By Allison Hopkins, written for Gino Creglia Photography
As you and your fiancé begin preparing for your magical day, you are faced with many questions and decisions… where to get married, who to invite, a DJ or a band, a sit down or a buffet…
Photography becomes one more item on your checklist. While it may seem to be a simple one, it also plays a very important role in your day, as your images are all you will have to help remember this amazing celebration. Selecting the right photographer is a crucial part of the process, and one that should be done relatively early once the planning begins.
By following these guidelines, outlined by a seasoned wedding photographer who knows the ins and outs of the process, you are guaranteed success!
- Personality is Huge.
Hire someone who can Lead and Direct but also gets along easily with others; there will be many people involved during this event.
Hire someone who can work with all generations—this is the day they will all be together!
Hire someone who has the ability to quickly adapt to changing situations—weddings never go perfectly.
- Study their images.
An ideal photographer for your special day needs to show diversity and uniqueness in their imagery. The photographer’s portfolio should have examples of their photojournalistic, portraiture, and illustrative work.
Look closely at their portraits…including placement of hands, postures of subjects, etc.Do you see emotion in their subjects?
Are they experienced in capturing the decisive moments throughout the wedding day?
- Hire someone with an intimate knowledge of wedding venues and vendors.
Your photographer should know the local areas and vendors…it is beneficial if they have the ability to call upon additional help, if needed. Photographers often recommend specific vendors to brides and grooms—great teams love to work together!
- Hire someone who has proven that they can anticipate the moment and capture those “special” shots that no one sees.
Did you see any examples in their work that weren’t traditional shots?
- Don’t forget to ask them these crucial questions:
Are they equipped for all lighting situations? Do they have a variety of lenses? Backup Equipment?
What are their abilities in manipulating images? Are they experienced in retouching images to look “natural” or “realistic” when printed?
Have they ever photographed at your wedding venue and if not, do they plan on visiting the location before your wedding?
- Remember that Value exceeds Price.
Most brides and grooms have a budget and there are definite areas that can be cut to save cost; photography is not one. Find someone who is experienced and passionate about what they do. You won’t regret it.
“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
-Aaron Siskind