Six Tips for Selecting a Professional Wedding Photgrapher

By Debra Bell, Bell Imaging & Design

Choosing a photographer to capture your wedding can be an overwhelming task, but by following these simple tips you’ll have nothing but beautiful pictures and a great wedding experience.

1. Decide on your budget. The first step in the wedding planning process is to decide on a budget. Decide on what aspects you want to spend the most amount of money on (traditionally on the reception, catering, photography, and music/entertainment) and have an idea how much you can afford. That said, don’t rule out a photographer simply on price. Talk with them on how to work with your budget and still get quality photography.

2. Consult family, friends, and other wedding vendors for suggestions. Also consult local wedding Web boards for suggestions.

3. Resist the temptation to hire family and friends. It certainly is tempting when planning a wedding to consider using a family member or friend to do your photography. They’re generally inexpensive and want to help. Interview them like any other pro photographer.

• Will they be prepared with extra equipment?
• Will they know all of the aspects of the big day to cover?
• Have they done lots of weddings and know all of the intricate moments and timing needed to capture each special moment?
• Most of all, do you want them to miss out on celebrating with the rest of the guests?
Your wedding photos are an investment and a professional will be seasoned and ready to make sure to capture it all.

4. Figure out what style of photography you want. There are two types of wedding photographers: photojournalistic style photographers and traditional photographers. Look in books, online, and in magazines to figure out what style you like best. Do you want a photographer to be an ìobserverî? Then hire a photojournalistic-style photographer. More interested in formal and high art photography? You may want to consider a traditional or art photographer instead.

5. Do your research. Research photographers online, in magazines, and in wedding guides. Check out their Web sites for samples and prices.

6. Make a list and decide which photographers you like the work of most then make appointments. It’s important to meet and speak to any potential photographer. Your wedding photographer is going to be with you all day and in many intimate moments and it’s important that you’re extremely comfortable with them. Ask to
see samples of the photographer’s work as well as a whole wedding of pictures. Contact me for more tips or to find out more about how I can help you turn your “special moments into memories.”

To see samples, visit my online portfolio at http://bellphotostudio.lifepics.com.

Debra Bell also works in the Special Sections Department at the Bangor Daily News. View the Planning Your Wedding guides at www.bangordailynews.com for more Maine-based wedding resources.