A couple’s wedding day is one meant to bring join in their declaration of love. It is important to keep the memories of that blessed event preserved. In times both good and bad the couple can look back and remember exactly how they felt on their special day. However, amidst all of the planning for the wedding the photographer charged with capturing these moments can often be overlooked until the last minute. Memories are nice, but if the day itself goes poorly then who would want to remember it? The reality is that the wedding photographer is one of the most vital components of a proper celebration. There is a specific set of job skills necessary for the photographer of a wedding that are necessary for successful memory captures. A family portrait photographer or a friend with a camera might not be truly qualified for these special moments.
How To Begin Selection Processing
In a way a wedding photographer position is a bit like a casting call for a movie. In some instances it can even be likened to special forces selection processes. Only the best will do, but sometimes budget constraints are a problem. The best method of beginning the selection process is to acquire a solid list of candidates. No matter how well a single photographer has performed at other weddings it is important to select your wedding photographer from a list of well qualified candidates. With that in mind, those individual’s utilized by friends and family are a good place to start. They at least have proven their track record.
Once this list of potential photographers is settled it is time to begin looking through their available portfolios. A serious wedding photographer will have an online presence. This might not have been true even a decade ago, but the modern photographer in any field will have to have such a presence to work. If the photographer has no website, then it might be a good idea to go ahead and remove them from the list. Alternatively, the bride and groom can look through the wedding photos that were taken for the one who recommended that photographer. Either way, the potentials need to have their work checked thoroughly.
When one or more photographers have been chosen from the list it will be time to contact them for further inquiry. There are several key questions that should be asked of them in order to determine how well they will fit during your wedding.
What Type Of Questions Should Be Asked?
Conversing with individual photographers is an important step. Remember, you do not have to choose the first individual you discuss business with. The questions that will be asked of the photographer should be written down before hand. The most important questions to ask are:
- What type of coverage will be provided?
- Are there extra coverage packages?
- How much will each type of coverage cost? Are there travel, overtime, and assistant fees?
- What types of guarantee comes with hiring you?
- How long have you worked as a wedding photographer? Alternatively: How many weddings have you photographed?
- How are the photos shown to me for selection? Do I choose from an online gallery, electronically mailed duplicates, proofs, etc.?
- Will it be easy to have duplicates made in the future?
- How long will you allow for me to make up my mind when choosing the types of pictures I want?
Each of the aforementioned questions is vital. Most professional photographers will have all of this information readily available. This is their livelihood and a photographer who is not on the ball, will not work often. Based on the answers from each photographer the vetting process can be completed and the best candidate selected.
