picking the right photographer
edding photographer shopping is overwhelming. The options are endless—some boast low prices, some brag about robust teams of shooters, others offer a complete line of products, a few with years of experience… how do you know what’s best? There is one question to help guide you to the right photographer for you. What is the end all question?
“Can I see a few sample albums?”
A sample album will show you what every bride needs to know. First is the obvious, what do the samples look like? Are they something that you would make? While the quick online album works for your everyday snapshots, you want professional. The albums should feel that way when holding it in your hands. While you may not be purchasing that exact product they are showing, you should feel like the photographer has their business under control and presentation says a lot about them. The albums should show that.
Second, take a look at ALL the pictures inside. There should be all sorts of lighting conditions. Do the church pictures appear bright enough? Is anything blurry? What does the flash do to the portraits at the reception? Are there plenty of close ups? Are there pictures of just the bride and groom? Do you sense emotions as your looking through the albums? Does the style fit your taste? Discuss these things with them.
Next, talk about the day. In the album, you should see when the photographer arrived, departed and everything in between. Does the time line look similar to yours? Again, ask questions. The photographer has been to many weddings; they should make you feel confident in handling the specifics of your day. Ask the tough questions too. What happens if he/she is sick? What sort of back up equipment do they use? Are they insured?
Last, talk about the end result. What does the photographer cost? What are you receiving? How long before you see images? What goes into making an album? Are you given a disk? Can you print portraits anywhere? By this point in the interview, you should be feeling confident with the photographer, or moving on to another. After all, if a picture says a thousand words, the sample albums should tell the entire story.
-Tieraney Rains Craig
Tieraney Craig of CYellow Photography dishes on on the only question you need to ask when choosing your wedding photographer
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