Planning - Choosing a Photographer

Helpful Tips - Things you should bring.

Check with your venue

Have photos of the ceremony and reception locations, as well as information about any rules and regulations your photographer will be expected to follow.

Pictures, Pictures and more Pictures

Provide examples of wedding photos and videos you love.

How much?

Make sure you have an established budget. Your photographer should be able to deliver what you want, including all prints, albums and enlargements, for the amount you want to pay.

All in the Details

Have background information about your wedding, including the date, time, length and location of the event, as well as how many guests you think will attend. In addition, your photographer will need to know the size of your bridal party and family, so they have an idea of how many formal shots to anticipate.
 

How long?

Allow at least an hour of free time. Don't rush yourself with a too-tight schedule. There's a lot involved in this interview. You'll need time to look at the photographer's work, ask a lot of questions, talk prices and details, and most importantly, establish a rapport. It's so important that you not only like the photographer's work, but that you also like the photographer. This person will be rubbing elbows with all the most important people in your life. Better make sure they have a great attitude about you and your wedding as well as being compatible and have the skill to get along will all types of personalities.
 

Be Frank

Feel free speak openly. Do you hate the way your nose wrinkles up when you smile? Is your little sister famous for throwing temper tantrums when she has to pose for the camera? Do you have divorced parents who need be kept as far apart as possible? Now is the time to talk about the challenges you're facing. More than likely, your photographer will have a couple of great solutions up his or her sleeve.

Have a Vision

Make sure you have an idea of the kind of coverage you want. If your dream album is a vision of formal portraits, say so. If you want dozens of black-and-white candids, now is the time to speak up. It's no use hiring a traditional portraitist to work as a photojournalist. And if you dream of a classic wedding video, complete with a big band soundtrack à la Babyface, don't hire an avant-garde filmmaker who specializes in Goth weddings set to the sounds of acid rock. If a photographer or videographer really wants the job, they may tell you they can shoot any and every style you want. And maybe they can. Still, you're much better off letting their work speak for them. You want to hire a like-minded professional whose very best work is exactly what you're looking for.

Trust your instincts

Follow your intuition. Being a wedding photographer requires a tremendous amount of skill. He should be part psychologist, part artist, part historian, part drill sergeant and partly invisible. You might want him with you in your dressing room, snapping photos of you getting ready with your bridesmaids. You might want him with you at the altar, silently and imperceptibly taping the moment your veil is lifted. Whatever the case, your photographer will be at your wedding, mingling with your guests, organizing your grandparents on the lawn, and on your heels for most of the day. You should like who he is, and feel comfortable having him at your wedding. After all, you only get one shot at this.  Might as well make the most of it.

Documentation

Have printable worksheets that detail all the pictures you and your photographer  plan for.   This way you won't miss that group shot with your sister girlfriends!