Selecting Your Photographer To Shoot Your Wedding
One of the most important choices a bride and groom will make is the selection of their wedding photographer.
There are so many things to decide like the dress, decor, food, location, music, etc. Many couples feel the choice of your photographer is one of the most important since your pictures will be one of the most lasting and cherished memories from one of life’s major milestones.
We’ve all heard horror stories about studios doing a less than perfect job, or not delivering anything at all. By taking the time to do some research you can be assured of choosing someone who will not only deliver great photographs, but who can make you feel great about your choice and remove at least one worry from an event filled with stresses.
If any of your friends have been married in recent years . Why not ask them who shot their wedding and if they were happy with the results. You’ll probably get some good references this way, so contact the photographers who did a great job for your friends.
It also pays to do some research yourself. Search Google or another search engine for local wedding photographers - here in the capital city of Alberta Canada, you would search for Edmonton Wedding Photographers. You can also do a search for something like Edmonton photography. Either way, you’ll get hundreds of results, but look at those shown on the first few pages. By visiting the websites listed, you’ll get a feel for each photographer’s style. Contact as many as you like. How they answer is a good indication of how professional they are. Are the replies professional and written clearly? Have they provided any other examples or references?
Next, set up interviews with the photographers who create the sytle of photography you want and who are in your budget. When you meet with the photographer, they’ll show you a portfolio of their work. How the photographer treats you during this interview (when they are trying to sell you on their services) is a good example of what you can expect at your wedding. Are they friendly, or are they condescending? Do they seem warm, or are you uncomfortable with how they treat you?
They should have an agreement for you to review. Take your time to read it, as it outlines what is expected of you and them. The agreement is for your protection, too. While it commits you to pay them, it also commits the photographer to provide the services you have discussed.
Here are a few additional ideas that will help your photographer get the best shots for you:
1. Create a list of the must-have photos you want and provide it to the photographer before the wedding.
2. Make sure you know WHO is going to photograph your wedding. If the main photographer isn’t going to be the actual photographer at your wedding, find out who will - and ask to see their personal portfolio before you commit to anything.
3. Assign a family member or close friend to be the photographer’s liason who can point out all the important family members who you want to be sure to get pictures of.
4. Ask the photographer to come to the rehearsal so they will be familiar with where they can get the best shots without getting in the way.
5. Pre-plan where the formal and informal photographs will be shot.
6. Find out if the photographer provides finished prints, albums, thank-you cards and similar services after the wedding. A professional photographer can provide these additional services that will enhance your wedding day memories and many photographers have excellent resources for these items that are of higher quality than the public can get.
By following these suggestions you won’t need to worry about your wedding photography. Just enjoy your wedding day with the knowledge that you’ll have many wonderful photographs to enjoy for the rest of your life.
The author is an accomplished professional photographer who specializes in wedding and portrait photography in Edmonton, Alberta.
