By Christopher Duggan of Threshold Visions Photography
http://thresholdvisions.com
Choosing the right photographer is perhaps the most important decision you will make in your wedding planning. After the cake’s been eaten and the dancing has stopped, your photographs will tell the story of your wedding day again and again for generations to come. They become a treasured piece of your family’s history and are truly the only investment you make in your wedding planning that will continue to increase in value as the years go by.
So how do you know you are choosing the right person to do the job? Chances are you’ve never even hired a professional photographer before, let alone for such an important, never to be repeated event!
There are many things to consider in your decision-making. Here are the two major pieces to consider:
First of all, you have to be inspired by the photographer’s work. When looking at an artist’s portfolio, ask yourself: do these photographs make me feel something? If the answer is no, move on. But if the answer is yes, ask yourself, “Why?” What is it about the images that you connect with? Is it the color, the mood, the use of environment, the smile on people’s faces? Does this photographer seem to pose every shot? Or is there a fluidity and naturalness to the look of the people in the pictures? Which is your preference?
The photographer’s style has to be an extension of your own style. You have to feel great about the way you can envision this photographer capturing you. These photographs will last forever. You want to be sure that the quality of the images is really what you want. Even if you don’t think you know what you want, check your gut to see what you feel when you are looking at the photographer’s work. You should be smiling from ear to ear just thinking about it.
Second is the photographer’s personality and presence. When I am photographing a wedding, I am right up close to the bride and groom all day long. I’m interacting with them, their families and friends during their most intimate moments. I’m there as the bride is getting ready, and “behind the scenes” for every little special moment that takes place all day.
Picture yourself sharing your wedding day with the photographer you are meeting with. Is this the type of person that will be respectful, blend in and add to the experience you want to create for yourself and your guests?
After the wedding you should remember the way your photographer made you feel: taken care of, supported, made-things-easier, went with the flow, took control at the right moments, but didn’t push. Remember, it’s your wedding day, not your photographer’s photo shoot. That should always be first on their mind.
Ultimately your photographer will create two important things for you: fantastic photographs and the best experience for you and your guests. This is the important and very delicate mix on your wedding day.
Personality and product are the key factors among several essentials that need to be considered before making your important wedding photography choice. To hear a candid conversation I had with an expert wedding planner about the “5 Essentials You Need to Know”, please visit http://blog.thresholdvisions.com where you can download the audio interview for free.
Best wishes for ease and flow in your wedding planning.
