WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PHOTOGRAPHER

When planning a wedding there are many choices you have to make and it may seem overwhelming which is very common. However, when looking for the right photographer to capture your memories it is not as complicated as you may think. First ask friends and family members if they have a recommendation of a photographer. Also look online for other bride's feedback of their photographer at places like The Knot etc. Visualize your photos and how you want them to be. That will help you decide if the photographer can achieve what you are looking for when viewing their portfolio. Make a decision what type of personality you are best suited with. It is very important that you feel comfortable with the photographer as you will be with them all day long and so will your family and friends.

Here are the basic questions you may want to ask when interviewing photographers:

• How long have they been in business?
• What are some locations they have worked at?
• Are they a member of a photographer's organization?
• Who is the photographer you are hiring and are you able to meet or talk with them before the big day?
• Look at the photographer's samples not samples of other employed photographers.
• What type of photography style do they offer - candid, traditional or both?
  Candid is not posed and usually non-invasive. Traditional is staging shots and is a hands on approach throughout the day. Both is when traditional shots are staged mostly during house coverage after you are dressed and after the church as well as park coverage. The rest of the evening is usually done in candid style and you are left alone except for a few traditional shots during the cake cutting, garter/bouquet toss, etc.
• Can you speak with their former clients for references?
• Do their packages include albums and if so what exactly are you getting?
• Do they offer the digital negatives?
  You may want to be sure they are the high resolution images as they sometimes may not offer that. High resolution is the highest quality as they were taken which ensures that you can print a large photo without loosing quality.
• Make sure there are no hidden costs. Sometimes there is a pricing method that is just a starting point and may not include certain things such as all day coverage, upgraded albums, print quality and or sizes.
• See if they can throw in an engagement photo if you go with their high end package. Some photographers are more than willing to include something with their highest package. It doesn't hurt to ask.

This article was written by Lesa Zonsius of ZonCom Productions Inc..
Visit their website at www.Zoncom.com for more information on their services.