With 20+ years in the business, Duron Studio Photography has dealt with its share of bride-zillas and their families.  But what is even more upsetting is when a Bride brings us work from another photographer and pleads with us to help them salvage the memory of their most important day.  Their wedding is over, the money has been spent, but they didn’t really get what they wanted.

Knowing how to get the best result from your photographer can take the fun out of planning for your big day; but taking your research seriously and sculpting a vision for your end game can make a difficult decision somewhat easier.

Tapping the insight and experience of photographer and studio owner Duron Shem-Tov we’ve created a list of the Top 5 Mistakes Brides make when seeking their Wedding Photographer.

Here they are, in no particular order:

• 5. The Wedding Album
  4. The Friend Photographer
  3. The Franchise Photography Studio
  2. The Amateur Photographer
  1. Destination Wedding Photography/Photographers

We hope this serves as a helpful guide for thinking about your own special day.  You’ve only got one chance to capture the moments which grow with you from that day on.  Let us know if you have had experiences that were less than desirable, and whether or not we can use your stories to bring a wider perspective to those who will follow in your footsteps.

For more access to Duron Studio Photography call or write us at (847) 329-1099 or info@duronstudio.com.

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After the honeymoon, when you go back to work, or are expecting a child, will you have time to consider enlargements, prints, or design your album?

As stories of your life are passed down to your children and the next generation, surely your wedding will be a hot topic, and nothing can bring that story to life the way your photos can.  So why not spring for the album?  The enlargements?  Or calendar version of your photos?  How will the start of your family’s history be remembered?

With improvements in technology, home computing and photo processing it is enticing to think you can produce the album, prints, and enlargements on your own.  You can go to online to ShuterFly, Picasa or stop by Walgreen’s which offer low prices on these services and more; but what do you get?  Who is processing your photos?  And what recourse do you have if you don’t get what you want?

The Art & Craft of Photography

While many brides these days still attempt to save money and time by asking their photographer for a CD-ROM; they are discounting the time and the process of post-production work.  In this case, I can assure you that the short term loss of a few extra bucks will be your greatest long term gain.

In most cases a photographer does carry a laptop and can burn you a CD onsite.  And that is it.  But what about the post-production?  Cropping, color-correction, special effects, black & white, sepia tone, retouching and more.

These are the reasons a photographer shoots.  In the spur of the moment, the photographer doesn’t have time to crop, color or adjust white balance; they have just enough time to capture the moment.

1.  Cropping

Perhaps the most important step in the art of post-production is the Cropping.  This is when the photographer analyzes each photo individually and determines the focus point and the message of each image.  While an unprocessed photo may look sharp and magical to you, the photographer is able to reshape and reposition the subjects in the image to make them stand out much more effectively.

The color photo (left) is very sharp and captures a valuable moment of closeness. The cropped photo, (right) however, really paints a picture of intimacy not quite present in the color photo. The choice to convert to black/white further illuminates the subject. Click photo to view larger and notice the difference for yourself.

2. Color Correction

In the Color Correction step of the post-production the photographer can really hone in on slight imperfections.  What may look like a great shot may still be a long way from perfection, and probably has multiple areas which can be improved.  Lighting, skin tone, and day or night time ambiance are all attributes which can be noticeably improved with just a few minutes of deeper inspection by a trained eye.

3. Color, Black & White, and Sepia Tones

In the color photo, the subject has redness in her skin on her chest, a bright white spot of over exposure on her forehead, and light breaking unevenly through her veil. The choice to switch to black and white has lessened the harshness of light on her forehead, evened out redness on her chest and evened out the break of light in her veil. Click photo to view more closely.

Color Saturation, Black & White or Sepia tones are an area where the photographer’s knowledge and experience can truly make a difference.  Some photos tell a better story in black & white or sepia tone, and it may not be obvious when you’re staring down a deck color photos which ones would benefit from this process.  And, while many home softwares can convert photos to grayscale, a professional photographer has the ability to properly proportion the color ratios that are converted into black and white, rather than having to accept a software’s best guess.

