Another Quick Post.

Many bands and DJs bring their own lighting which is great! However, as your photographer, I recommend you discuss lighting with them before hiring. There are a couple of things they can do that will improve your photos and here's why.

1. Colored LEDs.

Choose white and amber. No green, no red and little blue.

Why? Your photographer will most likely be using flash, several as a matter of fact, in order to illuminate you and your guests. While I personally try to do band shots without flash, it is usually necessary for the bulk of your photographs.

The LED lights in red and green do not look good. Pretty much ever. Blue is moody and can be very cool with or without additional flash. Amber can be corrected if necessary to balance with the ambient light provided by the venue. White helps retain natural skin tones. I often must change images from color to black and white to accommodate for greens and reds. Which is cool, but not for all of your photos.

2. Constant changing LED lights.

No - UNLESS it is very slow. Pick a combo and leave it. The constant changing lights, especially when sped up, make getting proper exposures of your dancing very difficult resulting in less photos provided to you the client.

3. Venue Lighting.

Professional photographers bring the proper gear and equipment to add light for proper exposure and drama, the art. If the venue thinks gas lamps or candles are all they need then budget for about $1,000-2,000 additional in lighting through a separate vendor.

If you have chosen a cool venue with the old brick and iron we are so known for here in New Orleans, chances are the venue-provided lighting looks cool to the naked eye but is not enough to create the artistic photos you are imagining and often make it very difficult to focus. Which means, ultimately, your photographer will be missing many great moments because the camera is fighting to focus. And if the IR beam can't find enough light to focus you can bet the naked eye definitely can't. More photos lost.

Check out the photos below. A few are stage lighting from Harrah's, a few more are lights provided by a lighting specialist here in New Orleans and a few provided by the band. 

That is about it!

Vendors MUST work in unison to provide everything needed to make your wedding AND photos perfect. Call me for that perfection. 504-920-8703. To see more lighting photos check this link More Lighting Photos