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8/7/2019 How to Select the Perfect Wedding Photographer v2
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How to Select
! e Perfect Wed " ng Photogra p er
8/7/2019 How to Select the Perfect Wedding Photographer v2
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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