Finding Your Photographer
Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important elements of your planning. First off, you need to decide on the kind of photos you want. Many people like photojournalism (candid pictures that are not posed; rather, they narrate the day), instead of, or in addition to, traditional formal shots. You also have to decide on color vs. black and white. It’s not rocket science; it’s a matter of narrowing down your search, taking your time, and asking a lot of questions. You can have a mixture of all of the above, but you need to factor in costs, and the kind of photographer who excels at what you want — the more you want, the more you’ll spend.
Camera happy.
First off, ask your vendors for recommendations. Wedding-day people work together, and good caterers tend to know good photographers, etc. Ask your friends who they worked with, if they were happy, and, most important: were there enough photos (rarely will you find a couple saying they wanted fewer pictures). When in doubt, always go for more. Be sure to ask your married pals what they would have done differently so you can learn from their mistakes.
Calling the shots.
When you meet face to face, make sure you see an entire album of one wedding, not just a book of “best of” shots. It’s important to understand the photographer’s visual style for a whole day, not just one glorious shot of the couple saying their vows. Remember, the photographer will be a “guest” at your wedding, so it’s imperative that you like him. You are less likely to feel at ease with a camera in your face if the photographer gives you the creeps. We can’t stress enough how important it is to interview many photographers. These are pictures that will last a lifetime. If you interview someone who presses you into signing on the dotted line, run, don’t walk, out of the studio.
Shoot to thrill.
You need to get someone who knows the ropes with specifically wedding photography: how to work lighting, what to photograph, and how to get the feel you’re looking for. (It also helps if you pick someone who’s photographed the space before—they’ll already know about lighting requirements, where the best pictures should be taken, etc.)
Photo finishes.
Despite the tradition of not seeing the bride before the ceremony, more and more photographers are taking formal shots before the wedding, while everyone looks fresh and groomed. An advantage to this is that it doesn’t leave reception guests waiting an extra hour while you’re having your pictures taken. Unless you really want to embarrass yourself, do not drink a bottle of champagne before saying “cheese.” Twenty years from now, looking back at your drunken self will not a flattering memory make.
As for prices, the cost of photography is going to vary immensely, in part depending on where you live. Expect to pay as little as $2,000 or as much as $7,000. While you don’t want to skimp on pictures, you have to be realistic about your budget. While it’s tempting to provide disposable cameras or let all your buds frame the day with their digital cameras, these people are not experts, which will not stop them from mass e-mailing that photo of you with your eyes closed and your mouth full of frosting. They’ll think it’s “adorable”; you’ll want to make like a movie star and punch their camera’s lights out.