So you're looking to find a great wedding photographer?
Wedding photography is an industry that has no regulations, no accreditations and a relatively low barrier to entry. Since this is the case, just about anyone can hang out their shingle as a “professional photographer” without any real basis for that claim. You might be familiar with this scenario; someone you know, a friend or relative purchases a fancy new camera and suddenly they are a "photographer". They might even style themselves as a "professional photographer" Now, these are people who show up to a wedding day and are in charge of documenting the biggest day of your life. On top of that, you get one shot. Screw it up, and you're outta luck.
Being a photographer, I've heard no shortage of horror stories. The chances are you have too! Unfortunately they are all too common. Finding out the photographer is a total diva, and "it's my way or the highway", or some creepy old dude who spends more time creeping out the girls, than taking photos. Or the equipment that suddenly “goes haywire”and takes out all the photos along with it. Then there are the photographers who keep your photos forever, or get you on the hook with a super sweet deal and then tack on all the extras, which you have no choice but to pay.... It's your wedding afterall! Its a total bummer that without a whole lot of work, it seems impossible to narrow down the search, from the great photographers, and the ones you wouldn't want to touch with a ten foot pole.
The question is, how do we find that great photographer who is going to deliver the goods, and make your day great while doing it!?
Well, that's exactly what I'm going to try and help you with.
A photographer's perspective.
Portfolio, they gotta be a 9 or 10: The best wedding photographer around, can be hard to find. The reason is, "best" is not a great term. Just because someone has a kickass portfolio, doesn't mean they are the best fit for you! Sure it is a great place to start, you should immediately feel good when you see their photos. If something doesn't smell right, or looks cheesy, or just doesn't ring with you emotionally. Move on. There are way too many photographers out there, to get bogged down looking at a website where the photos just don't sing to you. If you don't get a sense that they are a 9 or a 10, they're a zero. Deal? No 8s. No 7s. 9 or 10, or move on!
Awards and accolades: This is an easy trap to fall into. You might be looking at a photographer who has awards and accolades and badges and associations sprinkled all through their site. This are nice to see, certainly, but they don't make or break a photographer. I am friends with some very skilled, world class photographers who don't submit to competitions, and thus don't get the accolades. This doesn't devalue them in the least. They do it intentionally. They don't want to attract clients based on shiny badges, then want to find clients they resonate with, who love their photos, their work and their attitudes. This is where you're going to get the best results.
Price: This too is a deal breaker. Almost every week, I hear from clients exclaiming that they had no idea how expensive wedding photography is. It really is a shocker many times. So if you were shocked, don't feel bad, you are most certainly not alone! There are a couple different schools of thought here. Pick a budget, and stick with it, or really plumb the depths of how important these photos are. I've heard formulas and calculations on what percentage of the budget should be spent on photography. I'm never really thought this was a great way to go about things. I've had clients where photography is a small slice, of a big ol' fancy wedding. And others where it was easily the single largest expense they were going to have. Keep this in mind however: These photos are going to last. A long long time. You aren't just getting a photographer for you, but your kids, and your grandkids who are going to be able to look back on these photos many moons from now. If there is a place you can "rob from" to increase your budget, strongly consider it. That fancy limo ride will be over in twenty minutes. You can forgive yourself for not getting the extra fancy chair covers, or the nicer cake. That will fade in time. But your photos.... they won't fade. They are going to be a very real and strong reminder every time you look at them. Good or bad.
You might think wow, those photos were expensive, but they were just what I wanted. That's money well spent. The worst thing is, looking back and kicking yourself, thinking I spent how much on that day? Time, blood, sweat, tears and money and didn't capture it the way I had wished. Those photos instead of being a cherished memory, are going to be like a dagger to the heart every time you have the courage to revisit them.
Coverage: This is a place where I feel a lot of photographers don't do their clients justice. Weddings are a big deal. They don't fit nicely inside 8 hour boxes. This dovetails with the price question. Do you stretch and get that photographer you love, for 6 hours? Or someone a little less for 12? Really it is up to you, and what you're looking to get out of your big day. However, keep in mind that things are already going to get hectic. Having to slam everything together and scrunch it into a smaller time window isn't going to reduce your stress level any. It won't win any points with anyone actually. So if you can, try and get the coverage that will cover it all, including some break times built in. I for one never want my clients to have to feel hurried, rushed or under the gun. From the get go I've always just said I'll be there for the whole thing, 12-14 hours isn't uncommon. Sure it's a long day, but it's your day! Don't try and cram everything photo-worthy into a box.
Personality (the biggie): I think this is probably the most underrated criteria of the all. Who is it that you're going to be spending the most time with on your wedding day? Your future wife or husband? Maybe not! It could actually be that photographer you are hunting for. Imagine that. The best day of your life, and you're going to spend a good chunk of it with a.... stranger? Let's hope not! You gotta make friends, and fast! That's why it is super important to make sure you choose someone who you jive with. You should get a good feeling from looking at their site. Not just from the photos, but from the aesthetics, the words and the way they are written. I hear from potential clients all the time, "I think we are going to get along great", "you talk just like me" or "I feel like I already know you". This is the best! I know I'm going to get along with these clients already. We are going to have a blast on the big day, and it makes the photos, their making and the whole day just that much better! This is what you're after!
In summary.
We started out perhaps looking for the "best photographer out there". But if the best, is a diva who will drive you nuts. They're not the best wedding photographer for you. They're a dud. This isn't a nameless vendor you're on the hunt for. Instead you should be hunting for a trusted advisor, a friend, a ninja, who will subtly guide and cajole the best day of your life, into a photographic masterpiece. Get this right, and you'll have memories to last longer than a lifetime!
There is lots more to this! But this article is getting a little long in the tooth. Keep an eye out below for more if you're interested.
If you think I might be a great fit, please have a good look through my site, or get in touch.