Choosing your Photographer
Here are a few tips on how to choose a wedding photographer. Click on each linked subject to expand our views.
Can you trust them?
Do you think they are reliable enough to carry out the job?
How smart do they dress?
Good photographers will want to blend in with your guests and not stand out like a sore thumb! Scruffiness is a no no, and beware of photographers who dress in loud colours that shout out... 'HERE I AM !!! '
Are your prospective photographers fit and energetic enough to cover a full day and evening?
This may seem an odd point but believe me, being on ones feet for hours carrying around 2 or 3 cameras, constantly sizing up for the next image takes a lot of physical and mental effort!
Do you feel comfortable with them?
Do you feel at ease in their company? Building up a rapport with each other is key to having quality, relaxed photographs. A lot of photographers offer to take their clients on a complimentary pre-shoot.. Which we believe is absolutely invaluable for getting to know one another, building up your confidence in front of the lens and last but not least finding out how you look on film. You will be able to judge your photographer from the results... Any misgivings then go elsewhere...
Female photographers have the advantage over male photographers...
This is true during the morning preps. Gail always works with the bride in the morning and I with the guys. Brides always feel more comfortable with this arrangement.
Consistent Quality
At the initial meeting ask to see a proof book or a full set of images [ everything taken] to look for quality and consistency- it is easy to create a few good images at each wedding. But to create 400 or 500 excellent images at every wedding is another matter!!
Insist on viewing full albums
At least 2 or 3. A good photo essay will be filled with emotion and atmosphere- Ask yourself: Do the images move you ? Does the narrative make sense and cover the full day? Can you feel the ambience and the romance of the day?
Good photographers create good photographs- they do not simply happen! Look for emotion and consistency.
Is the style of imagery what you want?
If not go elsewhere. If you are looking for 'natural', 'reportage' imagery then check through their portfolio for images where the subject is unaware of the camera and not posing! If they offer reportage or documentary photography then ask them for their credentials in this field, What magazines and newspapers have they worked for or exhibitions they have had.
Be aware of image effects!!!
They go in and out of fashion very quickly.
For instance when digital imagery came on the scene it was all the rage to keep the colours in the flowers and reduce the rest of the image to black and white, at the time it looked great, but look at it now and hmmmm cheesy.
Quality imagery does not need 'jazzing' up. Effects should only be used to add to an image, not to make an average image look better than it is, the effect will inevitably ' wear off ' very quickly.
Presentation and print quality
All images , design and Album quality should be up to your expected standards- Flimsy lightweight albums may look good but are they built to last?
What arrangement do they have in case of illness?
Photographers who work in pairs can cover each other. Solo photographers have not got that luxury, ask them if they have cover, [ an assistant, or fellow pro for instance] but keep in mind that it would be very difficult to get cover from a quality professional at short notice as they also get booked up years in advance]. If they do not have a plan B then do you get a full refund? And get it in writing!
It takes time to evaluate a photographers work. Look closely at the images and do not be rushed into signing on the dotted line! If they are pushy now then what will they be like on your wedding day!!!
Finally, Choose photographers that you get on with and who are fun... Remember your wedding day is a celebration and anyone you hire for the day should be a positive addition!!!