HOW EXACTLY DO YOU HIRE A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

Unfortunately it isn't the easiest process, but if you follow these very important pointers, you will find it more enjoyable and you will be able to make a confident decision. Your wedding day is not the best time to find out you hired the wrong photographer.

THE PHOTOS - First and most important – Look at their galleries - yikes! It is hard to believe some of the photos published that are supposedly part of some photographers' "best". When I shoot a wedding, I imagine every photo being able to be published in a Martha Stweart or New York Times article! I give each image my all!

AUDITION – To be blunt, hiring a photographer is like buying an expensive new car - you are not just going to buy it because your friends have one, or you saw a beautiful commercial! You need to test drive and research.

So, you must ask if the phtographer you have in mind will allow for a complimentary photo shoot and let you assess their skill and personality and see how you look in their work?

THE PRICE DILEMA - In their packages, are there obligatory items like an unnecessary second photographer or expensive albums? Does their price match their experience? Do they offer a good value or are they just quoting astronomical amounts because they can? More expense does not equate to more results.

REVIEW CREDENTIALS -

Experience Counts and unfortunately, most photographers have very little experience both photographing weddings or in their education. I have personally shot over 1500 weddings from start to finish. Every image you see in display here and on my web site www.albuquerqueweddingphotographer.com have been shot by me.

Actual Photography Knowledge – Do they understand photography? Can they operate a camera without automatic settings which have a high percentage of error? Can they adjust and adapt as quickly as wedding photography requires?

Business Acumen – Do they understand how to operate their business so there are no mistakes or situations that will affect your wedding directly?

Education – Are they formally trained? Or did they just buy a camera at Costco and printed some business cards to become “a wedding photographer”?

PROMPTNESS & FOLLOW UP – Do they place you first and reply promptly (within an hour or two) to your messages and questions so you feel confident and as a priority to them? Is photography a full-time job or a hobby? A part time photographer offers part time results. A photographer needs to work for you full time without distractions.

CONGENIALITY – Are they fun and lighthearted? Are they people friendly? Can they manage large groups of people and bring their inhibitions out, so your wedding pictures look their best? Will people notice them and want to help? Is there ANY degree of arrogance in them?

INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

Of Venues: Are they familiar with your venue, their staff, the rules and the photo opportunities? Can they provide examples of many venues

Of Vendors: Do they know the best wedding vendors in the market and know how to best work together for your benefit?

CREATIVITY AND ARTISTRY - Photography is an art, it can not be learned or taught – it is innate, just like a painter has a style, a photographer has a style. Is your photographer creative and innovative? Do they seek out the best way to capture the unique magic of your wedding? Or do they do the same thing time and time again?

REVIEWS - Everyone makes a mistake from time to time or things for some reason don’t work out as planned – that is understandable. But these must be few and far between instances that have an explanation. Reviews should be plentiful and consistent with people loving the photographer and the results. Reviews should be recent and not have large gaps of time between them. Reviews should be replied to and vary in wording.

CUSTOMER SERVICE – Do they act as if they work for you? Or you work for them? Are they flexible, accommodating, and ready to honor your requests and adjust to your needs?