Choosing A Photographer For Your Wedding

We have all heard about the photographer who completely dominated the day, bossing and manhandling people and taking forever to set up his pictures.
So how can you avoid that and find someone who will work quickly and efficiently to produce some stunning images of your day?
First of all it might help to describe the various style of wedding photography.
"Uncle Fred takes some nice photos so he is going to do it as a wedding present."
Maybe OK if your budget is REALLY tight and you trust good old uncle Fred BUT there is a great deal more to being a wedding photographer than simply taking photographs at a wedding.
Traditional style professional photography where the photographer sets up a seemingly endless selection of groups with all the family, friends, market traders and sundry other passers by.
Reportage style photography where the professional photographer will attempt to
"Capture your day as it happens"
You might think that this is just what you want because you will not have to pose for any photos but think for a moment about why you are employing a photographer in the first place. Dare I suggest that it might be to ensure that you will have a lasting and beautiful reminder of the day that you have spent so much time and money planning. True Reportage style photography is difficult to master, some well known studios make a big thing of offering it but you may well end up with a big pile of photographs of people standing around chatting. Done well it can certainly capture the joy, happiness, elation and even tears.
Is there an alternative to the "Traditional" or Reportage" styles?
Some (very few) photographers offer a "Documentary" (sometimes called "Reportage" style of coverage designed to combine the above and perhaps add another dimension. By providing more than one photographer to cover the day "Documentary" style photography can provide a mix of, hopefully, light hearted and relaxed groups along with a lively, spontaneous coverage of events as they take place. Giving you a large choice of images in Colour, Black & White or Sepia tone to remember your beautiful day.
Making that important choice
See at least three or four photographers before you make a choice - incidentally be certain that you are meeting the photographer who will attend on the day. Very often you will see work produced by the studio proprietor whilst an assistant or part timer will turn up for your wedding. Ask to see complete albums and, ideally, the proof set from which they were chosen, everybody has a different idea about what they want in the Bride album.
Has the photographer a good relationship with the people in the pictures? Do they look happy and relaxed or bored out of their heads?
Be sure you know what will be covered on the wedding day. Do you want a photographer at home for some dressing table and family shots before the wedding? How long will they stay on at the reception?


By Mike Watts
Mike Watts – Michael D. Watts Photography & Video

www.michaeldwatts.com