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How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

With the advent of computers, DVD's and CD's, you now have the opportunity to have your photos in a format that is almost indestructible. They do not wear and fade as in times past. You can save your wedding photos for your children, your children's children and so on throughout the generations. Choosing an appropriate photographer that knows your taste and style is important.

If you are using a wedding service that comes with a built-in photographer, this is even more important. Do they have any training, if so, what kind and with whom? Look at their photographs, do you like the style, quality, selection options?

Who is the photographer? Is he a loud, run on talker or a pleasant, yet fun low key individual thoroughly professional? Obviously you want someone who can work behind the scenes in a quiet, respectful manner. Ask about attire. Will the photographer wear clothing suitable to the type of wedding you have in mind and blend in?

Does the photographer offer an in-house, phone or in-depth email consultation with you and primary family members? Will this work for you? Are parents encouraged to enter the conversation if you want them to?

Setting time aside on your wedding day for photography is directly related to the type and quality of photos you will eventually receive. Often bringing main family members, especially parents into the conversation makes a major difference in not only getting all the photos you want and family members prefer but allowing it to happen in an organized and stress free manner.

Questions to explore with your professional photographer include:

Can I have classical posed pictures or are they all photojournalistic? Photojournalism is realistic and fun but many of the pictures we use to frame our walls are still classically taken, even if they portray movement and a fun element. Does the photographer understand composition, facial analysis, lighting, which re the marks of a truly professional photographer. Many of today's photographers offer photojournalism because they do not know the basics. Five hundred photos may be nice but it is not about the number of photos but the quality and substance. A significantly smaller number taken with more care may be substantially more valuable to you than 450 meaningless photos. Get the photos you want, make a list so that no one who is important to you is left out, then add the candids.

Does the photographer want to please you or is he/she only adamant that things must be done is a pre-described manner?

What do you want to spend? Does the photographer have a package in your price range. How much must you pay to get good value? Sometimes spending a little more than planned is your wisest decision. If you shop just on price, you could get a poor investment and your photos are an investment. Flowers fade, linens impress for short moments, passing images fade in memory. So much happens on your wedding day that at the moment may seem like a blur. Spending more money on photographs may be your wisest decision as they outlive most other expenditures and serve as an enriching crystallized memory. At this time the average spent on wedding photography is approximately $1800-2900. Families are spending more to preserve a lifetime of memories. 

Is retouching included in the photos?  Is it included or an extra charge?

How long will they be hosted on line for family members to purchase them? How much are extra 8 x 10's of the same photos? Can I have any photo done in black and white or sepia or just some? Does the photographer offer other special effects?

Does hairstyle and make-up affect photography to any great extent? Yes, unquestionably!  Make-up should be blended from the jaw line smoothly onto the neck.  Any sharp demarcation of skin tones will be picked up in your photos. Eye color is often a problem especially if it is white or sparkles in any way.  Eye color should be subtle and blended. Long soft curls may be nice but create unflattering shadows on the sides of your face. Work with your stylist and try new or different looks well in advance.  

Beauticians often go over their allotted time on your wedding day creating stress and unnecessary havoc with time schedules. Trying out your style in advance will help. Leave yourself extra time but have your beautician guarantee to get you out in time for your photos as to not create more anxiety than you or others need.

If you want something about your face, body de-emphasized or emphasized, does the photographer understand what you are talking about and does he offer suggestions? If not, he may not know the answers.

Where do you want to place the emphasis on your photography- the bridal couple, faces, feelings, the family, the wedding party? Be sure the photographer knows your mindset by telling him ahead of time.

When will the photos be taken on the wedding day? Not knowing ahead of time can create stress and disruption. Do you want most of the photos taken just before the ceremony or after the ceremony when you can get away to a quiet place? Have you designated someone to be in charge of making sure the photographer gets the pictures of the persons who really matter to you? Often the photographer doesn't know the guests personally, so an attendant or friend will be a real asset here along with your list of who should be included and not left out. Your photographer cannot be expected to know who the important people are, so a list and perhaps an attendant from both the brides and groom's side should bring those people to the photographer. The photographer cannot possibly have time to locate specific people, especially when he doesn't know them.

Do you want the groom to see you before the wedding? This can be the most peaceful time for taking private romantic portraits of just the two of you. If not, can the two of you slip away after the ceremony and have enough time to get them. You must allow for time to get good photos. Often getting the family and bridal party together before the ceremony can be fun and relaxing. It can help eliminate the tension that often occurs afterwards. It's a time when hair do and makeup are fresh and your eyes are twinkling with excitement. If most of your posed photos are taken care of prior to the ceremony, except for the occasional random shot, you will be free to enjoy being with your guests,. Family members will also be more accessible prior to the ceremony and not wandering off somewhere. 

The quality of your photographs will be in direct proportion to your co-operation with the photographer. The rapport that you establish right from the first meeting will eventually affect each and every memory you have your wedding day that is captured. If you rush the photographer, or family members become unavailable at key times, it will reflect in your pictures and it will not be the fault of the photographer. Plan with your photographer ahead of time. I can't say this enough!

How do you want to handle special requests by guests to have their picture taken professionally? At whose expense should these pictures be made? Do you want to be responsible for guests asking to have their pictures taken or do you want the photographer to deal individually and directly with them? 

What about well-meaning guests who want to take pictures over the shoulder of the professional photographer?  Deal with this with the photographer ahead of time. Flashes going off from other cameras and people getting in the way may spoil your photos. You could schedule five minutes for others to take your picture then ask them to either take photos of each other now or put their cameras aside while the photographer works.

What about equipment?  Does the photographer bring back up equipment? Will their be an assistant? If the photographer works all day, you will need to feed him to retain full strength to complete the job correctly. 

What happens if one side cancels? What is the policy?

If you book your date today, how many days do you have to reconsider without penalty?  Thirty days from booking is often a fair standard.

Who is paying for the photos?  Be sure to include in all discussions the person who is paying the bill. Include also parents if possible. How often people say they do not have a good photo of themselves with a grand parent, parent or other key family member? How often do you have an opportunity to get those photos....again, make your list.

Remember the joy of your ultimate wedding collection of photos will live on much longer than the amount of money and time invested. Planning will take away much of the stress and your photos will be a lasting treasure after much else has faded from memory.