Choosing a photographer is probably one of the most stressful choices to make when planning a wedding. Choose the right one, and you will be delighted to share your wedding album for years to come. Choose the wrong one, and you'll reach for Uncle Harry's snapshots before you let that album see the light of day. Here are a few helpful hints when you begin to interview potential photographers:
- What does their portfolio look like? Do you like their style? If you want something more photojournalistic and prefer candids to formals, don't waste your time looking at more traditional photographers. Don't limit your review to only wedding photos, ask to see some of her other work too. Are the images on the page in front of you something that you would hang in your own home? If the answer is no, chances are, you won't like the shots they capture commemorating your wedding day. It doesn't make him a bad photographer, just a bad match for you.
- What does the service include? Do you want a photographer that will spend your entire day with you, capturing every moment of the day, regardless of the length of time? Some photographers include a set amount of hours, while others have unlimited coverage. Does their price include a second photographer? Does the price include both the wedding and reception locations? Do they offer an online gallery of all the images or do they give you a CD and task you with sharing with friends and family? Don't be afraid to ask a bunch of questions; better to know than to wonder where your photographer is when it's time to cut the cake.
- How do your personalities mesh? If you feel awkward around your photographer, it will be more of a challenge for her to capture you and your family genuinely. Photography is an intimate art and the camera is very telling on how well the photographer jives with his subject. By the end of your wedding day, you and your photographer will most likely be friends, and your wedding portraits will certainly capture that.
- How much are they? At the end of the day, you need to hire someone that fits into your budget, but don't let price fool you. The most expensive photographer isn't necessarily the best, and someone who doesn't charge much for their services might have excellent photos, but terrible service. Ask if the photographer offers a package -- many do, and slightly discount their prices as part of the total package. Also ask about off-peak rates as some photographers will give you a discount for having a wedding outside of prime wedding season. Lastly, if you have found the photographer of your dreams, and he is a little out of your price range, ask if payment plans are available.
