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8/7/2019 How to Select the Perfect Wedding Photographer v2 http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/how-to-select-the-perfect-wedding-photographer-v2 1/18 1 How to Select e Perfect Wed ng Photogra er 

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Page 1: How to Select the Perfect Wedding Photographer v2

8/7/2019 How to Select the Perfect Wedding Photographer v2

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/how-to-select-the-perfect-wedding-photographer-v2 1/18

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How to Select 

!  e Perfect Wed   " ng Photogra p  er 

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Copyright, Legal Notice and Disclaimer

This publication is protected under Copyright law and including all applicable international, federal, state and local laws and  allrights are reserved, including resale rights: you are not allowed to give or sell this Guide to anyone else.

Please note that much of this publication is based on personal experience and anecdotal evidence. Although the author andpublisher have made every reasonable attempt to achieve complete accuracy of the content in this Guide, they assume no

responsibility for errors or omissions. Also, you should use this information contained here as you see fit, and at your own risk.Your particular situation may not be exactly suited to the examples illustrated here; in fact, it's likely that they won't be the same,

and you should adjust your use of the information and recommendations accordingly.

Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners,and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if we use one of these terms.

Finally, use your head. Nothing in this Guide is intended to replace common sense, legal, medical or other professional advice,and is meant to inform and entertain the reader.

Copyright © 2011 weddingphotographerbuckinghamshire.net. All worldwide rights reserved.

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Table of Contents Introduction 4The Importance of a Professional Photographer   5 Wedding Photos - Memories In Print What To Consider When Researching Wedding Photographers 6 Considering the Photographic Style What Type of Package Do You Need?

Top Ten Things To Look For In The Photographer’s Work  Professional Photography on a Budget 9 How To Save On Wedding Photos Ask Talented Friends or Family Members To Take Some of the Photographs Photography Tips For Affordable Wedding Day Photos How To Identify the Real Professionals 12Questions To Ask The Photographers You Interview  13The Premier Service 15Getting the Best Results 17

In Conclusion... 18Resources & Further Information 18

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Introduction our wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion and one that deserves every attention to ensure it

goes perfectly on the day and is remembered in its full gorgeousness. One of the main

ingredients for remembering such an important event is the selection of a good professional

wedding photographer who can make you feel your best and guarantee memories that you'll be happy 

to relive for many years to come.

The photos taken will provide a vivid reminder of your wedding day; they capture not just the images but

also the spirit and joy of that blessed event when the couple exchange their vows and celebrate the

occasion with family and friends.

A substantial portion of a couple's wedding budget can be required for the preparation and production

of the wedding photos. Depending on a couple's style and budget, there are a number of ways they 

can get the best wedding photos they want at the price they can afford.

Whether your style is formal or informal, traditional, progressive, or indefinable, our aim is to guide you

through the difficult process of choosing the wedding photographer that’s absolutely perfect for you!

Y  

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!  e Impo " ance of a 

Prof   e sional Photogra p  er Wedding Photos - Memories In Print

e believe it’s a must that the couple book a professional for the

important job of recording their wedding day. Wedding

pictures will last a lifetime. They’ll live a lot longer than the

flowers and the catered food, so you’d want nothing less than a

photographer who understands what you want and can be relied upon

to capture this special day in precisely the way you want it.

ILet’s face it, i’s a serious undertaking to entrust to someone. Nothing

could be worse than looking back at two-dimensional images that don’t

match up with your mental pictures... which have you cringing at the

sight of unflattering angles and lighting, wincing at goofy poses, or the

occasional gaping neckline, for example. Your wedding will be one of 

the most beautiful days in your life and that is how you deserve to

remember it.

You’ll want to capture the momentous event with utterly gorgeous,

stunning wedding photographs that match the gorgeousness of the

day... creating memories that are just waiting to be unlocked and

joyously relived for the rest of your married lives. So let’s take a look at some of the first factors to consider when

choosing the best photographer for the job.

