Camera
Wedding photos provide memories for a lifetime. Choosing a photographer that suits your requirements and budget is very important. In my personal experience, the one thing that couples do not think about is the “time” factor required in achieving those precious photos. Again, this depends on your style. Some tips that I have gathered over time are:
- What is your budget? Don’t think you need to spend a fortune for your photographs. Do your research and be surprised at what’s out there.
- What is the duration of your event? Most photographers have packages starting from 5 to 7 hours or charge by the hourly rate.
- Do you prefer digital or film photography?
- How many events do you want photographed? Such as Sangeet night, wedding and reception.
- Traditional vs Contemporary settings.
- Style of photography, journalistic or formal.
- Interview and view the photographers work.
- Do you want the photographer to be there while you are getting dressed?
- Do you want an album or digital photos on a disk?
- Colour vs Black/White photos?
- and many more….
Interviewing the photographer is very important. One photographer came without any decent work as examples and only mini proofs. While he was the cheapest, I chose to pay a bit more to someone who can provide my with examples of his work which I will eventually get. This is my personal experience. Do you have any similar experiences to share?
* Image by aussiegall – Flickr
From: Photosbyjay.com.au
Here are some important considerations for couples who are looking for a photographer.
Set aside your budget just for a second, and ask yourself “how do I want to remember my wedding day? How do I want to feel when I look at my wedding photos in one month, one year, ten years time?”
So much happens in a wedding day and it happens in a flash. In that time there are so many special moments, people interacting and laughing, the love between the bride and groom, and the affection and pride felt by close family and friends. Beneath the beautiful gown, the decorations, the shoes, and the flowers you will find many little moments that will make your day so special. Now it’s up to you to decide how you want your photos to reflect that.
You will most likely look through lots of wedding photos in magazines, on websites and in albums of your friends and family. Make a note (save to your computer or cut out of the magazine) of photos that click with you. If you see any photographer’s websites or names in magazines whose work you like, make a note of those too.
Contact the ones you like, make sure they’re free on your date, and line up a time to meet.
You should book your photographer as a matter of priority. We get booked out usually 6 months to a year in advance, so don’t miss out on the photographer you want, because you don’t want to settle for second best on the most important day of your life.
Other tips:
- Ask to see a full album, not just a selection of the photographer’s favourite images. This is important because you need to see how well the photographer tells the story of your day, not just see some pretty pictures. This also shows that they are serious about their profession and not just someone with a fancy camera.
- Get costs up front. Make sure you know exactly what you’ll be spending. Some photographers will include the first 20 sides of an album in their packages, knowing that you will more than likely want more sides in the album. This is not a bad thing! Having too many good photos to choose from is a good problem to have. Just establish with the photographer what their charge is per album side.
- If your photographer responds quickly to your enquiries it means you will probably have a good experience with them throughout. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting days and weeks for replies, especially when you have so much to plan.
- Go with your gut. When you meet the photographer you need to feel at ease with them. They are going to be by your side for the whole wedding day so shouldn’t you feel comfortable with them? Taking great photos is one thing, but your photographer should be friendly, approachable and flexible with your wedding plans.
- Industry accreditations are also a good indication of the photographer’s professionalism. Organisations such as the AIPP carefully select their members based on their professional conduct, ethics and ability to produce quality images consistently and provide top notch customer service.
- Your photographer must have backup equipment. Cameras can and do fail and you should feel comfortable knowing that you will still get photos if this happens.
Of course all of this will not come cheap. The best photographers charge top dollar because they can guarantee not just beautiful photos, but consistency in style and an in-depth understanding of your wedding day so nothing gets missed. Why take a chance on your wedding photos just to save a few hundred dollars? Your beautiful album and irreplacable photos of the moments on your day will be remembered long after the price is forgotten.
Photos by Jay
http://www.PhotosByJay.com.au / Phone 02 9540 4567
As seen in Cosmopolitan Bride magazine