What to look for in a Wedding Photographer

by Rodney Lee Gibbons, Creative Arts Photography

To help guide you in making a more educated selection, below is a list of questions you may want to ask.

Is the photographer certified, and from what professional organization did he or she obtain their certification?

To be certified, a photographer must pass a written examination testing their knowledge of photography. In addition, examples of his or her work must reflect a certain level of expertise set forth by the organization. Most common is the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) certification given by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) or Worldwide Professional Photographers Association (WPPA). Look for a certificate on display.

What type of equipment does the photographer use, and what is the backup equipment, if any?

Many kinds of equipment, whether medium format or 35mm, produce good results. An experienced photographer can provide excellent coverage with either format. Medium format is preferred for portraiture photography due to its ability to produce good quality, sharp enlargements of 16x20" or larger. 35mm is preferred for photojournalistic (candid) photography where speed and portability are required to maintain an unobtrusive manner. Many brides like to select photographers who use both formats. A photographer should have a complete backup of every piece of equipment that will be used at the wedding.

How many weddings has the photographer covered, and how many have been similar to yours?

If you are planning, for example, an ethnic wedding where special ceremonies may take place, it may be important to know if the photographer has covered your kind of wedding before. If not, you may want to arrange a liaison, such as a relative or friend to guide the photographer to important people and moments throughout the day. This is especially helpful if they do not share a common language.

What are the photographer's references and credentials? How long has he or she been in business and where?

What is the photographer's education? Did he or she learn their art from college, trade school, apprenticeship, or just picked it up photographing weddings for friends? Has the photographer moved around a lot? The photographer should be able to provide at least three references from other weddings they have photographed.

Does the photographer attend the rehearsal or have a preplanning time at the location prior to the wedding?

Many photographers provide a list of suggested photos and attend the rehearsal to preplan and meet the family.

Does the photographer have a studio or other location where portraits can be taken on a separate day if needed?

You may want to have an engagement or casual portrait taken. You may prefer to have a bridal portrait taken on a separate day before the wedding when you are more relaxed and at your best and when more time is available.

Does the photographer provide a written proposal of prices on all items and services including albums, prints, extra time and travel, proofs, additional photos, casual or engagement sittings, etc.?

Some photographers give only verbal prices or estimated costs. Get all of your needs in writing.

Is the photographer flexible with prices, packages, times, locations (both indoor and outdoor), shooting style, etc.?

Is the person, whose work you review the same person who will photograph your wedding?

Many photographers hire assistants or subcontract their weddings. The samples you see at the initial meeting may not be the work of the actual photographer who will photograph your wedding. Also don't assume that photos appearing in brochures and handout materials are the photographers work. Many print shops, such as Marathon Press, Fuji and Kodak sell wedding brochures that the photographer can put his or her name on.

Does the photographer use a written contract or agreement, and what are the financial terms?

Always get a written contract whether the photographer is a professional or amateur. It confirms in writing the dates, times, locations, prices, financial arrangements, services included and whether items are subject to change. Up to a 50% retainer is usually required to secure the date, with the balance due prior to or on the wedding day.

What happens if the photographer cannot fulfill his or her obligation for any reason?

How long will it take to deliver previews, additional prints and albums?

How many pictures will be taken on the wedding day?

This is usually based on shooting style of the photographer or the package. Portrait style photographers tend to take less pictures since their style and packaging is based on shooting what sells. Photojournalistic style photographers tend to take considerably more pictures since their style is based on capturing the wedding story.

How long does the photographer keep the negatives, and are they available for purchase?

With today's technology, negatives do not have the value they once did, but it is important to know what will become of them if you ever decide you want access to them.

How long will the photographer be at your wedding, and will he or she be available for additional time if needed?

Some photographers try to contract more than one wedding or other event in a single day. This could make them unavailable for a sudden changes in time. There may be additional fees if the photographer is required to stay beyond the contracted time, or required to be available for sudden changes.

Does the photographer have a sample of a complete wedding that he or she has photographed?

Ask to see a proof album of a complete wedding if one is not presented. This will give you a better feel for the quality of the photography in different situations during the same wedding rather than an album of the best photography from different weddings.

Do you feel comfortable with the photographer?

Get to know your photographer. Meet more than once if necessary. Does he or she listen or talk a lot? Flexible or rigid? Does he or she direct or follow? Accommodating to your needs or set on his or her own way? If your gut instinct makes you uncomfortable with the photographer, there may be a good reason no matter how good things look on the surface. Of course it's always possible to have a bad day. Meet with them twice if you want to be sure.

What is his or her style when photographing the ceremony and events during the reception?

Does the photographer photograph the events as they happen or stage them? Where will the photographer be during the ceremony? What kind and how many cameras will be used during the ceremony? Will he or she abide by the rules of the church and officiator? How distracting or intrusive will photographer be?

When and where will formal portraits of wedding party, friends and family be taken: before the ceremony, before and after the ceremony, after the ceremony or at the reception?

How many lights, and what kind of light does the photographer use on the wedding day?

A single light source mounted on the camera will take a proper picture, but has a tendency to make the face look fat and washed out. An additional light carried by another person or mounted on a stand will model the light on the face giving it a more natural look, and reduce the effect of dark shadows and dark backgrounds. Natural light outdoors or from an open window, or soft light can give a very pleasant Rembrandt look when used properly.

What is the quality and flexibility of the albums?

Can you arrange your photos in any size or quantity you want or are you limited to certain sizes or pages? A forty-eight page album may look financially attractive, but be limited to forty-eight full page photos. Is there an additional fee for adding more photos or pages if needed? Will prints have a glossy, matte or semi-matte finish?

Does the photographer guarantee his or her work?

If you are unhappy with your album or pictures, what will the photographer do to make things right? Do your album and prints have any kind of warranty or guarantee?

How will you view your wedding pictures?

Does the photographer use paper proofs, put your proofs on CD ROM or video, or will they be projected at the studio? Do you get to keep the proofs or must they be returned? Is there an additional charge for proofs?

What kind of film does the photographer use, and where is it processed?

Professional films like Fuji NHG and Kodak VPH are designed with a higher quality of color saturation, exposure latitude, and fine grain, but have a shorter shelf life and must be used quickly while at their peak. Amateur films such as Kodak Gold are lower in quality with a longer shelf life for consumer use. Is the film being processed at the local "one hour lab", professional lab, or at the photographer's in-house lab? Check the back of sample prints. The word "Professional" will appear Kodak and Fuji Professional papers used at professional labs. Because of their high quality, professional film, processing, and printing tends to be three to four times more expensive then amateur.

How does the quality of the photography between different photographers compare?

Obtain or borrow samples from different photographers for comparison. Don't rely on memory. Differences may not stand out until they are side by side.

There are many more questions that could be asked. I hope this helps you in your selection of a photographer.

Rodney Lee Gibbons, CPP