7 Principles to Choosing the Best Wedding Photographer
Most of the time home photography is sufficient to record what is important enough to be remembered. But once in a lifetime events such as weddings deserve the extra touch of a professional photographer. There are plenty to choose from. How do you know which one is right for your special day? Below are seven principles to aid you in that choice.
1. Availability. Is the day free for the photographer to be present all day? Also, most people can’t afford hiring a distant photographer just because they’re good. How close do they live to the place the ceremony and reception will take place?
2. Skill. Photographing a wedding is much more than just setting up various shots and clicking. It will involve good equipment, good lighting, and expert skill. Of course the pictures will probably be digital. What pixel range will they use for the pictures? Generally the more pixels, the better the resolution but also the larger the file size. Then find out what the company’s reputation is? What do others say about their skill in taking wedding pictures? Are samples from other weddings available?
3. Personality. What would it be like to work with them? Are they pushy, trying to get you to choose their most expensive package, or do they present the options and let you decide? Would they tend to take over or fit in? How are they in working with children?
4. Price. Of course, money must be a consideration. Weddings are expensive enough, the average U.S. wedding now at more than $20,000. You want your special day recorded but you don’t want to go broke doing it. Are the options you want available with this photographer within your budget?
5. Service. How soon will others be able to see the pictures? How soon will you receive the ordered prints? If enlargements were ordered, when would they be available? Since digital is instant, is the option of displaying ceremony pictures during the reception available?
6. Options. A wide variety of options should be available. For example, if you so desire, is the photographer available during the rehearsal? Are they willing and available when you want the main photographic event to take place? Are they OK letting relatives take their own pictures while they are setting up shots? What creative suggestions do they offer? Can others print pictures off their website?
7. Integrity. Does the photographer deliver on the promises made? Is the photographer known for being on time and at the right place where they are expected? Are all the parts of the package you choose delivered as promised? Do they have other things planned that day or will they be there as long as you expect them to be?
You won’t want to reply on an amateur to photograph something as important as your wedding. If you follow these principles, you will probably not be disappointed with the person you choose.
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