How to go about selecting a wedding photographer

Weddings are a once in a lifetime event and require not only exceptional photographic ability but also an almost instinctive appreciation of the situation and nuances of such an occasion. Unlike other forms of photography there are no second chances. Photographers are entrusted with one of the most precious times of a bride and groom's lives. It may not be obvious to you now, but you are actually creating a very special bond with your photographer if only for the one day.

It is not uncommon for couples to place a high degree of importance on price alone. This may be appropriate for other elements of your wedding where you know exactly what you are getting. However, when hiring a photogapher you are hiring an artist. You are hiring someone that is to produce high quality creative work on demand in any situation that may arise on your day. Within reason, price should be one of your last factors. Invariably, once a client has educated themselves on how to go about selecting a photographer this proves to be true. Consider what you are asking of your wedding photographer. You are trusting a virtual stranger to competently produce creative images in your chosen venues, regardless of weather, your culture, the tempermant of everyone at your wedding, no matter what every time. All the while doing so in a professional and courteous manner. Your wedding is one of the most important times in your life and it is also likely the first time you've had to go about selecting a photographer.

Your wedding day will go by far quicker than you can imagine. This is true if your wedding is 50 guests or 450 guests. You are hiring a professional photographer to ensure the important moments of your days are captured. Beautiful moments that are to last a lifetime. These images will be remembered not only by you but by your family, your children and their children. You are entrusting your photographer with a serious responsibility.

So how do you go about shopping for a professional wedding photographer. Here are some factors to consider.

Why hire a professional
How do I search for a photographer
How do I develop a photographer short list?
When should you contact candidate photographers
Meeting a candidate photographer
How much time does a wedding photographer need to capture my images
How many wedding photographs should I get
Who keeps the wedding photography images
What about wedding photography packages?
What camera equipment will the professional wedding photographer use
Is there an assistant or second shooter involved

Why hire a Professional Wedding Photographer at all?    top

It is not uncommon to set a budget for wedding photography that is well below market rates for professional photographers. Often the budget is set based on the assumption that "surely this is enough". The fact is that most brides will spend between 50% and 100% more than they originally budgeted once they become educated and gain a true appreciation for what you are asking of your photographer. Yes, we all have budgetary constraints. The point is that it should not be your first criteria.

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A client may be tempted to hire an amateur for their wedding. The amateur may even have good skills. However, consider that you only have one shot at your wedding photography. A professional wedding photographer is expected to deliver high quality images every time under any circumstances that arise. The professional will be adept in dealing with whatever situation occurs and will have enough experience so as to not be nervous and feel like they are working under pressure the way that an amateur does. More often than not the timetables that clients set go askew. The professional is expected to deal with this and work quickly and efficiently. Your photographer is also expected to interact with not only the bride and groom but all family members and even with all guests. You should be completely comfortable that your photographer has exceptional people skills and will add to your day.

How do I search for a Professional Wedding Photographer?    top

A recommendation is the best way to gain confidence in a professional wedding photographer. In the absence of a recommendation you will have to go looking. There are wedding shows to attend, bridal magazines, and of course searching on the internet. These resources will give you access to a great number of photographers. This is the easy part. Narrowing down your list is where you will have to do some research.

How do I develop a Professional Wedding Photographer Short List?    top

Your first experience may be their website.
Does the overall look of the website look professional?
Is there depth in the online portfolio?
Are you seeing diversity in the number of weddings presented?
Look closely at the lighting. Is it natural looking, are there well lit reception shots.
Is the posing acceptable to you? Do the clients look engaged or awkward in the images?
Is the overall style what you are looking for?
If the photographer does more than weddings do those images look strong and creative.

What you're looking for is depth, diversity, style and the right "feel" in the images.

Remember, what you are looking at is work that the photographer feels exemplifies their work. If you don't like the website then there's no need to go further.

When should you contact candidate photographers?    top

The vast majority of brides put a high degree of emphasis on wedding photography. Therefore it is very important that you select your photographer early on in your planning process. Once you have figured out who you are going to marry your next steps are the venues and date. Invariably the photographer is your next decision. The better photographers typically book over a year in advance!

Meeting a candidate photographer.    top

When you meet with a photographer you should expect to see much more portfolio work. Again, make sure you truly like what you are seeing. Just because the picture has a woman wearing a white dress in it does not make it a wedding picture! Ask the photographer if what you are looking at is typical of what you should expect. This is particuarly true in the age of Photoshop. A photographer may choose to do enhancement work to their portfolio, but if they don't do this to your wedding images then they are not showing you the whole truth. Again, you should be seeing diversity, style and depth in the images. Would you be happy if it was your own face on the images.

Ask questions relevant to your venues. Ideally the photographer would have already shot there. Some venues are much trickier than others.

The photographer should also be giving you more information than just answering your questions. Again, this is likely the first time you've had to shop for a photographer and it's likely you won't ask all the right questions. It's also likely you may not fully grasp the answers. The photographer should make a genuine effort to be as up front and clear as possible.

You'll also want to assess the photographer as to their suitability for your wedding with respect to how they interact with you. Are they personnable and open or stand offish and guarded. Do you feel that something is being hidden from you. Are you getting clear answers to all of your questions.

If you have a positive face-to-face experience with the professional wedding photographer, and the technical and artistic expertise exceeds your expectations, this is the time to discuss all aspects of the wedding photography. Ask the difficult questions. Don't hold back.

How much time does a professional wedding photographer need in order to give me what I need?    top

The time the photographer spends photographing your wedding is dependant on the events you want covered. The options are endless, they are entirely up to you, and include:

Bride's preparation Groom's preparation
Formal bride and bridesmaid photography prior to the wedding
Formal bride and groom photography prior to the wedding
Wedding ceremony
Leaving the church (ceremony)
Formal group photography
Reception photography, including speeches, first dance, bouquet toss, garter toss, cake cutting and departure of the bride and groom

How many wedding photographs should I get?    top

This varies from photographer to photographer and is especially true with digital photography.

Who keeps the wedding photography images?    top

If your photographer is shooting with film (a few still do) then you will likely have no way of obtaining the negatives. In the case of digital photography, some photographers will not avail them at any price, some will sell them to you and some will include them in your package. Find out what rights are given with respect to useage. By default the photographer has copyright on all work produced. Find out what you are allowed to do with them if you obtain the digital images. Often personal use is acceptable. Selling or publishing would require permission from the photographer.

What about wedding photography packages?    top

Determine ahead of time what coverage you want. You might want just the ceremony, formal shots and no reception. Some clients will want the full day, from hair and makeup and right through most of the reception. Make sure your photographer offers a package that fits your requirements.

What camera equipment will the professional wedding photographer use?    top

Clients will ask this for a variety of reasons. In some cases clients are ensuring that the photographer uses professional gear that can stand the wear and tear of professional photography. In other cases a client may think that good pictures require a good camera. While this is partly true, the professional could turn out excellent images with even a lower grade camera. That said, you should expect that pro gear is being used.

Is there an assistant or second shooter involved?    top

If you are requesting coverage of the groom getting ready then this is often at the same time as the bride getting ready. A second shooter will be required. Find out if this is included in your wedding package or if there is a separate charge.