Choosing the right photographer

Photographers come in all shape and sizes (not to mention skill levels and price ranges). You should meet with as many as possible before making your final decision. You need to choose a photographer who has work that you like. Also, be sure to choose a photographer who offers picture packages at a price you can afford.

Here are some tips:
1. Meet with as many photographers as possible—make mental notes about how comfortable you were (or weren’t) with each. Remember, your photographer will be
with you during your entire wedding—it’s important to like him or her.

2. When you meet with the photographers, be sure to look at their portfolios. Ask if you can see pictures from a complete wedding in addition to selections from various weddings. You are looking for quality (is the focus always crisp, etc.), style (does the photographer’s style mesh with what you have planned for your wedding), and variety (if you look at pictures from more than one wedding, are they different and unique?).

3. Make sure the photographer can accommodate your plans. Do you prefer more candid shots? Black and whites? Ask the photographer about his/her preferred style and look at samples. Ask if there’s additional cost for black and whites. Some photographers shoot black and white film, others simply convert their color photos to black and white.

4. Get price lists and be sure to verify whether or not this price list is the one that will apply to your wedding. It’s good to book as early as possible, but if you are 6 to 12 months out from your wedding, the photographer may raise his/her rates between the time you book and the day of your wedding.

5. Before signing the contract, be sure that all costs are detailed in writing. Don’t sign a contract with an open ended price. Be sure to understand the photographer’s policy on proofs. Make sure that prices for reprints are included, as well as every aspect of the agreement.

In addition to costs and the package selection, the contract should include things like: date, arrival time, length of shooting time, fees and overtime charges, a list of all locations where photos will be taken and when.

Other things to consider:

Ask your photographer if he/she works with an assistant at weddings. Many photographers work alone, but if you are having a large wedding with blended families, it might be a good idea to hire a photographer with an assistant to keep track of it all. An assistant often keeps track of what photos have been taken as well as making sure that everyone is standing properly and your dress is falling the way it should.

Ask for recommendations from friends and coworkers. If any of them has a recommendation, ask if you can see pictures from the wedding.

Be sure the photographer you select “specializes” in weddings or has several in his or her portfolio. The key here is to choose a photographer who has experience taking the kinds of photos that you need. Choosing a photographer with little wedding experience may get you a better price, but you are taking a real gamble with the finished product.

Make a list for your photographer of all the “must have” and “nice to have” photographs. An example sheet is provided here. This is one of the most important things you can provide your photographer with. It will ensure that you get the photos that you want, rather than just a standard set of photos. Be sure you get input from your parents and from your fiancée’s parents too.