Recently, I had to go buy a new lawnmower. This seemed like a simple choice, but anyone who knows me knows that I am not the jack of all trades alpha male. My strengths don’t extend far from photography. As I stood in the lawn mower aisle, the sales associate must have noticed the dazed look on my face- so he offered some advice. “Big tires make it easier to push.” “Wider radius blade means you don’t have to walk as much.” “Self propelled means…. just that.” I was thankful for his patient advice.
Some couples likely find themselves in a similar situation when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer, well- except for the the trip to Lowe’s. So I thought I would make a few recommendations from a photographers standpoint. Photography is an industry that doesn’t require a degree, license, or much in the way of accountability (in most areas). It is very easy for anyone to pick up a camera, make a business card, and call themselves a professional photographer. Unfortunately, some couples have been shortchanged by photographers who lacked proper equipment, experience, or even ethics. So what can couples look for to help them choose a qualified professional that will capture their day properly, and deliver quality products in a fair amount of time?
1. Real world raves! What are real people saying about the photographer? Find out what brides are saying, as well as what other vendors in the wedding industry are saying. Ask your caterer, venue, planner, florist, videographer, and dress shop what they know about the photographer. Find out what other photographers think. If they are on a social network like facebook or twitter- you’ll easily get a feel for how their peers interact with them. Check out vendor sites like www.ProjectWedding.com. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors what their experience has been with the photographer. Don’t just trust the “Raves” section of their website, find out what real people are saying.
2. Lucky or smart? When you look through their portfolio, do you see a few good shots, or a consistent body of great work? Did the photographer happen to snap a few good shots to mix in with mediocre work? Look at the pictures in their portfolio, but more importantly- look at the images on their blog. A blog should display a few images from every session they shoot. This will give you a better idea of they type of work they do with every day people, not just the “portfolio couples”. Look at each image to see what it focuses on. Is it focused on the subject, or on the wall behind her? Do the skin tones look natural ? Are they eyes of the subjects sharp? Are the faces in the pictures too dark, or too bright? Does their work appear to be that of a weekend warrior trying to earn a little extra cash, or does it reflect someone who has really studied their craft?
3. Creative or cookie cutter? If you are looking for someone to document your wedding in a manner that tells the true story of your day, look for the photographer’s ability to show unique and creative images from each wedding, engagement session, and bridal session. Do you see sets of images that look just like other photographer’s work ( hand on hand cutting the cake, black and white bride with red roses, images of people simply smiling at the camera)? Or do the images speak to you about the emotions that were felt when the picture was taken?
4. Availability. Obviously, this is important. Before you get to far, you want to make sure that the photographer is available. If you truly love their work, and they aren’t available- ask who they recommend. They likely have one or two other photographers that shoot in a similar style on their recommendation list. Some photographers may even offer an associate through their studio. All you have to do is ask.
5. From this day forward. What is the commitment level of the photographer? How long have they been in business? Do they shoot weddings fulltime, or is it a weekend job for them? Do they answer the phone during normal working hours? How easy are they to communicate with? What is their turn around time? Ask them how long before the images are ready for you to view (should only be a few weeks or less). Ask how long the normal turnaround time for an album is once the final images are chosen (it shouldn’t be any longer than 2 months). Are they committed to serving couples for years to come, or are they using wedding photography as a means to support their hobby? Make sure you know the commitment level before you make any type of financial commitment.
To make your job easier, we recommend starting your search through Modern Photographers. Members of Modern Photographers must be voted in by current members based on 1. Reputation, 2. Skill, and 3. Creativity. The members are committed to making it easy to find a qualified reputable photographer.
by Mark Eric
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