I wanted to start a series of some blog entries about the process of choosing a professional wedding photographer, so here we go!

Of course, I want to talk specifically about Monarch Photography and how we provide high-quality services and products!  I truly feel that we go out of our way to make the wedding day special for our couples--from the equipment we use to our relaxed sense of style!

We realize that, if you are not semi-versed in the world of photography (and I certainly wasn't until I met Jonathan 7 years ago), that you may not realize how different the styles and techniques of pro photographers can be--there is a world of difference among studios!

I thought that we would begin with something that you can actually see the difference in--we are using ALL of our own images--I am not one to be negative toward our fellow photographers, so I want to use our own work, of course!

Here we go!

Professional Lighting--It's SO important to go the extra mile and bring the extra equipment!

We set ourselves apart by using off-camera (or directional) lighting for as much of your event as possible--This is especially important when natural light is either not available or not the best choice. Directional lighting is an advanced photography technique of using flash that is not coming from the camera, but instead is coming from another direction. This can be from another flash unit that we control wirelessly or by bouncing our on-camera flash off walls or the ceiling to create a directional light. We use directional lighting in all formal portraits (including your engagement session) and during your reception--if you take a look at our "first dance" images, then you can definitely see the Monarch difference!

Yes, I lug around the large lighting tripod, battery back, and umbrella to all of our weddings and engagement sessions, but it is worth it!

One of our dance shots--I love the shadows and textures on this image of Kelly and Chad...

You can see a difference in not just your formal portraits, but also your reception and many of your candid images. Directional light simply makes your images look better and gives your photographs a look that cannot be duplicated by most photographers--you get even lighting, nice depth, and an image that has life to it!

I should say that our couples never need to worry that all of this extra equipment results in traditional or "old-school" photographs--we are just adding a modern interpretation to a classic technique of bringing studio lighting to all events and sessions.  It doesn't slow us down or lengthen any process--it simply makes your images better!

To really see the difference look at these examples:

This image of Melissa was taken with directional, off-camera lighting--notice the brightness and nice balance of light!

And this image of Melissa was taken with basic, on-camera flash--no extra lighting was used for this test shot.  You can see the flatness of the image, as well as the shadow below her arm.  Directional lighting corrects all of that!  Tip:  When looking at a photographer's portfolio, ask them if they only use on-camera flash--be sure to look for the tell-tale signs such as shadows, harshness of light, and flat-looking images.

For a few more examples, check out our web page explaining how we work when it comes to your event!

The Monarch Difference

Hope you enjoyed today's tip!  I used to teach high school, so this is giving me flashbacks!  Have a great day!