Things You'll Need:
- Computer, Telephone, Pen, Paper
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Step 1
Flower GirlMake Contact With Photographers Whose Work You Like. If you know someone who got married recently then make this your first lead. Check out the photographer's website or portfolio and talk to the bride/groom who worked with them. If you like a particular photographer's work and he/she gets a favorable review, make an appointment to meet with them. If you like a photographers work that you've found elsewhere, don't be afraid to ask the photographer for references.
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Step 2
Bird Seed Showered Bride and GroomMeet With Several Photographers. Pick your photographers based on their style. If you like his/her photos from past weddings, then you'll probably like the photos they capture at your wedding! During your meetings with them find out what are the photographer's primary styles and take notes? Traditional posed shots? Candid or artistic? Photojournalistic? Other? Then decide what you like.
Questions you will want to ask during your photographer consultations:
A. Ask to see images from an entire wedding (start to finish). Just about anyone can put together a slideshow of good pictures they have taken over the years. But a professional wedding photographer can capture great photos from every segment of a single wedding - bride dressing beforehand, ring exchange, kiss, formals, 1st dance, bouquet toss, etc.
B. Request a wedding day photo schedule. One element (possibly the most important) of wedding photography that is frequently overlooked is the Wedding Day Photo Schedule, which details when shooting begins/ends (i.e., number of coverage hours), who will be photographed during formal photos and provides a specific time line for each wedding event that will be photographed. If the photographer doesn't provide a schedule, then request it - it will be invaluable.
C. Is there a limit to the number of photos captured? Find out how many photos the photographer estimates will be captured on wedding day and how many photos will be provided after image selection/editing. Most photographers who use digital cameras can give you an estimate based on the number of hours of coverage provided at the wedding.
D. Do you get a CD with full-sized images? Many photographers are reluctant to provide you images from your wedding on CD, even though you may pay them handsomely for covering the event. Ask about getting the images on CD and if this costs extra.
E. Inquire about back-up cameras and equipment. Does the photographer you are meeting with have back up equipment in the event that his/her equipment malfunctions or fails? Professionals will frequently have on hand 2-3 cameras, numerous lenses, and at least 2 of everything else. Wedding photographers always have to be prepared for the unexpected! -
Step 3
Henna Wedding HandsReview your notes to see how each photographer stacks up. Do you like the photographer you met with? This is the person that will be following you around for hours photographing you, your fiancé and family/friends on your big day. Be sure it's someone that you feel at ease with; otherwise your uneasiness will show up in the photos.
