something tangible to hold onto.

“I can’t believe no one took pictures!” How many times have you said or heard this after an amazing party? This happens because people actually choose to enjoy their party rather than experience it through a camera lens. Planning a party or celebration can be fun, exciting, and stressful. I have seen one too many times the emphasis being placed on the small details of the event rather than what really counts. Will your guests really notice if the napkins are the wrong shade of pink? Do they really want to take home another candle wrapped in tulle? The answer to these questions is “Probably Not.” They are simply looking forward to coming to your party to have fun and to create everlasting memories.

When planning an event there are key factors that become very important,. Your guests will be looking forward to a wonderful day out. Good food and entertainment will be what they remember most. For you, after all the excitement and stress over of planning the “perfect party”, in the end it will be your photographic memories that will enable you to remember your special day for years to come. Don’t forget to also hire a videographer to bring those photographic memories back to life!

Hiring a photographer for your party is a decision that can be very confusing especially if it is the first time hiring one. There are many factors that go into making this decision. Some questions typically asked are “What type of photographer do I hire? How will I know they are good? Many people may not realize, but you do have options when making this decision. Here are several:

Instant Candid Photography/Photo Favors: This is the one to hire when you are looking for “instant gratification” and capturing the moment. Photographers who offer this type service are hired to come to any type of event including sweet sixteen celebrations, bat/bar mitzvahs, wedding receptions, etc. and take candid photos of you and your guests when the party is in full swing. These photographers have the ability to print the photos while they are there in a variety of framing options such as fun decorative and solid colored frames, magnets, key chains, etc and a variety of sizes including (2”x 3”), (4” x 6”) and (“5x 7“). Guests are usually pleasantly surprised and impressed when they find that photos that were taken of them enjoying themselves during a party are ready to be taken home by the end of the celebration.
A CD/ROM is typically offered to the client and includes all of the photos that were taken during their party. This type of photographer has the ability to combine taking once in a lifetime photos and producing keepsakes for your guests. Keep in mind that these are candid, action photos taken in available lighting, with the purpose of capturing “life as it happens” rather than achieving studio perfection.

Photo Booth Rentals: This type of photography service has recently become quite popular. A photo booth is brought to an event and is operated by an attendant. Guests have the ability to gather together inside the booth and take photos with or without props. These photos are printed out in strips in either color or black and white, and are made available to the guests to take home. Scrapbooks can also be made for the Host of the event and sent home with them by the end of the event. The question is do you want your guests spending their time waiting in line to get their pictures taken or on the dance floor where the party should be happening.

Studio Portrait Photographer: Looking for a beautifully-enhanced flush-mount photo album, or enlarged wall portraits to remember your special day? Then you will want to consider hiring a photographer who will not only take the pictures but who will be taking the time after your special event to enhancing and processing those images into the best they can be. A studio portrait photographer spends time with you before, during, and after your event to ensure your pictures are exactly what you want. However, these are posed photos for the most part, and may not capture the spirit of the event or living character of your guests in that moment.

Videographer: This is a service that I believe in addition to your photographer, is a must have at any event. One of the biggest regrets I have heard over and over again from clients after their events are over, is that they wished they had hired a videographer. You will never get a second chance to relive that special day. Your photography freezes each moment in time, yet your video will bring those memories back to life, time and time again. I for one, know how priceless a video becomes, when you can experience the unique voices, mannerisms and personalities of friends and loved ones that may have passed away since that milestone event.

When hiring a videographer you must ask the same types questions of those asked to your photographers. In addition to the obvious questions, ask if they will be shooting with one camera or two. Although a single camera shoot is a wonderful way to capture the memories of an event, the edited version is becomes very one dimensional and of course may miss some opportunities while working the room. When two cameras are shooting the entire event.at the same time they will ultimately allow for a much better end result. For example take a father daughter dance, while one camera is focused on the Dad, the other is on the daughter. When your video is edited and produced having had both camera’s there allow for the entire emotional feeling of that moment to be relived when you watch it.

Ask to see samples of their work and if a recap is something that you would like to have at the end of your video ask how long it will be. Hiring a videographer in combination with a photographer will be one of the best choices you will make.

How will I know if they are good? If you have question just ask! Verify how long they have been in business, and if they are insured. Always ask for referrals and testimonials. A photographer with a good reputation will have no problem supplying you with a list of past clients, thus enabling you to contact them with any questions you may have regarding their services. Ask to see their work and if they will be the ones actually providing the service. Freelance photographers are sometimes hired from the outside and do not directly work for the company you are hiring. Be sure to check their credentials as well.

If you want to actually enjoy your next event, rather than watching it through a camera lens, hiring someone to take your photos and video for that matter is a smart choice. An instant photography service combines two services into one -Actual real live photo memories for you - as well as party favors for your guests. Photobooths provide your guests with fun props, photo strips, and scrapbooks, a Studio Portrait Photographer, provides you with beautifully perfected albums and wall portraits. Your videographer will bring those memories back to life.

One more thing, please promise me this…Don’t allow yourself to be convinced that your guests will take care of taking the photos for you with their phones or Flip video cameras during your party? Although they will, and I believe have the best intentions, is this the really the type of quality photos you will want to preserve your special day? "What’s good enough for Facebook may not be good enough to preserve your memories.

I hope this information has been helpful to you. Enjoy planning your upcoming special event - and don’t forget to hire a professional photography and videography service that is right for you!

Debbie Ventriello
Next Step Productions
Hot Shots Instant Photo Favors
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