What should I look for when searching for a photographer?

I have compiled some general guidelines to help you select the photographer that’s right for you. There is a great number of possible questions you can ask your photographer. Most professional photographers will provide you with clear explanations about their services prior to any questions even being asked. Many of them have full assortment of packages,  so it is very clear what level of service and final products you should expect.

• There are several keys things that you should look for when meeting with a photographer: The most important atribute a photographer has is his or her personality. This is key. You will be with this person on the most important day of your life. A good photographer will take charge of any situation and turn it into a positive. This is of course related to experience and professionalism and is the second, if not the most important atribute. Photography should be their only profession. There are alot of fly by night photographers who think they can pick up a digital camera and shoot weddings on week-ends. Well we all know what the results will be at the end. Look for weddding photography specialists. Photographers that offer a whole smogasbord of services other than photography should be looked at with a fine toothed comb. Buyer beware as the saying goes. 

• Does he have consistent work?  Meaning, does the work that you see on their website, and in their albums have a consistent flow and feel.   Some photographers get lucky shots here and there, but don't have consistent work.  Upon request, they should be able to show you complete weddings without hesitation.

•  Do you feel a personal connection to the photograher's work?  Can you envision yourself in the photographers work? Is there a compatability between client and photographer? These are tough questions to answer with absolute certainty. A great photograph captures a moment in time and allows others to see a glimpse of that moment and feeling. Real emotion has to be present in order to be captured. Your comfortability factor is important. To have a great creative relationship with your photographer you will need to feel that you can express your identity as a couple. Your personality needs to blend with the photographer you have selected, and by working together you will create truly beautiful images.

• With this in mind you'll want to take great care in selecting a wedding photographer. Many couples underestimate the importance of carefully selecting a good photographer, randomly picking a name from the telephone book, believing that one wedding photographer is as good as the next. Later, when the day they have waited a lifetime for has come and gone, and the pictures are developed, all of the disappointment begins to set in.

• Visit each photographer's website. Carefully review his or her portfolio. Try to concentrate on photos and not on website design, although it will show a certain degree of professionalism. Today anyone can get a beautiful template flash website for a few hundred bucks. Good photographers usually show plenty of their recent work online including full weddings - you will save time by pre-qualifying photographers who have comprehensive online portfolio for possible meeting. Create a list of those photographers. Most important is - see if photographer's work looks appealing to you.
  

•  Your commitment towards a worthwhile investment