A photo stays, even after you are no more. So, it is really important to get the right kind of wedding photographer. Especially if it’s to do with wedding photography!
You would want your children and grandchildren to see your wedding album. Of course, you want to show your best side to them.
So, how to go about choosing a photographer? The answer in one word – carefully.
If you want a longer answer with to-do steps, then read on.
Choosing a wedding photographer is a 3 step process – Identity, Interview and Initiate.
Identifying the ideal Wedding photographer
A really basic tip about identifying the ideal photographer for your wedding photographer needs is to not just go by popular lists.
Go by the style of the photography you want – traditional, contemporary, journalistic or fashionable. Pick the style you want and look for good photographers in those styles.
Start your search for a wedding photographer as early as possible. I’d say start looking for your photographer as soon as the wedding date is finalized.
Recommendations within family and friends should be checked out first. But only after you personally check their albums. Your idea of good photography need not necessarily match with your family or friends.
If you are looking for photographers online, read up on the testimonials. It will work best if you actually get in touch with the people giving the testimonials to be doubly sure.
Once you are done the searching, identify a short list of top 10 photographers according to you.
Interviewing to find the ideal photographer
Interview each of the short listed photographers until you find yours. The best way to go about it is to have your partner along. Indian wedding photographer is a family affair, no doubt, but a major part of the photography will focus on you both. So, both of you need to be comfortable with the photographer.
Check the style elements in the photographers’ past work. Look at their experience with different kinds of shots. Spend time in assessing their portfolio of work.
Definitely, check their ability to edit and compose pictures. The final album will depend heavily on this ability.
Understand clearly the financials involved. Clarify the effort – hours, equipment, assistants involved in the entire deal.
Check the post-photography deadlines; they need to meet your expectations of getting the hard copies home.
Do not confirm a deal with the wedding photographer in the very first meeting. Take your time, check with family and friends, if need be.
Initiating the ideal photographer
After carefully shortlisting and picking your wedding photographer, initiate them for your wedding. What does this mean?
Get the photographer to meet your family and friends who will be extensively covered during the rituals.
Acclimatize the photographer with the venue, the decorations that are going to be used and the events that will be part of the entire wedding.
Indian weddings are elaborate, rich, colourful and ritualistic. It is important for your photographer to be aware of all things specific to your wedding.
When you are sure that you have finally found and want to retain the ideal photographer for your wedding, sign the deal. Pay only a part of the advance and remember to take a receipt.
