subject: Things to Consider When Choosing Your Photographer [print this page] Things to Consider When Choosing Your Photographer
Choosing a good photographer is key when planning your wedding. It should be the one thing you spend a little extra on in order to get a quality photographer. After your wedding is over, your guests go home, the decorations come down, the flowers wilt, and all you have left of your special day are the pictures that have been taken by this photographer. This is why being frugal in this area is a bad idea. You could end up with poor quality pictures, the photographer could have missed very important shots, and overall you could be disappointed.
Family and friends should also never be in charge of photography duties. Whether they are a professional or amateur photographer who ends up with pretty good photos now and then, they want to enjoy your special day and not be burdened by all the responsibility of being the wedding photographer. And even if they're willing to do it, you want to ensure that your pictures are taken by a professional, because these pictures will last forever. If something happens and the pictures taken by that friend of family member don't turn out, what would this do to your relationship with them?
There are several things to consider when choosing your wedding photographer:
Ensure the photographer you're talking to will be the one at your wedding Often photography companies have several photographers working for them, you don't want to be expecting one photographer and end up with another.
Experience level Is this photographer experienced with photographing weddings? Is this a full time job or just a side photography business?
Previous Work Ask the photographer to see a full album from a wedding. Often in their portfolios they only show the best work, what about the other photos? Is their quality equally good?
Style Photographers shoot in different styling's; Formal, Classic, Candid, Black & White, Strictly Colour Shots. Which does the photographer prefer? And does this match what the type of pictures you'd like?
Personality & Appearance This photographer will be at your wedding. You don't want someone who's rude and poorly groomed to attend.
Delivery How long will it take to get the proofs, finished album, etc?
Packages Most photographers offer wedding packages. Does this package contain all the shots you're looking for? Or are there more pictures you'd like the photographer to take?
References Ask the photographer for a list of references and talk to each reference. If a photographer refuses to give references or has none, they are not likely the photographer you want to hire.
Pricing Is this photographer within your budget? Or good enough to adjust your budget accordingly?
Contract ALWAYS read your contract carefully! Are their additional charges for tax, travel, etc?
A wedding professional like myself can come in handy when searching for the right photographer for your wedding. With connections in the industry, I can help you find exactly what you're looking for within your budget.
