As a professional wedding photographer, I would like to offer you a few tips on selecting the best photographer for YOU. First, decide what photography you like and don’t like. Decide what you would like from your wedding photographer in terms of a product. Look at friends and relatives wedding photographs to get ideas and talk to them about their experiences. Get recommendations from friends and people with similar tastes. Don't forget to look beyond local photographers. Most photographers will travel and it may even save you money! Second, call and determine the photographer's availability and schedule an appointment to view their work. While on the phone, request package information so that you are prepared when you meet. Double check to make sure your date will be held until the scheduled meeting. Third, while meeting with the photographer, here are some things to consider:
1. Do you like this person? Are they someone you will enjoy being with on your wedding day?
2. Do you have an emotional response to their portfolio? Try imagining it is your wedding as you flip the pages. Has the photographer caught real emotion and natural moments? And ask:
3. May I see a proof book from an entire wedding? This will give you a better sense of whether the photographer is consistent and talented or has simply compiled a portfolio of lucky shots. Make sure the photos they are showing you are all their own work.
4. Will you provide me with a couple of references? It will be nice to know that your beautiful photos will be made by a photographer that you and your guests will enjoy having around!
5. What is your philosophy for covering weddings? If there's a match, the photographer's response should make you feel excited about working with them. Their response should also give you some indication as to how much they plan to direct vs. capture events. Make sure this fits with your vision of your wedding.
6. What type of photography do you enjoy most? (remember your friends wedding photography)
7. Can I give you a list of specific images I want? Note: If you decide to write out a list for the photographer, I recommend listing 5-8 of the most important images you can think of. Bear in mind that you want the photographer watching the action, not constantly scouring his/her list.
8. Where did you receive your training in wedding photography? What is your photography experience? Sometimes the most experienced photographers are in the biggest rut. A balanced combination of experience and creativity is ideal.
9. What things might I want that are not included in your packages? How much do you anticipate I will need to spend to be completely satisfied?
10. How can you reassure me that you will be taking the photos? Who will be helping me with the final album design? Consider a few more things . . . Don't allow a photographer to convince you that they will adjust their style for your wedding. A traditional photographer cannot "do" a photo journalistic style for a day. Photographers can, however, tailor their techniques for your wedding. For example, someone who shoots candies straight, tilted, and blurred can omit the blurring technique if it is not to your taste. Finally, how much should wedding photography cost? Prices range as much as the talent you are considering. Good coverage starts around a thousand dollars. High-end professionals with solid reputations begin at two or three times that much. In my experience, price is the number one hurdle that couples trip over when selecting a photographer best suited to their style and needs. It is better to be concerned about price once -- than heartbroken over quality for a lifetime. It can't be stressed enough that how you remember your wedding day will depend on the investment you make in your photographic artist.
By the end of the interview, you've invested a lot of your time as well as the photographer's. Recognize that his/her time is valuable, just as yours is. Somewhere along the line this time needs to be paid for. To keep photographers' expenses (and yours) down, approach the interview ready to make a commitment. If you feel excited about the photographer, then make a deposit and relax knowing that (with the exception of your future spouse) this is the smartest and most well informed decision you have made for your wedding. Doesn’t it feel wonderful now that this important decision has been reached with a professional you now know, trust and like!