When planning a wedding, one of the most important things to consider is who to use as your wedding photographer. As you look through the phone book, consult with friends, or search the internet, you may get overwhelmed with the wide variety of prices, styles, and personalities you will find during your search. When you call a photographer to ask about his availability and prices, remember that while these things are important you are only scratching the surface. A working relationship with a photographer will include several face to face meetings, a financial relationship most likely with a contract, invaluable personal assistance on your wedding day, lots of phone calls, discussions about your photographs and how your album will be put together, the handling of reprint orders, vendor referrals, and most importantly the making of great photographs! You need to find a person who can carry this complex relationship through to a happy conclusion with good humor and professionalism. If they can deliver on time after all that, you’ve hit the jackpot!

So before calling the first photographer on your list, start by brainstorming a little. Get an idea of what exactly you are looking for, and that will be the basis for the process of elimination. Various criteria should include: What style of photography am I looking for? How many hours do I think the wedding will take? Would I like to have photos done at several locations? Would I like her to bring a backdrop? Am I looking for a wedding album for myself and/or my parents? Is online proofing important to me? Am I willing to sacrifice experience if I see a lower priced new photographer who seems to have talent? How much do I have to spend? Your budget will have a huge impact on the quality of photographer you are able to get. Experienced wedding photographers know through long experience how much work a wedding is, and they will almost always charge for it.

How can you tell a good wedding photographer? Start by looking at his work. If you like what he’s done, put him in the plus category. It doesn’t really matter what anybody else thinks because in the end, you are contracting him to make something for you to enjoy. Having said that, do take a look at the work of several photographers. You may be surprised at how your definition of what is good changes as you go through this process. The care taken to produce sample prints and albums is very likely the same care that will be used to produce your work. Is it all dusty? Are the prints faded? How is the color? What about sharpness? Are the prints cropped correctly? Are the mats and frames of good quality? Does this photographer have a logo and a contract? Does this photographer seem to know what she is doing? Most wedding photography is done as a small business. There is nothing wrong with this. Photographers tend to be independent minded and like to work for themselves. This does, however make it easy to go in and out of business. Consequently, this attracts many people who would like to be photographers. The difference is talent, practice, and a mind for business. Beware of Uncle _____ and his digital camera (I’m sure he means well). I have heard (and seen) many horror stories. You will also want to find someone whom you like. Photography is a personal service and a people business. You may want to use your photographer again to photograph your family. Finding a person you feel you can trust and refer with your family photography is worth their weight in gold.

Photography packaging can be very confusing. Whether it’s called Package A, or the Romantic Bridal Collection, photographers are trying to anticipate what you want. After all, they want to sell you some photography. Packages are used because they simplify the offer. If your head is spinning from all information you’ve heard, a package can be very helpful. Others will price their work a-la-carte. This does not necessarily mean it costs more, but it does involve you in the process of choosing exactly what you want. Whatever the pricing strategy is, remember you are not buying toasters! This photographer is the only one who can produce his pictures. If he really has the work, it will be obvious and he should charge for it. One great photograph is worth more than hundreds of out of focus, poorly exposed and printed snapshots. Ask a longtime married couple. You may see one or two larger portraits from the wedding hanging in their house. Those portraits are precious to them. They would grab them right after the kids if the house caught fire.

So if a photographer seems expensive to you, and you are not seeing GREAT photos in his portfolio, move on because he doesn’t have them. If his stuff is great, everything else checks, and if the price is in the ballpark for your budget then go for it! Your belief in him/her will translate into a positive relationship, which then translates into great wedding photographs. You can then go into the most important day of your life with the confidence that your precious memories will be preserved for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.
Print Add a Comment Back to All Articles