A very important part of your wedding day is the photographer. It is one of the occasions in your life where it is essential to have documented memories.The value of those moments captured by the photographer are priceless. Antonis Giannelis, a WPGA member wedding photographer from Rhodes talks about his work and gives practical advice and mentions things to look out for before choosing the photographer that will be responsible for capturing your most precious moments.
RG: Mr Giannelis, tell us a few things about you and your work
AG: I am a professional wedding photographer and have had the pleasure of working with amazing people. I have covered all types of weddings from all different religions, every wedding has its own special quality which I try to portray in my photos. There are so many emotions on the day, it is so important to capture the mood, the atmosphere and the colors from an experience which if you can document, it gives so much sentimental value to the couple and their families. What can I say ...I love my work!
RG: What would your advice be to couples who are looking for a wedding photographer?
AG: The most obvious thing which gets overlooked so many times is simply check out the photographer. A lot of weddings abroad are booked through travel companies and wedding planners who provide the clients with a photographer included in the price. You need to ask to see samples of work from the photographer which is provided in the wedding package you have booked. Sounds simple but it is overlooked so many times. A lot of companies put costs above quality when it comes to photography.
What style of photography do you prefer. Every photographer has their own style which can range from posed formal shots to a photojournalistic approach, so not to be disappointed with the end result you should check this out.
Its advisable were possible to meet the photographer before your wedding day. I always try to meet my clients before the day. It is good if you can build a friendly rapport and get the couple to feel they can relax, trust you and basically get along with you. It all helps to get a better result on the day. What you are looking for in your photographer is someone who is passionate about his work. Most people own a digital camera and can take a decent photo but you are looking for that little bit of something extra and special for your wedding shots.
Check that the photographer you think you have booked for your special day will be the same person who will come to photograph your wedding. It happens when photographers book more than one event on the same day and send a different photographer to cover the second event.
Your budget will play a big roll in a lot of the decisions you will make when organizing your wedding. When it comes to the photographer its best to try and pay that little bit more for a better end result. You are paying the photographer for his experience,his knowledge and +the use of his professional equipment. You will find in the market a large difference between the prices and the packages that different wedding photographers offer. Basically it brings us back to the point that it is very important to check out the photographer and what standard of work he can provide.
RG: What can you offer to couples that will choose you as their photographer for their wedding day?
AG: Here at Photostudio Giannelis we offer a high quality standard of work. My style of photography leans towards the photojournalistic approach in that I like to capture the feel of the day in a natural way without posing the couples. With the creativity and passion I have for my work, I aim to provide my clients with photographs that have captured the essence of their special day, which I hope will move them in some way and give them treasured memories for years to come.