Choosing A Photographer

Shopping for a wedding photographer is not like selecting a gown or a bridal bouquet. You can see something tangible before you make your decision, when you're shopping for specific items like that. But in the selection of your photographer, you're often at the mercy of a super-salesperson and/or your own intuition. It seems as if price is usually the main determining factor, even though there's never going to be a second chance. Nor has there ever been anything written that gives you a true guideline as to how to select the one person who could supply you with a heart full of memories to last a lifetime.

First of all, undoubtedly the best way you have to prejudge the competency of a wedding photographer is to have a recommendation from someone whose opinion you trust. If you get more than one recommendation, that's even better - especially if the same photographer's name comes from different sources.

Then, a phone call is appropriate.
The telephone conversation should begin with the availability of the photographer to cover the wedding on your specific date. You should also learn the name of the photographer who would be doing the actual pictures at your wedding, and at least a rough estimate of the costs involved. You should find out on the telephone how the photographer feels about posed and unposed pictures and decide whether or not you agree or are interested in the photographer's philosophy of how the wedding photography should be conducted. That is - photojournalism, candids, portraits, groups, etc. Just one concept? A combination of several? An appointment should be made to meet with the photographer who will be assigned to your wedding, see his work and discuss the details. Without doubt, this meeting should include both the bride and groom if possible.

At that meeting the first assessment you should make is whether or not you feel comfortable in the presence of the photographer. If you're going to spend a good part of the most important day of your life with this person, it should be someone with whom you know you'll enjoy sharing that time. Then, I feel that you should see some of the photographer's work. If you see a picture, or a series of pictures, that you really like, you should ask:

• Who are these people?
• Did you, personally, take these photographs?
• May I call these people for a personal reference?

After all, it's one thing to see some beautiful pictures, but it's equally important to find out if the bride and groom enjoyed working with this photographer. It's also a way of knowing that the photographs you're being shown were actually made by the person you're speaking to. You want to be sure that the photographer who'll be at your wedding made the work you're admiring.

Another result of this meeting could be to allow you and your photographer to begin a one-on-one relationship. In that way, neither of you would be strangers to each other on the day of the wedding and you'll be more relaxed in front of the camera.

Now the Fun Begins
For the most part, when prospective clients see their photographer, their questions pertain to prices, sizes and numbers in general. You should also give some thought to consider some of the more important questions such as:

• How long do you expect to be with us on the day of the wedding?
• Beginning at what time?
• Until when?
• Is there an extra charge if the wedding runs a little overtime?
• Whom would you include in the photographs?
• Where and when would they be taken?
• Will there be enough time to take all the photos we'd like, considering the time and distance between the ceremony, location(s) desired for photographs and the start of the reception?
• What will be the contingency plan for formal photographs if it rains?

See a Whole Wedding
If you're still interested in the photographer's services at this point, ask to see a complete coverage of a single wedding. That's a lot more important than seeing a selection of beautiful highlights from many different weddings.
When looking through the album, evaluate the work by placing yourself in the position that this could have been your wedding coverage. Ask yourself if the photographer has actually considered the individual characteristics and personality of each of the important persons in the photographs.

• Has the photographer caught the individual's actual feelings of the moment?
• Are these just pictures of people standing and looking self-consciously into the lens?
• Do they look natural?
• Or even better than real?
• Is that what you and they really want?

Check your photographers experience

• How did you get qualified to take professional wedding pictures?
• What kind of educational background and/or experience have you had in developing your techniques?
• When and with whom was your technique last updated?

Details, details, details
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Too often important details that you had never before considered come back to haunt you later:

• What are the costs of the various styles of coverage?
• Are there different degrees of coverage?
• What's included in each?
• How much for the extras?
• Ask to see the specific style of proof album you will be receiving.
• Are alternate choices available?
• At an extra cost?
• What kind of time frame are you looking at for preparing the pictures for my proof album?
• How long have you been in the business?
• How long do you plan on staying in the business?
• In other words, what kind of guarantee comes with my hiring?

Wrap It Up Intelligently
Finally, let's consider a few topics of conversation that could/should help you make your decision.

• Do you have any particular philosophy about your approach to photographing weddings?
• What would you plan to do at my wedding that would make my wedding photographs unique and personal to me?
• Can I tell you who I want in my pictures?]
• How will you find them?
• How can I be certain that you will be taking my pictures?
• With whom will I be dealing after the wedding?
• What's your payment policy?
• Do you give any guarantees on your services and photographs?
• What is the possibility of the pictures fading?
• What if they do fade?

Be Prepared To Make A Commitment!
By now you've probably spent a good deal of time with the photographer. His time is money, the same as yours. Realize that in the long run someone has to pay for the hours each photographer spends as a consultant. Keep his (and your) expenses to a minimum by going to the meeting with the photographer prepared to leave a deposit to confirm the date. Before you do, however, you may want to assure yourself of a few more last-minute details.

• Find out the photographer's policy if the date of your wedding is changed and he/she's not available on the alternate date.
• Find out, too, what the policy is for an unforeseen cancellation of the date.

The Decision
At this stage of the game, if you've really taken the time to get into some of the above questions, you have to know whether or not this photographer is for you.
If the photographer is for you, if the photographer is available, and if you're convinced that it's worth the price, then make the commitment and rest assured that this is undoubtedly one of the best and most intelligent decisions you've made in planning your wedding!