Finding a Photographer
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- Find one that suits your style. There are three general
visual syles of photography: photojournalists, traditional wedding photographers,
and those that practice both styles.
- Photographers practicing the photojournalistic style
often use a documentary-like take on things, capturing the small,candid,
yet meaningful just the same, moments, often in black and white medium.
- Traditional wedding photographeres focus on portraits
and posed shots.
- Many photographers nowadays practice both styles of
photography and will work with you to define exactly what you desire.
- Start gathering resources and references by:
- Looking at the wedding albums of friends or family
to get a sense of their photographer's work
- Consulting other professionals being used in your wedding
for references
- Attend bridal shows where you can meet the actual photographer
and see some of their work
- Find a photographer that you and your spouse seem to
mesh well with. This person will be a very noticeable presence at your
wedding, and you need to trust him or her enough to allow them behind
the scenes in the more intimate moments, and trust that he will interact
well and be courteous to all family members and members of the bridal party.
He or she should ask lots of questions and listen to what you and your
partner desire.
- Make sure to browse the photographer's book, which will
contain some of his/her better work. If the photographer does not have
a book, be wary- he may not be experienced enough yet to compile one. While
browsing the book, look for:
- Crisp and clear images, centered well
- Good lighting
- Thoughtful composition
- Clear conveyance of emotion
- Subjects in the photographs should appear relaxed and
enjoying themselves
- Ask the photographer about his/her take on wedding albums:
they should mention that each album should be unique and that each album
should tell the story of the couple's wedding.
- Get technical. Ask what medium the photographer uses.
Is he limited to just 35mm or does he have other formats available?
- Make sure the photographer has a backup set of equipment
should something happen the day of the wedding to his primary set.
- Consider what special effects you might like to have,
and if the photographer is able, and skilled, at providing those effects.
See samples of such work. Some effects to consider are:
- hand-made albums
- infrared lenses
- fish-eye lenses
- sepia-toning
- selective color placement on a black and white or sepia-toned
print
- Request two or three references from some of your favorite
photographers. If the photographer is reluctant to provide the references,
do not even consider using him/her. Call the references and ask if they
would recommend the photographer to a close friend, why and why not.
- The Photographer and his services will cost at least
about $1000. Ask about the most basic package if you are on a tight budget.
- Double check that the same photographer that you interview
will be the same one on hand on your wedding day.
- Clarify who will shoot the wedding should there be an
emergency or illness.
- Clarify the number of assistants the photographer will
have on hand
- Clarify how the photographer and assistant will be dressed
on the day of the wedding.
- GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING.
- Make sure everything matches up to what you want out
of the photographer and the package he/she offers you before you sign
anything.
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