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pink weddings magazine » 101
PHoTograPHY
When you meet, ask lots of questions and look for a photo-
grapher who will ask you lots of questions. The more you can find
out about each other and the more the photographer under-
stands your expectations, the better chance you have of getting
great pictures. If you don’t know what you are looking for, that’s
where you should be asking lots of questions. The photographer
should help you understand what you like and what you don’t.
style Is everytHIng –
There are many styles of photography
out there and the pictures can be in colour, black and white, de-
saturated, retro, etc etc… Look through magazines and on the
internet to decide what you like, and then find a photographer
who works in your chosen styles. Do discuss this with them as it
may well be they can work in a variety ways. Talking of style,
make sure your photographer is going to turn up in appropriate
clothing. Tracksuit bottoms with undies hanging out are not in
fashion on the wedding circuit!
noBody lIkes a Poser (or do tHey) –
Weddings tend to
fall into three categories: traditional posed, reportage/editorial,
and a mix of the two. Be clear what you are looking for as some
photographers are more flexible than others. Discuss the styles
and how they will work for you.
cHeck out tHeIr equIPment –
Even if it means nothing to
you, ask them what equipment they will be bringing to your
wedding and, more importantly, do they have backups. The way
they answer will give you an indication of whether they are well
equipped. Skill is the most important thing, but if they are
suggesting they do your wedding on the latest camera phone,
you might think about moving on!
smoke and mIrrors –
When looking at a photographer’s
well-chosen portfolio, ask yourself are these ‘best shots’ from
several weddings, or are you presented with a picture story
from just a few weddings. Most photographers will get one or
two best shots from each wedding, but you want to see
consistency in their work.
no suBstItutes Please –
Discuss whether the photographer
you are dealing with before the wedding is going to be taking
your pictures on the day, or if they intend sending someone else.
If they are sending someone else, then you need to see samples
of their work and ideally talk to that person. It’s not to say the
other person will not be as good, but you need to make sure.
HaPPy days –
are you a fun-loving couple who like a laugh
and enjoy the lighter side of life? If so, take a good look at the
people in the photographer’s pictures. are they happy or do
they look bored and fed up with this picture malarkey?
accIdents do HaPPen! –
It’s a fact of life that accidents
happen. The main thing is what can be done when one does
happen. Make sure your photographer is covered for
professional indemnity and public and products liability.
cHoIces, cHoIces, cHoIces –
Don’t forget to have a chat
about whether you want an album or pictures on a disk. Both
have their place and both can be presented in an appealing way.
everyBody lIkes a freeBIe –
Feel comfortable that a
freebie is really what it is made out to be. For example, I offer a
free lifestyle shoot with my weddings. If the client doesn’t take
me up on it there is no discount, but I really hope they do as
this is our dress rehearsal for the big day, a time to get to know
one another. It’s also a great time to learn a few posing tricks,
rather than on the day when the last thing you want to worry
about is learning new skills.
If It’s too good to Be true… –
The cost of a good wedding
photographer need not cost a small mortgage; however do be
careful if the price is more in keeping with a bottle of good wine
and a nice meal. If it is, I would say forget the photographer and go
and enjoy the meal as you are far more likely to have happy
memories, a good time and no nasty lingering taste in your mouth!
oH wHat a gay day –
Not essential of course, but if you are
holding a gay wedding/civil partnership, perhaps it would be nice
to pick a gay photographer, like me (tongue firmly in cheek)!
I do hope these pointers help your quest in finding a
photographer. I would be happy to answer any questions by
email, grahammartin@btinternet.com regardless of whether
you would like to use my services or not.
graHam’s PHotograPHy Is at www.eventPIcs.BIz