Are you getting married? What do /did you look for in a wedding photographer?

Question

just getting a census here.

Answer 1

I really wanted a photographer that the package price included all the proofs and the negatives on cd so that I wouldn't be paying for each individual shot.

Next I wanted to find out their additional hour rate (some of them really get you on that) or a package that was more than 4 hrs. I knew with the getting dressed, wedding, and reception that 4 hours wasn't going to be enough. Our's was a 5 1/2 hour package and then very reasonable after that--though 5 1/2 was all we needed.

The shots I wanted were very candid. Her portfolio was fun and playful--with lots of interesting shots that really reflected the bride's personality. Importantly--another photographer had tons of pictures of brides in the 80s. I need to know what he shoots NOW, not nearly 30 yrs ago. I wanted someone very professional. I was her only bride that day (very important and difficult to find in june); I wanted to make sure my contract was with that photographer and not a firm so that they couldn't sub in someone last minute. Also, someone who had an assistant to capture some of the pictures of the guests that she would miss. Also to get what was going on inside the reception while she was with me. I wanted someone who I felt would get along with our families and felt like someone I could relate to. I wanted 2 mothers albums, my album and a bridal portrait large print. Of course--for me the most limiting factors were date availability and price. Many photographers had booked up June over a year in advance and I couldn't afford to spend 5 grand on a photographer either.

I met with my photographer 3 times before the wedding--to go over shots and discuss the itinerary for the day. Your photographer should be available to you, not one who you met on your wedding day. She had a list of posed shots and I circled which ones I wanted.

It took a while to find the perfect photographer that met all that criteria, but I finally did. I couldn't be happier with my pictures.

Answer 2

We got married last year and looked for two things in a photographer:
1. We viewed samples of their work and made sure that we were pleased with the style of photos that they took.
2. We wanted to feel comfortable and at ease with the photographer.

We met up with a couple of photographers based on the photos we had seen they had taken on web sites and in bridal magazines. We liked all of their photos so then chose the photographer we felt most comfortable with. This worked out fabulously as on the day as we were relaxed and happy while she took the photos and this really came through in the final photographs.
Its also good to be sure you go with someone who has a decent reputation so you know they will complete the work as you request.

Have a brilliant wedding!

Answer 3

When I was looking for a photographer, I looked at the following things:

- price
- how much time he/she would be at the wedding
- package deals (what is included in each package)
- if he/she had our date open
- which type of camera used
- style of pictures

The most important thing was the personality. This person is going to be sharing a very intimate day with you, so you want to make sure you get along. When I met with the photographer that we used, him and I hit if off right from the beginning. He showed me some of his work and I started tearing up because it was absolutely beautiful. I knew I would not be satisfied with anyone else. If you are getting married in Minnesota, let me know, I have a great recommendation for you.

My advice is to look at a bunch of different companies and review their work. Don't necessarily only go on price, these are going to be with you for the rest of your life.

Answer 4

Yes.... Getting married on Saturday! AHHHH!

When I was looking for a photographer, I really wanted someone to capture the story as the day unfolds. Obviously everyone wants a few posed pictures with your new spouse, But I can't stand wedding albums that are all posed shots. So after some research on the internet I realized that I loved the "photojournalist" style. I actually found our photographer through the photojournalist association. Check out this website to see some pics in this style. Congratulations and best of luck to you!

http://www.wpja.com/

Answer 5

Ask others you know and trust in your community who they used and what their experience was like. Ask to see their photo album--look to see if the shots are the ones you expect.
Shop photographers to compare prices, look at samples of their work, and ask for RECENT references. Sometimes photographers start out really good until they build their reputation, then tend to overbook and get lazy. Try to find one that has NO other weddings booked on your day. Read all the fine print and understand about the different packages and prices and what is/isn't included so there are no surprises.

Get the best one you can afford. You can also put out the disposable cameras on the tables at the reception to get extra candid shots.

Answer 6

Good wedding photographers are in-demand, and therefore often booked a year in advance, so begin your search as early on as possible.

Take an exhaustive look at their portfolio to see how this photographer captured different people and locations.

Visit at least three photographers to research the best pictures and prices for your budget.

Make sure your photographer has good - and several - references. When you contact references, ask these customers if they were generally satisfied.
- Was the photographer easy to work with?
- Was he/she punctual?
- Were there any hidden costs?
- Were they able to provide negatives of the photos or present them electronically?

Answer 7

I'm planning my wedding now and recently a girl I know got married. She found a student fresh out of college to photograph. The photography itself was free since the graduated student had never done a big project before. They did have to pay for the actual picture development though. The bride-to-be had her bring in a collection of photos she'd done, and a portfolio and went ahead with it. Their pictures still look great and it was a great jumping point for the student. If you're interested in that type of thing, you can see about posting flyers in the art department at a local college. There are a lot of good photographers out there but you have to track one down.

Answer 8

one thing that most people dont look for is that the photographer pays attention to the little details.. for example i was in my cousins wedding about a month ago and i was sitting on the couch tying the rings to the ring bearers pillow and the photographer caught it... it came out beautiful in black and white... and look through their portfolios to make sure there are pics of the favors and the place cards.. and other decor that you will put so much time into to perfect for the perfect day.. you want to capture all those little details so you can look back in years to come and remember some of the moments you had when planning your wedding.. and only the pics of all the little things will allow you to do that!

Answer 9

#1 thing.............The photographer MUST include all the negatives and/or the high resolution prints. This is NOT negotiable.

After that it's more about what the couple can afford and what style they want. Some people only want photojournalism style shots, others want it more artistic. Whatever you choose make sure you are getting a photographer that specializes in that style of photo. You wouldn't ask the bakery to cook the steaks would you?

Answer 10

I am getting married this summer and my fiance and I knew the moment we saw the work of our photographer(s) that we wanted them to capture our big day. It was important to us that the photographer was a professional (in manners, experience and appearance) whose product was of the highest quality. We both wanted someone who was skilled at both formal (posed) photographs and candid shots. We also looked for a photographer that would give us the most access to the pictures. Our photographer will give us a CD with all of the pictures in color, black and white and sepia tone. We also wanted a photographer that was affordable - and that certainly was the case. I guess that, in a sense, the overall package was important -- a good balance of not too expensive and high-quality product and service.