The search for your wedding vendor team has begun and by that I mean the stress of sifting through the hundreds of caterers, planners, bands, and everyone else needed to throw your dream wedding. You’ve probably realized by now that you need to either up the budget a little or cut back on a few ideas.
The one place you shouldn’t cut from? Your photos.
(and the food, but I digress)
Meet Berit Bizjak (illustrated above):
She’s a luxury wedding photographer with 20 years experience in the industry. Her first photo job experience was as a sports photographer (the football fan in me is LIVING for this) in NYC after getting her BFA in Photography (honors, ya’ll!) and only after that did she start concentrating in fine art photography and assisting other photographers at weddings. Fast forward to after her kids being in school full time, she founded her business, Images by Berit. But, she didn’t stop there and proceeded to spend the next 2 years in intensive training so she could learn how to best run her business and photograph weddings. She has since become a Certified Professional Photographer and Berit says this is “a milestone that means that I can actually succeed in the unusual combination of technical and artistic skills, also known as fine art wedding photography”.
So much more goes into being a wedding photographer than people realize so Berit has given us a few reasons why it’s completely worth it to spend those extra bucks and go “luxury”:
1. They got the skills
By the time a photographer has reached the level of photographing high-end weddings, her skills will be second nature, allowing her to be fully present and creative on your day of celebration. You won’t have to worry about consistency in her documentation and portraiture, or having the proper equipment and back-ups to do the work
2. They can actually handle your wedding day sh*t
Calmness is key, as well as organization and professionalism. Your photographer should be accustomed to working with event planners and other professionals in high-demand environments that involve precise timing. She’s always got your back
3. They never stop learning
We continually take courses, seminars, and live training, as the industry is constantly evolving. This will cumulatively affect the results of your images
4. They understand the importance of a timeline
She understands the cadence of your wedding day, as most of us have photographed hundreds and hundreds of weddings. Your photographer should know how to multitask and know what to expect while welcoming the unexpected, too! If you live in the northeast, we also know how to work with and prepare for constantly changing lighting. From dark ballrooms to shooting on a sun-drenched beach, it’s all in our back pocket
5. They’re dedicated
Successful luxury photographers love their craft, and love humanity. She gets excited about learning new cultures and traditions, and studies them in detail prior to your wedding day. Her dedication and love of people should show in everything she does
6. No shortcuts. Ever.
She loves the work, and spends unlimited time with her clients before, during, and even after your wedding. The quality of her products and albums are the best in the industry, with every detail attended to
7. They take the time to make everything feel right
She takes the time to get to know you as a couple (engagement photo sessions are great for this), and it shows in your imagery. Couples should look and feel relaxed, and should have some fun, also! Creating unique portraiture that you are comfortable with is important
8. They get you the results you want
There is a reason you love her work, and you may not know exactly why, but I would say it’s because of all of the above. Experience does cost more, but photography is the only tangible from your wedding that grows more valuable with time
Just to drive #8 home: remember that when all is said and done, what you’re left with to remember your special day (besides your memories) are your photos/video, so make sure they’re the best they can be!
You can find Berit on Instagram @imagesbyberit or peak her BEAUTIFUL photos through her website, www.imagesbyberit.com. She’s not only a talented photographer, but is such a genuine person with a love for learning and passion for celebrating the differences that make us who we are.
Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn
