About the Photographer: do looks matter? how about speaking same language?

Ok so I'm trying to get a photographer... LOOKS: but I'm a bit picky about how a photographer should look... I've seen old guys dressed as country horse ridding taking pictures (not my thing) and a girl who was dressed getto. The reason why these photographers were gotten was because they were offering low rates. Should I not worry about looks as long as the work is good? LANGUAGE: the majority of our families speak spanish... do you think it'll be a problem to get a photographer who only speak english? I thought i'd help get through the pictures a lot more smoothly and I wouldnt spend time and my voice translating. HEEELLLLPP!!!!!

Posted On: Nov 2, 2009 at 1:23 PM | Vendors are allowed to participate

Share | Add to My Watchlist | Flag As Inappropriate |

Dan's Future Wife
Community Superstar

Wedding: 08/28/2010

23 Comments | Login or Signup to post a comment!


The Potters
Community Superstar

Married: 09/12/2009
Reviews: 8
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 1:31 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I am big on looks too. But if someone has beautiful work and you LOVE their pictures, who cares what they look like? Nobody is going to be taking pictures of the photographer. Finding someone who also speaks Spanish would be a big plus! But I wouldn't worry if you can't find someone. Finding a great photographer is most important. Being bilingual is an extra bonus.

analy m.
Community Superstar

Married: 10/03/2009
Reviews: 5
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 1:32 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I think the photographer should be dressed professionaly, and to blend in, but other than that it's not important. Mine dressed in all black and was practically invisible, which made for great pictures since we barely knew he was there. They will be spending more time with you and the wedding party than anything, so as long as someone is there that can translate left, right, and such, I would think you would be fine.

LovelyUnique
Community Megastar

Wedding: 02/11/2010
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 1:33 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I'm assigning a family member to help my photographer get family together for group pictues. they all speak the same language, but the photographer wont know everyones name so it will help things go more smoothly & quickly.... at least we think & hope!

Aussie Bride
Community Megastar

Wedding: 02/07/2010
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 1:34 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
It is important to be dressed professionally. They are being paid to do a job and they should look professional. If there are a few people who can translate than I wouldnt worry too much about whether they only speak english.

Dan's Future Wife
Community Superstar

Wedding: 08/28/2010
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 1:38 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
"The Potters" => About the photographer not coming out in pictures... hmmm... good one... But I think they actually might... lol Not for our pictures but yeah for the pictures of family members. Plus I might have two or three photographers....
"Analy M" => I think the having it in all black is nice... maybe I can just reques that... Maybe I can plan to have a translater planned. Or else my FH and I are gonna end up doing it.
"LovelyUnique" => I as well am gonna have one of my family members doing pictures(cousin) but he speaks only english... Hardly is able to comunicate other than with signals and names lol

Matthew P.
Community Megastar

Matt Potvin Photography, LLC (Camp Hill, PA)
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 1:57 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
We always require a family member/member of the wedding party as the point person. They find all the required people for the shots that the couple wants. We don't know anyone else at the wedding most likely. That person could handle the translation needs for the most part.


When posing, we try to work with group commands, it speeds up the sessions as opposed to giving individual instructions to each person. Generally speaking I only shoot with my best friend. He does MD bookings, I do PA. So you get a two shooter package. One person will be working with lights, and giving some general posing the other person will be looking at small details, hands, lights growing out of people's heads, etc. We've gotten really good and efficient at portraits. Even when you get the inevitable, "Oh can we do this shot? We want one with so and so. Sorry we didn't say anything."


continued...

Matthew P.
Community Megastar

Matt Potvin Photography, LLC (Camp Hill, PA)
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 2:00 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
We of course dress to blend in. Try to stay away from ties since they generally get in the way of the gear.


I still have a hard time telling myself mentally that I am hired to be there and take pictures, and hate the feeling of having to stand so close blocking views during the service itself. There are just some times when you can't stand back behind the crowd and get the shot you want. Worst one to date was last Friday night, the wedding was in near darkness, using my fastest lens, I could still barely get the shot I wanted. Try to pop up from my crouch next to the parents to get the shot and crouch back down.


And when you say looks, do you mean dress, or general attractiveness?

Lois L.
Community Megastar

Lyons Photography
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 2:30 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I think the photographer needs to dress to compliment your wedding attire. For a black tie affair, the photog should not be in jeans/T. shirt, etc. And never should they look like a slob, no matter how casual the event might be!
As for personal attractiveness, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

yadayada
Community Superstar

Married: 10/30/2009
Reviews: 5
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 3:05 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I don't know that the dress should matter much. A good photographer is an artist and some artists dress very casually. Plus the photographer is moving around a lot, hauling equipment, they need to be comfortable. Everyone knows that person is a photographer and not a guest anyway. As for the language issue, the only part is when you are doing the pics of the family, because they will be telling people where to stand and such. Could anyone serve as a translator?

Samantha F.
Community Megastar

Jonathan Ivy Photography
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 4:05 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Our crew wears black on black and if we have an expressive couple who is alot of fun or has an opinion on what we wear we accomodate. Pink pie for guys and scarfs for the ladies, etc. We also have a videographer that we work with that speak fluent spanish so that often solves the bilingual problem. Having a photographer who knows how to dress I personally feel is important and having someone who speaks the same langauage would definitely be a bonus. Best of luck deciding and congrats on your upcoming marriage!

Dan's Future Wife
Community Superstar

Wedding: 08/28/2010
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 5:47 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
thanks Matt Potvin good things to take in consideration... I was thinking of the clothes... I know I cant change the face of a person plus that shouldnt be nice to say... I also dont want to take the extreme of having them in ties and suites. I was thinking more of casual elegant... Cuz I also want to treat them as guests. They're gonna have their own table to eat and set anything they need. I also wouldnt mind gaining a friend to whom I can ask for another shooting for later events.

Ideal Portraits
Community Megastar

Ideal Portraits, LLC
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 10:39 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I encourage you to request to have attire written into your contract before signing, and I think a photographer that is not willing to concede to that may be a little sketchy to work with anyway. That is a matter of professionalism. This is also why many of us like to do your e-session. This lets you get a feel for how we work with you. I think a lot of the good photographers I have seen don't just rely on verbal direction. I know that I use TONS of hand gestures, expressions, and sometimes if it's ok a little hands on posing to get the correct result (I don't like to get too touchy though). Actually, in most of the pictures of the couple that is in my profile picture right now, they could barely hear me over the running water, and sometimes they were far away. They still knew what I wanted them to do, because I knew how to convey that through gesture. Observe how they work with you during your e-session or even during your consult to plan for the communication barrier. :)

Marina
Community Megastar

In True Colors Photography
Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 10:49 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
My believe is to get dresses according to the theme/event.
Depending on how sophisticated or how casual wedding is.
Beach weddings: We dress up in khaki pants or shorts and light shirts, because it's hot outside and you need to feel comfortable, plus light fabrics don't reflect light and stay cooler then darks. Being me, i like to get different angles and usually end up being down on my knees or my belly to get the shot, being covered in sand isn't unusual around here LOL
For more formal weddings, we dress in black, it still offers an opportunity to "get down" and at the same time look professional and blend in. Spare wear might be required :o)


Champagne andDaisies
Community Performer

Champagne and Daisies
Posted On: Nov 03, 2009 at 5:23 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Just remember, photographers are artists and artists can be very eclectic and eccentric. You know the old rule: Don't judge a book by it's cover. Look at their work and past reviews if you want an accurate evaluation. Good luck and congratulations.

Dan's Future Wife
Community Superstar

Wedding: 08/28/2010
Posted On: Nov 03, 2009 at 5:44 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I defenetly dont want to judge them before seeing their work and what they are about. I mean, I am an artists and do get messy and dont care as long as the work I do is awesome(which is when you are so inspired and you are into it) but, also take in consideration where I am. Which the photographer is going to be in MY wedding. He will be treated as a guest not just some random person doing work. I dont work with people that way. So I think after juging and seeing if his work is what I want we'll just discuss the outfit or "presentation look"

eventhorizon
Community Newcomer

Event Horizon Fotografie
Posted On: Nov 03, 2009 at 7:57 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I wear all black. It's sort of the "I'm a vendor" uniform.
Plus, I'm sexy. :)

