Selecting Your Photographer for Your Wedding
One of the most important choices a couple will make is the selection of their wedding photographer.
There are so many things to decide like the dress, decor, food, location, music, etc. But the choice of your photographer is one of the most important since your pictures are often one of the most lasting and cherished memories from one of life’s major events.
We’ve all heard horror stories about photographers creating lousy images, or not producing anything at all. By taking the time to do some research you can be assured of choosing someone who will not only deliver great photographs, but who can make you feel great about your choice and remove at least one worry from a day filled with stresses.
If any of your friends have gotten married in recent years , so find out who shot their wedding and if they were happy with the results. You’ll likely get some good references this way, so contact the photographers who did a great job for your friends.
It also pays to do some research yourself. Do an internet search for local wedding photographers – here in the capital city of Alberta Canada, you’d want to search for Edmonton Wedding Photographers. You can also do a search for something like Edmonton photography. You’ll get hundreds of results, so concentrate on those shown on the first few pages. When you visit the different websites, you’ll get a feel for each photographer’s style. Send an email to as many as you like. How they answer is a good indication of how professional they are. Are the replies professional and written clearly? Have they provided any other examples or references?
Next, set up interviews with the photographers who create the sytle of photography you want and who are in your budget. When you meet with the photographer, they’ll show you sample pictures and albums. How they treat you during this interview (when they are trying to sell you on their services) is a good example of what you can expect if you hire them. Are they friendly, or are they condescending? Do they seem warm, or are you uncomfortable working with them?
They should have an agreement for you to review. Take your time to read it, because it outlines what is expected of you and them. The agreement is also for your benefit, too. Even though your are committing to pay them, it also commits them to provide the services you have discussed.
Here are a few other thoughts that should help your photographer get the best photographs during your wedding:
1. Make a list of the most important photos you want and give it to the photographer before the wedding.
2. Make sure you know WHO is going to photograph your wedding. If the main photographer isn’t going to be the actual photographer at your wedding, find out who will – and be sure to see their personal portfolio before you commit to hiring them.
3. Assign a family member or close friend to be the photographer’s liason who can point out all the important family members who you want to be sure to get pictures of.
4. Ask the photographer to come to the rehearsal so they will be familiar with where they can get the best shots without getting in the way.
5. Pre-plan where the formal and informal photographs will be taken.
6. Find out if the photographer provides finished prints, albums, thank-you cards and similar services after the wedding. These can be valuable extras that will enhance your wedding day memories and many photographers have excellent resources for these items that are of higher quality than the public can get.
By following these suggestions you won’t have to worry about your photographer. You’ll be able to enjoy your wedding day with the knowledge that you’ll have many memorable photographs to enjoy for the rest of your life.
The author is a professional photographer who specializes in wedding and portrait photography in Edmonton, Alberta.
This entry was posted on Monday, July 27th, 2009 at 6:27 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.