How To Choose A Photographer
Choosing a photographer is not like going to a store and selecting some bridal dresses. It is different because you can’t see the photographs before you buy them. You can know how good a photographer is only after he has been chosen and you have received the photos from him. It is therefore evident that your decision will largely be a matter of faith. Those who think price is the sole determining factor are on the wrong track; they should remember that price is important, but you don’t know the quality of the product you are paying for. So it is better if you follow a few general guidelines before choosing a photographer.
In most cases, recommendations of friends and relatives are of great help. After you prepare a list of photographers following their recommendations, you should meet each of them and have a look at their portfolios. You can collect the names of good photographers from other sources also. If you can’t meet all of them personally, visit their websites and review their portfolios. Concentrate on the photographs only, don’t get carried away by the design of the website. After a thorough review, shortlist them and talk to them personally, on phone or through e-mail. Find out whether he will be available on that particular day, which areas are his specialties (candid, traditional, photojournalism, combination, film or digital etc.) and how much he will charge you for the job. In return, be sure what you are going to get from them. While judging the samples, trust your own instincts. It is only you who will know what you like. When you see a picture, you only can say, “Yeah! This is exactly what I am looking for.”
From this interaction, you will have a fair idea of the photographer’s personality. Remember he is going to be with you all day; you will definitely not choose someone who you won’t feel comfortable with. No matter how good his photographs are, a photographer with a bad personality can ruin your day. So select someone you feel good about.
Once you have found a photographer who meets all these requirements, start working the budget back into the equation. Try not to cross your budget. Bargain in those areas where bargaining is possible. Try to stick to your budget without compromising on quality. If you keep your mind open to the wide range of possibilities, you will certainly find the photographer of your dreams.
How To Choose A Videographer
It is not that still photographers have all taken to different professions by now, but today’s couples are more and more going for videography so that even their great grandchildren can have a feel of the moments of their wedding ceremony. Like you did for your wedding photographer, you should take a number of factors into consideration while choosing your videographer too.
To begin with, ask for samples of their recent wedding videos. Watch a number of them so that you can make a fair assessment of their qualities. They will try to show you only their best work, you must insist they show more of them. Check if the images are clear and smooth, the sound good enough or not. If they show samples on their websites, ask for samples off a DVD as well to get a better idea of their work. Inquire whether they are acquainted with the latest trends in videography. It is essential for better picture and sound quality. You should also know if they have good equipment with them. Check if they have professional grade, 3-chip digital cameras which produce great pictures. You should also ensure that your videographer does have good editing equipment like Adobe, Avid or Newtek.
Apart from the technical and aesthetic details, you should ask when you will hear from them again before the wedding day. Find out how they handle communication after you give them your deposit. Your objective should be to ensure that such an important occasion of your life is given the attention it deserves. Try to know how they are going to cover the ceremony and reception. Will visit to the location beforehand if they have never worked there before? Are they ready to give you an emergency or cell phone number in case you need to contact them for any last-minute changes?
Get to know about all the packages and options they can offer and at what prices. Evaluate them and find out if you are getting something that you will want to show your children and grandchildren years from now. Ask them how quickly they can deliver the final product. Never forget to read the contract before signing and inquire about the payment policy. It is likely that most of them will seek a deposit while some will want to be paid fully in advance. Weigh all these things carefully and then only make the final choice.
Jen Carter is owner of My Wedding Blog, and offers tips and advice for people planning their wedding.
Submitted by Jen Carter, www.my-wedding-blog.com
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