Sunday 6 December 2009

CHOOSING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER



This is a question that i hear many times, How do i choose the right Photography?
Some photographers spend a small fortune on advertising, some dont, some photographers only shoot weddings but a lot of photographers all so do portraits and other types of photography.

How do I choose my photographer?

Ok so now a lot of people can afford to go and buy a good camera, but if my Gran bought a trowel I wouldn't trust her to build a house.
so owning a camera doesn't make you a photographer, just like owning a trowel doesn't make you a builder.
WEDDINGS
Once you have decided on a firm date for your wedding you can begin approaching your choice of photographers to see if they are available. It is worth starting your search for a photographer early, as the better photographers will become booked up quickly. It is important that you view photographer's work before you book them for your wedding. Never book over the phone.

Have a clear idea of what you require:

Would you like traditional or more journalistic style of photographs or a mixture of both?

Do you want exclusively formal shots or would some relaxed photographs of friends and family help you to remember the whole day?

Would you like some portraits of special people taken at home on the morning of the wedding, where you can ensure everything looks perfect (the photographer could visit you both separately)?

Are there some people you would like your photograph taken with apart from the traditional selection? For example are some of your guests traveling from another country who you see rarely?

Are you inviting an old friend that you had a photograph with when you were very young that you could update on your wedding day?

Would you like all colour shots, black and white or shots using other effects such as sepia toning?

Questions To Ask:
Remember, it is important to discuss all of your requirements with your photographer. They can do a much better job of your wedding photographs if they are totally aware of your hopes for the final outcome. Consider taking examples of photographs from friends' weddings or sketches so you are clearly understood. Leave as little to chance as possible.

Here are some important questions to ask the photographer.

Ask if the person you are meeting will be the person there on your wedding day. If not, ask to met the actual photographer and see some examples of their work. If this is resisted, be a little concerned.

If you meet an alternative photographer from the same company, ask the same questions. Don't assume the same standards or experience as their partner or employer.



Ask if the photographer has professional indemnity insurance to cover the cost of retaking your photographs if something goes horribly wrong. If the photographer does not have insurance, you should take out your own wedding insurance policy to cover such an eventuality.

Find out how long the photographer spends taking their shots after the ceremony and/or at the reception. There isn't really a standard time for this, you should decide before you visit the photographer how long you think it is acceptable to keep your guests waiting, and see how close the photographer's estimate comes to yours.

Ask how the photographer copes if the weather is not as beautiful as you hope. Here it will help if the photographer has worked at your wedding and reception venues previously and knows the local area.


- Consider having a pre-wedding photo shoot. This gives you and your photographer a chance to get to know each other a bit better and you will feel more prepared for the big day!

Above all remember your wedding is unique so viewing a photographers work is only an idea of the images the photographer offers, A good caring photographer will work around your needs, making your images special and unique to you


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