How to Choose a Wedding Photographer
by Michael Brantley
ppa certified, ppnc f.ph.

When the cake has been eaten, the tuxedos returned and the dances danced, the lasting memories you’ll have from your wedding are the album and photographs. That is why choosing a photographer — the right photographer — for your wedding is one of the most important decisions you’ll make about the Big Day. Selecting a professional photographer should be treated just like any important or big ticket purchase that you make. If you do your homework, ask the right questions and know what to look for, you’ll end up with wonderful images and a great wedding experience.

Below is a guide to get you started:

1. Quality. Photography, like any other art form, is extremely subjective. You cannot make a competent decision solely based on a Yellow Pages ad, just as you wouldn’t buy a car or house without seeing it first. Checking out a photographer’s website is a great start, but there is no substitute for visiting studios to “see and touch” the product. This is most often where you can begin to consider price. Factors such as professional cameras, paper and albums account for a lot of expense on the part of the photographer, before you take into consideration labor and talent. If one photographer quotes you $500 and another quotes you $5,000, there will be a difference in what you are receiving as a final product — so shop carefully.

2. Style and Presentation. Every photographer has his or her own unique style. While photographers are most often flexible, you should be comfortable with the way the photographs appear, how they are presented, the type of albums presented and the color and clarity of the work — after all, the samples that you see should be typical of what you can expect from your wedding. Be sure to tell the photographer what you want, what you like and what you don’t like. Listen to the feedback on these comments, a good pro will give you suggestions and things to think about that you may not have considered.

3. Professionalism and reputation. Your photographer should treat you in a professional manner and with courtesy. He or she should be willing to meet with you, show you samples of work and answer questions or concerns you may have.
You will want someone you feel comfortable with, as you (and your families and guests) will be dealing with the photographer for several hours on the day of the wedding. Personality is important.
It is always good to ask around and find others who have used the services of the photographer you are considering. If that is not possible, don’t be afraid to ask for references or satisfied clients you can contact — reputable photographers will not have a problem complying with this request.

4. Guarantees. As they say, the best surprise is no surprise. Find out if your photographs and/or albums are warranted, and for how long. You will most likely be expected to sign a contract; it should be easy to understand and straightforward. It is a good idea before booking a photographer to make sure you know exactly what you will be getting as your finished product, as well as the price of any add-ons or extras.

There are other things to keep in mind:

•Don’t get hung up on equipment. This is why “seeing and touching” the photographs and albums in person is so important. Film vs. digital is no longer an issue, nor is type or style of camera — the bottom line should be “Am I happy with the quality I see?”

•Find out who will be photographing your wedding. If the studio employs more than one photographer, ask which one will be your photographer and be sure to meet them before the wedding day and make sure you are comfortable with that person’s samples.

•Look for credentials. North Carolina has one of the leading professional organizations in the country, the Professional Photographers of North Carolina. The Professional Photographers of America is the national “umbrella” organization. Both of these groups offer credentials and require ethics agreements from their members, as well as provide continuing education

Selecting a photographer for your wedding day is an important decision, but like the rest of planning process, it should be an enjoyable one. Next to the vows and the rings, the photographs are the only other part of the day that are expected to last you a lifetime.