bridal party sizes & assistant questions

[bride08]

Hi I am a bride getting married in November 08 and I had some questions for all you wonderful photographers out there, because I have seen your work on this web site and it is absolutely breath-taking. First, does the size of wedding party affect the quality of pictures? Is it harder to get interesting pictures when there is a large bridal party? Second, do you recommend that I make sure that my photographer I choose has an assistant? What is the exact role of the assistant? Thank you for your help!

[Studio R]

Hi!

What great questions...Planning your wedding is going to be so much fun and there are many things to consider when trying to figure out how you want your day to be, besides perfect =)

I will start with how I use my assistants. I try to never work without an assistant. They are invaluable for many reasons. They hold lights, carry & watch our equipment, bags, lenses, etc... - and basically keep myself and usually a 2nd photographer light and only with equipment we need. They help straighten dresses, suits, and other accessories for portraits that tend to move during the day. My assistants also back up all images and digital files on site while we are shooting to ensure safe back up of the special day. These are just a couple of things, but are some really basic and very important reasons why we like to have them.

On to your bridal party question. No matter the # of people you have in your wedding party the quality of your images should be the way the photographer you choose promises. Make sure to pick a photographer that matches the style you desire.

Now there isn't a strict rule on the number of people you should or shouldn't have stand up for you on your wedding. It is no longer a tradition to have a large wedding party (for many reasons), but THE most important thing is that it is your wedding and you should have whoever you would like be there for you.

A few things to think about if you are having a large party:

- More people do take more time. Make sure when you book your photographer you discuss with them how much time they will need for your size wedding party and your desired style and photo needs.

- The more people in your wedding party mean more people to keep track of during your day. When choosing your wedding party it is important to choose people who will help and make your day more special, not distract and take away from your important day.

- Besides the photography gathering larger groups for the many activities you will be experiencing throughout the day will take extra time as well.

Ultimately your wedding should be the way you dream. Choose the right photographer for you and make sure you are on the same page and you should have a great time and receive the images you were looking for.

Good luck and I hope this helped =)

Robyn
Studio R
www.studiorobyn.com
r@studiorobyn.com

[Michael Steinberg]

Ms Bride,
The assistant is there for me so I can work faster, carry more equipment, and hold my lights so none of the guests trip over them. In periods of time that I don't need my assistant, I let the assistant do some shooting so you get more for your money. Best of luck.

Michael Steinberg
Cleveland Ohio

[Lulu]

Congratulations on your engagement!

Originally Posted by bride08

First, does the size of wedding party affect the quality of pictures? Is it harder to get interesting pictures when there is a large bridal party?

As mentioned above, more people can take longer to organize, but from my personal perspective, more people (especially a close group of friends, or a group where there is some chemistry in the form of humour or even a bit of flirting) also make for lots of fun candid moments. It's your day, pick who you want to stand up with you. Just allot more photography time for more people as a general rule.

Second, do you recommend that I make sure that my photographer I choose has an assistant? What is the exact role of the assistant? Thank you for your help!

My husband/business partner and I shoot together, both as prime photographers, and don't use an assistant. I have worked as an assistant in the past, and an assistant does make life easier for the primary photographer--if that photographer is accustomed to working with an assistant. There are many solo photographers that work as my husband and I each do, carrying/setting up their own equipment etc., who have no trouble capturing the day without an additional person responsible for these tasks. In many cases it may come down to style, as some photographers use more equipment than others. We prefer to travel light with each of us carrying our own two cameras and all equipment on our persons. We also carry additional equipment that we may sometimes need (additional lighting etc.) in our vehicle should it become necessary due to weather or lighting conditions.

Hope that helps!

Lulu

---
lulufoto inc.
www.lulufoto.com

[davidwegs]

I do use an assistant/second and as a rule would not work with out a second person;

If I break a leg during the day, my assistant could carry on without me and still get the shots. Not the same way, but enough not to leave you without images from your day.

I think the large party question is one of allowing time that is proportionate to the size of groups you will have. Your photog should be able to hlep you decide what is best there.

Best for your day, D.