It seems everyone has a digital camera these days and no doubt the advent of digital imaging has meant better and cheaper photography for everyone. Because someone has spent £X on their shiny new toy they assume that it will do the whole job for them and though results are usually good there is much more to the equation. A wedding is a once in a lifetime event, or three times in a lifetime as far as my cousin is concerned! and as such has to be spot on first time round, retakes are generally not viable. Though technical ability is essential much more is involved diplomacy, tact, artistic flair and empathy amongst others. The able photographer should not need to fiddle with camera settings, an airline pilot has no need to look at the flight manual when transporting 300 passengers on a long haul flight to do so would not inspire confidence. When looking to engage a photographer for your wedding you need to ask a number of questions. Try to establish what experience is offered and insist on viewing some recent work if none is available it could mean that previous work is not of a good standard or you may be the first customer. Check who will actually be taking your wedding photographs, even though you may really get on with the person discussing your requirements they may employ part time operators, as your photographer will be spending much of the day with you it is important you meet "pre wedding". Establish exactly what coverage is offered and cost this can vary immensely, some offer coverage from the brides home through to the first dance others from the arrivals to a posed cake cutting. Any good photographer will provide a mix of traditional, reportage and informal bride/groom portraiture so make sure they are made aware of any special groups required. Find out if special effects can be added to your finished images, black and white, sepia or any other effect should be available as required. When you view work samples make sure you are shown at least one complete set of images from one wedding and not the best bits from lots of, it is comparatively easy to compile a "best of " collection much harder to show consistency. Ask if professional standard equipment will be used not a point and shoot camera and confirm that backup equipment is carried in the event of camera or flash failure. Ask your potential photographer exactly what you will get for your money some myself included will supply all finished images on CD/DVD at the highest resolution so that you can have prints made yourself others will charge extra often MUCH extra for this. Being able to view your previews online is a great idea, if the photographer offers this service make sure that the webpage is not in the public domain open for all to see. Although traditional wedding albums are still available most couples now go for the more modern "wedding books". These allow an almost infinite number of images to be included in a fully bound book exactly the same as a book from W H Smith. The actual layout of the book is very much a personal thing, my usual procedure is to let the customer choose the images they want incorporated from the website previews. I then do a provisional layout which is the emailed to the client for approval or editing. Your photographer should be there for you before during and after the wedding and be adaptable to any situation that arises. As an example I have been known to do a temporary fix on a brides hair on a very windy day that is why I always carry some hair clips and safety pins (perfect for holding the brides veil in place). To sum up choose your photographer carefully and don't go with the first one you see, I actively encourage potential clients to shop around compare costs but ultimately compare quality and the service offered. I hope this brief article has been of assistance and wish you all the very best for the future regardless of who you choose for your wedding photography though your custom would be welcome!
