How do you pick a photographer?

Word of mouth? Online portfolios? Vendor lists from sites like weddingchannel???

I can't tell the difference between photographers and don't know where to start.

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

We saw 4 different photographers who offered different things. You have to decide if you want digital versus film (or both). You have to decide if you want a package or an a la carte deal. There was not much difference between the work of who we saw but we chose based on the personality o the photographer and package they offer. We knew we wanted an album, our parents to have an album and some prints for family and friends. We knew we had to be able to have this man in our faces for at least 6-8 hours. If I didnt like the guy, I'd never hire him.

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

So you base it on 'fit' vs quality of pictures?

I really can't tell the difference between most photographers. They all look so beautiful.

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

It also depends on what's important to you. Photos are so important to us since that's all that's left after all is said and done. It came down to how much we were getting for our money and quality of work.

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

We checked out the recommended vendors of our reception hall and also some recommendations by the brides here. We fell in love with Patken and went with them!

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

I'd say there are a few important things to think about when selecting a photographer

1. Do you want digital or traditional cameras used. Some places use both. There are advantages to all options.
I can tell you we chose digital for the following reasons
a. We wanted to have a coffeetable type item and it is much easier and cheaper to do if it is digital.
b. We wanted to post all our pictures online and digital negatives are much clearer to do that than scanned traditional negatives
c. Most of the digital photographers offered many more pictures

2. Do you want your negatives?
Some places offered them in the package, some places refused to give them to you and some places charge for them. Also, some places will sell it to you after a certain period of time after the wedding has taken place (example one place we met with mentioned that they would sell it to you 3 years after the wedding.) If you don't get the negatives, definately find out how much you will be charged for each reprint

3. How do you want your proofs?
There are three different ways you can receive your proofs.
a. Proofs which are 4x6 pictures that are places in an album and numbered.
b. Proofs which are 4x6 pictures places in a box
c. Magazine type proofs which are about 2x3 pictures - many on a page which are bound in a book

4. Look at multiple photographers in your price category and possible even one that is a lower price category to make sure you are not paying more than you need to.

Remember, photography is a personal decision and just because someone likes a photographer doesn't mean you will. I was amazed by my friends photography and how much I didn't want what they had.

Definately take a look at websites to see what type of style you like. Also, definately take a look at brides on liweddings as this site is a great resource to see actual wedding photos and ask questions as everyone is more than willing to help.

Good luck and feel free to ask me any questions.

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

We looked at 7 photographers. We wanted a package that included an album for us, as well as albums for the parents, portraits and all proofs.

We noticed a difference in quality in some, but not all, the photographers we looked at. We also noticed the different styles that each photographer had - even between photographers that take 'traditional' posed shots versus photojournalistic style photos.

Ultimately, it came down to two photographers whose personalities we really 'clicked' with. One used digital, one used film. Both offered two photographers (traditional & photojournalistic). Both offered album packages. The price difference between the two was significant ($2000). That helped to push one ahead of the other, but the real selling point was the enthusiasm displayed by the photographer we chose. It was infectious. He was very excited about the opportunities for pictures at our ceremony location, and the chance to shoot a wedding with logistical issues.

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

We seem to be having a hard time with choosing a photographer also. Thanks for the advice.

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

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Posted by liwinebride

I'd say there are a few important things to think about when selecting a photographer

....
Good luck and feel free to ask me any questions.

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This was a great summary!! I'm very into photography and am very picky. I've actually begin studying it and hope to work at least part time at a photography studio. You will start to see style differences. Some will try to talk you into a photojournalist, which I think has it's advantages but isn't necessary- beware if ANY vendor talks you INTO paying more and you feel they aren't being honest. FH and I walked away from all but 1 vendor before booking and if they tried a high pressure sale we didn't respond (except for the one vendor- which wasn't high pressure but I didn't want to risk loosing a deal that I know is great).

For film vs digital- talk to the photographer and see- I was against digital (being an aspiring photographer!) but now think it's perfect for weddings. You can see right away if it's a good shot- also, they don't use the same cameras that you'd buy at Best Buy. Their 8 mp camera isn't the same as the ones you and I can afford- they capture at a much larger file size. FH and looked at a few albums and were then told that they were digital- we had to look again! Most photographers were going digital from what we saw. It's easier to touch up in post production- our photographer removed these neck lines I had from a pose with FH and I right there- otherwise we wouldn't have wanted the shot. It's more flexible and you don't have to worry about film running out at a pivotal moment.

Then you consider cost- and consider extras. Do they charge for effects (black and white, black and white with certain parts in color, sepia tone (old fashioned look) etc...), you'd be surprised. Also after getting your package- how much is it to add to your album- is it per picture/image or per page (only Duet charged per page which is MUCH cheaper!). If you are getting the new digital album with multiple pictures on a page- how do they count each picture- digital albums use many more images- one for background, then the main pictures. What are their payment schedules? You want to hold back some money until the album is in your hands.

They usually have album prices and then add ons like loose 8x10, 5x7, large size portraits. Sometimes you can opt for 2 8x10 instead of the large 20xwhatever size...photo thank you cards....there is a lot.

See how you feel with the photographer and what works for you.

