Paisley's "Do-It-Yourself" Wedding Kit

Paisley's Do-It-Yourself
Wedding Kit - Photography

I was extremely lucky when I found my photographer. She is not only very talented and professional, she is an absolute sweetheart. Her rates were the best around, we can order our photos from her until the end of time, and the quality of the photos is astounding. We get compliments to pass on to her from every person who looks at our album! Like I said, lucky... but that doesn't mean I didn't go home crying once because I'd interviewed a few photography trolls.

When hiring your wedding photographer, feel free to be extra picky. This isn't the highschool yearbook... and no one wants any more laughable pictures of themselves floating around than there already are. For me, the photographs were the highest priority on my list - and I chose very carefully so I wouldn't be disappointed later on.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when sitting down with a prospective picture-clicker:

Be sure to look at samples of the person's work. Ask to see the photos from one complete wedding album... it's important that the photographer can take pictures that tell your wedding tale. A million pictures of you getting ready, then 3 from the reception, do not make a good reminder of your special day.

Are there pictures taken throughout the entire day? If not, maybe the photographer took off for a cigarette or chatted with guests while the bouquet was thrown and Aunt Mathilde put her dress over her head. Definately make sure that the photographer is professional enough to snap those memorable moments, and knows generally what happens at weddings.

Are the pictures clear? I had one really lame guy tell me that the out-of-focus crap images were just pictures with "filters" (this same guy also would have made us sign a contract which spelled out exactly what he insisted we'd be feeding him at the reception). Sheesh, what a dork that guy was.

Does everyone in the photos look comfortable? Or are all 500 of the guest scowling at the rude dude who took the photo? This person is going to be in your face all day, and during times of stress it might be hard to smile and/or be your usual adorable self. You definately don't want the photographer pushing you over the edge to insanity, and it really won't be nice to have shoved him into the punch bowl. Choose a photographer that doesn't scare or intimidate you, one that makes you feel at ease (at the very least).

Are the people in the photos posed traditionally, or are there candid shots? How do they look? Also, if anything in the photos looks weird to you - like the photographer might have compromised someone's safety (standing on dangerous rocks, holding sticks of fire, etc.) ask if it was the wedding party's idea, or the photographer's. Trust your gut instinct on this one.

Is the sample book you are looking at full of wedding photos, or are they pictures of dogs? Football games? Posed children? There are very good reasons that specialists in wedding photography exist.

The best course for finding someone to capture each special moment for all time is by word of mouth. Don't choose a photographer willy-nilly by sticking pins in the phonebook, or cruising the Pennysaver for neat ads. They won't tell you about last minute cancellations, the promises that weren't delievered, the half-assed job for mega bucks... but their customers will if you ask! So put the word out to everyone you know... no doubt by now even strangers who've heard about your engagement will be offering advice, so sneak in a question to them about photographers.

While you're in interview mode, make mental lists of what you see. Write down your impressions and any other comments in your book (see first things first - point four). Make notes of what you liked and didn't like about their works - and personalities (one time in life when it's good to be judgmental). Then... start writing out exactly what you want the photographer to take pictures of, do you want a special portrait of you and the groom's mother? Do you have a surprise planned that you want the photographer ready for? Are you hoping to sneak in a few poses by the tree your dad planted when you were born? And so on...

Of course, the last thing I should warn you is to be prepared to spend a little extra for what you want... or face disappointment later. Consider this scenario: Cousin Ralphie offers to photograph your wedding for $300, and the photographer you have researched and checked out and admired wants $600. What a steal, right? It might well be if Cousin Ralphie is a professional wedding photographer and is doing this as a favour to you... otherwise, you might end up with 3 useable Ralphie photos, when the more expensive photographer would have given you 600. That works out to $100 per bad photo versus $1 per good quality professional photo. Does hiring Ralphie still sound like a good deal? *grin*

Anyway... be diligent, check all references, suggestions, and tips, and remember to get everything in writing. Be sure to confirm everything with the photographer, especially the contract terms and the date of the wedding! Good luck!

Have a few suggestions yourself? Please visit the phone booth for ways to contact me.