W    

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What To Consider When 

R  e earching Wed   % ng Photogra p  ers Considering the Photographic Style

ome photographers offer only the traditional

wedding photography style, with its obligatory menu of standard shots whilst others,

perhaps with stronger press backgrounds or edgier 

tendencies, use a strictly photojournalistic (or 

“reportage”) style. For your own choice of wedding photographer you

need to establish what style will best suit your needs.

It may even suit you best to find a versatile

photographer who can adapt to both styles equally 

well.

Whichever route you go, make sure you see enough

samples of  work to enable you to make the best

choice.

What Type of Package Do You Need?

Thinking about your needs ahead of time will make

the jobs of selection and then of negotiation mucheasier. It will also help you to identify the level of 

professionalism you seek.

Here are some ideas for things you may or may not

need in your package:

Would you like colour and black & whites

included? Dramatic effects can be made with

black and white photographs. Black and white

photos are also good for capturing the most

important essence of a photo. Sometimescolour photographs literally provide too much

information and there’s less distraction from the

key point of the photo in black and white, which

is why so much classic photography is

presented in this way.

Do you need coverage for a full or half day?

Would you like the photographer to cover your 

preparations with family, bridesmaids, getting tothe wedding venue, etc?

What level of personal work are you looking for is

included afterwards for touching up or cropping,

for example?

S  

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Would you like an engagement or pre-

wedding shoot? If so, would you like to

use some of the shots for engagement

announcements, or Save The Date

cards?

How much of the reception would youwant the photographer to cover?

Are you expecting the photographer to

produce an album for you afterwards,

and would you like additional smaller or 

soft-copy versions to use as gifts?

If the standard packages aren’t quite right

for your needs, would the photographer 

be willing to customise a package that’s

within your budget, or more to your taste?

Asking intelligent questions like these will help

the photographer to understand your needs

better and deliver the results you want to help

you and your loved ones relive those

wonderful memories.

Remember that you’ll also need to be

assured about the photographer’s personality.

Are his ideas aligned with yours? Can you

communicate with him easily? Your 

photographer will need to be able to

understand what you want and execute it in

the way you want.

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Top Ten Things To Look For In The

Photographer’s Work 

When looking at the photographer’s portfolio,consider the following:

1. Style of photography. Do the images that are

presented appeal to you? Do you like his

style? Is the style similar to what you’re looking

for?

2. Each sample album should cover only one

wedding. Does he have a sufficient number of 

samples for you to get a good feel for the

consistency of his work?

3. Does he have a recent actual wedding that he

could have you look at? Look through his most

recent wedding album.

4. Study each album well and see if the album is

telling the story of the wedding and not just

filling the album up with similar photos.

5. Are the portraits clear and did they capture the

subjects’ mood?

6. Are all the photos taken artistically? Is there a

play of light and shadow?

7. Are any candid shots included? If so are they 

clear and well composed?

8. Are the photos clear and free from any glares

of sunlight or any other bright lights affecting the

pictures?

9. Are they unique or creative? Has the

photographer done something different, which

really adds something to the picture?

10.Has the photographer captured emotions and

excitement throughout the day?

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Prof   e sional  

Photogra p  y on a Bud   & t iring a professional

wedding photographer is

always a good idea for 

couples wanting to achieve the

best possible record of their wedding day. But many couples

shy away from hiring professional

photographers because of the high

costs associated with professional

wedding photography services.

The introduction of digital

photography now means that

almost anyone can set themselves

up as a wedding photographer,

working freelance at the weekendswhen most weddings are held, and

working at an unrelated job during

the week.

Whilst part-timers operating on this

sort of basis can often undercut the

professional, who bears the

overheads associated with a

professional practice, we

encourage brides-to-be to be wary 

of engaging someone on this basis.

Bear in mind that many amateurs

may not have the artistic skill to

create beautiful wedding photos,

nor the technical knowledge

required. Unlike professional

wedding photographers, most

amateur photographers have no

training composition or in dealing

with light, which are essential

factors in taking professionalwedding photos.

