Wedding Photography

Choosing A Wedding Photographer

Choosing an appropriate photographer for one's wedding can be confusing and intimidating. There are many different photographers who say they can shoot wedding photographs, but which one has the best credentials and is the best match for a certain bride and her groom, not to mention an entire wedding party and assorted staff?

It's important to realize that photographers that are most in demand are the best ones. It's also important to know that it's best to start interviewing potential photographers many months in advance of the wedding date. If the date of the wedding is known over a year in advance that isn't too early to book the photographer as schedules fill up quickly.

Looking at friend's wedding albums and seeing which photography style is preferred gives an opportunity to see the work of a wedding photographer without the pressure of having to make a decision immediately. Frequently, photographers advertise in the back of wedding or bridal magazines. The pose seen in the publications is usually the pose that photographer specializes in, and give s a good idea of what can be expected. There are many professional groups and organizations that can be found on the internet that refer to wedding photographers in specific areas.

When interviewing potential photographers ask to see the most recent prints of weddings they have photographed. Ask for his or her credentials: inquire as to if they went to school, what photographic organizations they belong to, how long they have been shooting film, the most memorable wedding they've worked. These professional yet personal questions can familiarize a potential client with the photographer. Carefully examine the style of photography the photographer uses and if it would be appropriate. See if the portfolio is well balanced. Careful attention should be paid to the expressions on the wedding party's faces. Do they look pleased, or are the expressions forced? Are the poses done creatively and in an attractive way? The quality of the photograph itself is important. Are the prints clear? Is the color deep and is there detail in the print?

It's also important to remember to arrange with the photographer the after-wedding announcement photo for publication in the newspaper.

If a photography studio is being used, be sure to meet the assigned photographer and see his or her portfolio. Blindly accepting a photographer you've never spoken to is a recipe for disaster. Also, it's good to make sure there is an alternate photographer in case of illness or emergency on the part of the photographer that has been originally booked.