Looking for a wedding photographer?

It has been said that after your wedding you are left with two things: your pictures and your memories. After seeing the disappointing final product from a good friends wedding I am reminded of the importance in choosing the right photographer!

With the expensive price tag wedding photography can bring, its understandable that people want the best bang for their buck! I have seen both ends of the spectrum; the horribly awful to the breathtakingly beautiful images wedding photographers can produce. To help I have compiled a list of tips and suggestions for anyone looking for a wedding photographer:

• First and most importantly, do your research! Who ever you hire will have a huge responsibility and you want the piece of mind that they are the perfect photographer for your big day. Don't rush this process, and understand that its perfectly reasonable to meet with a half dozens of photographers, or more!


• The Internet is a great place to start, you can narrow down your top picks by browsing through each photographers website/ blog. Also many wedding blogs have their own list of photographers they recommend; a good way to find someone who is respected in the wedding industry.


• Don't solely judge your photographer by their website, good or bad. If you like their work then its crucial you set up a consultation with them. Most consultations are complimentary and its a great way to learn more about your photographer on a personal and professional level. During your consult here are some important questions to ask:

1. If I hire you, will you be the person shooting my wedding? (this may seem like a strange question, but often studio manager will meet with clients if the photographer is unavailable. Its very important to meet the actual photographer before you've book him/her).
2. How long have you been photographing? How long have you been in business? Are you full or part time?
3. How many weddings have you shot in total? (This is very important, experience is everything in this business and you want to make sure your photographer is able to handle the demand that a wedding day can hold.)
4. What type of equipment do you use? Do you have backups? Is your lighting equipment going to be distracting or obnoxious?
5. Do you shoot digitally or with film? Or both?
6. Do you travel? What are your travel fees? (Most photographers travel, and love that part of their job- especially if its a tropical location!)
7. How long will my photographs be stored for? (Each photographer is different so its good to know if your images will be kept for a year, 5 years, or not a all.)
8. How many proofs should I expect to see?
9. How are the proofs delivered? (Online, loose prints, or in a book?) When can I expect to have my proofs after the wedding?
10. Do you offer digital negatives, custom albums, slide shows on DVD, or any other products?
11. Have you worked with your associate or assistant photographer before? (If applicable)
12. Will you be photographing another wedding the same day as my wedding? Same weekend?
13. What if an emergency happens and you cannot shoot our wedding?
14. What packages do you offer? Can you custom design a package based on my budget and needs?
15. If we decide to book with you what is the process? (Go over the contract, and make sure you understand what your signing. Most photographers require at least a deposit to reserve your date.)

• During your consult, it's important to physically see samples of weddings albums and proofs for at least 2 full weddings, this will give you a better idea of what to expect. Ask questions about their album options such as: cover material, number of pages, images in album, and other design options. Do you approve each page before its sent to print or is there no design aspect involved?


• Have your photographer explain their style of photography and how they work during a wedding. Are they a candid photojournalist photographer, or do they have a more traditional and posed approach? Make sure they will compliment your personal style and that you overall like (hopefully love) their work!


• Many photographers offer engagement sessions with their wedding packages; this is a great way to see how they work. On your wedding day you have an much better idea of how they interact with you and your family.


• If you've booked your photographer, I recommend that a few weeks before the wedding you sit down with them and go over your wedding time line. Talk about shots you want them to take, and let them know of any important family member or guests.

The process of planing your wedding can seem overwhelming but rest assured, there are plenty of talented and unique photographers all over the world. Its only a matter of finding one you love and that fits your budget!

The corner stone of all my weddings is essentially the album. All of my albums are personally designed to fit the style of each wedding. I haven't had the opportunity to share any of the photographs below and thought it fitting to give an example of a custom designed album. If you would like more information about my wedding packages or albums please e-mail me to set up a consultation!