Finding a wedding photographer who will capture that glint of joy

Before marrying colleague Raffy Tima, GMA News reporter Mariz Umali got an important tip: "Huwag mong titipirin ang photo and video mo."

It's sound advice: after all the trappings have been taken down, the newlyweds and their guests are left with just memories of their special day. And no matter how well the wedding is planned, capturing its finest moments is a totally different thing.

For this delicate documentation, couples turn to wedding photographers: professionals whose eyes are trained to spot that glint of joy in your eyes and make that emotion show through photos.

"Gone are the traditional photographers and in comes the artistic photographers which is good for more creative images," Pat Dy told GMA News Online. Dy has worked on weddings since 2005.

Do your research

When choosing a wedding photographer, professional Anthony Co suggests that couples research "kung ano yung mga gusto nilang photos."

"Mas madalas [maghanap] sa internet, kasi you could see the photos talaga sa website," Co told Kape at Balita hosts Umali and Susan Enriquez on GMA News TV.

Couples should also have a stash of ideas which they can discuss with their photographer of choice. Pre-nuptial shoots, after all, have become the norm to allow the soon-to-be-weds to warm up to the eye behind the camera.

"Galing sa couple [yung theme]," said Co. "Last night may kausap akong couple, ang theme niya 'How I Met Your Mother', yung sitcom. So nag-isip kami ng mga locations na mukhang New York, kung saan pwede maglagay ng tubig para umulan."

After the themes and plans have been settled with the photographer, the next thing to do is leave everything else to them.

"[Couples should] trust [their photographer] fully so they can execute their craft better on your wedding day," said Dy. "Make sure you know his/her creative style."



It's best to leave the shooting to the professionally trained eye, since getting top-notch wedding photography service is pretty costly.

Customizable photo packages can range from P50,000-P100,000 said Co. Dy, on the other hand, estimates an average of P150,000 from top photographers in the industry. However, you can already book some photographers' services for as low as P15,000.

So why can't your friend with a dSLR shoot your wedding instead?

"It's a moment in time that you cannot recreate anymore," said Dy. "Your friend is better off being part of the guests rather than make a mistake while shooting your wedding that you will always regret after."

Book early

But since the best wedding photographers are in demand, you have to book them 12-18 months before you tie the knot, according to Dy.

Co, for example, is already booked for a wedding late next year. "Nagulat nga ako kung bakit ang aga ng booking. Kasi 12/13/14, special yung date."

While June is a busy month for weddings, November, December, and January are already the busiest months in the industry.

"Soon-to-be-married couples choose the holidays to align with family reunions and gatherings," Dy told GMA News online.

Wedding photography may jack up the expenses, but looking at the lovely photos when you kissed in front of the altar may just make you feel that signing that cheque was worth it.

"Yung photo and video, forever na iyan. Tapos yung pagkain din, matatandaan iyan ng mga bisita," said Umali. — BM, GMA News