Tips for a Bride
March 23rd, 2010
Here are some tips for picking a professional, passionate, artistically talented, and hard working photographer. Sure I’m biased, but whether you choose me or not I think these tips are good.
Tip 1: Look Past the Portfolio
Ask to see a recent wedding the photographer shot in its entirety. All photographers have a good 20-image portfolio, but only a good photographer consistently captures the essense of every wedding.
Tip 2: Beware the Bait-and-Switch
There are many “wedding photographers” in South Florida who will book multiple weddings for the same date. On your wedding day they will call in “sick” and send a low-cost substitute photographer. Always ask for a strong financial guarantee that the photographer will be at the wedding himself/herself.
Tip 3: Independent Research
Check your photographer out independently. Ask for a reference or two and make sure they aren’t a family member or friend of the photographer. Search Google for their name.
Tip 4: Equipment
Does the photographer use professional grade equipment and do they always carry a backup camera? Without a backup camera a single slip, spill, or bump and they (and you) will be out of luck. The specific brand or cost of a camera should not concern you – I routinely switch between $400 (film), $7,000, and $24,000 cameras which allow me to capture images with different feel.
Tip 5: Look for Someone You Like
Working with a photographer that you get along with will keep you at ease throughout your big (sometimes stressful) day, capturing more natural and flattering images. The best photographer in the world won’t do you any good if you’re not comfortable with them being around. It’s simple, pick someone you like!
Tip 6: Trust Your Gut
Can you trust them on your big day? Do they seem enthusiastic about your wedding or is this “just another” wedding to them. I wake up excited the morning of every wedding I shoot, looking forward to capturing the fleeting moments throughout the day that make up the essence of that wedding.
