Michael Kitada Photography

Help Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

2009-06-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

7 mistakes to avoid when choosing your wedding photographer!

Here are 7 things to avoid in your quest to find the perfect photographer.

1) Letting a friend / relative photograph your wedding?
Do you buy a used car from your best friend?
Do you let your best friend paint your house?
Do you let your best friend renovate your kitchen?
Why not?
Because you would like to remain best friends, right? If something goes wrong or if they do not have the technical skills needed to accomplish the task in the best possible manner, you probably don’t want the confrontation or the possible fallout. Use a professional for your wedding photography. That way you can remain friends and they can enjoy the wedding and you can have peace of mind about your wedding photographer.

2) Not connecting with your wedding photographer?
When you meet your potential wedding photographer, do you feel a connection? Do they communicate well and understand your wants for your wedding pictures? Or do you feel intimidated?
Consider this, you will spend more time with your wedding photographer on your wedding day than any other vendor or person. How do you want to be treated on your special day?
A connection with your wedding photographer is an important consideration.

3) Hiring the lowest bid.
The old saying goes something like this, “ You get what you pay for,” and it is so true.
Why would a successful wedding photographer be the lowest bidder for your special day? Maybe he or she is just starting out?
Well, that means he or she has little or no experience. When things aren’t perfect. Can they handle the pressure?
When was the last event you attended perfect?
Something always goes wrong.
That is when you want an experienced wedding professional.

4) Bait and switch.
Did you ask if the wedding photographer’s work that you are seeing as examples, will be the wedding photographer onsite the day of your wedding? Get that in the contract or you could end up being the practice wedding for the newest assistant.

5) Experience and credentials.
Did your wedding photographer study photography in college or is this a hobby and they bought an expensive camera that they don’t quite know how to use?
Way too many brides end up disappointed with their wedding pictures because they hired someone who wasn’t qualified, but thought they were. Do not end up disappointed with your wedding pictures. Do your research.

Lastly, if a wedding is the hardest assignment that your wedding photographer has ever shot, beware. A great photographer is versatile, they can photograph just about anything. Experience is something you can't just have, it takes time and it shows in the photographs.

6) Contract for an album.
Too many brides think that they will have plenty of time and energy to put an album together to save money. Normally, this just never happens. How many friends do you know that didn't purchase an album have made their own? A year after the wedding? Two years? It's an overwhelming task that few can overcome. Why?
First choosing 40-60 images is really hard, especially if you have never edited photos before. You end up frustrated and without an album.
Secondly, you end up trying to make everyone happy. So, gridlock can and often does occur.
Contract for an album and let the wedding professional design a beautiful story that flows and presents your wedding day pictures in the way it deserves.

7) Not reserving Michael Kitada Photography.
Michael has over 20 years in the photography field with 17 years as a staff photographer for the Orange County Register and also 10 simultaneous years as a wedding photojournalist. Capturing moments, not posed and stiff brides and grooms in Orange County, Southern California and the nation for the past 10 years. Your wants and needs are met and crafted into a package that resonates with the special day that you deserve. For more information: www.michaelkitada.com

Cameron & Raechel Coyote Hills

2009-06-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

First Look
I was able to put a first photo of Raechel from her wedding on 6.7.09. One light inside the venue as the party raged on(The Cupid Shuffle was in high gear, and Tara and I were able to create some beautiful images of a lovely bride. Congrats to the new couple, who are headed to Jamaica! More to come. M

ICS Year 2008-2009

2009-06-04T17:20:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!

Kyle & Kristen's Album

2009-05-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

A lovely wedding at The Hyatt Huntington Beach

Kim&Brandon's video

2009-05-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

Kim & Brandon

2009-05-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

George Key Ranch in Placentia was the site for the wedding of Kim and Brandon on May 16th. A special couple who had a great wedding with their closets friends and family in attendance. I was honored just to be there to document this lovely day. Enjoy!

another ritz...half moon bay

2009-05-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

a few images from my latest wedding the weekend of May 2nd. A very special couple, on a very unique day. All my best...

a few shots from the ritz laguna niguel...

2009-05-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

a few images for some special people...

Robin & Gary

2009-03-31T14:34:00.001-07:00

Lynn & John E-session

2009-03-31T13:39:00.001-07:00

NLT

2009-03-19T00:25:00.001-07:00

Jacob and Jenya Engagement Session

2009-03-12T22:07:00.001-07:00

We met at the airport and the rain was crashing down around us. Fortunately, we were in a bubble all day long. Regardless of where we went, The Golden Gate Bridge, The Beach or The Palace of Fine Arts the rain moved on. A great couple who are planning on being wed in May. Best, Mike

Pelican Hills Resort

2008-12-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

I recently photographed the opening of the new Pelican Hills Resort in Newport Coast. Beautiful, the Irvine Company really planned and constructed a place of incredible beauty. Here's just a few vignette, including the first guest who arrived in a vintage '53 Pink Cadillac.

