Your wedding will probably be one of the most memorable and precious events in your life. So choosing a wedding photographer that you will be trusting to record your special day is no small task. Let's review some tips for choosing a wedding photographer you'll be happy with.
You should demand professionalism from your wedding photographer, even if you are having a family member or friend shoot the wedding for you. You'll only have one opportunity to capture wedding memories on film, so you should require the highest level of service and dedication. Wedding photography by a professional will likely seem expensive. Just remember you're not paying for a few hours of work, but rather a lifetime of memories.
Price should not be your only guide to choosing a wedding photographer. You should find someone experienced in taking both formal portraits and candid shots. Weddings are emotional events and there are multiple opportunities for casual photos that capture the essence of each special moment. An experienced wedding photographer who is sensitive to these opportunities will have a much better chance at catching and preserving these times.
Before you meet with any prospective wedding photographer, you should decide exactly what sort of pictures you would most get. Do you want mostly formal photographs, more candid pictures, or a balanced combination of both kinds? In most cases, this may be determined by the type of wedding you're having. Traditional weddings tend to look better in formal photographs. If your wedding is more casual, then a photographer with a more journalistic style may be better.
Do you want to go with digital wedding photography or stick with film? Will you be wanting any especially big enlargements? Do you want to have your pictures printed in color or black and white?
You should never book a wedding photographer without spending some time talking with him face-to-face. Weddings are stressful enough without have a bad-tempered wedding photographer. Chances are that if you like your wedding photographer and enjoy working with him, then your wedding photos will turn out better simply because you're more relaxed.
Review each prospective wedding photographer's portfolio. The work they have done in the past will be a good indicator of what they can do for you. Ask to see enlargements as well. Don't be shy about asking for references.
In advance of your wedding, you should provide your chosen wedding photographer with a time line of the day. Specify which events need photos and give him an idea of the type of photos you'd like. Allowing the wedding photographer to be more prepared will increase the odds that your finished pictures will meet your needs.
And what about price? The prices quote by a wedding photographer can vary drastically, from hundreds to thousands of dollars. It all depends on what services the photographer offers, what you're asking him to do, and what sort of equipment he needs to accomplish it.
Most wedding planners agree that you should first compare photographers based on their capabilities. Then, figure out which ones are most compatible with your personality. Then, and only then, should you compare prices. Choosing the lowest price from the beginning will not result in the kind of pictures you want of your wedding.
Regardless of which wedding photographer you choose, don't forget to include some disposable cameras on the tables at your reception. Sometimes those who know you best--that is, your guests--know exactly the right moment to snap a photo.
The wedding photographer you choose will be responsible for preserving your wedding on film, so choose wisely
