Here at ASC Photography Solutions Ltd we are continually meeting with clients that are frustrated with the confusion surrounding wedding photography. The number of photographers in any particular region is over-whelming. Many of which have professional looking websites, but as we all know, may in-fact be nothing more than an amateur with an expensive camera. There are not many of us that still operate from a studio, with the bulk of the business being internet driven. This may not concern you, after all, you pay your money and you make your choice, however many couples, who have never booked a photographer before, and on the whole are getting married for the first time, struggle to identify a full-time professional photographer for their big day. Photography can represent a major part of your budget yet there is an understandable overriding concern that you don’t know whether you have booked a top photographer until its too late.
To help assist in your selection process we have compiled a list of criteria that we think you should consider and will help you be more confident in your choice. You may find some of the topics obvious, but we think we have also identified some areas that you may not be aware of that will help you make an informed decision and to get the best from your photographer once you have booked.
Meet with the photographer
It is important to sit down and discuss your big day with the photographer before you book. By meeting them face-to-face there is no place to hide, you will know who you are dealing with and whether they are really a full time professional photographer, or simply a part time amateur looking for some extra cash.
View a full set of images
A seasoned professional photographer will be able to capture good technical images consistently throughout the day. A poor photographer may capture a few good shots but you may be left with the remaining shots looking like a relative has taken them. Ask to see a full set of images from a real wedding, not some beautiful bridal shots taken with a professional model.
Have an engagement shoot
An Engagement Shoot is an ideal opportunity to get to know your photographer and see them at work.
Establish their experience
This one is simple really, know the experience of the photographer that you are considering booking.
Who is photographing your wedding
Do not assume that the person you meet will be the photographer that turns up at your wedding. Establish the link between the images that you like, the photographer who is responsible for the shots and the person who will attend your wedding. Common sense really, if you like some shots then you want that photographer at your wedding.
Are they a full time professional
Wedding photography is perceived to expensive, but when you factor in the costs of running a full time business with the number of hours the photographer will be working before, during and after your wedding the cost if fully justifiable. On the contrary there are many part time photographers trying to cash in on the wedding industry without the running costs of a full time business and without dedicating the number of hours required to provide you with a quality product.
Like their style
Every photographers style is very different. View their work and you should be able to identify some of favourite shots. If you can’t then they are not the photographer for you.
Recommendations
You cannot beat a personal recommendation to identify a photographer that is capable of capturing your special day to the standard that you require.
Discuss your schedule for the day
The photographer should want to understand every part of your timetable and plans. This way they can plan to be in the right pace at the right time and have a chance of capturing those fleeting special moments.
Post wedding work
Fully understand what the photographer is going to do with all of the images after the big day, this way you can understand what level of work you are getting for your money. The spectrum here is huge, worst case (and one that you should not entertain) is that they will take all images from the camera untouched and present them for your album. Best case they will sort the best images, crop, sharpen, adjust contrast and colour, remove blemishes and apply some appropriate techniques to produce a full set of edited images.
Editing of the images
How are they going to master the image. Photoshop is a wonderful tool which can be used to master images, but can also be over used to wreck the shot. Discuss with the photographer the images that you like and what techniques they have used to create the image, that way you will establish what style you like and if they can produce it.
Who is designing your album
Many albums are now digitally designed and printed. The two methods to achieve this artwork is for the photographer to ask the album manufacturer to produce the artwork, or to get a third-party to design it, which may be themselves. Ideally you want to find a photographer who designs the album themselves. This way you will be able to have the album designed uniquely for you, and have the artwork amended to your complete satisfaction, at no extra cost, before the album is manufactured.
Member of a professional organisation
Establish if they belong to a professional organisation to help you make an informed decision.
Their equipment
How many cameras do they use on the day? Do they have any backup cameras available if there are any problems? Are they backing up the images throughout the course of the day to protect from loss of data? One camera, without any backing up, is a risky policy.
Like-ability
It seems like a silly question, but, do you like them. You will need to work with this person on your wedding day and they will be with you and your guests for many hours. You will not produce natural relaxed images if you feel uncomfortable in the presence of your photographer. After meticulously planning your perfect day surely you would not want to spoil the occasion because everyone loathes the photographer.
Working with you and your guests
What kind of person are they? Will they interact with your guests or send them all running? The time the photographer spends with you and your guests should be enjoyable and courteous.
Photographing the details
Wedding photography has moved on from simply a set of posed group shots. All of the little details are the finishing touches to your big day so why not make sure that it is all captured to complete the storytelling in your album.
Knowing the venues
Has the photographer any experience at your venues? If not how are they going to become familiar so that they are not head-scratching on the day trying to find the best locations for the shots. After all, you have a wedding to enjoy instead of wasting unproductive time with a unorganised photographer.
Attending the rehearsal
If you are getting married at a church will the photographer attend the rehearsal. The answer to this question should be YES. Every church, and every minister can run a ceremony very differently. This part of the day cannot be repeated, or controlled by the photographer, therefore they need to plan and try to be in the best locations throughout the service. Attending the rehearsal to understand the movements and order of the service is invaluable.
What are you getting for your package
At times wedding photographers can market themselves very differently. It can be difficult at times to understand the allowances in your wedding package, such as hours of photography, post production work on the images, which album you will receive and with how many images. A reputable photographer will be fully transparent in this area. Make sure you totally understand the packages when comparing photographers like-for-like.
Costs of extras after the wedding
The saying ‘To cheap to be true’ is very appropriate here. Apart from understanding the initial package cost you should also want to know how photos are priced for relatives copies, the cost of re-prints, a set of images on CD etc are charged at. This is where many overcharge to compensate for a cheap package cost.
On-line album
Do you get an on-line album. It is not uncommon for relatives and friends to live far away from the Bride and Groom. On-line albums are an ideal way for them to be able to see the images from the day and order copies if they wish relinquishing you of the task of compiling endless orders.
Discuss your favourite images
If you have some favourite images that you have seen then discuss them with your photographer. This way they should be able to plan a shot of that style into your day. After all, don’t forget, you are the client and the photographer should not necessarily dictate the shots and ultimately the style of your album.
Read the testimonials
Any photographer of worth should have some testimonials helping you gain confidence in their abilities.
Understand the payment terms
There is not a set rule here, a photographer can ask for any payment terms they wish. Simply know what their terms are to make sure you are happy with them and that you can make the payments on time. Typically there will be a deposit when you book.
Discuss every detail of your day
The devil is in the detail. The more the photographer understands your day the better prepared they can be.
Timeframes to see images and receive your album
You hear horror stories all the time of clients not receiving their albums over 12 months after their wedding day. Admittedly the photographer cannot produce your album until photos have been chose and artwork/layouts agreed, but your photographer should be able to put a timeframe against the images being presented for viewing, how long for a first pass artwork/layout, and lead-time for the delivery once the album has been ordered.
Do they blog
Most photographers are keen for prospective clients to see their work and therefore produce a wedding blog. If they blog take the time to view and read the articles as it is a great way of becoming familiar with their work.
Social media
Another way of promoting themselves is through social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Again another resource for you to explore their credentials.
Visit some wedding fairs
Wedding fairs are a great way of viewing several photographers to understand what album styles you like, what styles of photography you prefer and understand some typical pricing brackets helping you narrow down your selection criteria. You may identify your photographer of choice and benefit from a promotion that they are running specifically for the show.
Book as early as you can
Many photographers will only photograph one wedding a day. Therefore ideally you should start to research your photographer 18 months before your wedding day with an aim of booking at least 12 months before. Without doubt the earlier you book the better chance you will have that the photographer will still be available.
