Choosing a Wedding Photographer.
Is a Quality Professional Photographer Important?
This is a very personal question as it does depend on the couple belief on how important quality photographs are to you.
Of all the services you use on the day (the ceremony, the cars, the food and drinks, the suits, hair and make-up, the decorations, the music, etc) not much is left from the day except the wedding gown and your photographs (and perhaps a video).
After all the time taken to plan and organise, the money invested in such a great day, what keeps your memories alive? Your photos.
A skillfully photographed wedding album will be one of the most adored and precious items that is kept and loved many years after your wedding day. As well as conveying the emotions, romance and humour of the day, they are a testament to your one of the best days of your lives.
Establishing good communication and having a helpful relationship with your photographer is important to ensure the whole day runs smoothly and that everyone thoroughly enjoys the day. The better photographers do more for you than simply take photographs. They help with planning, timing and even with the fine details.
Is there a difference between photographers?
Is there a difference? Certainly! And it is worth visiting a few photographers just to see what the difference is.
Photographers can differ in style, the range of services and products, price, the quality of their photography, personal service, experience and knowledge (especially when the day doesn't go to plan), personality, etc.
The difference can range from `shoot and burn' (where images are simply provided on a disk) to `full service' where client are provided with extensive packages including a personally designed album with high quality imagery. The choice is up to you, but make sure your photographer can meet your expectations.
How should we choose a photographer?
Your initial source of information can be;
- Search the internet.
- Purchase some Bride Magazines (local magazines are most relevant).
- Talk to some friends who recently married.
- Phone some photographers and have them send you some information. (post or email).
- Visit some photographers (about 3-6 is helpful. More can start to get confusing).
When you visit a photographer, ask plenty of questions such as,
- How much experience do you have? Years as a full-time professional, number of weddings, etc.
- Do you have any industry qualifications?
- How much should we realistically budget for the type of coverage we're after.
- Are you the photographer who'll attend our wedding?
- Do you have an assistant.
- Is the work you are showing us your photography?
- Are you an accredited member of a professional association (such as the AIPP - Australian Institute of Professional Photography).
You cannot pick a photographer based on a brochure or a phone call price enquiry. The only way to establish the value is to meet with them, so make an appointment with the studio. In the initial enquiry allow about an hour so you can base a decision on the style, creativity and quality of the photos and albums as well as the compatibility and qualifications of the photographer.
How much should we budget?
How much should you budget? That's up to you and no one should be trying to talk you into something different. Have an idea of what you'd like in terms of an album, images on disk, enlargements, etc. When starting out, it is hard to know what wedding photography costs until you gather the information from a range of photographers.
If the photographer does a fantastic job then you'll probably want more photos than you first thought (it's only natural).
Basically, like many services, you generally get what you pay for. As a guide, a reasonably competent photographer could be be around $2500 with a quality, full-service professional around $5,000 and upwards from there.
Why should I even bother booking a photographer when my friend has a great camera?
Remember, it’s not the great camera that takes the photo, it’s the photographer. Although a friend or family member may be a great amateur photographer, they will not have the experience, equipment or knowledge of a professional photographer.
Quality wedding photography does not happen by chance. It is created by a specialised professional who has a creative eye and a genuine love of people and wedding photography. Your photographer will also need to coordinate the flow of the day, know all the types of shots that need taking and must be able to do all of this in variable weather and sometimes difficult time constraints.
When should I book my wedding photographer?
It is a good idea to start looking and booking your photographer as soon as you have decided on a wedding date. It is common to book a photographer 12 to 18 months (or longer) in advance.
The busy wedding times are from September to May and Saturdays are highly sought after. Remember, it is worth booking this far in advance to get the photographer you want. When you have found the photographer that you are comfortable with, book them to ensure you have the photographer that you want, on the day that you want.
Should we sign a contract with our wedding photographer?
Most definitely. This is your assurance that the studio will honour its commitment to you. Before you do sign, make sure you have all the relevant information as to individual print, album and page pricing, cancellations, payments etc. Make sure you understand everything that you are signing.
The photographer should have all the information in writing for you (called full disclosure). If there is anything that you are unsure about, and that hasn’t been explained, don’t book. Wedding photography is very unique and there is a lot of trust you place in your photographer for their future performance. There is also the trust the photographer places in you. The contract covers both yourself and the photographer for your upcoming wedding.
Many couples prefer to have their wedding captured candidly. That is to say, they don’t want to pose for photographs. However, there is a misconception that a wedding can be successfully photographed totally candidly. Candid photographs can be taken whilst your attention is elsewhere but there are times during the day that you will need to be directed or posed. It actually requires more time and takes a very skilled photographer to both capture and create the atmosphere, mood and feeling that enables a candid feel to arise.
A good photographer will make people feel comfortable and will be able to "pose" you so your images will then look candid or unposed. The directed photographs are important in an album, as they gather and include the family and bridal party. It is rare to have you and all of your family, or friends or bridal party and even the two of you in a candid situation looking good at the one time at a wedding. You will need to cooperate with the photographer and allow yourselves to be comfortably directed by them. That is the skill of the better photographers and this is what you should look for.
So what if I have a problem with my photographer?
If you do encounter a problem, try to discuss this calmly and rationally with the photographer or the studio. If you feel your problem has not been rectified, then put your concerns in writing. If there is still not a solution by this stage, then find out if the photographer is a member of an organisation such as the AIPP (www.aipp.com.au). By contacting the organisation and detailing your problem in writing, they will in turn contact the photographer if they are a member.
The organisation can also help with advice, and view the work and be a mediator. If you discover that your photographer is not a member, the organisation may not be able to help. It will still be beneficial to record a written complaint as it will tarnish the photographers record if they wish to join in the future. If after this course of complaint, your problem is still unresolved there is the Office of Fair Trading (Consumer Affairs) and after this the small claims tribunal. However, by choosing a qualified specialised wedding photographer, you are very unlikely to encounter problems.