HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER - TIP 4: PRODUCTS YOU NEED

4. PRODUCTS YOU NEED

Problem: how to find a wedding photographer that offers the products you need.

Solution: Meet with photographers face to face and inspect the products they offer, looking for heirloom quality albums and large prints that are only available from professional photographers.

It’s great that photographers offer lots of unique products, but it can get a little overwhelming with so many options out there.  On top of all of the cool unique things a photographer may offer, there are a few key products that every bride should look for: albums, large prints and digital negatives.  These three items are absolutely essential for preserving the memory of one of the most important days in your family’s history.  These are the first family heirlooms of the new family you’re creating on your wedding day, so they should be heirloom quality products that your family will be proud of for generations.  Fortunately, professional photographers have exclusive access to the finest quality products that are not available to the general public.  Any photographer can provide digital negatives, but only professional photographers can offer heirloom quality products worthy of your special day.  Here’s what to look for in each product:

MONTANA PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER - BOTTEGA PINK BLOUSE SERIES!

Katie rocking a pink blouse from Bottega Clothing, with wardrobe styling by Janine Mix of Wildflower Gardens.  This wardrobe is available at Bottega Clothing in downtown Billings Montana.  Thank you ladies for making my job so awesome!

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER - TIP 5: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PERSONALITY

5. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PERSONALITY

Problem: how to ensure your wedding photographer has a personality for success on your wedding day.

Solution: Meet with potential photographers face to face and assess their personality on key characteristics detailed below.

You need to like your wedding photographer!  This doesn’t mean you have to be their best friend, but you need to like the way they handle themselves, how they interact with people, and their attitude before you unleash them on your dearest friends and family.  Your wedding vendors represent you on your wedding day, and reflect your taste to your guests. The photographer is one of the most visible vendors on your day and they’ll be spending a lot of time with you and your guests, so you should care about the way they are representing you.  The photographer is also one of the most pivotal vendors at your wedding, and if they get flustered, lose their cool, or freak out, it could be disastrous.

BILLINGS MONTANA PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER - FASHION PORTRAIT

Elegant meets edgy.  Katie modeled all day for us yesterday at the Billings Open Studio event, and rocked several awesome Bottega outfits thanks to Janine Mix.  Everyone did a fantastic job, thank you so much!

Model: Katie Schroeder
Wardrobe: Bottega Clothing, Janine Mix

The Billings Open Studio, is a very exciting new creative space in downtown Billings that I am involved with.  We hosted an open house at the studio this weekend and it was a big success, with lots of photographers coming to check out the space and to learn from some of my favorite photographers and friends in Billings.  The BOS will provide creative studio space and photography equipment on an hourly, daily and monthly basis.  Features include a luxurious dressing room for models and private shooting areas, as well as office, conference room and display space.  The BOS will host workshops, gallery exhibitions, film screenings, exclusive parties, and much more.  Our hope is that it becomes a pillar for the creative community in Billings conveniently located in the heart of downtown.

Lighting Technique:
This photo is lit with two lights.  The main light is a large octabox directly to Katie’s left on a few feet away, creating the Rembrandt lighting on her face and body.  The light has to be close to the model so that the soft light will have a nice fall off, creating shadows even with soft light.  Using a large modifier in close like this also creates nice big catchlights in the eyes.  The second light is a beauty dish behind Katie camera left about three feet higher than her head for a hair and rim light that separates her from the background.

How do you dream of being photographed?  Billings Montana portrait photographer Paul Bellinger specializes in dramatic fine art portrait photography that is as unique as you are.  Paul has cultivated an artistic vision for portrait photography that is both modern and timeless, ensuring your precious memories will be preserved for generations to come.  Contact Paul Bellinger for all of your Billings Montana portrait photography needs, senior portraits, corporate headshots, and glamorous beauty portraits that will make any woman feel as special as she is.  www.paulbellinger.com

BILLINGS MONTANA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER - PAUL BELLINGER

The first photo from my new studio!  I finished moving my stuff in and couldn’t resist taking a few test shots, even without a model. Thankfully for you, my beautiful wife will be coming home soon!

I am super awkward in front of the camera but that’s why it’s so much fun, because I’m constantly laughing at myself.  If only you could see the outtakes!

BILLINGS MONTANA PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER - DELICATE BEAUTY PORTRAIT

Well Sarah looks like a delicate beauty, with her grace, thoughtful pose and porcelain skin, but she’s not really very delicate.  Actually, she’s a world-class skier!  She’s also an awesome model that is very professional and a pleasure to work with.  She has a very bright future!

BILLINGS MONTANA PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER - FASHION PORTRAIT

Haley brightened up this frigid morning landscape in Laurel Montana.  She makes the cold look good!  We had a blast shooting model portraits along the side of this gravel road.  Farmers and ranchers were up early too, and were quite amused with our roadside studio set up!  Thanks for the exciting shoot Haley!

How do you dream of being photographed?  Billings Montana portrait photographer Paul Bellinger specializes in dramatic fine art portrait photography that is as unique as you are.  Paul has cultivated an artistic vision for portrait photography that is both modern and timeless, ensuring your precious memories will be preserved for generations to come.  Contact Paul Bellinger for all of your Billings Montana portrait photography needs, senior portraits, corporate headshots, and glamorous beauty portraits that will make any woman feel as special as she is.  www.paulbellinger.com