Keep in mind also that no amount

of computer enhancement can fix 

poorly shot wedding photos.

Fortunately, however, many 

professional wedding

photographers offer a variety of 

photography packages for weddingphotos at reasonable prices. In

addition, many of these professional

photographers may also be open

to arranging a customised package

to help out couples on a limited

budget.

H   

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At the same time, couples should also be cautious

about getting the least expensive package for their 

wedding photos. Often a couple may end up

spending more to get additional shots included in the

package they initially ordered. It is better to get a

slightly more expensive package that covers a lot

more than to spend extra cash at the last minute.

How To Save On Wedding Photos

Your wedding day is one of the most important days

of your life and you will want to capture all the

memories of it on film. Professional photographers are

great but if you are on a budget and want to save

some money there are a few ways that you can still

have a great collection of wedding shots.

Formal, informal and group wedding photos with

family and friends can be quite costly especially for a

big wedding. So one good way to limit costs is to

employ the help of family and friends in taking

additional wedding photos.

The couple could hire a professional photographer to

cover just the ceremony, for example. The

photographer would take only the formal wedding

photos before and during the ceremony.

Family and friends can help take candid wedding

photos during the reception - these are a great way 

to remember the fun and merriment of the day.

Providing guests with disposable cameras is another 

popular wedding practice these days. Handing out

disposable or single use cameras to each guest is a

good way to get some great shots from a different

perspective. Guests also love it when disposable

cameras are left on the tables. Granted, you may end

with a few terrible pictures but you will also probably be amazed at how many good photos you get!

Standard disposable cameras are very affordable

and, if the wedding couple are willing to pay a bit

more, they can purchase wedding-themed

disposable cameras, widely available online or from

specialist wedding shops and catalogues.

Using some of these tips, you don’t have to worry 

about paying a photographer for the entire event, and

can also develop the photos at a time that suits you.

Ask Talented Friends or Family Members

To Take Some of the Photographs

Though we always advocate working with a

professional wherever possible, some couples may 

choose to nominate a talented amateur for the job.

Though it might seem a daunting responsibility, there’sno reason why your photos shouldn't turn out

beautifully by following a few simple tips.

So many people have camera buffs in their circle of 

friends and families. Pick a few people and ask them

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if they’ll take your wedding photographs for you. They’ll most likely be

honoured and you’ll probably find most will be more than willing!

If you’d like your pictures captured on film, you can offer to supply the

film yourself, or politely suggest that they provide photos instead of 

giving a wedding gift. This is a great chance to get some nice wedding

photos if you don’t have the money to hire a professional.

If you aren’t using a professional wedding photographer, your friend

may not be familiar with some of the wisdom the professional has

picked up on the job over the ears. So here are some wedding

photography tips for the person who is taking the pictures.

Photography Tips For Affordable Wedding Day Photos

1.Choose the locations. Decide where you would like to have your 

pictures taken for your special day. If it is outside and you are unsureabout what the whether is going to be like, have an alternative place

indoors, to do your family and wedding party shots.

2.Plan Photographs Ahead of Time. Visit the places where the

photographs are going to be shot. Look around and get some ideas

for photos such as set up, where you are going to want people placed

and if you need any props.

3.Photography Courses. Taking a photography course is also a

good option for amateur photographers. An online photography coursecan help most people improve their skills before the responsibility of the

big day.

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How To Identify 

!  e Real  Prof   e sionals ou may meet with several

photographers before making your 

final choice. To help you choose

the one most qualified for this important job,

here are a few points to consider.

Would you be offered a signed

agreement that outlines the terms of 

service to be provided? The contract

would include matters concerning

payments, cancellations as well as the

delivery of wedding photos after 

development.

Does the individual have proof of 

relevant business insurance?

Do they have specialist and well-

maintained professional equipment

(including a medium format camera

aside from a professional 35mm

camera)

How about membership of any 

professional association?

