Selecting a wedding photographer
is one of the most important decisions you will make
throughout the entire wedding planning process. Wedding
pictures, if done well, will provide you with a lifetime
of joyous remembrance. You have one opportunity to
capture the precious moments of your wedding day, so
put much thought and consideration into the photographer
you hire.
Finding
a Photographer
You should start looking for a wedding photographer
about one year to six
months before the wedding. Start by asking family and
friends if they know
of a photographer with a good reputation in the field
of wedding
photography. You could also consult
the yellow pages of
your phone directory or ask for referrals from your
other wedding
professionals.
Plan on calling a number of different
photographers and ask them send you their wedding
package information. Compare all of the information
and decide on two or three photographers,
who are available on your wedding date, to meet and
interview in person. Don't forget to check out our
helpful list of interview
questions to ask when meeting
with photographers!
Expertise
& Experience
Make
sure the photographer you choose specializes in weddings.
Only
experienced wedding photographers know all the
nuances of photographing a
wedding: how to avoid problems, when to fade
into the background, and the
best way to compose a moment when working in
a crowd. Steer clear of
part-time photographers who only occasionally
handle weddings. They are
not likely to have the equipment and experience
of an expert in the field. Ask the photographers
how long they have been photographing weddings and
how many weddings they have done.
Check
Past Work & References
However you come in contact with a photographer,
bear in mind that the key
to judging expertise is to see past work. When
working with a large studio, make sure that the example
photos you
see are taken by the
photographer who will work your wedding. If a
photographer will not show
you examples of past work, then move on. Plan
on visiting several photographers to compare their
portfolios
and
prices.
Note: Many
photographers will show you a portfolio containing
their best pictures
from
a number
of different
weddings. You should also ask to see a complete
proof book or wedding album from a recent wedding to
see
if all
of
the
pictures taken are of consistent quality.
Consider Personality
While you are examining a
prospective photographer's work it is also important
to consider their personality. Since the photographer
will be with you the full day of your wedding, you
want someone whom both you and your fiancé like.
A good wedding photographer is a
friendly, take-charge person who will be able to function
easily
and comfortably
in
a hectic atmosphere. Tactful persistence, a cooperative
nature, and organization are traits you will want to
see.
Some
questions to ask yourself while meeting the photographer
are as follows. Is the photographer friendly, patient,
and professional? Is the photographer
open
to your
ideas
and requests?
Do
you
trust that
he or she
will
be
able to
deliver
the
style and quality of pictures that you want?
Points for the Contract
Once you have selected
a photographer make sure that you get a contract
that includes every part of your agreement in
writing before you hand over your deposit. If your photographer
is
not willing
to
provide or
sign a written contract, move on. Here is a list
of items that should be included in the contract.
