Choosing Your Photographer

What are you looking for in your wedding photography?

That is an important question. I see and hear from too many brides that have not really thought about what they are looking for in their wedding photographs.

You would be surprised how many brides call me inquiring about prices only. While I am aware that price is at the top of the list of considerations, a bride needs to ALSO compare price versus quality, and there can be a HUGE difference in quality.

I have brides tell me all the time, that they "...just want some pictures of their wedding." I inquire further by asking them if they are just looking for some snapshots of their wedding. You would be surprised how many times I hear "yes" to that question.

I usually tell them I am probably not the photographer for their special event, because I do not do snapshot photography. More often than not they have not even been to the website.

I spend upwards of 167 hours on a single wedding event. Many times it is higher. I endeavor to find those special photographs that can be enhanced in some way, to make it very special. Each wedding is unique. There can be opportunities that will not show up in every wedding. A professional photographer is equipped to recognize those special moments either in the camera or when the enhancements begin.

I am writing all this to help you in choosing your photographer. The FIRST thing any bride should do is look at samples of the photographers work. That can be in person, of course, but the easiest and most anonymous way is to actually go to the photographer's website. It is amazing how many times I get a "no" when I ask if they have looked at my website. Looking at a photographer's work is THE most important part of choosing them. If you like the work, THEN inquire about pricing.

Your wedding photographs should reflect this most important time in your life. When all the reception food has been thrown away, when everyone has gone home, all you will have are your wedding photographs as memories. Your photographs should, at the very least, reflect what your wedding was like, but more importantly, should establish what every wedding should be like.

Your photographer's creativity in taking a boring shot and transforming it into a work of art can make all the difference.

When choosing a photographer ask if they enhance or retouch the photographs prior to printing. You will be surprised how many do not or charge extra for enhancements. Worse yet, many tell you they do, but do not.

I am constantly surprised how many websites have photograph samples that have not been retouched or enhanced in any way, which means more often than not, straight out of the camera...yuk! If a photographer gives you images straight out of the camera RUN!

If you are looking for snapshots of your wedding, there are plenty of part-timers, or relatives out there that can give you what you need. If you want something special, a professional photographer is always the best choice. You can see the difference in their work.

If you have any questions about what to look for in a wedding photographer, call the studio at (334) 265-6211. We will be happy to speak with you even if you don't choose us to photograph your wedding. Every wedding deserves the best photography. Cheap photography is never good in the long run. You will be glad you chose someone that goes the extra mile for you.