Tips
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TIPS FOR CHOOSING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
1. View the photographer's website. This will give you an opportunity to view their work at your own pace, and
hopefully get an idea of their price range and philosophy.
2. Ask to see some complete wedding proof books, not just their "greatest hits" book.
3. If you like the photographer, ask if it will be that person actually at your wedding. Some companies will
contract with you and send out someone you have never met. If you are dealing with this sort of company, find
out up front and ask to meet that person and see their work.
4. A referral is important when considering a photographer. If one is referred by a friend, you will probably get to
see the work they did, and get an idea of their personality. You want someone who is able to deal politely with
you and your guests, but be aggressive enough to get the shots you want. Referrals from a photographer will be
clients that he or she feels will make good references, so it is unlikely you will hear too much negative feedback
from them, but it's not a bad idea.
5. Ask what kind of equipment they use, is it digital or film? Is there a backup of everything in case something
breaks?
6. Ask what happens if time runs over, and if there is a charge for overtime. How long until you see your proofs?
Are the images color corrected and backed up?
7. The big question these days seems to be - what is the photographer's style? Photojournalistic or traditional?
I feel that every photographer should be both. Traditional to me means taking the time to pose people...put them
where you want them before shooting. Arranging groups on the altar would be an example. Photojournalistic to
me means capturing photos as they happen without interruption from the photographer. It also means capturing
details such as close ups of the shoes, dress, cake...anything that helps to tell the story, but probably won't be an
enlargement portrait over the fireplace. I cannot see a wedding without both traditional and photojournalistic
styles...unless of course this is what you choose!
8. While you are asking what is the philosophy of the photographer, make sure to tell them yours. Maybe you are
hoping for something they are not comfortable with. Choose a photographer who has a passion for their art.
This is what will inspire them to create something special for you.
1. View the photographer's website. This will give you an opportunity to view their work at your own pace, and
hopefully get an idea of their price range and philosophy.
2. Ask to see some complete wedding proof books, not just their "greatest hits" book.
3. If you like the photographer, ask if it will be that person actually at your wedding. Some companies will
contract with you and send out someone you have never met. If you are dealing with this sort of company, find
out up front and ask to meet that person and see their work.
4. A referral is important when considering a photographer. If one is referred by a friend, you will probably get to
see the work they did, and get an idea of their personality. You want someone who is able to deal politely with
you and your guests, but be aggressive enough to get the shots you want. Referrals from a photographer will be
clients that he or she feels will make good references, so it is unlikely you will hear too much negative feedback
from them, but it's not a bad idea.
5. Ask what kind of equipment they use, is it digital or film? Is there a backup of everything in case something
breaks?
6. Ask what happens if time runs over, and if there is a charge for overtime. How long until you see your proofs?
Are the images color corrected and backed up?
7. The big question these days seems to be - what is the photographer's style? Photojournalistic or traditional?
I feel that every photographer should be both. Traditional to me means taking the time to pose people...put them
where you want them before shooting. Arranging groups on the altar would be an example. Photojournalistic to
me means capturing photos as they happen without interruption from the photographer. It also means capturing
details such as close ups of the shoes, dress, cake...anything that helps to tell the story, but probably won't be an
enlargement portrait over the fireplace. I cannot see a wedding without both traditional and photojournalistic
styles...unless of course this is what you choose!
8. While you are asking what is the philosophy of the photographer, make sure to tell them yours. Maybe you are
hoping for something they are not comfortable with. Choose a photographer who has a passion for their art.
This is what will inspire them to create something special for you.
Brad Kuenzig - owner