I've been a photographer for quite some time now and I strongly believe there is something about wedding photography that just captures its audience, no matter how old or young, how in or out of love they are at the time or how biased they are to the subjects in the actual photo.
I can look at wedding photography for hours - just admiring the magic of it all. The look in their eyes, the stolen glances across the church aisle caught just at the right moment, the love it brings into a room full of otherwise acquaintances or strangers alike. Yes, it's a beautiful time. But, how do you know which photographer is going to capture your moments just perfectly for you?
The style of photography is something one should consider carefully before choosing who they wish to hire. Don't be scared to have a meeting with the photographer and ask to see numerous photos they have taken to get an idea of what they can offer you and what you are more than likely going to end up with. It's one thing to have a handful of brilliant photos to email out to potential clients, but you should ask to see a range of photos - black and white, colour, sepia, panoramic and not just wedding shots (if they have them)... all these things will give you an idea of their "eye". An eye for detail is something not everyone is born with, and unfortunately, some photographers get out there with their list of what they need to capture on the day, without a sideways glance of what else is going on around them. Some of the most stunning photos are the ones of flowergirls hiking up their skirts to stamp in some mud or grandma's wiping away a tear at the sight of their beloved grandson or daughter getting married. These images can go uncaptured if your photographer doesn't think outside the box.
Also, make sure you decide on your budget but be reasonably flexible - you often get what you pay for. Don't think you can hire someone on the day for $400 off Gumtree and expect them to produce the same amazing images that a professional photographer will give you. There is a reason why wedding photography can be so expensive. It takes hours of work on the day and then triple the hours work editing and making sure each individual image is absolutely perfect. It's your one day that you can never redo again if your photographer isn't experienced enough to know what to expect and how to conduct themselves. Not any photographer can be a wedding photographer!
Make sure you get along with the person who will actually be taking your photos! Don't book through a large photographic company only to have someone rock up on the day that you've never met and clash with. It will ruin your day if you're fuming over them bossing you around like Hitler holding a camera.
If you can, see if you can get your images on CD in high resolution - it's something most photographers don't offer - but it's well worth it to get it and it will save you a LOT of money in the long run. All family members will be able to get prints, you can use the images on Facebook or on your thank-you cards, you can print your own images on a canvas for your lounge room or have a coffee table book made up to thank the bridal party for their efforts... but if you don't have the rights to your own photos, this will all be VERY costly.
Lastly, be relaxed enough to go with the flow - if you're uptight on your day, it will show in your photos. :)
Good luck choosing and all the best for your big day!
I run my own wedding photography business in Perth, Western Australia. I have been a photographer for quite a few years and love capturing weddings, family portraits and newborn babies. As a portraits and wedding photographer I have come to love interacting with families and capturing their ways together - it's a special job that I still am very passionate about.
Check out my website and gallery at http://www.firstmemoriesportraits.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Moira_Nell
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