5 Tips to Finding the Perfect Wedding Photographer by Chris Chen
Your wedding day. That special day you have been dreaming about since you were a little girl. Walking down the aisle in a beautiful organza dress, carrying a bouquet of calla lilies, with the sounds of the ocean in the background. But don’t forget that after all the hours of planning, you want to make sure that all the precious moments are captured for eternity. Remember, you’re not just buying a service, you’re investing in memories. Therefore, seek a talented artisan whose style fits your vision of your wedding day.
How exactly do you choose your ideal wedding photographer? Let me give you a few tips of the trade:
1. Style. Ask to see the photographer’s portfolio or website and review their images to see their style. Do the photographs tell a story? Do you like the technique and composition of the photographs such as the lighting, point of view, or depth of field? Weigh their usage of image enhancements (tints, airbrush, special effects); do you prefer more traditional, contemporary, or illustrative shooting styles? Traditional style consists of carefully posed photographs of key moments. Contemporary style features a series of candid photos covering the entire day. In the illustrative style, photographers place the subjects in certain settings to take advantage of good lighting or backgrounds. Then, once the scene is set, the couple and their party are free to be themselves. Keep in mind that photographers can incorporate multiple styles.
2. Format. Consider if you prefer digital images, traditional 35mm film images, or a combination of both. Digital images are more easily preserved and manipulated for effect and can be shared anywhere at any time. But traditional film images have a classic timeless look and feel that can’t be replicated in digital format. Think about whether you will be showcasing your photos on differing digital mediums (wedding website, blog, Facebook, smartphone). Many photographers still shoot in film but some only work with digital cameras.
3. Budget. Decide on a budget and stick with it. It’s easy to get carried away, but those numbers do add up. Think about how much you are willing to spend for this expense as opposed to other wedding expenses. Compare that to the photographer’s price point. You will find a photographer to fit every budget. Consider what packages the photographer is willing to give you and don’t be afraid to strike a deal. Make sure you like the deal! Ask for the amount of books you will receive; the number of prints; how many enlargements; if they can frame prints; and whether they will include a CD of high resolution shots.
4. Experience. Naturally, a more seasoned photographer will have a different price point than those just starting out. Experience will significantly impact a photographer’s price point. However, there are pros and cons to each spectrum. A novice wedding photographer might seem riskier, but he may go the extra mile to make you happy at a lower price. Also, many experienced photographers in other industries may be looking to break into the wedding market, which could also drive down the price point. You may get some truly unique shots if you have, say someone who is an art photographer shoot wedding photos! Nevertheless, seasoned wedding photographers will have the entire process of shooting a wedding down from beginning to end and may even come with assistants.
5. Engagement Photos. I personally love the engagement photo trend. Engagement photos can really show off the couple’s chemistry, and you can easily upload them to your wedding website if you have one. It gives them a chance to do something fun as they inch their way towards the big day. You can do a shoot with several themes that display different key moments of your relationship. A typical theme would be taking a few shots at the restaurant of the couple’s first date; or location shoots of places the couple enjoys like museums, parks or beaches. You will be the envy of all other engaged couples for having these unique images throughout you engagement period. I advise brides to use the same photographer for both the engagement and wedding photos for consistency, and many photographers nowadays offer competitive packages. Plus, the extra session helps build your relationship with the photographer come wedding day.
All of the above are useful tips that I offer all my brides, however, none of the above will work unless you have trust in your photographer. Trust is key. You can’t build a relationship with your photographer if you don’t get along or trust him. The last thing you want is to feel awkward while getting your picture taken on your wedding day. Just make sure your photographer gets you and you are comfortable with what you are getting. Then, you can open up your wedding album and remember forever what a perfect day you created.
About Chris Chen
Chris Chen is an international wedding and lifestyle photographer based in New York City. Chen has been in the wedding industry for over 15 years offering modern and chic photography style to wedding clients. From destination weddings to uniquely cultural and themed weddings, Chen has captured memories of couples around the globe. In 2010, Chris Chen Studios was named Bride’s Choice Award on Wedding Wire, as one of the top wedding photographers in New York. Please visit www.ChrisChenStudios.com or www.facebook.com/ccstudios for more information.
