DON’T SKIMP ON YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY! There are no
licenses required to be a wedding photographer. There are no governing
bodies overseeing the profession. ANYONE with a camera and some business
cards can proclaim to be a “professional wedding photographer.” There
are literally hundreds of photographers out there from which to choose.
The best sources you have for making this selection are your instincts and
common sense and, of course, references from friends!
GOOD PHOTOGRAPHERS BOOK UP EARLY! In general, the
most skilled photographers book up to one year or more in advance. The
busiest months are no longer only May and June. These days, September,
October, and November have become just as popular and fill up well ahead
of time. All serious photographers will require a substantial deposit to
reserve the day to insure they don’t turn away other possible bookings.
For this reason, it doesn’t pay to leave to chance booking a
photographer whose work you have seen and loved, just to look around some
more. If you meet with a photographer you really think you want, keep in
mind the old adage “he who hesitates is lost.”
MEET WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WILL ACTUALLY BE THE
ONE TAKING THE PHOTOGRAPHS! It is vitally important for you to meet
with the actual person who will be with you on your wedding day taking the
photos, and to see examples of his own personal photography. Many
photographers either have multiple photographers employed, or hire “part-timers”
to fulfill contracts for them. This way they can book several weddings for
the same day to increase profits. This is good for THEM, but not
necessarily good for YOU. Don’t leave to chance the matter of WHO will
actually be photographing your wedding, and what does THAT PERSON’S work
look like! You want to be certain that you feel comfortable with the
person who will be at your wedding AND that their own work is up to the
standards you expect for your photos.
RAPPORT WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER! The photographer
you select will be with you for almost the entire day. Therefore, it is
important that you feel relaxed and comfortable with this person. If you
don’t, your attitude toward the photographer can really show up in the
photographs. When you are meeting with different photographers, take note
of how you feel being with them, as well as how you like their
photographs. If you notice that his photographs stir emotions in you—make
you laugh or touch you—it means there was strong chemistry between the
photographer and the people in attendance at that wedding. A HUGE part of
a photographer’s job is to make people feel at ease and responsive to
him. If the EXPRESSION isn’t there in the photographs, it’s very
likely the ENTHUSIASM and SENSITIVITY wasn’t there in the photographer!
It is also important to decide how involved you want the photographer to
be in your day. Do you want someone orchestrating the whole day, or would
you prefer to have a photographer who works quickly and efficiently
throughout the formal session, and then remains unobtrusive and thorough
at the reception? Let the photographers you interview KNOW how you feel
about this very important issue. The photographer should respond to your
wishes and requests, not tell you how THEY always do it regardless of what
you want.
CAMERA EQUIPMENT IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE PERSON
CLICKING THE SHUTTER! The best cameras in the world are useless in the
hands of an inept photographer. Conversely, most quality camera equipment
can be turned into an artist’s paintbrush by a creative, talented, and
experienced photographer. There is a lot of talk
these days about film vs. digital. You shouldn't worry about it too much.
The main thing to ask is whether or not you like the photographer's work
and style. Are the images you are viewing sharp, properly exposed, and do
they have good tonal range? Or are they slightly soft, washed out, or
grainy? It is your reaction to the photography itself that counts! Did
anybody ask Monet what size brush he used?
QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHY TAKES TIME! Beautiful,
creative photographs take time to produce. You MUST allow sufficient time
in planning your day for the pre-ceremony and post-ceremony sessions. Have
you considered seeing each other before the ceremony, thereby getting all
the formal sessions over with so that you are free to enjoy the rest of
the day? The BEST photographers will require at least an hour for the
pre-ceremony session, and (depending on the size of the groups involved)
from 30 minutes to one hour for the post-ceremony photos. This is NOT
snapshot photography—time is needed to pose groups, arrange the gown, and
achieve expressions. Also, the better photographers will take several
shots of each pose to assure good results. If a photographer tells you it
can be accomplished in 10-15 minutes, don’t expect much in the way of
results! (Unless you feel you don’t need all the usual family
combinations.) It is YOUR responsibility to be on time for the
pre-determined photo shoot and to YOUR disadvantage to cut the time
allowed by being late or disorganized. Make absolutely sure that your hair
and makeup person will finish on schedule so as not to cut into your
photography time. Also, florists can delay the start
of the photography session by being late, so be certain to remind your
florist repeatedly to have all the flowers delivered and labeled, and all
decorating finished at least ½ hour before the start of the photography!
Ask your florist if he will be available to distribute the flowers and pin
on boutonnieres. If not, who will do this for you? Florists don’t stick
around for this function unless prior arrangements have been made.
FULL-TIME PHOTOGRAPHERS VS. PART-TIMERS! The only
thing you need to remember here is that when the photographer’s entire
livelihood depends upon their reputation as a wedding photographer, they
have a vested interest in doing the most complete and satisfying job for
you as possible. There are part-time photographers who are quite
accomplished and capable of doing a good job for you, but they have less
to worry about if anything goes wrong. ALWAYS ASK FOR REFERENCES! If
anyone hesitates to provide you with references, it would be a good idea
to look elsewhere, as a photographer with wonderful references is eager
for you to talk with them!
A CHECKLIST OF MOST WANTED PHOTOGRAPHS AND FAMILY
STRUCTURE QUESTIONNAIRES ARE HELPFUL! The best photographic session is
an ORGANIZED and EFFICIENT session. Most photographers will ask you to
provide them with a list of your “most wanted” photographs, or give
you some sort of form to fill out giving the details of both of your
families’ structures, a schedule of the day, and a list of other vendors
with whom to coordinate. Doing this gives the photographer a complete
overview of the day, and aids in the smooth progression of your entire
photographic experience. Brides, grooms, and their families are generally
keyed up and excited, and sometimes even tense and anxious. The choice of
the right photographer can help insure that the occasion goes well and is
truly enjoyable.
