
As the wedding season approaches again we wanted to share with you a blog series about choosing the right photographer for your wedding. I know it may seem quick and easy to choose a photographer, but there are items that must be taken in consideration before making a costly decision. Keep in mind that after the wedding is done and you reflect back over that day your wedding photographs will be the primary source you will look at to remind you of that day. When you look back over your photographs you should feel that you made the right decision on choosing the wedding photographer.
Let’s face it, in great financial times or in a bad economy everyone wants to save money on their wedding day. As you plan your big day you will be presented with many opinions on saving money with wedding professionals. One common idea people believe that will save them money on wedding photography is hiring someone in the family who has a high grade camera like wedding professionals.
You think of the benefits:
- He or she has been shooting as a hobby
- They have taken photos that look nice
- They are a close relative
- They take a lot of shots which means I will get a lot of photos from the wedding
- They will save you a lot of MONEY!
It all sounds great but there are some important issues you must consider before making your decision.
Experience
A professional wedding photographer has experience in shooting weddings. There are so many changes that can happen in a wedding day. Even though people plan wedding days to go well there will be hiccups during the day that will change the course.
A wedding photographer can face the following:
- A planned sunny outdoor wedding can become an indoor wedding because of rain.
- A church officiate may not allow flash photography in a dark sanctuary or designate that the photographer remains in the back of the church.
- Finding a perfect location for photography in tight areas
- Attitudes from other attendees at the wedding
- Tight timelines for portraits
- Last minute photography requests
These are just a few. Remember, at weddings you cannot stop and rewind to capture missed moments. Once a moment happens they are gone. Your photographer must know how to handle these situations efficiently and handle the challenges without skipping a beat.
Emergencies
One of the dreaded things we don’t like to talk about at weddings is the plan of action should something go wrong. Your wedding photographer must have a plan of action for camera equipment malfunctions and the same is for anyone who serves you on your wedding day.
Always ask your potential wedding photographer do they have backup equipment for your special day.
Creativity
A professional wedding photographer has an “eye” for creativity and is why we consider photography an art. A typical person picking up a camera will only look at taking a shot from one view. Professionals have committed themselves to learning various creative ways of capturing weddings that will leave you in awe. It is one of the factors I wish I looked at when choosing my wedding photographer. If you are considering someone to shoot your wedding ask for a portfolio of weddings. Once you are presented with one, sit down and study the photographs. How does it make you feel when you look at his/hers photographs? Do you love their creativity?
Passionate
Professional wedding photographers feel that providing you a service is a calling that we are passionate about. Our primary concern on your wedding day is to make sure that you are happy with the photographs taken. We have studied how to make you look your best on your wedding day. When you invest in a wedding photographer you trust, someone who is in love with their craft, and will be committed to providing you service you will love.
Attitude and Work Ethics
Yes, he/she has great photographs, but how is their attitude and work ethics? There is nothing like having a photographer who has a horrible attitude and acts like a JERK!! As a professional photographer it is very important that I display a positive attitude and work ethic no matter where I am and what I do in the community.
As I close if you are still considering choosing a family member who is not a professional wedding photographer please ask these questions:
- Do they have back a backup camera?
- How do they handle pressure?
- Do they have experience in shooting weddings?
- How does it make you feel when you look at his/hers photographs? Do you love their creativity?
- Do you have a wedding contract with them?
- How will they deliver your wedding images to you?
- Does the person’s attitude reflect what you want to be around all day?
- How well do they work on projects?