Choosing a Wedding Photographer by Stanley Shelton, Photographer
Finding and hiring the right photographer to document your wedding day takes time and research. This is one thing you must get right the first time; there is no âdo-over.â Here are some mistakes that I have seen people make when choosing a photographer:
Letting your Brother Photograph the Big Day
Your brother, cousin or neighbor just got a digital camera and already he has shown you some great pictures he has taken. Does this mean you save money and let him handle your wedding day instead of hiring a professional?
That depends; does your photographer know how do properly back up his work? Does he have the necessary equipment to ensure that the photos will not be mistakenly deleted before they are developed?
Will your friend or family member be too caught up in the socializing to get appropriate photos? Also, would you like this person to be in some of the photos?
A professional photographer who is not an active participant in the ceremony is much better for the job; he is focused only on documenting your wedding day, not on catching up with a distant cousin, or learning whatâs new with an uncle.
Photographerâs Personality and Equipment
Your photographer will be attending your wedding and interacting with guests. If he is impolite, this can cause problems with guest. Make sure your photographer is pleasant and easy to get along with.
Donât be too concerned with equipment; these days, a photographer can create great pictures with medium to high-quality equipment. Donât be sold on using them just because they boast the very best, top-of-the line, expensive technology.
A Big Sales Pitch
A good photographer should be able to tell you good things about themselves and their qualifications that make them an expert. At the same time, they should show interest in getting to know you. He/she will want to know what your expectations are and the types of photography you are looking for. If the photographer is more interested in lecturing you about how great they are, then they are not likely to listen to you; move on to the next one.
Previous Work
Be sure to ask to see several albums of complete wedding ceremonies; do not judge a photographer based on a compilation of great wedding shots from different weddings. A group of only the very best work from each event is not enough to determine if they are capable of producing the results you want. Anyone can get one or two great shots; you want to be sure your photographer can do an entire album.
Referrals
Referrals are one way of finding a great photographer, but keep in mind; who is giving you the referral? Is it the caterer, the bar-tender or another vendor providing services for your wedding? Or are you getting an honest referral from a friend or family member who has been satisfied with this personâs services? Many professionals trade referrals without ever having actually evaluated the vendorâs work.
Pricing
Pricing and packages can be confusing; you can be unclear as to what is and what is not included in the photographerâs services. Some photographers only work with specific structured packages; others will have a more flexible pricing plan. You want to find someone who can work within your budget and give you what you want. If you are confused with pricing, keep looking.
Be sure to interview several photographers before choosing one to handle your special day. If you can, talk to former clients to find out about the service provided. Ask how the photographer acted at the wedding, if he/she was professional and friendly to the guests and most importantly, did he/she provide a beautiful wedding album that will be cherished for years?
Stanley Shelton is the owner of J&S Portrait America and has been in business for over 20 years. Stanley and his wife provide on location photography services for clients in Southeast Michigan and the Metro Detroit area. Stanley specializes in wedding photography; he also provides family portraits and business portraits. Visit http://detroitweddingphotography.wordpress.com/ to learn more.
Stanley Shelton, owner of J&S Portrait America, who has been in business since 1989. J&S Portrait America provides on location photography, with their portable photo studio, to set up in your home or business for studio quality photographs. J&S Portrait America offers on-location photography services for the convenience of their clients. They bring the photo studio, complete with background and lighting, to produce professional, studio quality photographs.
Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Choosing-a-Wedding-Photographer/627674
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