what are the most important things to look for in a wedding photographer?

Question

price? style? work? personality? if i should look at all these things, then which are most important? Any help would be appreciated!!

Answer 1

Price for package - ask about everything it includes and see if it is reasonable. Make sure the package includes some prints (at least 50 or more) and that they will give you a CD with the photos as part of your package. I have heard horror stories on here before where people paid thousands for photographer then had to pay so much for prints then the photographer wouldn't let them have a CD to print more photod themselves so making sure all that is included in the price is so so so important otherwise you will pay so much just to get your photos. Get it in writing too saying that you will get prints and CD of pics for one price. If they make you pay extra for prints and CD go somewhere else as they will RIP YOU OFF!
Of course don't forget style of work. Many photographers are different so you have to check you like they way they take photos. Some use really modern, weird techniques that will date soon so it is better to go for natural and classic photo style.
Make sure you look at the work they have done - they should have a portfolio to show you - to see if that is what you are looking for.
Also see if you like the person. You have to interact with them heaps on the wedding day so they need to be someone you get along with or it will not make your wedding great of you can't stand them.
Also, ask about deposit, how much they want, and their cancellation policy. Many people won't give much back close to the wedding time so make sure you are happy with them before you pay any deposit.
Also, check how long you will get them for on the day.
Ask if an album is included in the package.
Ask if they do both color and black and white - it is nice to have a mix of these
Ask about their camera to make sure it is good quality equipment.
Ask if they use film or digital. They can usually do both but it will probably cost more for film so go digital, they turn out better anyway.
Anything else you can think just ask and be very sure you like them, their work and know about ALL details before you sign or pay for anything. Hope I have helped!

Answer 2

All of the things you said are important but when you look at their portfolio, make sure you see the pictures of a complete wedding. A lot of photographers show you the best pictures from many weddings. You want to see how they can capture the entire day, not just 1 or 2 good shots.

Answer 3

I would say make sure you check their portfolio and that you like the style of pictures they take and the quality of the actual shots. One thing that was important to me was making sure that I owned the rights to my pictures so I can print them as I wanted instead of having to pay $6 per 4x6 picture. Check if there is a package to get some pictures because that could be an extra cost on top of the photographer.

Answer 4

MOST IMPORTANT of all is to see their portfolio. We hired a photographer based on recommendations and I'd seen a couple of his non-wedding photos that were good. He turned out to be a complete fraud -- had we asked to see a portfolio we would have known because he didn't have one!!! A foolish mistake, but hopefully others can learn from it.

After you see the portfolio, if you like it, compare the price to others. It's good to like the personality, most important that the work is high quality and will capture the personalities of you and your sweetheart (you don't want someone who is going to over control and create shots that are not genuine to your personalities, but also you want someone who understands classic composition and lighting).

Because of all the technology today, I'd get a package that has a minimum number of shots (say 100?) that you get on disc. That way you can create online albums for friends and family, as well as order albums online (picasa and snapfish, excellent). You also have the option to create your favs in sepia or black and white and also have them in color...the possibilities are endless.

You can also ask about ordering prints from the photographer if you aren't set up to do that.

blessing to you and your family.

Answer 5

First look at their photographic style. See examples of past weddings. If you like their personality on talking to them, and you like their work, ask about the cost. You will be able to judge whether the cost is worth it or not after seeing the examples. Starting from a cost perspective is not a good idea.

Answer 6

Experience. Look at his or her portfolio and see if you like their work. Of course you'll want to work with someone you get along with, so personality is important. Also, you'll want to stick to your budget, so they're all about equally important. IMO the most important thing is the quality of work.

Answer 7

I think that it is important for you to look at the style of pictures that he/she takes. Think about if you want your pictures to look edgy, modern, traditonal or whatever. Do you want it to look like someone is posing you or do you want it to look like a journalist is recording your day. As for price im sorry to say it but the better photographers charge more and you pay for what you get. As for personality you won't be focusing on him/her on your day.

Answer 8

I would ask to see samples of his/her work. If your happy with it, then get down to the cost.