Wedding Photographers: How do you choose the right one for your wedding?
Submitted by: andreasphoto :: wedding photographerphotos@andreasphoto.ca
Congratulations on your engagement! Now comes the difficult task of organizing one of the biggest days of your life. In an effort to help you simplify part of the planning process, I have put together a little bit of information on how to select the perfect photographer to document your special day. The first and most important piece of advice that I can give is to follow your heart - when you find the right photographer you will know it from the moment you view his/her portfolio.
Most reputable wedding photographers use similar high-end Canon or Nikon cameras and lenses and are therefore on the same level as far as equipment is concerned. Some professionals only shoot digitally, some with film, others mix it up with both; either way, the final result is really all you need to focus on. However, when hiring a digital photographer it's important to make sure that she/he is using an SLR camera with an absolute minimum of 6 Megapixels. There are some photographers that are using consumer level "point and shoot" digital cameras to photograph weddings, and those systems simply do not meet the standards of professional photography.
Ever since I made the transition from commercial photography to wedding photography, one of things that I've noticed is that wedding photography is more often referred to as a service and seldom recognized for being the art form that it is. In the advertising industry, clients typically hire you based on your ability to render certain types of images in your own unique way. I firmly believe that couples hiring a professional photographer for their wedding should be considering similar factors. Ask yourself: does the photographer's portfolio demonstrate an artistic approach that appeals to you?
It is also important to find out from prospective photographers how they work to capture your day. There are many photographers to choose from and you will find we all have our own unique approach and style. I prefer to be the quiet observer, the historian, simply documenting without being overly involved. I watch, listen, observe, and when that great little moment presents itself, I capture it quickly. I am a photojournalist, but I do get involved a little bit as well. My approach involves the use of lenses that allow me to capture images from quite a distance. At several weddings, I have been referred to as "the ghost", popping up in different places without letting anyone know and capturing these images that create the visual story of the day. Remember to consider whether or not your are interested in having many formally posed, "traditional" wedding photographs taken. I aim to create a story with the set of images that I shoot, and although I always include some relaxed "informal formals" of your bridal party and family, I typically do not spend hours capturing these posed images. Rest assured that if this is the type of wedding album you are interested in creating, there are many photographers out there that excel at this type of photography.
Before jumping on board with the most "frugal" photographer, keep in mind that your immediate and extended family will see these photographs for years to come. These images will be passed on to your children and most likely to their children, too. Great photography is not a simple service or product that is provided in the same way by every photographer out there. Keep in mind that there are many varying skill levels, many different artistic approaches, and as a result, a wide variation in prices as well.
Ultimately, what you decide to spend is a personal decision. However, keep in mind that you really do get what you pay for when hiring an artist. Commissioning the creative services of a talented professional photographer will cost anywhere between $2,500 to $9,000 - sometimes even more, depending on the skill level of the photographer, the amount of coverage time, and how comprehensive you would like your final presentation to be.
If you have any questions or comments, you can email me at photos@andreasphoto.ca. I also welcome you to visit my website at: http://www.andreasphoto.ca
