Most people might not be aware of the fact that, apart from choosing a wedding dress, you need to choose a photographer who will capture those special moments when you say your vows. The pictures taken during these times are not merely images; they hold memories and emotions dear. Hence, it is important to document them well. Now, how do you choose the perfect wedding photographer?
This article will discuss how you should go about choosing your wedding photographer. The first half of the article talks about what features to look for in a wedding photographer while the latter half is devoted to helping you make that all important decision.
Photographer’s technical know-how. This includes knowing about the latest photography equipment and software. He must be well-versed with camera lenses, image resolution, and lighting to name a few and ensure that he carries the appropriate gear for the whole day. The photographer should know about how different lenses produce diverse effects on images. For example, a telephoto lens would flatten out perspective while a wide angle lens would produce a wide field of view. This is especially important when you wish to capture close-up shots of the bride and groom. You must also ensure that he is familiar with all types of lighting – natural, artificial or both!
How well does your wedding photographer get along with people? A wedding is a social event where you will want your guests to associate with each other and have a good time. This implies that the photographer must be friendly, likable, and easy going so he can gather all the necessary information from you regarding the event e.g. names of family members and acquaint himself with them before going through the lens.
Displays work in an organized manner. All of us are visual beings. We value things that we can see for ourselves more than those that are described to us in words. Ensure that the photographer displays samples of his work such as portfolios, DVDs, slideshows etc. This will provide you with a glimpse into his talent and ability.
Experience. The amount of experience your wedding photographer has will determine the type of shots he can produce. Given that a wedding is one of the most important events in your life, you must look for someone who has been in this line of business for at least five years and has shot numerous weddings before. This ensures that you are in good hands! You will also be able to judge his level of expertise by the number of years in the industry. If he has been working for ten years, then you can rest assured that he is an expert!
Credentials. Ensure that your wedding photographer’s credentials are well documented. You will want someone who is registered and licensed to carry out this job as it ensures that he has met the industry standards. If you are hiring a particular photographer, it is your responsibility to inquire whether he or she is registered and licensed for the task.
State of mind. Photographs are memories that last a lifetime and reflect the personality, thoughtfulness, and emotions of the day. Hence, it is important to determine whether your wedding photographer is sensitive enough for this task as he will be recording these images using his camera lens. Does your prospective photojournalist appear to be comfortable during family gatherings? Is he able to blend well with those around him? It would help if you ask past clients about their experience with the photographer’s state of mind on their wedding day before making a decision.
Will your photos meet international standards? Wedding photographers who strive to maintain high quality standards must invest in top notch equipment such as latest cameras, lenses, lighting etc.; keep themselves informed about new trends; attend seminars and workshops; and stay abreast with the latest in software, technology etc. If you want your wedding photos to stand out from the rest, check whether your photographer is keeping up by viewing samples of work produced recently.
A great wedding photographer should be able to understand how important it is for you to have high quality images for memories sake. He will also be able to advise you on the best possible way to capture all those special moments so that together, you can create priceless memories!
So, how do you find the best wedding photographer for your big day?
There are several ways to search for a good wedding photographer. You can check out photography websites or contact photographers by telephone or email. You can also try asking friends and family if they know of any good photographers who have proven track records, preferably with some notable attributes similar to those listed above. If you want more than just one photo on your wedding day, then hiring a professional is definitely worth your money!
Another way to find a wedding photographer is through an online search. Since the Internet has become a convenient tool for individuals who are looking for all sorts of things, you can also use it to conduct your own investigation on prospective photographers that suit your needs. You can also read reviews of other people who have worked with them before or otherwise obtain some feedback from their past clients.
One good thing about using the Internet is that you can obtain access to information on hundreds of different wedding photographers without having to leave the comfort of your own home! There are many websites these days dedicated exclusively to showcasing portfolios and samples produced by award winning wedding photographers around the world. You can visit these sites and view photos taken at real weddings in various parts of the globe that are submitted by real people just like you.
These are just some of the wedding photography websites that are available for your viewing pleasure. Make sure to check out their past work, portfolios, or samples so you can get an idea of how they shoot weddings. These will serve as a good guideline on what type of style and theme they like to follow:
By having all this information at hand, choosing the perfect wedding photographer will be as easy as pie!
