Looking for a wedding photographer?

Last year I had the honor of shooting a couple of weddings. They are fun, yet exhausting, events to work. You are on your feet for hours. You have to deal with brides, parents,  planners, D.J.’s and guests. Lucky for me, the two I shot went off seamlessly. Nothing arose I couldn’t take care of; nothing got lost or broken and everyone was happy. The two weddings I worked were both people with whom I was familiar, which didn’t do much for the stress. If it were a regular client that was unhappy, I wouldn’t risk losing a friend as well.

Recently, a friend announced that he and his fiance were getting married. I thought I was going to be hit up for a free-bee, which I would have gladly provided, but instead he asked that I help him find a good wedding photographer. Then it hit me, most people know very little about what makes a good photographer. After helping him locate someone I decided I would offer my sage advice to others. So, following are my suggestions to make sure you’re happy with the photos of your big day.

1. Word of mouth is a great place to start. Photographers’ reputations are built on word of mouth. Ask your friends if they know of anybody, most likely one of them will have a name or two to start with.
2. Check out their previous work. Everybody today has a website (even me). Any good wedding photographer will have pictures somewhere out there on the web for you to look at. If not, just ask. Any professional worth talking to will be more than happy to provide samples.
3. The Professional Photographers of America is always a good place to start. You can find photographers near you and check out some reviews at the same time.
4. Check the references. Even if your best friend loved their photographer, it does not always mean everybody is happy with them. Ask for some references, and check up on them.
5. Meet with them well in advance. It can take a while to find a photographer that you are comfortable with. Start early to make sure that you can find one that you like and can offer what you are looking for. Which brings me to my next point:
6. Do not be afraid to say no. Just because your father’s, best-friend’s, uncle is a photographer, does not mean that you have to hire him. If you have any misgivings: you feel uncomfortable, he seems unreliable, you don’t like his cologne. What ever it is remember, you are stuck with him all day. At your wedding.
7. Schedule a shoot ahead of time. Many photographers offer an engagement session as part of their packages. Some even for free. Some apply the cost towards the wedding if you book with them. Do it. Even if you don’t want engagement pictures. This will give you a chance to see if you like his personality, his style of working with clients. Pay attention to how he handles his gear. Is he clumsy? Does he drop stuff a lot. You don’t a photographer that is going to miss the kiss because he is looking for that memory card he dropped.
8. Some studios employ a number of photographers. Make sure you get to meet with the one that will actually be shooting your wedding.
9. Your photographer will likely require a deposit to hold your wedding date. Never agree to pay the entire fee up front. The balance of the fee should only be paid after the wedding, once you have seen and received your proofs.
10. Get it in writing. When booking your photographer, always make sure to get everything in writing. A written agreement or contract with your photographer, itemizing all of the important details, will protect you and help prevent potential misunderstandings. It should be signed and dated in duplicate by both you and the photographer; and you should each retain a copy. It should list all fees, taxes, and extra charges, as well as what the photographer is to provide (number of hours of coverage, number of proofs, number of photos in the package, sizes of photos, etc.) The agreement should explain when deposits and balances are due. It should also clearly list the date of the wedding, the location or locations the photographer will be required at, and the times at which he or she is to be there.
11. A word about style. Be sure you like the photographer’s style. He may be an excellent photographer, but if you don’t like the style his previous work is done it, you may not like you wedding photos.
12. Just as important, make sure you like him. If you clash with his personality, it might make your wedding miserable.

There it is. I hope this has helps some one out there? Any other questions about hiring a wedding photographer? Just ask.