Photography
really is one of the most important decisions you will make. You won’t get this
day 
back. So having the best photography that day is so important. All of your
hard work on the small details of the wedding will only be memories if you
don’t have the right professional photographer for your wedding.
Here are
a few things to do to find the right photographer for you!
1. Meet
your photographer in person! If you can’t, talk over the phone. It’s so
important to develop a relationship with your photographer and also pick one
that you would be friends with! You will be spending all day with the
photographer, so if you have similar interests and personalities, it will only
make your day that much more smooth.
2. Ask to
look for a full wedding. This is the only way you will know if they are capable
of capturing your entire day, not just a handful of great photos from the day.
Don’t be fooled by just one gallery of their favorites.
3. Pick a
photographer that fits your style completely! I cannot stress this enough. If
you want a lot of traditional portraits, don’t book a photo journalistic
photographer. They will not take the images you want and you will not be happy
in the end. Just because you like there style on their Website, doesn’t mean it
fits who you are or what you really want in your wedding day photos.
4. Ask
what kind of equipment and backup equipment they have. If you get a blank stare,
they are not prepared to shoot your wedding. The photographer should have at
two bodies for each photographer and multiple lenses and flashes to choose
from. This might sound excessive, but digital cameras fail. There are many
photographers who do not have enough gear or professional gear to shoot at
weddings. Make sure to ask.
5. Make
sure you understand completely what you are getting for the price you are
paying. Also, you HAVE to read the contract. Word for word. It’s so important
to make sure they are telling you the same thing as their contract is.
6. Check
references or third party endorsements. If a wedding site or magazine has
featured the photographer…chances are they have some skill! And probably
respected in the industry. Speak to past clients. You won’t get a better feel
for how the photographer really operates unless you talk to someone that has
been in your shoes.
Here are
some common questions I get and my answers:
When should I book a wedding
Photographer ?
There are
many factors to consider in answer to this question. What month will you be
getting married and is this during the summer months or a holiday period.
Should this be the case then you will want to book at least 12 months in
advance.
Why do photographers always suggest
an engagement portrait session?
Without a
doubt most wedding photographers will either include a portrait session in any
packages he or she offers or as an add-on option. This is a good way for both
you and your photographer to work together prior to the big day. It will help
build trust and confidence that your photographer will produce the outstanding
pictures that you want. I think it’s an essential step to getting to know me
and in return, getting to know you before the big day!
Do photographers generally give a
discount for low season or weekday weddings?
As the
business of weddings is still predominantly a weekend affair it means that
dates are limited in the year. I receive the same requests for a single date
many times over. I attend one wedding per day, so it limits the number of
commissions that can be taken. Some photographers will offer a reduced rate for
people getting married on weekdays or at certain months of the year. I feel
that the effort involved and the precious time I take to deliver amazing wedding
photographs is the same whatever the day or month. So my rates are applicable
to any day or time throughout the year.
Someone I know has offered to do our
wedding photography for $300 and give us the files.
There are
photographers of all levels and experience and that means that there will be a
broad range of prices for what looks like the same package. Some who cover
weddings for such a low rate may not be able to produce the high quality
pictures that you want. People who offer this service for such a low price may
be either starting their trade or be part-time. Professionals will have built
up years of experience and will have invested much in the correct equipment
(and backup equipment) – all will have professional insurance to cover them in
the event that something goes wrong.
Why does our photographer copyright
the pictures at our wedding?
This is
standard practice and is a form of legal protection. A photograph once taken
automatically has the copyright afforded to it. Copyright is in force for a period
of seventy years AFTER the photographer dies. Any use that is subject to
reproduction of the photographs has to be agreed in writing with the
photographer. Therefore, the photographer retains all rights the photographs
even if you receive a CD of images. Should you envisage that this will be a
problem then discuss it with your photographer.
Erica Velasco is a lifestyle
wedding & portrait photographer based in Phoenix, Ariz.
She specializes in eco-chic custom photography services, using eco-friendly photographic
practices and products. You can view more of Erica’s work at visionphotographs.com
and visionphotographs.com/blog.
