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Choosing a Wedding Photographer Choosing a
wedding photographer may be one of the most important decisions you
will make when planning your wedding. After the celebrations are
over and the guests are gone, the images of the most important day
of your life will become treasured memories.
Begin looking early, because many of the better photographers book
their dates far in advance. When making your decisions, try to have
a good idea of what photography style appeals to you most, i.e..
photojournalistic, traditional, or a fine art look.
Talk to friends and relatives for recommendations-ask to look at
their wedding albums.
There are also reception sites, florists and caterers that would be
happy to refer photographers that they have worked with in the past.
Take time viewing the photographers work. Look through their
portfolios to see their style, quality and creativity. Ask to see a
complete wedding and not just the ”best of” shots to give you a
better idea of what full coverage entails. Ask what type of camera
they use and do they have back up cameras and lighting in case of
equipment failures.
Make sure the he or she explains in detail what your contract
covers. What type of package plan you are getting and what is
included. What are the costs for the extra
add-ons? Find out if the photographer that you decided on will
be the one who will actually be taking your photographs and not a
staff photographer. Keep in mind, although you are hiring a
professional for his or her expertise, see that they can be flexible
to give you what you are looking for...it's your wedding day!
Lastly, consider the photographer’s personality and approach.
Choose someone you are comfortable with because they will be like a
shadow on the most personal and intimate day of your life. Once your
wedding day has come and gone, your will have only three things from
your wedding that will actually increase in value - your love for
one another - your wedding rings - and your wedding photographs.
Your wedding pictures are priceless!
Hiring a Photographer
Experience Level - Has this person photographed other weddings? Does
he/she do this for a living or for fun?
Photographic Style - Are the images that you are shown, what you would like
to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about
photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Do you want a
mixture of black and white or only color photos?
Truth in Advertising - Is this the photographer that will be
photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is
available. Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can
imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be
there and that you see HIS/HER work and meet with that individually
face to face.
Personality
- Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along
with? Is the "chemistry" there?
Appearance
- Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. Is this person
well groomed?
Price
Range - Although, the
last thing you want to do is shop by price, is this person within
your budget? If not, is he or she worth the price difference? Make
sure you understand what everything costs, including reprints and
albums.
Delivery
- How long does it take to get your proofs back, thank you cards,
your finished album, your bridal portrait, etc.?
Offering
- Whether it's a la carte or a package, do you understand what you
are getting? Is there any room for changes and will it cost to do
so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be
customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What
if you need more time? Make sure that you know what's coming.
Contract
- Do you understand the contract. Is it fair? Is everything spelled
out? When it comes down going to court, only what is WRITTEN really
counts, not what was promised. Make sure that you have no doubts
before signing. Read it ALL.
What about deposits and payments? What does it say about
cancellations and the photographer not being there? If the
photographer protests, ask him why? This is one area NOT to take
lightly. You could be disappointed for a long time.
References
- A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk.
Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out
personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid
to give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire. |
