Tips for Finding the Right Photographer

Many people find a wedding photographer by asking their friends and family for recommendations.  There is nothing wrong with this, but before you pick up the phone take a moment to consider these factors:

1) Style: Every photographer has his or her own style.  Consider that two shots of the same thing by two different photographers will look very different–every photographer has their own ‘eye.’

1b)  Besides the photographer’s own eye, many photographers work in a certain style.  These styles may range from the less trendy ‘line ‘em up, smile, and shoot,’ to the documentary or candid style, or the currently trendy fashion-like shoot.   Although most good photographers can do any of these styles and a whole lot more, they generally want to retain their signature look.  Good photographers consider themselves technical and creative artists so don’t expect a photographer who specializes in the documentary form to shoot your 5 page shot list; rather, find a photographer who specializes in the shot-list so you will get what you want in the best of that style.

2) The Look: Take the time to look through the images on the photographer’s website  to make sure that the way the photographer sees things is the way you want to be seen.  A good photographer’s images will have a certain ‘look.’ Much like the magazine hairdo, make sure that look suits you.

3) Direction: Once you have decided on a style and found someone in your city whose work you like, go and meet them.  You may think that you may not have any real contact with the photographer during your day, but that is generally not the case.  Some photographers shoot silently in the background with only clicking to be heard while others direct each shot like a remake of an historical drama.  If you choose the artistic director-photographer, make sure you will be able to stand up to him or her, so there will not be hard feelings by the end of the day.  Many images that look great are the result of explicit direction–just make sure you are prepared and understand what it takes to get the shots you loved on the photographer’s website.

4) Post-production: In relation to number 2 above, keep in mind that ‘the look’ is often accomplished in post-production by techniques the photographer does him or herself or hires out.  Generally speaking, post-production is time-consuming; therefore, ‘the look’ will most often cost you more.

4b) Remember that photographers generally only post their best images on their web sites.  On your consultation visit, ask to see a selection of images that have not been posted.  Although this won’t be true of a quality photographer, in some cases, what you see on the website has been further beautified by post-production.

5) Files: Some photographers offer a DVD of high resolution files while others do not.  Consumers tend to believe that photographers who do not offer their files are trying to make more money off prints or albums.  But there is another way to think about this issue.  Quality photographers tend to view their work as art.  They want to know that when you receive your images they cannot be altered.  Any post-production done by you does not represent their work.  Just like you would not think of buy a painting and adding a few more brush strokes to suit your taste neither does the photographer want you to alter his photographs.  Any alterations will be presumed to be the result of the photographers work not yours, and the photos that you show your friends and family act as advertising for the photographer.  Quality photographers have a reputation to protect.  A photographer who is willing to hand over high resolution files values their work in a different way than the photographer who will not.  Be aware that this may have implications for quality.

6) Albums: Why go with a photographer’s album?  Two simple reasons.  First, the professional wedding photographer has access to albums that you, as a consumer, do not.  Secondly, the professional photographer has either had professional training in design or has years of experience in design.  The idea that “I could do it just as well” is a feeling we all share at times when cost is an issue, but if when we actually try it we better understand the skill involved.  You will most likely only have one wedding album, why take the risk.

7) Cost: Wedding photographers can be pricey.  From the professional photographers standpoint, she has spent several thousands of dollars on equipment.  Consider that the average price of just one lens is at least two-thousand dollars.  Top photographers will likely also have professional educational training (which at some institutions is similar to the tuition of law school).  Moreover, wedding photography is a specialty in its own right, with its own calendar year–it is seasonal.  The majority of income for a wedding photographer is generated from May-September.  In the North, that makes for one long winter.  Photographers must price accordingly.

For other tips on finding a wedding photographer check out iBride