How To Choose The Right Wedding Photographer
Other than the birth of a child, there is probably no more photographed event than a wedding. And why not? A wedding is a milestone in the lives of two people who love each other so much that they are willing to make a lifelong commitment. It is not just a celebration for two: it is an event when multiple generations of both families come together along with precious friends and dear neighbors. Because having a visual record of your big day is so important, here are some tips for choosing the right wedding photographer.
-- Choose one who has extensive experience with weddings.
This may seem like an obvious tip, but really it's not. There are many professional photographers out there who take great shots of say, nature, but know nothing about creating a wedding album. Insist on hiring someone who knows how to shoot weddings right. One of the biggest mistakes that a couple makes is to try to save money by hiring someone less experienced- or worse- an amateur. Trusting memories to a professional wedding photographer is worth the money and many excellent ones charge extremely reasonable prices. Don't take shortcuts on this one.
-- Peruse his online portfolio.
Most wedding photographers worth their salt now have beautiful websites where prospective clients can watch slide shows of the artist's work and get a feel for the photographer's personal sense of style and what aspect of the wedding he tends to emphasize. For example, do you like candid shots as well as more formal ones? Then choose a photographer who includes charming behind-the-scenes shots and captures poignant moments between family members effectively. Make sure your style matches the photographer's.
-- Ask for references.
Buying a wedding photography and video package is a big investment. If you are undecided between several candidates and need a little more information to help you make a final pick, ask for references. A good photographer will keep a list of recent clients handy for prospective clients to use. Make sure to actually call the previous clients and ask them about their experience with the photographer and their satisfaction level with the finished product. It's perfectly ok to protect your investment by asking lots of questions.
-- Trust your gut.
Your wedding photographer will be an integral part of your big day as he sets about recording the important event for posterity. Does he have a pleasing personality, and do you get along well? Is he someone whom you won't mind mingling with your friends and family? Does he listen to your suggestions and add some ideas of his own?
Take your time in selecting a wedding photographer that you can work with and whom you feel you can really trust with your most precious memories.
-- Choose one who has extensive experience with weddings.
This may seem like an obvious tip, but really it's not. There are many professional photographers out there who take great shots of say, nature, but know nothing about creating a wedding album. Insist on hiring someone who knows how to shoot weddings right. One of the biggest mistakes that a couple makes is to try to save money by hiring someone less experienced- or worse- an amateur. Trusting memories to a professional wedding photographer is worth the money and many excellent ones charge extremely reasonable prices. Don't take shortcuts on this one.
-- Peruse his online portfolio.
Most wedding photographers worth their salt now have beautiful websites where prospective clients can watch slide shows of the artist's work and get a feel for the photographer's personal sense of style and what aspect of the wedding he tends to emphasize. For example, do you like candid shots as well as more formal ones? Then choose a photographer who includes charming behind-the-scenes shots and captures poignant moments between family members effectively. Make sure your style matches the photographer's.
-- Ask for references.
Buying a wedding photography and video package is a big investment. If you are undecided between several candidates and need a little more information to help you make a final pick, ask for references. A good photographer will keep a list of recent clients handy for prospective clients to use. Make sure to actually call the previous clients and ask them about their experience with the photographer and their satisfaction level with the finished product. It's perfectly ok to protect your investment by asking lots of questions.
-- Trust your gut.
Your wedding photographer will be an integral part of your big day as he sets about recording the important event for posterity. Does he have a pleasing personality, and do you get along well? Is he someone whom you won't mind mingling with your friends and family? Does he listen to your suggestions and add some ideas of his own?
Take your time in selecting a wedding photographer that you can work with and whom you feel you can really trust with your most precious memories.
