Jinsey the Expert

JINSEY DAUK,

a professional shutterbug in New York City, takes a shot at your most pressing concerns.

How much pre‑wedding prep do I need to do?

What kind of things should I tell my photographer before the big day?

It is important that you and your photographer are on the same wavelength, so sit down with her to have what I call a creative meeting about a week before the wedding. Cover points like timing issues (how early he or she should start shooting, when you plan to take formal portraits, how long photo sessions should last, etc.); family problems ("Watch out for Uncle Bill who doesn't quite get along with Aunt Betty," etc.); creative ideas (interesting backgrounds, props, nostalgic or modern shots); and any details you do or do not want to highlight (an heirloom cake knife, your groom's bald spot). You'll feel fully prepped knowing you went over everything point by point.

How can I make myself look pictureperfect?

How can we be sure we don't end up with red eye in our photos?And how can I prevent that shiny look under the lights?

You wouldn't believe how many of my brides worry about this stuff. But trust me, you don't have to! For the shiny face, that's easy: I always carry face powder for my brides. Your photographer may not, so throw some in your purse for quick touch‑ups during the portraits. If you're getting down on the dance floor, don't stress that the photographer is taking candids as you sweat. In the film, you'll probably look like you're glowing! As for red eye, every professional photographer knows how to avoid it with lighting and special film‑that's why they carry around all that expensive stuff. But if you end up with red eyes in your proofs tell your photographer to make sure he corrects them in any prints you select.

Do we need to spring for a photographer's assistant?

Is an assistant necessary? Our photographer wants to bring one.

My answer is yes! Some assistants just carry heavy equipment, which frees up the main photographer. The less grunt work, the more she can focus on getting the best photos. Sometimes a photographer will bring a shooting assistant instead, who can catch shots that the photographer might miss, or snap formal portraits while the photographer takes candids. As long as the photographer remains in control, assistants can be extremely valuable. After all, your photographer needs to be efficient, organized and quick.

I'm bummed! We can't take ceremony shots.

My friends weren’t allowed to have pictures taken during the ceremony, so they had to fake the ring exchange in pictures taken afterwards. They came out so cheesy. Our officiant just told us we'll have to do the same.
What are our options?

You might be surprised by what your officiant says if you ask her to bend the rules. Even if she stands firm, she might be willing to help you out by offering you options like taking shots without the flash, which some photographers prefer during those moments, or allowing the photographer to stand in an inconspicuous spot on the sidelines. But if the rules are superstrict, there are ways you can keep from looking forced and strained while faking it. Don't think of smiling and posing, think of just being and laughing. Tickle each other's hands if you have to. Genuine grins make for a much more beautiful and natural photo.

What if we hate our pics?
What can we do after the fact if we don't like the pictures?

It depends on the caliber of the negatives You can have your photographer's studio do some creative things with the printing like giving photos a vintage look, which can distract your eye or give an off‑centered shot an artistic feel, or airbrushing any blemishes out. And never underestimate the power of an innovative and well laid‑out album. By using different sizes and shapes of photos, you can enhance the aspects that you like and diminish those you don't. To fill in some of the gaps, good disposable camera shots can also be incorporated. (Note: Unless your wedding is outdoors on a sunny day, always get ones with a flash‑they take the best pictures.) As another precaution, enlist a talented friend or family member to take shots during your wedding

We want to be creative with our proofs What are fun things to do with our proofs after we get them? My sister's are kept in a box, but

I want to do something special.

Show 'em off! Proofs or originals should be given to you in an organized manner in an album. They should be in chronological order, separated by black and whites and color shots (if you're having both) and protected by acid‑free plastic sleeves within the books. You can turn your favorites into a collage. Laminate them and make coasters! One of my ambitious clients is covering an entire wall of her house with photos from her wedding.