How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

There are a certain number of things you need to keep in mind when you are booking your photographer.  Again, you want to go with word of mouth first and foremost here.  This person will be providing you with hard copy memories that are supposed to last you a lifetime, you don’t want to rush into this decision.

Here are a few things to look for in your wedding photographer:

Experience:  Have they every photographed a wedding before? Is this person a professional or are they doing photography as a hobby?

Style:  Are the images that you see what you would like to see?  There are buzz words that you can use when interviewing – photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and the like.  Do you want black and white photos, color, or a mixture of both?

Actual Photographer:  Is the person you are interviewing going to be the one actually working your wedding? Or are they going to send in who they have available.  Be certain that you know which photographer will be there and that you see their work personally before you book anything.

Chemistry:  You do need to have a good chemistry with your photographer.  They will be the ones responsible for these lasting images, and you want someone who will be able to make you comfortable and get along with you and your closest friends the entire day.

Price Range:  You definitely do not want to shop by price when it comes to photographer, this is one of those areas where splurging will pay off.  Is this person within your budget however?  If not, you have to decide if they are worth the price difference.  Make sure you understand every cost including reprints and albums.

Delivery:  How long is it going to take to get your proofs back, your thank you cards, your album, and your bridal portrait?

Do you understand all of the terms?  There are a lot of terms in a photography contract.  Make sure you understand all of them before you sign anything.  Is it going to be a la carte, or in a package?  Is there wiggle room for changes, and are they going to cost?  Very often the packages are fixed but they can sometimes be customized.  But you DO need to ask that question.  How much time will they spend during the day?  If you think you will need more time, are they available?
Make sure all of these questions are answered.  If heaven forbid anything went wrong and this ended up in court, only what is written counts. So ensure all of your terms are in the contract.  What is “promised” will never hold up legally.

Ask for references:  Not only use your own friends word of mouth, but get references from your photographer and check them out.  You will get a great feel just from this approach alone. If he is not willing to give you a list, then go on to the next appointment as fast as you can.