SIX IMPORTANT TIPS WHEN LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER:
- Look for a photographer who feels like they could be family or a good friend. Most of us are not fashion models! We don’t practice posing for the camera in the morning before going to work. So, it is very important to find someone who can either help you feel comfortable in front of the camera and/or suggest natural poses and direction for you to follow. Taking your photos should be a natural and pleasant experience. Would you rather be with a photographer who seems to be ready to finish the session and move on or a photographer who feels more like family and wants to help you have the best experience and get the best photos possible.
- Hire someone who is going to give you a great experience from the beginning to the end. Sometimes it is good to find a photographer who will do more for you than just “shoot and burn”. Because this is such a momentous occasion for both you and your family. It is a good idea to find a photographer who will print images for you. As well, some studios will create and print a beautiful photo album for you and what better way to display the story of your than through an album. These services provide you with one less thing to worry about. It is also a good idea to check the pricing of these things. Will the studio be offering these services a la carte or is it included in the package price?
- You should look for someone who suits your style. Would you like traditional photos taken, candid photos, or both? Once you figure out what types of photos you are most interested in, you can look at the color and lighting style of the photographer. Every photographer should have a website. Look at their photos. Do you like their work? Some photographers will have a very light and airy feel to their work which tends to evoke a happy feeling. Others may have a darker or more journalistic style to their photos which may give them a more serious look. But no matter the style, color and lighting that you choose, a good photographer will take photos that tell the story of your day.
- Find someone who is using professional equipment. By using professional equipment, the photographer will be able to capture clean, sharp images. When it’s a day as special as your wedding, good equipment will ensure that you have the clarity in your photos that you are looking for especially for large group photos and low-lighting conditions.
- While looking through portfolios, you can also take a look at the subjects’ faces. haha Yes. Do they look tired or haggard? This could be because the client is in bad lighting. Bad lighting will emphasize wrinkles, bags under the eyes and possibly not reflect the joy that the bride (as they may not sleep the night before) or parents or grandparents are feeling. Sometimes this can be corrected in post with a little editing but this brings me to the next topic. You want to work with someone who reflects the best of you but not someone who over-edits. You should look natural and your best. For example, brides can look soft and beautiful without looking unnaturally blurry and “flawless”. If you have a freckle on your right cheek, then you should have a freckle on your right cheek in your photos.
- When unsure about who to choose, connecting through e-mail is a good place to start. Ask questions, set up a time to meet over coffee and find the photographer that will best fulfill your expectations.