Meaghan K.
Community Superstar

Married: 10/04/2008
Posted On: Nov 03, 2009 at 8:01 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I am pretty sure if your photographer is in the wedding photos he/she is doing something wrong. Other than that, who cares unless it is completely inappropriate.
And yes, I would try to locate a Spanish speaking photographer or make a family member a point person for translation.

emindeeimages
Community Superstar

EMinDee Images
Posted On: Nov 03, 2009 at 8:49 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
The single overriding factor in choosing your photographer should be based on the quality of their work, and whether or not their style of photography works with what you envision your wedding photos to look like. Research, research, research. This is not the area to shop based solely on price. Your day can only be captured on that day, as it happens. It can't be recreated. The quality & experience of your photographer can either bring you smiles for years to come, or tears of regret whenever you go to look at your photos. I'm not talking blow your budget, but you did mention low rates in your post. As to how they dress...there should be some degree of professionalism even when they meet with you for the first time. I'm not talking suit & tie, but definitely neat & tidy. I, too, am on my knees or belly for some shots, or climbing on a chair or ladder (sometimes trees!) to get a shot, so flexible clothing is important...but that doesn't mean sloppy.
continued...

emindeeimages
Community Superstar

EMinDee Images
Posted On: Nov 03, 2009 at 8:52 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
In regards to language....I usually have the bride & groom select someone to be the "Go to" person for the photos. This is the person that knows who to round up for the photos. Maybe this person could be your interpreter. Remember, the majority of the day, the photographer will be focused on just the two of you. The formal group photos will only be a small portion of your day.
I wish you lots of luck with your search!

Marthica
Community Megastar

Artistic Cakes
Posted On: Nov 04, 2009 at 12:17 AM | Flag As Inappropriate
Hola...Y que viva Puerto Vallarta, beautiful beach city where the american retiree call it El Paraiso !!!. any way, talking about fotography I understand you and your fiancee will be the most important focus point for the photographer, but believe me is so important to have some body that speach your family languaje, tell me ....!!!!, I have a big mix in my family and is a relief when some body can handle both languajes (Inglish and Spanish) I will recomend you to take a look of Cara Mia Studio the owner is Silvia and she is very talented and have an amazing group, check with her, I thing she is mexican desendant, and beside she has an accent she speack fluentely Spanish, check her portfolio, she an excelent photographer and has a very good and convenient packages and I am planning to use her for my daughter's wedding, you can look for her here in Wedding Wire looking for "Cara Mia Studio" and also I conected with her in my Wedding Wire site.
Good Luck and I wish you all the best.


Brian Noah
Community Superstar

Noah Photography
Posted On: Nov 04, 2009 at 12:47 AM | Flag As Inappropriate
I generally always dress in all black, unless it's a beach wedding or they have expressed how I should dress. I always ask. I don't want to be under-dressed, but I also don't want to be over-dressed.

Your professional photographer should follow suit.

Now as far as the bilingual factor, you live in California, so it shouldn't be much of a stretch to find a bilingual photog. I use my Spanish regularly... It's part of the job, and I'm glad that I learned it years ago. I meet a lot of vendors that have learned because it makes their lives easier.

Now you don't NEED a bilingual photographer. I always get a groomsman, bridesmaid, or a cousin from each side to wrangle everyone together. Otherwise no matter how hard I try, family portraits would be impossible.

RBG
Community Superstar

Red Butte Garden
Posted On: Nov 04, 2009 at 1:54 AM | Flag As Inappropriate
A "creative" photographer can wear whatever they like on their own time. However, when it comes to your event they are now working for you and should dress in a professional manner that fits in with the atmosphere of the wedding. If their outfit is totally out of place it will be distracting and affect the mood of the wedding. Also, if you are having a videographer there is a chance the photographer will show up in some of their images - better for the photographer to blend into the crowd than stand out like a sore thumb. Their attire should be addressed in your contract with them.

Dan's Future Wife
Community Superstar

Wedding: 08/28/2010
Posted On: Nov 04, 2009 at 7:35 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Thank you guys for your comments aansd suggestions. I am defenetly having my ears open to these ideas. Thank you guys!!
Login or Signup to post a comment!