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Recent posts
- Charlotte & Gordon Engagement Shoot
- The last in the series The 7 Biggest Errors Brides Make
- Number 4 - The 7 Biggest Mistakes Brides Make When Hiring a Photographer for Their Wedding and How t
- Number 3-The 7 Biggest Mistakes Brides Make When Hiring a Photographer for Their Wedding and How to
- Number 2: There are some things you should watch for when you shop around for your wedding photograp
There are some things you should watch for when you shop around for your wedding photographer:
* Booking too fast - Shop around, take your time. Don't ever feel pressured into making a decision on the spot or that day, unless of course you've done your homework and feel very comfortable with your choice. Then nab 'em before it's too late.
*Read what you are signing - Some vendors use certain tactics to get people to sign a contract. Then they may not follow through on the "verbal" promises made. Unfortunately this makes the entire industry look bad. There is a simple solution. Take your time and read the contract. If your prospective photographer makes a promise, get it in writing.
* Hire a photographer with a distinctive style and expect different results - You choose a photographer because they will deliver a certain product, a "look". If you like what they offer, then you can be certain you will like the results that they will deliver of your wedding day. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? Many brides cut corners and expect better than expected results from their photographer. Most good photographers offer an engagement session with every wedding package. You could ask to have one done before you actually commit to a full wedding package. That way you get to experience the photographer at work and see the actual results they will produce for you.
*Obvious signs- smells, clutter, dirty, booze, bad manners. Trust your intuitive side, your instinct. If something is wrong you can bet it is only the tip of the iceberg. Some obvious signs are dirty studios, clutter and disorganized. If they are slobs, what are they like on your wedding day and with your photos after the wedding day? If you smell cigarettes or booze, or the photographer looks to be on drugs, these are all obvious warning signs. Even bad breath can put a damper on things. Bad manners when you come to the studio shopping for a photographer are probably an indication of more to come- on your wedding day and after.
This all sounds basic and it really is nothing more than using common sense.
* Look for a photographer that obviously loves doing what they do.
Sadly for too many photographers your wedding is just another ”job". They fail to bring passion and love of the craft into each and every wedding they photograph. Look for someone who radiates passion, and love of the craft. If photographing your wedding is drudgery for them, your photos may be fine, but will they really shine for you the way an artist who is truly passionate about their craft can make them?
* Experience. Nothing beats it. If your photographer has photographed many weddings and has a strong vibrant reputation in your community, you can rest assured they got there with experience. Outstanding wedding photographers are not taught in school or by acquiring some degree or by winning awards. They get there through experience, just like an airline pilot.
Some final thoughts
I hope this helps you make the right decisions about who you are going to hire for your wedding. Good photos will become priceless and one of your most valued and treasured keepsakes. I am adding more to this series on how not to make a mistake when booking a wedding photographer. So keep checking back. Once they are all done I will put them into a single booklet for you.
Studies have shown that the first item that people take with them In the event of a fire is their wedding photos.
With the advent of digital photography you see many, many more cameras at wedding these days. Seems that everyone is a photographer. However, owning a decent digital does not make anyone a good wedding photographer.
Owning a good camera does not give anyone the ability to compose, to see light and use light effectively. To predict when certain events will unfold and be "at the right place at the right time." There is so much more.
Best of luck and congratulations!
Robert Bedson