| Photographer
When
checking on photographers, you should talk with prospects
extensively and make sure to see lots of their samples.
You must feel comfortable with this person.
You
should check to see if they use different lenses, if they
offer a wide selection of choices in albums, picture sizes,
etc. Do they offer black and white as well as color and
sepia tone? Do their albums look like everyone else’s or
are they unique? Does the album tell a story? Are all the
pictures posed or are most of them candid? Are guests included
in the pictures? Do they bring along backup equipment?
Approximately
how many pictures do they actually shoot? Do you get the
proofs or must you return them? Is there an additional charge
if you choose to keep them? Approximately how long after
the wedding do you get your proofs? Approximately how long
after you return the proofs and give your order do you get
your album? Can part of the total you spend be used on gift
photos rather than on album photos?
Do
they do the entire wedding by themselves or do they bring
along an assistant? Does the assistant just carry things,
set up some of the shots, take some of the pictures? If
the assistant takes pictures, ask to see samples of them.
Talk
about the rules at the church or other wedding site. Many
places are very strict about what a photographer can and
cannot do. Some have limitations on pictures during or after
the ceremony. How will this particular photographer cope
with these rules?
Be
very specific about the photographer not being intrusive.
We’ve seen photographers who stand in the aisle when the
bridal party is entering and make them walk around them
instead of taking a picture and then moving into a pew.
We’ve seen others who get on the altar facing the congregation
and take pictures with lights during the actual ceremony.
Others will follow the bride and groom so closely, they
feel like they’re going to trip over them and that there’s
a camera in their face every minute. No bride wants this
sort of distractions. A good photographer will get the necessary
shots without anyone particularly noticing them. And, outside
of the formal portraits, very few shots will be posed.
If
you have not actually seen this person work at a wedding,
don’t hesitate to ask for references. A good photographer
will not hesitate to give them out. And, if you get them,
do follow up with those listed. You must be completely comfortable
with having this person be the one to make the official
record of your special day. If you are, you’ll end up with
a beautiful memento of your wedding.
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