Selecting a Wedding Photographer
Being photographers, when we got married we had high expectations for quality photographs. Having great pictures was the most important thing to us. To select our photographer, we looked around online and visited a few studios before we selected the studio that would capture our memories.
Being young and inexperienced, we entered into a contract that was vague at best and didn’t get supplemental notes in writing. When our big day arrived they came and took our pictures. About 2 months after our wedding, we were devastated when we saw our final prints for the first time. It was heartbreaking to find out that our precious memories were taken at 72dpi in jpeg form only by these “professionals” who charged us nearly $4,000 to take our pictures. The quality was awful and the group pictures are not salvageable. Of course, there were some good pictures, anyone can take a few good shots, but the moment is gone and we have to be satisfied with what we have.
It only takes a few good shots from each occasion to make up a portfolio if enough pictures are taken. That’s not what you’re looking for in a photographer. You want to make sure that the photographer you select will have the ability to produce consistent, quality images, not just get a few great shots. That said, here are a few tips we recommend for couples in search of a wedding photographer.
Portfolio
Look at complete album sets. Don’t just look at pictures hanging in a studio or website and decide they take good pictures. Anyone can get a few great shots out of a batch of 400, so be sure to look at several complete albums before making a selection.
Equipment
Ask about the equipment they use and how they will take your pictures. Digital is the standard now (it wasn’t when we got married), but even the best equipment can be used improperly putting your memories at risk. Make sure they can answer questions such as:
- What type of camera will you be using?
- What resolution do you shoot in? (You are looking for RAW format or dual format including RAW.)
- What size are your flash cards? (You want to ensure they have at least 8 gigs of space on their flash cards to ensure adequate space for all your memories.)
- What type of lighting will you bring?
- What do you typically bring with you to a wedding? (You are looking for them to bring extra batteries, extra flash cards, extra lights, backup camera, etc.)
Call References
While of course people and businesses alike put only their best feet forward, you should hear consistent feedback from their references. Ask pointed questions like:
- Did they use your shot list (did you see them actually using it)?
- Did they come prepared for the unexpected (or did they have to borrow an extension cord for their lights)?
- Did they have a hard time rallying your family and friends into the pictures, or did they take charge?
Useful Wedding Planning Links
The Little Wedding Guide
Creative wedding tips, money-saving ideas and more! Make wedding planning easy and stress-free with helpful planning tools and a free wedding checklist.
Leading Marietta, Georgia Photographers listed in Decidio.com