How to choose a wedding photographer
Selecting a photographer for your wedding is a complex task.
Engaged couples must balance their budget while obtaining pictures that will
only come once in a lifetime.
There will always be a demand for photographers who can flatter a wedding
couple and capture an event with sensitivity, alertness, and professionalism. No
matter how advanced the technology becomes, there is no replacement for the
artist who operates the camera.
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What qualities make a good photograph?
Sharp, clearly focused images - at least the face
Full range of tones from white to black
Attention is drawn to the photograph's main subject
The photograph has a clear center of interest
True, vibrant colors
Definite subject or theme
Good finish quality
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What qualities make a good album?
Images in sequence that tell stories
Good photographic quality throughout
Logical flow from one image to the next
Consistent quality throughout
Solid mechanical feel and workmanship
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Before considering any photographer, make sure he or
she is an actual working pro. If it seems like an amateur
operation, it probably is. The fact that someone is "full
time" does not guarantee a true professional quality
operation. Here are a few possible indicators of a pro,
as opposed to a hobbyist:
*Legitimate sales tax license.
*Up-to-date business insurance. (Don't expect the
photographer to show you his proof of insurance, just
ask for assurance.)
*Professional, well-maintained equipment with backup
systems. Most professional wedding photographers will
use a medium format film camera or professional, high
resolution digital cameras.
*Membership in professional associations like the Professional Photographers
of Iowa or the Professional Photographers of America or Wedding and Portrait Photographers
International (WPPI).
*Permanent, full-time studio in a home or commercial setting
Some Common Questions & Answers
Q) When should I start looking for a wedding
photographer?
Right now! If you know your wedding date, start
looking for your wedding photographer as soon as
possible. The best photographers are often booked a year in
advance.
Q) How many photographers should I interview?
To choose the wedding photographer you want, it's a
good idea to meet two or three to make good comparisons.
Q) Should I interview the photographer on the
phone or in person?
Always ask to visit the photographer’s studio and
conduct the interview in person. This will give you a
better sense of who you are dealing with.
Q) Do I really need a professional photographer or
will a serious amateur do the job?
Getting a professional photographer for your wedding
day is a must. The wedding pictures will outlast the
catered food, flowers and even the honeymoon. It will be
the only chance you have to record this special moment.
You want a photographer whose style, artistry and
degree of expertise you like, whose professionalism you
approve of, and whose personality clicks with yours.
Relying on friends or relatives is a very risky proposition.
Q) How do I know if I am making the right choice in
a photographer?
Ask friends, relatives, and coworkers for
recommendations. Look at the photographer’s portraits and wedding albums. When
looking through the pictures, try to determine what
aspects you seem to find attractive. Ask yourself these
questions:
1) Would I like these pictures if I were the bride?
2) Does the photographer pose the subject
appropriately?
3) Do I like the look of the overall album?
4) Are the pictures in focus?
5) How many pictures will I get?
6) Are the pictures in the portfolio taken by the same
person who will photograph my wedding?
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