Finding the perfect photographer to capture the priceless, irreplaceable moments on your wedding day can be almost as nerve wrecking as finding that one-in-a-million, gotta-have dress. After all, it's a once in a lifetime kind of day...and you want every moment immortalized in a way where you look PERFECT. Remember, these pictures will be hanging around your home forever! Once you work out all the details that create the look for the day-- the venue, invitations, flowers, dress--- you've got to find a photographer with a keen eye for detail and beauty that 'gets' you. Simple enough, right? Why, then, are you hyperventilating? No need to panic. We turned to "Expert of All Things Wedding" Anja Winikka, Senior Editor of The Knot.
Here are her 10 TIPS for things to consider BEFORE hiring a photographer to make sure your trip down memory lane is one you'll want to keep taking for years to come:
1. What’s the photographer’s style?
There are three types of photographers: photojournalists, traditional wedding photographers, and those with a balanced bag of tricks.
Ask yourself: Do I love candid black-and-white action shots? If you answered yes, then you are leaning toward a cameraman with a photojournalism style.
Perhaps, you prefer portraits and posed shots. If you do, then a traditionalist is for you.
Ambivalent? Can’t decide? Then seek out that photographer with a special mix of talents.
There are three types of photographers: photojournalists, traditional wedding photographers, and those with a balanced bag of tricks.
Ask yourself: Do I love candid black-and-white action shots? If you answered yes, then you are leaning toward a cameraman with a photojournalism style.
Perhaps, you prefer portraits and posed shots. If you do, then a traditionalist is for you.
Ambivalent? Can’t decide? Then seek out that photographer with a special mix of talents.
2. Has the photographer done many weddings before?
Ask to view samples of his/her recent work and for references.
3. Has the photographer won any awards? Is he/she a member of any national and local photography associations?
4. How does the photographer coordinate with a wedding videographer? Has he/she worked with your videographer before?
5. Has the photographer ever shot a wedding at your ceremony or reception site?
If he/she has worked at your ceremony or reception site, ask to see the photos. You want to make sure he/she can manage the venue well.
If he/she has worked at your ceremony or reception site, ask to see the photos. You want to make sure he/she can manage the venue well.
6. How many other weddings is the photographer shooting on your wedding day or weekend?
Make sure he/she has no time constraints.
Make sure he/she has no time constraints.
7. Will the photographer you’re speaking to be the one who will be shooting your wedding?
If the answer is no, then make sure to ask to speak to whomever will actually shoot. It is important that you get to know your photographer and that you are comfortable with him/her as he/she will be sharing the majority of your day with you. Sometimes he/she will even be in your dressing room, so do make sure that your personalities mesh well.
If the answer is no, then make sure to ask to speak to whomever will actually shoot. It is important that you get to know your photographer and that you are comfortable with him/her as he/she will be sharing the majority of your day with you. Sometimes he/she will even be in your dressing room, so do make sure that your personalities mesh well.
8. What types of cameras will the photographer be using? How new is the equipment?
Ask the photographer to explain how certain effects are achieved and to outline the benefit of using certain technologies. You may not catch all the techno-speak, but it helps to have a sense of what’s what.
Ask the photographer to explain how certain effects are achieved and to outline the benefit of using certain technologies. You may not catch all the techno-speak, but it helps to have a sense of what’s what.
9. How many shooters will the photographer need in order to achieve the photos you want?
It is good to know if you’ll need more than one photographer to catch all the photos you requested. This tip is also necessary in order to make sure that everything still fits within your budget.
It is good to know if you’ll need more than one photographer to catch all the photos you requested. This tip is also necessary in order to make sure that everything still fits within your budget.
10. How much does the photographer charge for his/her service? Are there any packages?
Request a price list that includes the photo printing, albums, etc.
Anja Winikka is the Senior Editor at The Knot. Known as a popular source for her expertise on destination bachelor and bachelorette parties, honeymoons, and bridesmaid etiquette in national McClatchy News, she has been featured on NBC’s Weekend TODAY, CNN, and FOX News. The Knot is a distinguished lifestyle media company and the #1 wedding website offering fresh advice and ideas on all things weddings.
Read more: http://galtime.com/article/love-sex/38443/3528/10-tips-hiring-wedding-photographer#ixzz1qXlx2FSR
