10 Tips to Finding a Photographer
Picture perfect:
This is a day that will never be repeated, so you need someone who can capture the best moments without cutting anyone's head off or giving you 'red eye'. Here, with advice from top wedding photographer Ron Mathis, are My Wedding Directories top ten tips for getting the wedding album you want.
Book ahead:
Start your search for a photographer early, as good photographers get booked up a long time in advance. David recommends booking between 12 and 24 months before your wedding day. "I've already got a booking for September 2005!" he says.
Shop around:
Before you make your final choice, try and visit at least three photographers - check out their studio and staff and don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask to see full wedding album samples and make sure that the photographs are the work of the photographer who will be taking your wedding pictures - not simply the best photos from the studio.
Shop around:
Whoever you book to take your pictures will be spending a substantial amount of time with you on the best day of your lives, so you must get on with him or her. "You should feel confident and relaxed in their presence," says David. "They may be the best photographer in the world, but if you don't feel comfortable it will reflect in the final images."
Is the price right?:
Prices range from anything upwards of $800. "People often make the mistake of thinking that all photographers are the same, but the photographic quality and style can vary enormously," says Ron. "Wedding photography is one area where you really do get what you pay for."
Most photographers have a menu of prices and will charge you a flat rate for taking shots on the day, plus an additional charge based on how many photographs you want in your album. The quality of the albums on offer (leather, plastic, velvet) can vary enormously and this affects the cost too. Remember that your family will be charged separately for any copies they want. Look for those nice little extras though - some photographers throw in a load of thank you cards with a small photo enclosed, as part of the deal.
Think style and color:
There are lots of ways for your photographer to record your wedding, from the traditional posed groups shots in color to more candid reportage-style shots, such as the bride in her curlers. Most couples go for a combination of styles and film. If you want a complete formal record of the whole wedding, it's best to go for traditional photographs. Couples seeking a more relaxed, unopposed album, on the other hand, should choose reportage style.
If you've spent a long time creating invites, menus, flower arrangements etc, you'll want a photographer who will capture these little details on film too.
For more informal snaps, it's a lovely idea to place single-use cameras on the tables at the reception so your guests can capture their version of the day. You can order one-use confetti cameras from one of our party supply stores. You'll need to decide whether to go for black and white or color photographs. Couples who have carefully color co-coordinated their day will want photos that record their creation. Black and white, meanwhile, creates a more timeless image. Some photographers will agree to do a combination.
Put it on paper:
Once you've found the perfect photographer and decided on a style, get your booking in writing. Check the small print and make sure you know exactly what you're getting for your money. You could even ask the photographer to sign a contract, which records your wedding date, time and place, price and any restrictions or conditions.
You will also want to ascertain when the proofs will be ready and how long you can keep them to make your selection. Find out exactly when your album will be ready too.
For perfect - you need practice:
Before the big day, discuss a rough shot list with your photographer - there are certain to be events you definitely want recorded that he or she should know about. The traditional choices include:
- Groom and best man outside the church/civil venue
- The bride's arrival at the church/civil venue
- Bride and father walking down the aisle/ bride entering the venue
- Bride and groom at the altar/desk
- Exchange of rings
- Signing of the register/documentation
- Procession out of the church/venue
- Group shots outside the church/venue
- Cutting the cake
Arriving at the reception:
Try to meet up at the venues for the service and the reception beforehand, so that he/she can get a feel for the best settings to enhance the style of photographs. Remember you need to check with your minister to make sure photography is permitted during the wedding ceremony.
A good professional photographer will use his or her creative and technical skills to get the best results as quickly, smoothly and tactfully as possible, but discuss the role you want your photographer to undertake on your wedding day. Do you want him or her to control events or blend into the background? One well-known photographer likes to shepherd guests into position with the help of a shrill whistle. It's not very subtle, but it breaks the ice and no one misses out on any of the day's photo calls!
Relax:
Finally, the best advice any couple can take is try and relax in front of the camera. If you're not used to smiling and posing, or feel unhappy with your usual image in pictures, grab a mirror and spend a few minutes practicing until you find a smile or an expression you can live with. If you look and feel comfortable, your photos are bound to work!