4. Special Effects

Special Effects are where the photographer’s magic really happens.  Where a great photo can become the vision of a dream, or the subject of a little girl’s fantasy.  Many photographers can frame a great shot, meter the light and position a subject.  But, if you look at any exceptional wedding photography it should be immediately obvious that the photographer went to great lengths to envision the moment.

A fantastic example where special effects makes a dynamic impact on the image of bridesmaids. Color on black/white in addition to a unique bordering which serves to really center the subjects and make them POP!

Unless you know how to perform these tasks yourself you are really only getting half the work, at a premium price.  Why lay money down or your wedding day for only half of the job?

At Duron Studio Photography we don’t like to send you off empty handed.  We highly recommend that you make the most of the experience while its happening.   However, if you’re going to wait on an album, enlargements and prints, you may want still want to consider paying for post-production.  That way, your event is still fresh in our mind when we sit down to edit and produce.  And when you realize what a task it is to arrange extra services down the road, you’ll be more than half way towards preserving the memory.

1. Destination Wedding

Destination Wedding photo shot by Duron Studio Photography in Jamaica. Click photo to view galleries of our Wedding Photography and Wedding Albums

When you choose a destination wedding for your special day, you are embarking on a great adventure.  You’ve picked the place, you booked the flights and you maybe working from a package offered by the hotel or resort, and contracting services locally.  Many packages include photography services, but here are some items that you must consider.

• Who is the Photographer? And is he/she up to American Standards?
• Are you able to review their portfolio before you hire them?
• Will this photographer only be present during your ceremony and reception?

One example occurred to me recently while visiting Jamaica.  At the resort where I stayed there were advertisements for the destination wedding services, as well as photos displayed which appeared very professional with models.  The fine print, however, was that the photographer was not local, but a professional from Spain.  So the advertisements were not representative of work done by locals.

Destination Wedding shot taken in Israel by Duron Studio Photography near the Sea of Galilee. Click photo to view other wedding photo galleries by Duron Studio Photography.

Moreover, whether you go with the local photographer, or fly in the Spanish professional at an additional cost you must ask yourself about the follow-up.  Will you communicate with this person long distance regarding your wedding album, your prints and other services, or will they give you a CD-ROM and send you on your way?

When you use Duron Studio Photography for your destination wedding, the experience is comprehensive.  I arrive at your destination early or with you to scout areas where romantic photos can be taken.  With a local photographer, he/she may only be present at your ceremony and reception, where as I am able to capture your entire vacation as a documentary or with a photo journalistic style.  I can take pictures of you as a couple or with your family enjoying the vacation as well as the wedding itself.

This will give you an opportunity beforehand to take engagement/romantic photos with your groom.  On the day of your event we will plan time to create beautiful pictures both before and after the ceremony; depending on whether or not you will see each other before the ceremony. I am also on-hand with you the day after to photograph you trashing your dress!

This is a spread from a Destination Wedding Photo Album, shot in Jamaica and produced by Duron Studio Photography. Click photo to view other wedding albums produced by Duron Studio Photography.

Stateside, I am available to continue working with you on your wedding album, edit your photography and provide other follow-up services which are probably not included in your destination photography package.

To reach Duron Studio Photography call or write us at (847) 329-1099 or info@duronstudio.com.

Online: Website | Facebook | Flickr

Make the right impression with a professional portrait or headshot, as seen above. CLICK photo to view other portrait work by Duron Studio Photography

Your professional image is everything, and sometimes that first impression can make or break your chance of doing business.

These days that first impression may be made over the internet; which means its as essential to look good online as it is to look good in person meaning that our online image represents both who we are as a person and as a business partner.

If you’re not feeling like your online image is up to par, there may be an opportunity for you to make a change.

Stop in or make an appointment at Duron Studio Photography and we can help you make the right impression using our professional in-studio lighting and backdrops; add to that our 20+ years of professional photography experience.

Come dressed to impress and you’ll have a professional headshot or portrait suitable for your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and other online portfolios.  You can also make arrangements with us to receive a printed copy of your professional image.

