Photography by Petti Anastasi

 What a busy start to 2009 Petti Anastasi had in regards to wedding photography portfolio’s and it doesn’t stop there…flying out to Fiji in June for a bit of R & R and to recharge the batteries Petti will have some time for a little personal photography and to maybe offer her services to as a photographer at The Sheraton Fiji and for any couple’s getting married…..

If you are planning a wedding for the Spring, summer 2009/2010 now is the time to get stuck into planning your big day! One of the most important things to book early is your wedding photography. Petti Anastasi says ” dates book fast especially the early and late part of the year so if you find that you like a photographer and their work, make sure you secure your booking with a deposit….”

Planning is crucial in getting who you want to photograph your big day. Especially in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions as their are loads of weddings that happen every weekend and if you are looking at having a photographer like Petti Anastasi who is a local Newcastle / Hunter Valley photographer who works on her own then booking in advance is a must!!!

So you want your wedding ceremony to take place outside…..maybe at your favourite location on a beach or in a magical garden or vineyard. Sounds great doesn’t it but….what if the weather is a little ordinary!! Rain can dampen any couple’s plans of an outdoor ceremony or location shoot. To be able to plan your wedding photographs better it is important to have a wet weather plan. Petti Anastasi calls this “Plan B”. Awesome wedding photographs can only be created with time and if the weather is rainy and windy then new locations have to be found……having a plan cut’s out the frantic run around finding a location under cover for your wedding photographs, Have in mind a place indoors with lots of natural light coming in. Maybe you know of a building with a big awning or even a hotel room or hotel foyer?? Doorways with big doors always look effective in photographs. Oh and keep in mind…….some of the best images I have taken have been shot in wet weather so always expect the unexpected!!!

Photography By Petti

Make the most of your wedding photographer

This is a day that will never be repeated, so you need someone who can capture the best moments without cutting anyone’s head off or giving you ‘red eye’. It’s important to have a true professional photographer.

Relationships matter

Whoever you book to take your wedding photographs will be spending a substantial amount of time with you on the best day of your lives, so you must get on with him or her. ‘You should feel confident and relaxed in their presence. Even if they are the best photographer in the world, if you don’t feel comfortable it will be reflected in the final images.

Check the small print

Once you’ve found the perfect photographer, get your booking in writing. Check the small print and make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for your money. Always receive quote’s in writing and discuss all options and upgrades prior to the day. This will limit any hidden costs or surprises after the wedding!  

Decide what they should do

A good professional photographer will use his or her creative and technical skills to get the best results as quickly, smoothly and tactfully as possible, but discuss the role you want your photographer to take on your wedding day. Do you want him or her to control events or blend into the background? 

Know your budget

If your wedding photographs matter to you, skimping may not pay. ‘People often make the mistake of thinking that all photographers are the same, but the photographic quality and style can vary enormously. Petti Anastasi knows wedding photography is one area where you really do get what you pay for. ” I often hear where couple’s after the wedding say they were disappointed with their wedding portfolio and 9 times out of 10 it is because they went for the cheapest option.”

Details, Details, Details

You have spent a long time and gone to a great expense finding the right dress, creating the right look, designing the invitations, decorating, flower arrangements, applying the right look, etc, you’ll want these little details captured too. A good photographer will make a point of making sure they have captured as much as possible.

Finally, the best advice any couple can take is try and relax in front of the camera. If you’re not used to smiling and posing, grab a mirror and spend a few minutes practising until you find a smile or an expression you can live with. If you look and feel comfortable, your photos are bound to be awesome!