Tips for choosing a wedding photographer.

Choosing a photographer to capture your wedding can be a daunting task. How do you decide which photographer is the right one for you?  Photos generally create the longest lasting impressions you will have of your special day, therefore making a well-informed decision when selecting a photographer to capture your wedding day is very important.

Below are some tips to think about when choosing a wedding photographer for your special day.

Personal referrals:

Start with family and friends who often can give you details of photographers they can personally recommend. They may also be able to show you samples of their own wedding photos. This can provide you with a starting list of photographers you may wish to contact.

Photography websites:

If possible, visit photographer websites to look through their wedding galleries and view their portfolios. Does their style of work appeal to your senses and match your personal taste Viewing websites can save you time and hassle by identifying photographers you would like to investigate further and eliminating others that do not match your requirements.

First contact:

Calling or emailing each photographer can provide you with essential information that may rule out photographers before you even leave your house. For example; - Can the photographer attend on your particular wedding day? - What kind of photography do they use e.g. film, digital, black and white, traditional, modern contemporary images, etc? - What pricing packages do they offer?  What do you actually receive for your money?

Meeting the photographer:

Meeting with each photographer in person allows you to view their portfolios, investigate wedding packages and prices, and allows you to ask any questions you may have. Remember that this is your own special wedding day and that you are employing the photographer to do work for you. The more questions you ask the more assured you will feel when making the final decision on which photographer to choose.

Things to consider when viewing the portfolios include:

* How well are the pictures composed?  Are the images crisp and clear?  Do they evoke emotion?  Do the images look natural or artificial and composed? Is the lighting right? 

* Do the photos tell the story of the entire wedding day? Is there a good mixture of portraits and groups?  Do the photos capture facial expressions, dress detail, etc?

Also ask the photographer for references.  It is often useful and reassuring to find out from past clients if the photographer was punctual, friendly, enjoyable to work with, etc.

The specifics - common questions:

Below is a list of questions you may like to consider when meeting each photographer:

1.  Experience - Has the person photographed other weddings? How long have they been in the wedding photography business?

2.  Price - Make sure you understand what your package entails and know what you are getting.  Packages may be fixed or can be customized to suit your needs.  What exactly will your photographer cover (ceremony, reception, etc) and how much time will they allocate to each?  Does the photographer have travel fees or overtime charges not included in the cost of the package?  What is the cost of duplicate prints, albums, enlargements, etc?  Are there options to change your package at a later stage and how much will this cost?  What is the photographer's payment policy?

3.  Photography style - Are their shots traditional, formal, classic, candid, photo-journalistic, mixed, contemporary?  It's important to choose a photographer that suits your personal style.

4.  Technical questions - Does the photographer use film/digital/both?  Do they shoot 35mm/medium format (for very large prints)?  Will the photos be in colour/black and white/a mixture?

5.  Proofs/delivery - How long will it take to get your proofs, your finished album, etc? Will you get a CD or an album of the photographs? How will the photographer present the pictures for selection after the wedding (proofs, online gallery, etc)? How can family and friends order photos? How long will you have to decide what pictures you want? Are you able to keep the proofs and will they be marked?  The photographer - Does the photographer work alone or will they have an assistant on the day?  Who will actually be shooting your wedding; is it the photographer you are meeting with or an assistant?  If it is someone else, ask to see samples of their work and meet with them personally.  Has the photographer taken photos at the same location previously?

7.  Guarantees - Does the photographer provide a guarantee for their service/work?  If equipment fails on the day or the photographer is unexpectedly able to attend, do they have a backup plan?

Remember that this is your special wedding day and that you are employing the photographer to do work for you. The more questions you ask the more assured you will feel when making the final decision on which photographer to choose.Contracts:

Make sure you read the entire contract and know exactly what you are getting when you sign on the dotted line. Read the fine print which may include additional items that you have not discussed with your photographer; for example, travel costs, assistant fees, etc. The contract should specify details such as the type of wedding package you have ordered, guaranteed costs, cancellation conditions, how long the photographer will be attending the wedding on the day, etc. The final choice:

In general, allow yourself plenty of time to find the most suitable wedding photographer for you. High quality professional photographers are in high demand so you will need to book early to secure their services.

Once you have thoroughly investigated the photographers on your list and asked some well thought out questions, you should feel much more confident and happy when making your final decision as to what photographer to choose.