Are you recently engaged and starting to plan your wedding? Have you begun looking for the perfect close-to-home or destination wedding venue and wedding photographer? If yes, my post might help you with asking the right questions in selecting your ideal wedding day photographer.
Secret 1: Connecting
Speak with your prospective wedding photographer on the phone. On your wedding day you’ll both spend a lot of time with your photographer, so it’s really important that you connect and can work together. The phone is the perfect place to have that initial conversation. I offer a free Zoom/Skype consultation to discuss your needs and help you find the right level of photography coverage for your big day.
Secret 2: Style
The photographers style. Look at your prospective photographers wedding portfolio on his or her website. If you like the style ask a few questions about specific images. Questions like, the image with the tears on the brides cheek, how did you shoot that? The grooms boutonniere photo, at what time during the day was that shot? What style do you call this type of image? As a Certified Professional Photographer I will document your day as it naturally unfolds in. I have the skill and experience to adjust you, your bridal party and guests to get the most beautiful, natural looking images possible.
Secret 3: Portfolio
Ask to see a complete wedding day from a previous client. This is super easy to do with Skype or Zoom and you’ll be able to look at a complete day from start to finish and not just a select few of the images that are viewable on a website. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask if the photographer shot the image or if it’s from a second shooter or an assistant. I always share with my couples which images were from second shooters that made the final edits that way they know they are getting what we agreed to when they hired me.
Secret 4: Cameras
What camera system do you use and what’s your favorite lens? Is a great question. Nikon has been my choice of camera systems for many years and I have a selection of cameras. and always bring back up cameras and equipment to weddings. Lenses are super important as the lens directs the image/light to the sensor, which usually means, higher quality lenses produce a superior image.
I have a wide selection of Nikon & Sigma lenses. I always bring some of my specialty lenses from other manufacturers like Sigma (the Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art is one of my favourites).
You should consider the genres of photography on your wedding day. From fashion, with the dress and grooms tuxedo etc., products, using macro lenses for rings, cufflinks etc. and back to products with shoes and of course portraits. Each one looks better when we use the lens designed for that type of photo.
Secret 5: Certification
It doesn’t hurt to ask if the photographer has any type of certification or other supporting credentials. The peace of mind knowing that your photographer has the craft and technical expertise to photograph your big day is priceless. Photography, like a lot of industries, continues to change with technology. Photographers who invest time in learning and continuing education are valuable not only to clients but also to the industry at large. I am a Certified Professional Photographer, CPP and a member of PPA. Being a CPP means I adhere to a strict code of conduct and I am accountable to PPA at all times. I continue to learn new things every day to better serve my clients.
If your prospective photographer checks all the boxes, I’m pretty sure he or she can shoot at any wedding venues, any weather or challenging situations to produce awesome photography that will document your day to perfection.
I hope my post helps you with selecting the right photographer for you both on your wedding day. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.
I shot the posted wedding photographs at The Grande in Kennesaw, Rock Spring Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, Smith-Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw, Embassy Suites Kennesaw. Although I haven’t shot weddings there, some of the photos remind of The Gardens at Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia and similar to Indigo Falls, Dallas Georgia
Planning a wedding, when all is said and done can be expensive. My Wedding Collections all include a custom designed wedding album and many features that other photographers do not include. No matter if you are looking for Atlanta Wedding Photography for Under $2,000 or a destination wedding in a faraway place, I have wedding photography packages that can be customized to suite most couples dream wedding day.
I am an Atlanta based wedding and portrait photographer, let me know what questions you have – look forward to speaking soon. – Chris
