Capturing Your Fairytale…

Weddings, graduations, reunions and anniversary parties are some of the most important events in your life. Finding a photographer to fit your budget is easy but will you get the results you are expecting based on price alone? What else should you compare? What questions should you ask and what are other factors to consider when choosing a professional photographer. I have listed some questions that you may want answered. Feel free to add comments if you have experienced problems in this area and had questions you wished you had known to ask…

What is your shooting style? Do you have experience in a variety of styles and can we see samples? Many photographers have experience in a variety of styles but what is their primary style? You will want to choose someone who can provide you with the style of your preference whether it be candid, formal, photojournalism, or other. I was recently asked if I were available for an autumn wedding and if I had sample photos of fall portraits. Excellent question!!

DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE IN SIMILAR EVENTS? IS YOUR PORTFOLIO OF ACTUAL CLIENTS OR RECRUITED MODELS? Almost any professional can make hand picked models look good and we all have at least some of those included in our portfolios but are there examples of real weddings / special events which show how you work under pressure. Everyone has to start somewhere… and while it is sometimes kind to give a beginner a break, is this inexperience reflected in your investment and is this an event in your life worth the risk?

CAN YOU PROVIDE WORKING REFERENCES? Are there previous clients who will confirm that you were professional, reliable, friendly, dependable and on time. Are you the photographer or a representative of the company?

HOW MUCH MEMORY DO YOU WORK WITH? How many pictures can you take in RAW format? It is reasonable to assume that 50% of pictures may not be perfect (although acceptable). Therefore the ability to take at least 1000 pictures should yield much better overall portraits. RAW format simply means a photograph that is not perfect at the time of shooting can be more easily edited to attain great  results.

DOES YOUR CAMERA BAG CONTAIN ALL YOU NEED TO CAPTURE THE SHOTS THAT ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO US AND WHAT ELSE ARE YOU ABLE TO OFFER IN THE WAY OF VARIETY OF SHOTS TAKEN? Digital photography has become extremely technical but it is not necessary to understand the terms only to know what to ask in order to compare. An SLR is superior to a point and shoot. Do you work with a digital or film SLR? Is there a back up camera of similar quality to the main camera? Do you carry a variety of lenses for close-up and telephoto shots? Are you capable of macro photography (those fabulous very close shots of rings and flowers!) without extreme cropping? Wide angle lenses of 35mm and less best capture large groups and add unique special effects. Do you have any? Fixed length lenses are usually superior to lenses of varying lenth. Are any of your lenses designed for low light photography, that is f/2.8 or lower? Can large scenes be captured clearly and sharply with f/11 or more. And finally, are you capable of using flash photography? It is important that a professional flash be used in order to avoid harsh shadows. You may want to discuss the possibility of using off-camera flash alternatives.

DO YOU INCLUDE DVDs OF IMAGES? Will these images be low resolution (suitable for only small size prints) or high quality and will printed proofs be included with your package? Not everyone is adept at editing and printing digital images so printed proofs may be a selling point for you.

IS THERE A CONTRACT? Even among friends a contract is the best way to ensure that both parties are clear in what is expected for the event. This is the best opportunity to avoid any misunderstanding.

As a professional photographer I encourage you to be as informed as possible when making a decision about your specific photography needs. Hopefully these guidelines will allow you to compare “apples to apples”. And while even the very best make mistakes, it is important to try to cut down on the chances of this happening. There are no do-overs.

Marriage vows are sacred regardless of your belief in the spiritual world. It is your belief in the concept of forever and the power of love that makes this day one of the most important in your lifetime. It is the day little girls dream of… never to be taken lightly. As a professional wedding photographer I recognize the importance of marriage and therefore the importance to you of capturing these fleeting moments in time in a format that lasts forever.

In order for you to choose a wedding photographer that offers what you need at a price you can afford, it is necessary for you to gather as much information as possible. I have dedicated this blog section solely to the wedding aspect of my business. From here you will (soon) be able to link to my main site and blog dedicated to other areas of my art. I offer the chance for you to get to know me, my work, and my dreams for your future.

What is the most important factor in deciding who to choose as your wedding photographer? Is it style and quality of work? Does price influence your decision? Is reputation important? While all of these are part of this decision making process, I think equally critical is the dynamic of the relationship between professional and client. Do you trust and feel comfortable with the relative stranger that will share in the intimate moments of your day? 

I am who I am… polite, friendly, professional and responsible… organized is my middle name. (This is not always a positive and I sometimes wish I could function well in a state of chaos!) I have, however, learned to remain calm in the hectic world of wedding photography and maintain my much needed state of structure during the careful planning that goes into preparing for the event, and after when prompt editing ensures your portraits are exactly what you had hoped for! There will be a contract in place to protect us both and to clarify expectations. I will show up and I will produce what is promised. You can count on it. In the unlikely event there are some unforeseen problems there is no doubt I will make it right. Your wedding day will be given the attention it deserves. There will be no other appointments regardless of the hours you have booked. I will have put together a shooting plan based on your input. And I will have spent several calm hours (most likely involving bubbles and candles) visualizing how the day will flow. I will be excited for you and nervous – a sign that I truly care about the end result.

I am not what I am not… bubbly and giggly. If you are looking for someone who wants to be your instant best friend then it won’t be me. I hope to enjoy my time spent with you but I am not there to party. I have a very important job to do. I will not plan shots that will be “out-of-the-norm” simply to add to my portfolio if you are not comfortable with these ideas. (Unless of course you’re in agreement – who wouldn’t want one of a kind portfolio pictures!) And I will not pretend to be who I am not. You’d know right away I was faking.

So take some time to get to know me. I look forward to participating in your wedding day if you feel we will work well together. I sincerely wish you the best if you do not!