Whether
it is a groom intimately stealing a kiss from his new bride for the first time
or a 4 year-old getting his face painted with his favorite character, it is the
photographic moment and shot that will carry these memories through a
lifetime. During these events, a
photographer usually has one opportunity to capture these moments on camera.
They have mere minutes to grab the image from time in the right angle, with the
right aperture and with the right style!
This takes a lot of skill and responsibility. So who do you entrust this responsibility to?
And what discriminating factors do you use to determine if a photographer is the
right fit for you?
Q
spoke with our resident photographer Ellice Boone of ES-Photo (www.esphoto.com
, www.facebook.com/esphotoLA)
Q has worked with Ellice for over 6 years and on countless weddings,
marketing campaigns, and corporate events. We wanted to know what she feels are
the three factors people should look for in choosing the photographer for their
event so we could share this knowledge with our clients. She detailed the
following:
Factor One: Style & Quality
of Work
Everyone
has a different style and aesthetics; this translates in their work and taste.
Meet with a few photographers so you can compare different styles, also look
online and get a feel for what you are drawn to individually and, if
applicable, as a couple. Ask yourself, do you want photos that are more
posed and traditional or are you looking for someone to just be a fly on the
wall and capture the day as a journalist in documentary style? Do you like the
images to be real and raw or do you like images with heavy retouching and
photoshop work? Once you cultivate your style and preferences, you will be able
to pinpoint the photographer whose shooting style most matches that preference.
Tips
concerning Style & Quality: When you are meeting with photographers make
sure to see books or images from one entire wedding not just their best shots.
Ask if they are retouching all of their images or just a select few, and do
they charge an additional fee for that? You want to make sure the books and the
prints they are showing you are what your finished products will look like.
Factor Two: Personality
The
personality of the photographer is important. You have to like the personality
of the photographer who is shooting your event. The photographer leads you
through the event and guide you through all of your photos and many of the
important moments. If you don't feel completely comfortable with your
photographer it will be difficult for he/she to capture images of you that are
natural and spontaneous. Even worse, if you clash with your photographer or he/she
comes off rough around the edges, this could accentuate the stress of the day and
create more tension and stress which you definitely don't need! Trust your
intuition when it comes to this. Your gut is usually right in leading you
in the best direction.
Tip
concerning personality: You want a person who is professional but feels like a
friend. The connection usually can be felt instantly and does not need to be
cultivated. Ask yourself, do I want to share the entire day with this person as
my shadow?
Factor Three: Budget
Of
course we all wish budget was not a factor but it does play an important role
when determining your photographer. Some brides go into sticker shock
when they see the prices of having even a simple wedding not to mention the
wedding of their dreams. With that being said you need to have a realistic view
of what your budget is for your wedding day or any event. Be honest with
the photographers you meet and find out all that their packages entail.
It is good to break things down so that you can actually compare apples
to apples. Find out how many hours you will get, how many shooters, and exactly
what product you will get after the wedding (albums images on DVD, website,
proofs, etc.) The biggest mistake couples make when choosing a
photographer is basing their decision solely on price. If you go with
someone just because that individual is giving you a great deal and ignore that
he or she may not be your best fit, you may regret your decision later. If
you love someone’s work, personality, and his or her vision is on the same page
as yours, do what you can to make things work.
Tip
concerning budget: Sometimes photographers who are a little out of your budget
are willing to adjust things or customize a package that fits your needs and is
closer to your price point. Sometimes by simply taking out product or
time from a package you will realize you can make things work within your
budget, and most photographers can get creative with numbers if you are open with
what you want and where your price limit is.
After
the food has been eaten, the guests have left, and the flowers and décor are
broken down, the day becomes pictures in your memory. The real tangible picture images become the
preservation of the fine details, the sincere moments, and the joy that day
brought you. What is important is to have
great shots that convey this importance and that you can take pride in showing
days, months, and even years after.
