How to Choose a Photographer

How to Choose a Photographer

Did your boyfriend just pop the big question? Perhaps you're welcoming a new edition to the family. These are all big moments in your life and you don't want to trust your cherished memories to just anyone.

For example, when my niece got married in Florida she paid for her friend to go and take pictures. When the pictures were ready she wasn't happy. Although it was a beautiful ceremony on the beach, the photos don't translate that.

The last thing you want to do is try to save money on your photographer. What good is it to spend thousands of dollars on a wedding or the family beach house if your photographs are under or overexposed, shadows under the eyes and look like a mud sucking gray color?

Here are some tips when choosing a photographer for your big event.

1. Don't look for a deal- Your photographs are what you have when everything is over and the dust has settled. Every detail is recorded in your pictures and you want them to remind you of the most important events of your life in a positive way. Don't pay your cousin or best friend $25 to save some money. You will regret it later!

2. Do your research- There are probably several photographers in your vicinity and it would benefit you to visit each studio and interview the photographers. Find out about their unique styles, products, and general attitude. You may love someone's work but if you don't like their personality it may be a good idea to find a different photographer with a similar style. Another thing to point out is what will happen if the photographer gets sick. Do they have a backup photographer with the same credentials? Do they have a second shooter, especially for weddings? Do they go the extra mile to provide you with as much information as possible? A good photographer will have packets with samples and pricing.

3. Education/Experience- Many photographers are self taught. Photographers who take the extra steps to get a degree or become certified photographers are showing their dedication and passion to the art. For example, I am currently attending Randolph Community College for their program in photographic technology. This program requires an internship and all of the assignments are hands on learning. I also plan on taking the exam to become a certified photographer. Randolph is an accredited photography program and we are learning all of the up and coming techniques in digital. However, we learn the fundamentals of photography through film with medium format. How many photographers can say that?

4. Use student photographers- If you absolutely can not afford the photographer you want, the next best thing is a student photographer. A student photographer usually has a cheaper rate they charge because they are still learning, but many times they know more than enough to capture beautiful images for your big day. If you have to choose someone with no experience other than a point and shoot camera over a student, choose the student. Furthermore, a good relationship with a student photographer usually means free portraits for you in the future because a student always needs models. Many times they will shoot your engagement for free if you hire them for a wedding. In other words, you will get deals that you normally would not with an expensive photographer.