Amabel and Jesse

2008-12-01T09:03:00.001-08:00

Here's a few from my most recent wedding. Amabel and Jesse called and had a unique wedding. They were already married, but wanted to baptize their daughter. To be baptized in the Catholic church, the parents must be married in the church, so they got married and turned around and baptized their daughter. It was actually a lovely ceremony. We had some time for photos before they headed off to their reception and we had a great time. I was able to capture some very real moments with a bride and groom who had been married already for a number of years, but their love came through in their images. I hope you agree. Enjoy!

Welcome Sienna!

2008-11-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

How time flies! Heather and Paul were married in May of 2007 and now they have a 4 month old little girl named, Sienna. I had a wonderful time seeing them and catching up and photographing their pride and joy. Here's a couple of images from their session.

Kristen & Kyle Tate The Hyatt Huntington Beach

2008-11-05T16:31:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday morning after some brief showers, Kristen and Kyle Tate were wed at a beautiful ceremony at The Hyatt Huntington Beach.

A Time To Give....Coast Magazine November Issue

2008-11-03T18:43:00.000-08:00

Well, a few weeks back I posted an image from a shoot for Coast Magazine. Here's the link for this month's issue for the article entitled, "A Time To Give." I'm very excited about this article and the space they gave my photography. Thanks for taking a look and thank you to Jessica the writer, Lisa the managing editor and Justine the editor for shining a light on one aspect of the needy and those doing something about it in Orange County.

http://coast.godengo.com/Coast-Magazine/November-2008/A-Time-to-Give/

Kyle, Chelle & Jeremiah

2008-10-20T12:33:00.001-07:00

Shot my annual family photos of Kyle and Chelle and their son Jeremiah. Remember M&M's when photographing anyone under the age of 2 (or any other potentially cranky subjects). Actually, Jeremiah was a perfect subject and was rewarded with playtime at the park. Thanks for making it such a successful shoot, M, K & J. :)

Kristen & Kyle 11/1/08

2008-10-17T22:15:00.000-07:00

Just a last minute update for a very fun couple who are getting married November 1st. Almost there. :)

Holiday Table

2008-10-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is what your holiday table could look like if you bought one of the homes in Newport Coasts Tides Model Homes. I did a shoot for Coast magazine featuring The Tides which overlook Crystal Cove beach. Amazing homes, you think you were transported to Tuscany. All the crystal came from South Coast Plaza and check back for all the cool people that helped with the shoot. The holidays are coming. Enjoy the weekend!

2008-10-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

I was hired to shoot some portraits at local charitable food banks and kitchens. Giving is way down and the need is way up. Hopefully, with exposure will come awareness which will lead to increased giving. I tried a couple of new techniques to make dramatic and eye-catching portraits. I'm happy with my results so far. The first photo is of the director of the Second Harvest Food Bank. The second image is of one of the area managers. Thanks for looking and enjoy!

BlueBoy

2008-10-04T15:05:00.001-07:00

Trying out another new technique that I'll be shooting on a freelance gig for Coast Magazine on charitable giving. Thanks to Sean for being my model, plus he uses the good ones for his Facebook.
The technique turns the background from a gray lifeless sky into a cool blue dramatic one. Then a simple snoot makes a mysterious portrait. I was hired to photograph some portraits for an upcoming story on some of the soup kitchens and food banks in the county. I'll post the website when it runs in November. Have a great rest of the weekend.

David and Vanessa

2008-09-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was a busy but productive day. Ended the day with a portrait shoot for David and Vanessa to celebrate their anniversary. The fog started to roll in underneath where we were and the clouds made an incredible backdrop. Wow. It was a beautiful end to a long day.

Wendy and Anthony's Engagement Shoot

2008-09-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

Engagement session in Santa Monica where the fog meant beautiful light with a fun couple. I'm looking forward to a very good shoot on their wedding day at the end of October. Enjoy!

Asayo & James

2008-09-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

Asayo and James Yi celebrated their wedding day at the South Coast Westin on Saturday. Friends and family came from as far as Toyko, Texas and Arkansas. An elegant ceremony, a great venue and sophisticated couple made for a great day. Thanks to Kelly Aguilar and Cheers to You!(Marla Lackey)for coordinating such a smooth day.