Getting the right photographer for you.
Choosing a photographer for your special occasion can prove quite a chore. There is an almost endless choice out there and it can seem a daunting task. Here, we are going to give some tips and ideas about how to go about choosing and getting the best from your photgrapher.
Firstly consider the photographic style you want. These can be grouped into three main areas – traditional, contemporary and reportage/photo-journalistic.
All good photographers should be able to do any and all of these so don’t be afraid to ask about them. It’s your wedding after all and we photographers should be able to give you what you want.
Secondly, pick a sensible budget and try to stick to it. A wedding for example takes a long time from the initial meeting, to looking at the venue, the day itself then processing, and finally building an album you are happy with. Definitely more than a days work. Many photographers will throw in a few extras if they can, so you could get a better deal, but that’s just between us ok?
A new addition to the family means that new parents wish to snap away at every given chance in order to remember their child’s every stage. A practised photographer is able to offer a wonderful keepsake no matter what the age.
At Earnock Images we offer a service where we will photograph in your own home and around babies feeds and sleeps. This allows the child to remain in their comfort zone and parents do not get stressed and worried when lunch time is fast approaching. This idea is flawless, offering a relaxed familiar environment.
Checking around for forums where people talk freely about experiences is also a good idea and will offer a background into past experiences. A good place to start is the popular netmums.
All photographers offer packages for various services. These might not quite suit what you are looking for. A good photographer should tailor these packages and make the service work for you.
Most photographers fall into the category of being ‘a people person’. We generally want to help you with your plans not hinder them. A good photographer blends with your wedding or event. The lasting memory you want guests having is how awful and bossy your photographer was. Although you also don’t want a wall flower who can’t get the job done. It is our job to find the fine line between in your face and non-existent.
Once you have picked your photographer, sit down and map out the whole day with them. They will more than likely take notes of your approximate timings and plans. It will give you a chance to get to know them and vice versa.
A good idea is to collect any photos from the internet or magazines of shots that you like, so you can discuss them and give a copy to your photographer. We won’t be creating exact copies, but we are visual creatures and as they say, a photo tells a thousand words and will help us to realise your vision fully. They don’t even have to be wedding photos, but can be anything, fashion, film etc.
If you want formal group shots, and let’s face it most people do, make a short list of their names in the groups you want. It is usually better to get the big group shot done as soon as possible, so people can go off and relax if they want to rather than hanging around and waiting.
At the end of the day your photographs are important to you and your photographer, but he or she does not want to spoil your day. Use us to make sure you get the most out of your day. It’s all about balance, so make sure you like and feel relaxed with your photographer, show and tell them what you want, ask questions and get the right deal for you.
Some important questions you can ask are:
* Have you shot a wedding at my location before?
* Do you have an assistant?
* Do you have backup equipment?
* What time will you begin and how long will you stay until?
* When will the proofs be ready?
* Do you mark your proofs?
* Where and how are your proofs marked?
* Do you work well with other services? i.e.: coordinators, caterers, videographers.
* Can you work from a photo checklist that we create?
* How will you be dressed?
Finally, make sure this is their living, if you get a weekend photographer their basically learning on your time. Also if you don’t look at the pricing and only the images you’ll get a good idea what you like and then from the top 5 ask for the pricing. You may be surprised at the over pricing some photographers charge.
