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- Wedding Ideas & Advice for the Couple, Wedding Party and Guests
Snap To It!: How to Choose a Wedding Photographer
| Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. As the most remarkable day of your life comes to a close, you’ll always have memories…and photographs. Because of this choosing a photographer that meets your style, budget and needs is very important. Experts and married couples agree, never scrimp or settle on a photographer. Whatever your questions, concerns or budget, these tips will put you on the road to a fantastic photo finish! |
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Setting the Scene |
| Prior to meeting with a prospective photographer, discuss your expectations and needs with each other and your parents. Topics to consider: |
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Time: Although some photographers will shoot from the beginning of the day until the end of the reception for one flat fee, others offer a limited amount of time (seven hours, for example) with an additional cost per half hour. Decide where you want your photographer to begin (at the bride’s house or the ceremony site) and how many hours you need for the day. |
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Taste: Do you prefer color, black and white or both? Are you interested in sepia or hand-colored photographs? Do you favor traditional portraits, candid shots or documentary-style (a.k.a. photo journalistic)? |
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Who wants what?: Make a list of your needs and those of your parents. What kind of an album do you want? Do you need parent albums, folios or enlargements? Do you want a certain number of wallet-sized photos? You ultimately want to find a package deal that suits your individual needs. |
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Restrictions: Check with your ceremony and reception site about any photographic restrictions. Many churches, for example, ask that the photographer shoot from one place. Ask if a special flash is required to protect paintings. |
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Budget: The wedding day will come and go, but the photos should last forever. Even the most budget-conscious couples should remember: you get what you pay for. Set aside a generous portion of your budget for photography and allow yourself a little leeway. See as many photographers as you can - it will help you get a sense of quality vs. cost. |
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On Location - Questions to Ask |
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What is your educational background? |
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Do you belong to any professional associations? |
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How many years of experience do you have? Do you specialize in weddings? |
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What is your style/philosophy? |
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How much time can you give us on our wedding day? Is there an additional charge if you work overtime? |
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Who is responsible for transportation/costs? Will you travel from ceremony to reception on your own or would you like to join us in the limo? |
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Do you have an assistant? |
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What kind of camera/equipment/film do you use? |
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Do you have a back-up in case you can’t make it on our wedding day? |
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What packages are available? Is there any flexibility? |
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In addition to the albums you’ve shown us, can we see some examples of your most recent work? |
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What is the process after the wedding? How long before proofs are available? Who will we be dealing with? Will you help us in our selection? |
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Do we get to the keep proofs? Do we get to keep the negatives? If not, what will happen to them in the future? |
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May we update our order in the future? Are there any restrictions or additional expense for reprints? How long do you hold the negatives? |
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May we see references? |
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May we see what kind of albums you offer? |
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Do you take test shots/engagement photos before the wedding day? |
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Have you ever worked at our ceremony/reception site before? |
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Is there an on-site lab or do you send film out? Have you ever had problems with your lab? Is it in the local area? (Less chance of your film getting lost.) |
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Consider the photographer’s personality and temperament. How comfortable are you dealing with this person? Can he/she bring out the best in you? |
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Give prospective photographers a challenge and see how they would handle it. For example: “I’m a blinker” or “I’m very uncomfortable in front of the camera.” How will they work with you? |
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Proof |
| A photographer will most likely show you several albums of what he/she considers to be his best work. As you look at each photograph, take note of the following: |
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What has the photographer captured here? Do they bring out the best in their subjects? |
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Does the album tell a story? |
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Is there a nice range? |
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Consider quality of prints. Can you make out details in the bride’s dress? Are the photos grainy or out of focus? |
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Would you be happy with this wedding album? |
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Exposed! Beware of these tricks and obstacles: |
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Direct vs. studio: For the budget-conscious, consider going to a photographer directly. Keep in mind that when you deal with a studio, you pay the photographer, the salesperson, the receptionist and the studio owner. Studios have their benefits, but a well-recommended photographer can be a wonderful and less-expensive alternative. |
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35 mm film: 35 mm film makes things easier for the photographer—not for you. The camera is easier for them to carry and the film is cheaper to process, but you can see a difference in quality. It’s perfectly acceptable for a photographer to use a 35 mm camera for candids and even for some black and white shots, but not exclusively. |
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Negatives: Think carefully before trying to purchase your negatives. They may be safer in the photographer’s possession. |
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Black and white vs. color film: If you request black and white photos, does the photographer shoot in black and white film or does he/she shoot in color and convert to black and white? The quality is poorer if he/she does the latter. |
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Contact lenses: Inform the photographer if you wear contact lenses. Some swear that it makes a difference. |
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Making it Official |
| Once you’ve decided on your photographer make sure to get every detail in writing. Also be sure to include a photo checklist, and it’s also a nice touch to provide the photographer with pictures of guests that you especially want him to capture on film. The above tips should help you find a picture perfect photographer. |
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Ideas & Advice Archives for the Couple
Ideas & Advice Archives for the Wedding Party
Ideas & Advice Archives for the Guests
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