Capturing the special moment
Choosing a photographer to portray the wedding magic
- posted: 13 Mar. 2008
- scrollspecial@byui.edu
A young couple poses patiently as they smile, hours on end, for the camera. They have just been married and want to document this historic event in their lives. It is just one day and one moment, but these memories will be encapsulated on film indefinitely, proving that there was an actual marriage.
When wedding days roll around, one of the best ways to select a good photographer begins with planning and preparation, according to www.bridalguide.com.
“I didn’t even think about hiring a photographer until a few weeks before my wedding,” said Becky Hamrick, a senior studying university studies. “If I were to do it all over, I would have researched photographers sooner.”
Photography fees can range from $900 to well over $10,000 dollars, according to www.costhelper.com. Many families offset these costs by asking a relative to take engagement, bridal and wedding-day photos. Others prefer to hire professional photographers to do the job.
“My first choice of a photographer would have been my aunt,” Hamrick said. “I did the next best thing though and hired my cousin’s husband’s brother. So I got it for pretty cheap.”
Hamrick suggested that brides look through wedding photos to get ideas of certain poses that they like or dislike.
“If you’re lucky, your photographer will pose you in cute positions, but what if they don’t? You should know what you want before you take your photos,” Hamrick said.
If wedding couples don’t have anyone in mind to document their big day, they will often resort to hiring a professional photographer. Couples should consider at least seven items before they hire a wedding photographer, according to www.bridalguide.com.
1) Interview several photographers. Does the photographer specialize in a certain style, such as still shots or actions shots? Do they prefer to use black and white or color in photography?
2) Look at samples. Get an idea of how the photographer likes to operate.
3) Ask about backups. Does the photographer carry a second camera. If the first camera breaks and there is no backup, couples could go home with no photos of their wedding day.
4) Develop a relationship. The better the photographer and client know one another the more comfortable the client will look on camera.
5) Communicate. Make sure the photographer knows exactly what is wanted from photos and discuss payment, fees, and finances before getting too far into the process to avoid conflicts.
6) Ask about credentials. Does the photographer have any awards or do they belong to any photographic society?
7) And finally, check for references. Does a friend or family member recommend the services? Or did the photographer receive good feedback from the Better Business Bureau? 
