Wedding Photographer

So you're getting married! Congratulations! But with that comes planning your wedding. There's probably two things that come first to mind. Either "I can't wait to start shopping around" or "Chaos! Where do I start!?" Well the good thing is that there's tons of information online to help you and guide you through all the steps, needs, do's and dont's. (The Knot, Hampton Roads Wedding Guide, WPJA ) On the other hand, there's so many choices of pretty much everything that it makes it even harder to make up your mind. Cake, venue, food, reception, wedding gown, bridesmaids, etc.
And then it comes, the photographer. Who's going to photograph your wedding? Who will be in charge of capturing all those moments on such a busy day? Is he any good? Is he reliable? Well.....

The Solution
First of all, start doing A LOT of research in your area for local wedding photographers. A good professional photographer will have a website where you can view his work. Next, make a list of your top choices and start making phone calls and sending emails. Compare packages and what they offer and most important meet with the photographer. It is extremely important that you meet with the prospective photographer ahead of time. And when I say ahead of time, I mean months and even a year or so before. Good professional wedding photographers book their weddings years in advance so your chances of getting something last minute with a good photographer are slim to none. He's probably already booked.
I personally try to meet with my clients at least once after the first intervew. I know the couple has a busy schedule and it's usually the bride calling most of the shots, but the better I know the couple, the easier it is to get the shots. That way I go to the wedding prepared. I know what they're looking for. I know what they want and what they're expecting from me.
It's better if the couple likes the photographer not only as a professional but also as a person. Personality has a lot to do here and that's something you don't want to miss. Can you imagine having a photographer that you don't feel comfortable working with and even worse, in charge of taking all those special shots! Awkward, I know.

Here's a list of what you should ask to your soon-to-be wedding photographer:

• How many years of experience?
• Will you bring an assistant?
• Backup equipment?
• Prints, CD/DVD with print rights, or both?
• How many photographs will you take? (approx)
• Album provided? (if you want one)
• What type of equipment do you use?
• How will the images be processed? (basic color correction, retouch)
• How do you provide the proofs? (online or paper)
• Do you provide engagement sessions as part of the package or is it additional?

Those are the basic questions that I came up with but you ask all the questions you need to.
So there you have it. Hope that helps and good luck planning your wedding and looking for that wedding photographer!

-Herson