How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer

How To Select Your Wedding Photographer

Photographs are an important way to help you remember the moments and share the memories of your wedding.  For many folks, the day goes by in a blur and the photographs become how they remember the day.

According to Steven Halperson at Tisara Photography in Old Town, Alexandria, choosing the best photographer for your wedding can seem daunting. You may be tempted to ask a friend or relative to photograph your wedding. If so, remember that the person will be working and less likely to enjoy the event. But most importantly, your friend may not have the experience or equipment to capture those special moments. If your photographer is part time, how available is he to take your calls or meet with you.

Professional photographers often shoot in “raw” format which has many of the benefits of working with negatives from film days. Raw files can be manipulated without losing sharpness. JPEGs on the other hand become noticeably less sharp after a number of openings.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a photographer; talent, style, price, and personality.

Talent and Qualifications – Yes, new photographers can do good work. (Professional photographers were once new and inexperienced too.) But nothing beats experience. Examine the photographer's work. Chances are your wedding photography won't be better than what you see in the display albums or on the website. Read testimonials. Check references. You want your photographer to be in business when it's time to deliver the product!

There are many styles -- traditional, journalistic, candid, formal. Some photographers offer only one type. The best can offer all and will incorporate your preferences into your wedding day coverage.

How much should you expect to pay? You can spend from $500 to $10,000 or more on wedding photography. The norm is to spend about 10% of your entire wedding budget on still photography. Many photographers have packages that include everything from the coverage to albums and prints. Some have a la carte pricing that enables you to select just what you want. If you are on a tight budget this might be the best way to go.

Consider how many hours you want the photographer to be with you (from getting ready to the last good-bye? or for only the ceremony and formals), how many photographers (two can give you wider coverage), as well as what you will receive. Will you receive proof prints, thumbnails or a CD with hundreds or thousands of images for you to review on your own? Will the photographer help you select the best? Will you be able to purchase high resolution digital images or receive an edited CD? If you get a CD remember that digital files don't enjoy the longevity of film. To be safe, CD's should be copied every 5-7 years . Also, technology changes so quickly, equipment may not be available for future viewing. One can hardly find slide projectors these days. As a safeguard, get good quality prints of your favorite images. Chances are good, prints can always be copied.

About personality -- you’ll want to meet personally with your photographer to see if your personalities match. You'll want someone that who will get along well with you, your family, and friends.

As soon as you decide on a photographer, contact him to reserve the time and write a formal contract. Read the contract thoroughly. Everything you are supposed to receive should be written down along with the price and payment schedule. Be aware of their cancellation policy. Don't pay a deposit until you have read and signed the contract (the photographer should sign the contract also).

Meet with meet with your photographer about two weeks before the wedding to review all the details. Be prepared with a list of “must have” photographs. And then, after the wedding, be prepared to enjoy sharing the memories with your families and friends.