A fine example of photo retouching by Duron Studio Photography. CLICK photo to view other samples of headshot and retouching work from Duron Studio Photography

For an additional $10-$25 Duron Studio’s qualified technicians can apply some post production touch-up work to your photo; depending on how much touch-up work you desire.

Printed copies of your professional portrait or headshot will be available for the special B2B event price of $15 for 4 x 6, $20 for 5 x 7, or $45 for 8 x 10.

We hope to see you soon, and we look forward to working with you.  If would like to schedule a private portrait session at Duron Studio Photography in Skokie, please don’t hesitate for call or write.

-Duron Shem Tov
(847) 329-1099 or duron@duronstudio.com

3. The Franchise Photography Studio

Don't take a risk on your wedding day. Allow me to apply my 20+ years of photographic experience and help you 'Envision the Moments' on your special day.

In planning your wedding, finding the right photographer is not only crucial to the success of your special day, but essential to how you will remember your event forever after.  Depending on the services you contract; wedding albums, portraits, framing, etc. . . you may be working with this person for days, even weeks after your event.  So in contracting your photographer it is important not just to meet the photographer in person, but to review their portfolio, and check their references.

Here is a recent wedding horror story.  I met a man through networking who is now a good friend; this is his story.

“Prior to my wedding I did not know where or how to find a good photographer, so we looked online.  Some big chain studio  photographers popped up high on the Google search and we were impressed by their website. So we went to the studio, the sales person was nice and we were absolutely ‘sold.’   Our photographer was a nice guy, but our photos were not.  They were dark, they were grainy and we did not want to move forward on the album and prints.”

All too often this a common experience with franchise photographers and my friend was not alone.

• “the photographer was late which set our event behind,”
• “our photographer smelled like smoke and I could not stand to be near him,”
• “our photographer was not properly dressed and he stuck out like a sore thumb,”

In working with a franchise photography studio this may be the experience you’ll have. You will often be met by a sales person who contracts photographers and post-production services.  They will dazzle you with samples of their ‘best work,’ and assure you that your event will be successful.  But in truth, they may not even know which of photographers they are sending out to your wedding, and you may not know until the day of , and that is not a surprise that you need on your special day.   You chances are literally 50/50.  Do you really want to take this chance?

The difference at Duron Studio Photography is that Duron Shem-Tov cares about your event.  All of our work comes from referrals and it is as essential to us as it is to you, that your event, your album and your other subsequent products/services have that special ‘WOW’ factor you will share with your family and friends for decades. When you enter my ’boutique’ studio I will be here to greet you myself.  I will be the person at your wedding taking the photos, and the person you will work with there after.  I will be the one to walk you through the process of successful events and to share with you samples of my work.  Bringing 20+ years of wedding experience to the table I am able to listen to your wants and needs, read more closely into your questions, and help you with your decision making process; building the trust and rapport that I know you will not find at a franchise studio, and that I know will make you feel comfortable with our relationship.

To reach Duron Studio Photography call or write us at (847) 329-1099 or info@duronstudio.com.

Online: Website | Facebook | Flickr

2. The Amateur Photographer

It may seem to some that the “amateur photographer” goes hand in hand with a low budget wedding; but this is not always the case.  Even if you have a million dollars to spend one could still make weak choices when it comes to their photographer.

In this photo it is clear that the photographer did not give constructive direction to the group to create a sense of balance or symmetry. Why is the bride not centered instead of the large woman in the white dress? Additionally, the lighting is weak which makes the available light cast shadows on the everyone's eyes. CLICK to view this photo enlarged, and take a closer look.

The Amateur Photographer is easy to come by.  You find them on Craigslist, through a friend, or in a print ad without samples.  This person may meet with you at a Starbucks rather than a studio, and may not offer you a selection of albums to look through.  Sometimes this photographer is new to the business and has high aspirations, but not enough experience; and you may allow their price to justify their short-comings.  Everyone needs to start somewhere, but should your wedding be their test run?