Do they have a permanent studio?

Another strong indicators of the individual’s

professionalism would be their level of 

experience. Check his background and

ask for names of persons that he has

photographed. Don’t be afraid to call them

and ask if they were satisfied with the

photographer’s work.

Next, be on the look out for photography 

companies or individuals that contract outjobs to a pool of wedding photographers or 

even freelancers.

A salespersons may even pose as al

photographer and try to woo customers.

Make sure the person you choose is the

one that will cover your wedding.

Otherwise, it’s better to find a photographer 

that shoots weddings personally. A two-

person team is an even better packagebecause two points of view of the wedding

can be taken.

Y  

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Qu e tions To Ask  !  e 

Photogra p  ers Y  ' Interview efore attending a meeting with a photographer, make sure you

are prepared. Do your research and compile a list of questions.

Some good points for discussion are:

References. Ask for references and meet with them personally so you

can take a look of his works as well as ask them if they were happy with

the outcome of with his work. A person who is hesitant to give

references is definitely not the photographer that you should hire.

Packages. Ask about each package that he presents to you. If you

are not comfortable with the packages, can he make one to satisfy your 

needs? What exactly is included in the price of the wedding package?

What are you paying for? How many prints do you get? Do you get to

keep the negatives? Do get an album or a CD-ROM or both? How 

many images are included on the CD?

Delivery of finished work. Ask how long will it take for him to finish your 

album, your bridal portrait and all the photos taken during the wedding.

Price. Can you afford his services? If not, is he worth the price

difference as compared to others you’ve met? Take the time to ask all

that you need to know and make sure you understand all services and

photos include in the cost. Are service charges, taxes and travel

expenses included in the price?

Payments and deposits. Should you need to cancel, can he give a

refund? If he, in any circumstance, should fail to show up, what would

happen? Does he have a partner to take his place just in case? Make

sure you clear all of this to him as well as discuss with him all your 

concerns. His answer should be able to convince you that he can be

trusted.

The contract. Check and read it carefully before signing. If there is

anything that you don’t understand, ask him, or ask that he leaves youB  

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the contract overnight so you can study it. Be

certain that everything you both had agreed on

is in the contract.

Style. Some photographers only offer the

traditional wedding photography style, or strictly 

a photojournalistic style. Is the person’s stylepredominantly traditional, creative, formal, or 

mixed? Are photos in Black and White, Colour 

or both? It is best to find a photographer with a

strength in the style you prefer.

Who’ll be there on the day? Is this the

photographer that will be there on the wedding

day? Make sure that the person you are

meeting with will be the one there on the day, if 

it's not ask to meet the person you will beworking with and make sure that you are

looking at their portfolio!

Travel. How far is he willing to travel to get to

the venue? Will he travel to more than one

location? Try and go for a local photographer in

your local area. This this will keep costs down,

plus the photographer will know the area and

have experience with weddings in that area.

Additionally, a local photographer would be less

likely to run into problems with travel delays,cancelled trains, motorway holdups, and so

on.

Equipment. What types of cameras does the

individual use, are they of a high quality? Does

he routinely bring any back up equipment

should anything go wrong? Does the

photographer have sufficient digital storage? –

Will they bring enough discs, and will the shots

be backed up to a PC or some other device

as they go along? What’s the risk of technical

failure, and the work being lost?

Touching Up. What’s included by way of 

personal attention such as touching up or 

cropping.

Experience. How long has he been a

wedding photographer? What qualifications

does he hold? Note, however, that sometimes

unqualified photographers maybe just as good,

if they are particularly talented, or have beenlearning on the job for many years. So if you

like them and their work, go for it!

Insurances. Do they have Professional

Indemnity Insurance? This will protect you

should anything go wrong with your photos.

Weather contingencies. How do you cope

with changes in the weather if the day doesn't

turn out quite as well as you hope for? What

has the photographer done on similar 

occasions in the past to ensure good results

for his clients?

