Wedding Tips: Photography

Can I meet and see the actual work of the photographer? Judge the personality and creative talents of the photographer. Ask to see photos from a recent wedding done at a similar site. Be sure to look at an entire set of images from a wedding, not just the best. Any photographer can put together a sample of 50 or 60 images, but if you see an entire wedding, you can see how many were not worthwhile. Is the photographer rude or kind, abrasive or interesting? Exciting or dull? Are his photos sharp and in focus? Do they move you in some way or do they look like snapshots that a relative might have taken. Remember you will be with this person the whole day. You need to have respect and confidence in the photographer otherwise your smiles won’t be genuine. Ask what the average price a bride and groom spends on photography rather then how much he or she charges. This will give you a general idea of how a photographer prices himself. Expect to pay between $1500 and $5000 for a photographer depending on how many photos you purchase and extras for your family. Beware of low prices --someone unsure of his or her worth will charge a cheap price. Someone who has been in business for several years knows how much to charge in order to stay in business. Plan to meet your prospective photographer at his or her studio. They can show you lots of samples there and you can judge whether their home or studio is clean and professional. Don’t interview a photographer at a coffee shop. In the event of a problem with a photographer, you need to locate them. Ask for referrals. If your friends have used a photographer and have their finished album, they can vouch for the photographer’s personality, quality, and the ability to complete the finished album on time. Expect to receive your finished wedding album 2-3 months after you have returned the wedding proofs. Ask if the photographer is a member of the chamber of commerce or any business groups. Do other merchants in the wedding industry refer him or her? Check the Better Business Bureau. Does the photographer have any outstanding complaints? Ask the photographer for people’s names and phone numbers so that you can call upon them for references. The more people recommend a photographer, the less risk you have of choosing a less than spectacular one. Please visit our photo page!