For those of you on a lower budget, it makes sense to cut costs in certain areas, but here is why I would caution you to reconsider cutting costs in photography.  While it may seem that your floral, attire, decor, and dinner choice make this event special, all of those items are perishable, your  photos are not.  Done right, you photos will bring you a lifetime of joy along side your marriage.  With the right lighting, angles and experience, a professional photographer will be able to craft the imagery of your wedding to make it appear as a million dollar event.

Wedding Photography is not expensive, its Priceless!  Valuable moments should not have a price tag on them.

For those of you with the money to spend, who want to show off for your guests, and want to make it the most spectacular event ever, you may still have the urge to cut costs; after all you didn’t get rich by spending your money.  Again, I would caution you to reconsider cutting costs in photography in that when you consider what you’re spending it will be that much more important for your pictures to tell the story of this amazing event some five, ten or twenty years from down the road.

This photo illustrates what can be accomplished when a photographer takes time to set up the shot, take lighting into account, and creating depth and quality composition. CLICK to view this photo enlarged, and take a closer look.

The professional photographer will give qualified direction to your guests when it comes to group photos, making sure that they are against a coordinated background, that everyone is standing in a position that is conducive to balance, and that the lighting will be appropriate for the ambiance of the space.  This will create separation between the subjects and their background, eliminating shadows under the eyes and ensuring color correctness which will make your photos stand out.

Another trait that will stand out in a professional photographer is personality.

On one occasion I had arrived to photograph the bride and her bridal party, but nobody knew how to put on the veil.  Time was of the essence so I stepped in to assist the bride with the veil.

Note the difference in the before and after. Its the little things that make the difference and an experienced photographer knows when to make appropriate suggestions to his subject. CLICK to view this photo enlarged, and take a closer look.

Another time, a bride arrived for her portraits with a hairstyle that was covering her face.  I began taking a few photos, but I felt that the image was off.  I recommended that she adjust her hairstyle upwards to reveal her beautiful face and neck and luckily the hairdresser was still on-site.  See the difference?

In the end, there are no second chances, and no amount of money will bring your guests back for a do-over.

To reach Duron Studio Photography call or write us at (847) 329-1099 or info@duronstudio.com.

Online: Website | Facebook | Flickr

Make the right impression with a professional portrait or headshot, as seen above. CLICK photo to view other portrait work by Duron Studio Photography

Your professional image is everything, and sometimes that first impression can make or break your chance of doing business.

These days that first impression may be made over the internet; which means its as essential to look good online as it is to look good in person meaning that our online image represents both who we are as a person and as a business partner.

If you’re not feeling like your online image is up to par, there may be an opportunity for you to make a change.

On Febrauary 22, 2011, I, Duron Shem-Tov will be on-hand at the Jewish B2B Networking event in Bannocburn, IL to help you make the right impression using my portable photography studio and 20+ years of professional photography experience.

Come dressed to impress and you’ll receive via e-mail (in 1-2 days), a professional headshot or portrait suitable for your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or other online portfolios.  You can make arrangements with me to receive a printed copy of your professional image or to make an appointment for a private professional headshot session at my photography studio in Skokie, IL.

A fine example of photo retouching by Duron Studio Photography. CLICK photo to view other samples of headshot and retouching work from Duron Studio Photography

Each B2B Member is eligible for an impromptu headshot session by Duron Shem-Tov which will yield an image received by members via e-mail for their personal or online needs. For an additional $10-$25 Duron Studio’s qualified technicians can apply some post production touch-up work to your photo; depending on how much touch-up work you desire.

Printed copies of your professional portrait or headshot will be available for the special B2B event price of $10 for 4 x 6, $15 for 5 x 7, or $35 for 8 x 10.

We hope to see you there, and we look forward to working with you.  If you cannot attend, or would like to schedule a private portrait session at Duron Studio Photography in Skokie, please don’t hesitate for call or write.

-Duron Shem Tov
(847) 329-1099 or duron@duronstudio.com

4. The Friend Photographer

Are one of these people your wedding photographer?

Throughout the process of planning your wedding, costs will start to add up and it can seem only natural to slash the budget and cut corners.  But one area you should absolutely avoid making cuts is in photography.

