where to start - photography?

Can anyone suggest how to get started in choosing a photographer? We looked at displays at some showcases and we liked quite a few. Do you make an appointment to sit and talk with them?

Maybe I liked the albums because the bride was so pretty, or I liked the colors of the BP dresses, or the locations were awesome? Maybe my pictures won't be anything like hers? How do you decide if this photographer's style will work for you? Ugh I HATE this part! I just want someone to pick for me!

Suggestions welcome!!

Re: where to start - photography?

i would select at least five or six photographers that you liked their style and then make appts...i think once you see what is out there you will be able to judge what it is that you like........you will get a 'Vibe' from the people that you are visiting ,......good luck! im still in the process myself!

Re: where to start - photography?

I looked at a bunch of them. I went with Park Avenue. I liked their style the best and they were really nice there. It all depends on what you are looking for.

Re: where to start - photography?

I would say to look online at different photographers work. When you find a few you like definitely make an appointment to sit and talk with them.
Other things to think about are:
1) whether you want traditional photos, photojournalistic photos, or a combination of both
2) if you have a preference for film or digital

I chose Verdi after seeing about 3-4 others. They are a husband and wife tean and we liked their style as well as their personalities.

Good Luck! and have fun with it! You have plenty of time.

Re: where to start - photography?

We started with a list recommended by the hall, then we checked those websites and started rounding down.. Then, checked here on the Reviews area and did some searches for the names of the ones we started to like to see what the comments were like, etc. With that info and a very short list, we started the calling, etc. Sometimes you get turned off at the point of the call and never get to the point of meeting.

In the end, we made one appointment and went with that vendor. We are using Spelman Studios - i am confident with the choice.

Re: where to start - photography?

Meet with a few different ones before booking. We sat down with 5 before we chose. Look for the style you want and must importantly make sure your click with their personality. Your photographer will be with you almost every second of the day so you need some one you can have a good time with an communicate with.
We met with John at ADA and loved him and his work so we finally booked him. Good luck to you.

Re: where to start - photography?

This is a biggie-you really have to feel comfortable with your photographer. Determine a budget and go see photographers in your budget. I would start by calling around for approximate packages. Narrow it down to 3 or 4 at the most unless you are still really disappointed in each of them. Go by the reviews here as well.

Re: where to start - photography?

Thanks so much for all the replies. I started checking reviews on here, and after making a 'short' list of over 20, I thought there has to be an easier way!

I will stop reading the reviews and start looking at some of the websites. Some names come up over and over, but some of the seldom mentioned ones have beautiful pics too. This should be fun!

Re: where to start - photography?

YES it is so important to feel comfortable with the photographer this is the vendor who will be with you the whole day!

Re: where to start - photography?

I like Patken... they did my brother's wedding and my MOH. The pictures are magazine quality! soooo good! I chose Doug, who is more $$, but all of their photographers have very similar styles (my MOH used Nick, and her pics were REALLY good!).

If I didn't go with Patken, I probably would have chosen Fine Arts Photography. I saw them at a bridal show after I booked, and REALLY liked them, too. I think it's a very similar style to Patken, which is why I liked them.

Also, try to get someone who is familiar with your reception site and photo shoot site! That will make things go faster as the photographer will already know the 'best shots' to get.

Make sure they include the bridal party pics, thank you's, a large portrait pic, the main album and your parent albums. AND an engagement shoot w/picture. Good luck!

Re: where to start - photography?

another great thing to find out (you can do this by asking bluntly) is how familiar are they with your reception site/ceremony site...you can even ask to see a sample of work from that site if possible.

our florist is a bit away from our site and when FMIL for the 100th time that day asked me if i wanted to decorate the ceremony area (um, it's outside and at the swan club...it's in the midst of flowers so i wanted to shoot her...) i said no....the florist guy pipes up with a detailed description of where the ceremony is going to be....that impressed me...that a vendor knew so much about my reception site. the same goes forour DJ...they do so many there that they know the place, they know the best set ups, they just know. keep this in mind for all your vendors!

Re: where to start - photography?

Try to get some recommendations- from here, from friends and go from there. Check out their websites and see if you like their style- if the pictures 'speak' to you. I know that sounds wierd, but you should be moved by the pictures, even if you don't know the people in them. If you like the style, make an appointment to see the photographer. You should feel comfortable with them - like they are not trying to put on over on you or anything. You should keep a budget in mind because photographers can vary greatly in price.
Good luck!