I can recommend you look at:

Verdi (great pics but $$)
Dan Wagner (great pics)
Duet (great pics and prices- can't meet photographer until after you book-my second choice- they give you a lot)
Grey (my photographer, but they aren't the best price wise)

I know of very happy brides who used Patken (good pics, decent prices, not my style) and my MOH used Silverfox (I wasn't thrilled with her pics but don't think they are so bad now- I'll wait until I see her album before I make my final decision- I'm 85% sure that they use sub-contractors which isn't horrible but I want to know that my photographer is part of the studios staff-might not matter to you tho)

Whew! There is a lot. Do your research and check vendors on the BBB and bride reviews. Examine the reviews to see why they were/weren't liked and determine if that would bother you....good luck- this was my hardest decision.

Sorry to ramble!!

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

This is a great thread to save whenever anyone ever has any photog questions. Wow ladies!

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

Photography was the hardest thing for us to book.

The market on LI is saturated with photographers. The quality varies, prices vary and so do personalities.

I tend to lean toward small businesses and I definitely wanted to know who would be showing up on my wedding day.

I don't think that many brides have to sacrifice quality to get a photograoher whose personality they like. You will like the quality of the photos of at least half of the photographers that you talk to. So, after you decide whose photos you like, you can narrow it down based on personality.

I looked at print ads in the local wedding magazines.

I didn't call any photogs whose print ads were not appealling to me. I figured that if their ad is not pleasing to my eye, their style is not like mine. When I found an ad I liked, I searched the photog' on here. I got tons of feedback on all photogs. Then I looked at the BBB website. Then I made appointments.

ETA I also booked appointments with some photogs that my friends had used. Many of my friends are married already, so I got some advice.

It all worked out for me and I'd highly recommend my photog. (Laurie Studios).

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

Too be honest my photographer is the uncle to my brothers best man and my friend Johns wife, there daughter is one of my FG!

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

What is a good resource to find a list of photographers???

I feel the ones listed on the wedding sites are just advertisers.

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

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Posted by Bridex100

What is a good resource to find a list of photographers???

I feel the ones listed on the wedding sites are just advertisers.

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When you look at the wedding sites you can see their style of photography. When you find a style or a photographer you like you should then look up the reviews on the boards. It's so helpful.

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

I visited photographers based on reccomendations from theknot.com. You have to have some idea what you like and luckily most photographers have Web sites with samples of their work. If you want traditional photos there are a list of photographers to go with, same if you want more of a photojournalistic look. It just takes some time and research.

We chose Imagine Studios. I used to do photography and this was one of the most important choices to make for our wedding. After all, this is what will capture the moments and memories. I wanted someone with both a traditional & photojournalistic style and Lia seemed to know how to capture that. Her photographs are romantic and beautiful. I saw more than 6 other photographers and though she was a little on the expensive side, we booked her on the spot. I wanted someone I was comfortable with and we knew she was it. When I looked at other photographers books I would see one or two on a page I liked, but at Imagine I liked every picture on every page. I wasn't even going to do video, but they only offer the package with both. We watched the video and it was the other time I didn't think it appeared really melodramatic and cheesy, I even teared up a little (I am so lame, hehe). Go see them, I just think they are amazing. :O)
Here's their Web site, check them out:
http://imaginestudios.net/

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

Make sure you meet the Actual Person shooting your wedding and you get along with them. These are people who you're going to be very close with on the day of your wedding, and the last thing you need are pictures of you not smiling because you hate your photographer.

Trust me.

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

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Posted by AutmBride

I visited photographers based on reccomendations from theknot.com. You have to have some idea what you like and luckily most photographers have Web sites with samples of their work. If you want traditional photos there are a list of photographers to go with, same if you want more of a photojournalistic look. It just takes some time and research.

We chose Imagine Studios. I used to do photography and this was one of the most important choices to make for our wedding. After all, this is what will capture the moments and memories. I wanted someone with both a traditional & photojournalistic style and Lia seemed to know how to capture that. Her photographs are romantic and beautiful. I saw more than 6 other photographers and though she was a little on the expensive side, we booked her on the spot. I wanted someone I was comfortable with and we knew she was it. When I looked at other photographers books I would see one or two on a page I liked, but at Imagine I liked every picture on every page. I wasn't even going to do video, but they only offer the package with both. We watched the video and it was the other time I didn't think it appeared really melodramatic and cheesy, I even teared up a little (I am so lame, hehe). Go see them, I just think they are amazing. :O)
Here's their Web site, check them out:
http://imaginestudios.net/

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We're using Imagine also, and I couldn't have said it better myself!!

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

I found The Knot's list of local photographers to be very helpful, and once I had a few that I was interested in, I cross referenced that with reviews and wedding photos posted here and on other sites. The Knot also lets you narrow the list down by style and price (I looked more at photojournalists or a combination). I looked at their Websites, and found that if I had a strong emotional reaction to the photos, liked the style and wanted to keep looking, then that was a plus. I only met with three, who each offered different packages and albums (one was film and two were digital) but who had similar styles.

It could be helpful to post here which specific photographers and styles you've liked (even if they're too pricey) and maybe other people will suggest ones you haven't heard of.

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

I needed to feel comfortable and 'intimate' with my photographer. I needed to see them ask ME questions about what I wanted, and their reactions to certain things. I also shied away from the 'salesman' pitch that some of them gave me...

I needed someone real, and also a fuzzy feeling when looking at their pictures...

Re: How do you pick a photographer?

I am probably the minority in this but I only went to 1 photographer and booked.

I did a lot of research online and contacted several places by phone/email (some were already booked for my day which narrowed it down).

I didn't have a lot of time to go to a ton of places and I really liked their work/package options and they were willing to work with us, so that was it. Done.