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!  e Premier Service n order to judge what’s right for you, it may be useful to know what a

premier photography service would cover.

One service that many couples find invaluable is a pre-wedding shoot. This

may or may not be included in the package, so be sure to check.

The big benefits of this include you and the photographer getting to know 

one another which helps to you to feel more comfortable on your wedding

day, which means better shots (and less stress.) The photographer can also

get a feel for the type of shot you prefer. Better still, a really good

photographer - especially if they’ve had experience with fashion and

modeling work, for example - will be able to offer posing, beauty and even

styling tips. This means less instruction is required from the photographer on

the day, making your wedding shoots quicker and less intrusive to the overall

occasion, giving you more time with your guests.

Images from the pre-wedding shoot can also be used with Save the Date 

cards, which the photographer can also provide.

A premier photography package would typically cover a full day, starting from

getting ready, through to your first dance, with a second photographer on

hand if required.

Where requested, the photography team can review the shots there and

then, setting up a slide show of the best photographs ready for the evening

reception.

I  

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Otherwise, the photographer would then leave the event and review 

the results later, removing duplicate and very similar shots, as well as

any of those with people blinking, to arrive at a total that could stretch

to as many as 1000 images.

Then, within just a few days of your wedding you’d be invited to log

in to a secure, password-protected online gallery where you’dbrowse all the images and choose the ones you like most for your 

album. When the favourite images are selected, the photographer 

would move onto retouching images as needed.

A well-organised photographic service will allow you to order and pay 

online for prints, albums and frames, simplifying the process for 

friends and family who can all choose the prints they like best and

order to a budget that suits them. Long gone are the days of days

of keeping track of a heavy album as it passed around among the

new extended families for ordering!

Often, a photographer will have established a good relationship with

a local printing firm for digitally printed albums, and may even have

negotiated terms better than those you could obtain as an individual.

These digitally printed albums can be provided in a variety of forms,

with differing sizes, paper types and weights, including both hard

back and soft back versions.

In addition to providing prints and albums, the photographer can also

shoot video or convert the final images to a video, wall-ready canvas

or other wall art.

Photos from the day are often used as Thank You cards by the

wedding couple after the event, which a quality photographer can

also provide in addition to the albums and standard CD of images.

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Ge ( ing ) B e t R  e ults t’s your wedding, and your day - and should be one of the most

beautiful days in your life. And one of the first things you can doto ensure best results is to plan ahead with your wedding

photographer. Set everyone up to win, and to make the most of the

opportunities that’ll present themselves during the wedding day.  Make

your wedding photographer your partner in planning the event!

The first thing to do is to provide opportunities for the photographer when

scheduling activities during the wedding day. When planning the time of 

the wedding ceremony and of the reception, couples should incorporate

the time that the photographer requires to capture all of the couple’s

special moments.

There should be a gap between the end of the ceremony and beginning

of the reception, to allow for more photographs for the bride, groom and

wedding entourage, especially if they are in two different locations. The

photographers and subjects will have a more relaxed shoot and will enjoy 

all the parts of the wedding if the events are well spaced out.

When planning the time of the wedding ceremony and reception, for 

example, remember to allow enough time for the photographer to

capture all the couple’s special moments such as the time preparing with

family or bridesmaids beforehand, and perhaps some private time for thecouple immediately after the service.

I  

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In Conclusion...e hope this guide has been useful and wish you the most

wonderful, glorious, celebration of your marriage.

Of course, we’d love to hear from you and, perhaps, even to see one or 

two images from the day. Write to us at

[email protected] .

R  e' rc e & Fu " her Information t’ll be our pleasure to offer any further help we can. In particular,

if you’d like to speak to a Buckinghamshire-based photographer for a no-obligation discussion about your wedding day, please

complete the Contact form at

http://weddingphotographerbuckinghamshire.net/contact-us/  .

We look forward to hearing from you.

I  

W