While the magic is happening, there is no one better suited than an experienced wedding photographer to capture these moments.  In all the clamour and mele of the day, you may not get a chance to see the look on your face when he says “I do.”

A big mistake couples make when they start to cut corners is to let a “friend” take their wedding photos.  An uncle, a cousin or old college buddy who likes to take photos; a friend of a friend, someone who’s good with a camera, someone who’s eager to help out in any way, but isn’t quite suited to the task at hand.  And while professional technology is becoming more and more available at consumer prices, those items don’t come with 20+ years of education and experience.

Recently a client came to me with the following scenario. . . .

“I’m calling you to check your availibility because I’m concerned for my daughter’s wedding.  Our future son-in-law has a friend in fine arts photography who has volunteered to shoot the wedding at a very low cost, but has never actually shot a wedding.”

Several good reasons not to hire your ‘friend’ is that your ‘friend’ may not have the right equipment, may not be familiar with cultural customs, may not dress properly, and may not be able to accommodate the difference in lighting from the ceremony to the reception, or indoor to outdoor.

Visit our studio for a personal consultation and discover the possibilities for a successful event

At your event Duron Studio Photography is equipped with more than enough equipment to guarantee success.  We travel with multiple cameras, multiple memory cards, double lighting, and professional grade equipment which most ‘friend’ photographers would likely not come equipped with.

Does your ‘friend’ have samples of their work on display?  Does your friend have an inviting studio where photo processing, editing and mounting are performed on a daily basis?

After your event, Duron Studio Photography will post your photos online in a secure gallery and furnish you with a proof CD to review your event at your leisure.  Based on your selections we will design the album and review options for your cover. (Ledger, Metallic, Hard Cover and more)

When it comes to a finished product, will your “friend” be able to sit with you after the event to discuss your printing needs, album designs, mounted images, and more?  We think not.

To reach Duron Studio Photography call or write us at (847) 329-1099 or info@duronstudio.com.

Online: Website | Facebook | Flickr

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Photography Specials

Duron Studio’s photo journalistic approach allows us to artistically capture those fleeting moments of excitement and vivacity at your son or daughter’s bar/bat mitzvah.  This candid technique embraces the real emotions of this special day resulting in timeless pieces that will be a part of your family for a lifetime

5. The Wedding Album

Pictured: Rachel & Arik's Wedding Album Cover. Shot at The Wisconsin Club. (Milwaukee, WI) CLICK PHOTO to view our wedding album slideshow.

In seeking a photographer for your most important day, it is essential to be sure that your photographer can produce and design a wedding album for you.  In the digital age, most any photographer can send your off with a CD-ROM of high resolution images of your wedding; but where does that leave you?

Beyond creating an album, there is a lot of work which happens behind the scenes including cropping, lighting, color corrections, special effects and even backing up your files.   Bringing 20+ years experience and education to the table, Duron Studio Photography is able to perform these services for you in creating the perfect album.

Do you have the right software?  Does your computer have enough memory to process 1000 high resolution photos?  Do you have the time to do this work yourself?

“Recently a woman came to look at my work and saw our wedding albums on display; she was aghast.  The previous year she had a wedding for her daughter in IOWA and was only left with a CD-ROM.  When she asked the photographer to make her and album, he told her ‘I don’t do albums.’  We are always happy to help remedy this situation and designed for her a spectacular album.”

Pictured here is our Custom Album Design. Click image to learn more about our album design types.

Without considering the album in your initial booking process you may find yourself down the road with no album.  Could be 6 months, could be 4-5 years, and you never had the time to create your wedding album.

The typical turn around time for a wedding album by Duron Studio Photography is 3 months from the time you place your order.  During this process you receive a CD-ROM of proofs from us, or review your photos online.  Then based on your album type, select the 40 to 90 to 120 photos you would like to appear in your album.  From there we will compile your choices into a sample album which will be review and approved by you, or tweaked and changed depending on your feedback.

To reach Duron Studio Photography call or write us at (847) 329-1099 or info@duronstudio.com.

Online: Website | Facebook | Flickr