Mid-Valley Voice

Selecting Your Photographer

The images captured on the day of your wedding will likely surround you for the rest of your life. Whether it is a portrait hanging on your wall, or bringing out your wedding album to show your children and - someday - your grandchildren, your photo memories can last forever.

The photographer is one of the most important wedding professionals with whom you'll work. He or she will keep things moving throughout your wedding day and work with you afterwards on selecting the images that will tell the story of your marriage.

The following suggestions should be helpful in guiding you in your search for the perfect photographer. Do take time to review the accompanying questions you'll want to ask him or her. That way you'll all the answers you need before you sign a contract or put down a deposit.

Locating the Talent:

- Decide what photographic style you prefer - candid journalistic style or traditional posed portraits. Then seek out photographers who employ the style you like best.

- Ask recently-married friends and family if you can look at their wedding albums. If you like the look and the techniques used on the pictures, get the name and number of their photographer.

- Ask the other wedding professionals you're working with if they have any recommendations. Because they have attended so many weddings, they'll know who has a good reputation and the work to back it up.

- Call photographers you've heard of and set up a meeting to see their book. Some photographers even display their work in shops where you'll be purchasing other wedding supplies.

Asking the Right Questions: Once you've found some photographers that may be a good match, schedule a face-to-face meeting. When you're discussing your wedding, make sure to cover the following topics:

- What is his or her style? If you prefer candids, the photographer should be more of a photojournalist. A traditional wedding photographer will focus more on posed portraits.

- Is the work good? Are the images clear and focused? Is it either too bright or too dim? Are any effects or techniques used subtle or overdone? Make sure to carefully evaluate the quality of his or her work.

- Does the photographer have wedding experience? How does he or she approach a wedding? Will he or she coordinate with a videographer?

- What is the photographer's availability? Will he or she be available to you the entire day (wedding, reception and everything in between). Or might he or she book another job the same day? How late will he or she be willing to stay?

- Will he or she cover a "must shoot" list? The photographer should be willing to shoot from a schedule of moments you want captured -- from arriving at the church to the last dance. You and the photographer can determine in advance how to catch those images.

- What's included in the cost? Is there one flat price for the photographer's time, production and materials? How much will prints and/or albums cost? Are there any packages available?

- Do you feel at ease with this photographer? You should feel confident that the photographer understands what you do and do not want in your wedding pictures. You should also have the expectation that he or she is going to cover all the bases, including bringing an extra camera and extra batteries in case of an accident.

- Does he or she have references you can contact? Get a list of couples the photographer has worked with recently. Find out if he or she did a good job for them. Did they capture the important moments of the wedding? Were they easy to work with, or did they make things more stressful? Was the couple happy with the final results?

If you feel comfortable with the answers you receive to these questions and the photographer is willing and able to cover the requested wedding aspects, make sure all the details you've discussed are in writing. And, as always, be careful with what you sign - make sure the contract covers everything.