Photo Questions - I'm clueless

Morning ladies. FH and I are meeting with several photographers this weekend and I truly do not know what I'm doing. I have a couple of questions:

-What is the difference in shooting in film or digital? Which is better?
-Are there photographers who can shoot some traditional shots but some photojournalistic shots or is it really necessary to hire two photographers?
-How many should I visit? I feel like I could drive myself crazy with this thing!

TIA

I went through the same thing you are. Honestly I don't really know the difference between digital and film - at least I can't tell a difference. My FI wanted digital (just because he thought it was more advanced) and I didn't care - we wound up in the end going with film. As for having two photographers, I would have preferred two but it wasn't a must for me and my photographer included a second photojournalistic photographer at no extra charge so I was really happy about that.

In the end I think i saw 6 photographers and it was the most stressful thing but I chose Velvet Studio because I loved his style the best and he was affordable.

Good Luck!!

IMO... there's no real difference between film and digital. Most like to use digital these days because they can play around with it more and see instant results. My photographer is using mostly film, but then switches to digital later on because it saves me money since she then puts all pictures on a CD for me so i can print the ones i want.

I also don't think its necessary to hire two photographers. Just find one that does both and its simplier than you think. Plus you're going to be giving them a list of the photos you want or you can suggest more posed shots vs. live shots. My friend had 2 photographers and all it did was give her 1000 pictures, which were all double shots. The photographers move pretty quickly so IMO there's no need to hire two. You'll just end up with duplicate pictures and they'll all look the same.

-You just want to make sure they're insured.
-Ask if they carry a second camera on hand in case the first one breaks or whatever.
-If you can keep all the negatives.
-How many pictures they'll give you of each shot.

Good luck!

1. Film vs Digital
I think it matters depending on the type of album you want. If you're going for the digital books (multiple pics per page - printed directed on the page) then I'd suggest digital cameras. A few photographers shoot in film and then scan the negatives, which can cause rougher looking images if the picture is enlarged to be the background shot.

However if you're looking at the mounted or slip in books (traditional books), either film or digital is fine.

In the end it may not matter, but when you're visiting the photographers ask what camera they shoot with and look at the specific type of album you want. It may help with the final decision.

2. Two Photogs
A lot of photographers mix traditional and photojournalistic styles, so two photographers aren't necessary. It's more a matter of preference and covering the size of the wedding.

3. Visiting
I suggest going to see as many as it takes to be comfortable making the decision. I saw 5 and revisited my final 2 to make sure I was comfortable with the one I ultimately booked.

I visited:
12th Night
Duet
Velvet Studios
Patken
ADA Studios

We booked Duet last week.

The answer to your first question depends on what you are looking for in photography. To me, there is a HUGE difference between digital and film. In my opinion, digital lacks the depth and dimension of film. It also does not seem to capture light the same way film does. Yes, digital is more versatile and easier to manipulate (you can edit pictures, delete pictures, etc.), but i'd pick the quality of my pictures over being able to edit my pictures any day.

here are two photographs of almost the same moment, one shot in digital and one shot in film. (these pics are borrowed from knottie weddingin2005). huge difference!

Film
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc20b3127cce95845c48a69500000015108AcNW7Ry0ZuC'>
Digital

As to you second question, no it's not necessary to hire 2 photographers in order to get traditional and photojournalistic shots. You can find many individual photographers who are capable of doing both. The advantage of having two photographers is that you have that extra perspective on your wedding day.

Lastly, I think you should meet with at least 5 different photographers in order to see who's work and personality you like best.

good luck!

arghhhh i cant seem to edit my original post!


Film



Digital

Or you can go to a photographer (I think 12th night does this) and have them put together an album from the negatives.

The questions you have are great questions to ask the photographers. You will get a variety of opinions from professionals and you will learn how they act when asked questions.

We went with digital because my husband is a techie type, and I am very glad we did.

My photographer was able to look right at his screen as he took photos, so he knew right away if someone blinked or if it came out okay. I talked to him about film vs. digital and he said that he never thought he would make the switch but he loves digital now. He said that, in some ways, digital photpgraphy requires more skill on the part of the photographer

Having digital files and owning the files is key and don't assume that the photographer is giving you the files just because they took digital. My photographer does give the files and he makes all of the popular albums. I highly recommend him. (Laurie Studios).