Subscribe to RSSBest Practices to Help You Choose the Best Wedding Photographer
A cheap camera is sufficient to record most of the important events in our lives. But once in a lifetime events such as weddings deserve the extra expense of filming it right. Yet look in the yellow pages and you can see there are plenty of choices available. Follow these seven principles in choosing a photographer and you probably won’t be disappointed with the results.
1. Availability. A wealthy couple may want to hire the best New York photographer to capture their California wedding. But to most couples that isn’t an option. They want someone close enough so that transportation is not an issue. For instance, a couple in Virginia would choose a Virginia Beach wedding photographer. Also, considering that most weddings are on Saturday, you will want to know if your chosen day is open for them.
2. Skill. Photographing a wedding is much more than aim and click. It involves good equipment and expert skill. Everything is digital these days. What is the pixel range they will use for the pictures? The more pixels, the larger the file size but the better the resolution. Then what is the company’s reputation? What do others say about their skill in taking wedding pictures? Are samples available?
3. Personality. From your first interview, imagine yourself working with them for several hours. Were they pushy, wanting to get you to choose their most expensive options? Or did they make recommendations and let you decide? Do you think they would tend to want it their way, or would they work with your plans? How good are they in working with children?
4. Price. The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. now is over $20,000. Though you don’t want to blow your budget on pictures, you do want the quality of a professional. What is your maximum budget for pictures? Do they have options within this amount that include all you have in mind?
5. Service. How soon will others be able to see the pictures? How soon will you receive the ordered prints? If enlargements were ordered, when would they be available? Since digital is instant, is the option of displaying ceremony pictures during the reception available?
6. Options. You should be offered a wide variety of options from which to choose. Do you want rehearsal pictures and, if so, is the photographer available? How many pictures do they promise? Do they bring their own lighting or rely on natural lighting? What creative suggestions do they offer? Can family and friends print pictures that are posted on their website?
7. Integrity. Does the photographer deliver on the promises made? Is the photographer known for being on time and at the right place where they are expected? Are all the parts of the package you choose delivered as promised? Do they have other things planned that day or will they be there as long as you expect them to be?
A wedding is too important of an event to let it pass with only an amateur photographer recording it. As you plan the big day in your lives, consider these principles so that not a single precious moment is forgotten. And if you’re in the area for Virginia Beach photography, look up Expressions Photography. Their friendly and professional expertise will capture all the memories of your special day.
