|
Many couples say their wedding day goes by like a blur. If it
weren’t for the photos, they might never remember the little
details that made the day so special.
Both newlyweds and those celebrating their golden anniversaries
will tell you: In your planning efforts, from finding the ideal
cake design to selecting memorable favors, don’t neglect photography.
After all, how else will you and yours remember the day
you spent so much time planning? On anniversaries to come,
it will be through photos that you’ll recall such heart-warming
details as your first dance as husband and wife, how beautiful
your friends were and how amazing that custom-designed cake
looked. Since you can only live this special day once, you will
need extraordinary photographs to capture it all.
The right photographer is essential in capturing those beloved
memories for you, and generations to come, to enjoy. Here are
some tips for finding the photographer that will make you happy
with the results:
As it is in marriage,
open
communication
is key
Don’t limit your options. Interview a minimum of three to
five photographers. Sit down with each one and get a feel for
his or her style, work ethic, reliability and portfolio. Personali-
ties do matter. Determine if this is someone you can work with,
someone off whom you and yours can bounce ideas while
feeling assured that what you want is what you’ll get. Be direct
in asking if the photographer you interview is the one who will
do the work, or will an associate take the job. Always review the
work of the person who will do the photography.
Consider your photographer’s strengths and weaknesses, and
how they impact your desired outcome. Don’t expect a photog-
rapher with a penchant for still or posed shots to suddenly break
into a purely candid style. Instead, select a professional that
excels in candid photography if that’s what you desire. If a mix of
both styles is favored, find someone with a great deal of stylistic
range, and remember the proof is in the, well, proof book.
Find sample shots of what you and yours want from magazines and other helpful resources. Clip them out, and don’t be
afraid to bring in a stack of photo samples to express what you’re
looking for in the finished wedding album. As it is in marriage,
open communication is key. Be sure to relay what events and
which guests you want included as well. Be direct. If you want
black and white, color, or even sepia-toned images, ask for those
things up front so there are no surprises for you or your photographer.
Don’t limit your options. Interview a minimum of three to
five photographers. Sit down with each one and get a feel for
his or her style, work ethic, reliability and portfolio. Personalities
do matter. Determine if this is someone you can work with,
someone off whom you and yours can bounce ideas while
feeling assured that what you want is what you’ll get. Be direct
in asking if the photographer you interview is the one who will
do the work, or will an associate take the job. Always review the
work of the person who will do the photography.
Consider your photographer’s strengths and weaknesses, and
how they impact your desired outcome. Don’t expect a photographer
with a penchant for still or posed shots to suddenly break
into a purely candid style. Instead, select a professional that
excels in candid photography if that’s what you desire. If a mix of
both styles is favored, find someone with a great deal of stylistic
range, and remember the proof is in the, well, proof book.
Find sample shots of what you and yours want from magazines
and other helpful resources. Clip them out, and don’t be
afraid to bring in a stack of photo samples to express what you’re
looking for in the finished wedding album. As it is in marriage,
open communication is key. Be sure to relay what events and
which guests you want included as well. Be direct. If you want
black and white, color, or even sepia-toned images, ask for those
things up front so there are no surprises for you or your photographer.
Many photographers, if asked, prefer a
thorough list of required shots. This not only helps them understand
what you want, it also encourages you and yours to put
some thought into the type of photographs you’ll treasure years
from now. Don’t assume certain shots will be included. Put all
desired shots down on paper to avoid miscommunication. And
remember to apprise the photographer of your family dynamics.
For example, there may be a step-mom who would rather
drop dead than be photographed standing next to the mother of
the bride. A good photographer will know how to get the people
who are important to you into the shots you want without ruffling
any feathers.
For the same reason that putting
required shots in writing is important, drafting a contract that
delineates the specifics of the business transaction is a must, say
local professionals. It should detail, among other things, the specific
services expected, the deposits and payments required and
a backup plan in case the photographer of choice cannot fulfill
his or her end of the contract. If the photographer in question
has business insurance, the couple will at least be guaranteed
their money back. If he or she is affiliated with a professional association,
especially at the local or state level, the couple might
be given a backup photographer.
Many photographers are
more than willing to provide interested parties with lists of
former clients and their contact information. Couples can and
should utilize such lists, contact the clients for input about the
photographer’s services and/or ability.
This will build a good rapport between the photographer
and you, ensuring better communication and results. The
better the photographer gets to know a couple, the better he or
she will be able to capture the memories they will cherish on
their wedding day. Years from now, you’ll be glad you put the
extra work into selecting just the right person(s) for this job.
Photograph courtesy of:
Pangburn Photography |
