A friend whose daughter is planning a wedding in 2011 asked my advice on how to choose a photographer. Since the wedding will take place in New Mexico, and I already anticipate a conflict, I won’t be doing the wedding, but I can give some suggestions.
This article is based on my response to him. (Sorry - no photos to go with it.)
_________________________
When I’m asked how to choose a photographer, I have to change and expand the question slightly to “As a photographer, why would I hire a photographer?” and, “As a photographer, how would I chose someone to photograph my daughter’s wedding?
I start with this thought: As a parent, I would rather contribute my money on hiring a really good photographer than on flowers, gowns, crystal shoes, stretch limos, bands, dinners, wedding cakes, chocolate fountains, cocktail fountains, or other expenses that goes into today’s stylish weddings. My reasoning is very simple. Yes, those other things are important. Yes, there were wonderful memories of the gowns and tuxes, the ceremony, the decorations, the party, but at the end of the reception, they’re gone. The photography is going to provide the only memory and record of the joys, smiles and tears, not only of the bride and groom, but the families and guests. I can’t think of a better and longer lasting wedding gift than making sure the wedding is recorded by a good photographer.
My first question, why would I hire a photographer? After all, Uncle John takes a lot of pictures; we can get copies of his. Or why not just let all my friends take the pictures? Or why not buy a whole lot of disposable cameras and pass them out to everyone?
Family and friends are invited to the wedding as guests; I would like them to enjoy the day. Anticipating how the next series of photos has to be set up can sure stifle a conversation with a friend or relative that I haven’t seen for 15 years. If Uncle John likes to party, is he going to get the best pictures? Will the refreshments cause his (and the camera’s) focus to blur? Will he anticipate where the next series of pictures needs to take place?
If Uncle John volunteers to do the photos for the wedding then I need to consider: What kind and quality of cameras does he use? What kind of camera does he have for back-up? What kind of equipment does he have for lighting? Has he photographed weddings before? If so, what did the pictures look like? Can he put together the kind of wedding book I want? If all of these questions don’t get really positive answers, I’d prefer to hire someone for the photography. Of course, if the choice is to use Uncle John or nobody, ask Uncle John.
How about using all my friends’ pictures? Usually, friends stand back out of the way to take a picture unless you’ve asked them to take pictures. In which case, they’re in the same situation as Uncle John. Secondly, how often have friends told you about the pictures they took, but you never get to see them?
How about disposable cameras? Bottom line is they usually provide lots of fun entertainment for some of the guests. From my experience, if you get 1 or 2 decent photos from each camera, you’re doing really well! The expense of camera purchase, developing and printing, and assembling your own book could go a long ways toward the cost of an experienced photographer.
So how do I select a photographer? While price is an important aspect, selecting only based on price is probably not the best direction to go; while some photographers will give a package price over the phone, unless you know what’s included in each package, comparing price won’t mean too much.
First, decide the scope of what you need from the photographer.
- Date(s) and probable times for the events.
- How long do I want his services? (Bride getting ready/ Bride and groom getting ready/ Photos before the wedding/ Photos at the ceremony/ Photos at the reception)?
- How many people in the wedding party?
- Photos at a second location?
- Photograph the reception?
- What locations am I planning for the photos?
- Do I want the photographer to create a wedding book (be thinking style, size, number of photos you’ll want included)?
- Will I want portrait size prints?
- Will I want to buy all photo files and printing rights to them?
- Will I want the photos assembled in slide show format?
- Will I want a pre-wedding / engagement photo session? Or an engagement portrait for guest to sign?
Next, make a list of possible photographers. Search the phone book, internet, friends that were recently married, bridal shows, etc. Keep in mind, travel expenses can become a factor in package price.
Now, get an initial idea of the style and quality of the photographers on my list. If I don’t like the style of their photos, I probably won’t like photos they’ll do for me. I can get an idea by going to their web sites. If no web address, I can find out by a quick call or email to the photographer. Their web site should also give an indication of the types of photography they do best.
Now I’m ready to meet photographers; I want to meet at least two so I can compare; and I would not hire anyone without first meeting them. If I don’t like my photographer, it’s going to be difficult to get good pictures – attitudes will show in the photos. I suggest going to their studio (although not all wedding photographers have studios) and seeing first hand samples of their work. They should have sample wedding books available so I can see their style used in creating the books. Make a checklist of questions and requirements from ‘my requirements’ section to help keep individual photographer info straight. I would also add more questions for the photographer:
- How long after the wedding can I see the photos?
- How many photos will there be?
- Are the photo files archived?
- Who will be developing the photos?
- How will the photos be presented? (Preview book? CD? Internet?)
- Do I keep the preview book? CD? How long will photos be on the internet?
- Will my guests be able to see the photos?
- How can I (or guests) order photos? What’s the turnaround time on photo orders?
- Who will create my wedding book?
- -Will I have input in its development?
- -How long will it take to do my wedding book?
- -Is a “slide show” version of my pictures available?
- -What’s the deposit/ payment / refund policy?
- Some of the most important questions to ask are: If I hire you to do the photography, who will actually be there taking pictures? Who will actually develop the photos? Who will actually create my wedding book? etc. The reason for this question is that many photo agencies book as many weddings as they can, then farm out the actual jobs to whatever photographer is available. If I’m selecting a photographer for a job based on materials and personalities, I don’t want someone else showing up to do the job.
- And maybe the most important question: If I want my package to include these things, how much will this package cost me?
A good photographer will have a sizeable investment in equipment, computer programs, training and experience, and overhead, but, yes, I may be able to do a little bargaining. How successful this will be is determined by how busy my selected date will be, how busy is this photographer, how many items will I want in my package, travel time, and size of the wedding / reception, time commitment.
One last thing, don’t wait until last minute to find a photographer – at least if you want a choice. Most good photographers will be booking jobs 6 months to a year in advance (and sometime even more than a year in advance). With a little planning, you can be assured your photography will be done with quality, smoothly and professionally and provide lasting mementos of the day.
---------------------------------
Next article: What kinds of files do I need for printing or emailing?
|
