Booking a photographer

I get questions all the time about what advice would I give to brides while planning for their wedding, or tips that make the day go smoother. So I've decided to add a new section to my blog called "Tips To Brides". I don't know how often I will post on the subject, but if there is a question that comes up frequently that I think should be addressed, I put it here. After a couple months, hopefully there will be enough tips that my blog becomes a resource for anyone interested. If you have a question, please feel free to send me an email and I'll do my best to answer from a wedding professionals point of view.

With that being said...

Tip #1
Booking a photographer
Find someone you trust. There are literally hundreds of photographers in your area capable of taking great photos at your wedding. The fact is, you want that certain someone who is right for you and your wedding.

Here are the five essentials your photographer must possess:

1) The price at what you value your weddings photographs -
The price will determine where your photographer falls on the spectrum of
photographers. In general, the higher the price, the more experience and confidence your photographer will possess. Bargain bottom prices should tell you that photographer is looking for experience, and low prices will ensure them to get work. Be aware that with the lack of experience in shooting also means lack of experience processing their work. So you may overlook that they won't get every shot perfect, but expect delays and difficulties after your wedding with inexperienced vendors.

2) The proper equipment to get the job done -
Proper equipment means having professional cameras and lenses to get the job done. Multiple camera bodies, more than one lens for each situation for different looks, back up equipment - on location - in the case of an equipment failure, proper lighting equipment for all scenarios, all of which are essential in getting the job done right.

3)The ability to use their equipment in the style you desire -
A doctor may have the best scalpels on the market, but without the proper training and experience, would you want them to operating on you? Pretty pictures in a photographers portfolio is not enough, they must possess the technical skill and artistic eye with the camera to duplicate the results from their portfolio for your wedding. Ask to see an entire wedding that a photographer has shot. Most photographers have their weddings hosted online. Ask for passwords to these galleries to view an entire wedding. This will give you the opportunity to see the photographers talent beyond their portfolio.

4) The poise to manage the day and the participants within the allotted time frame -
Your photographer, once the day starts, is the conductor of your wedding orchestra. Adapting to the flow of your day takes patience and skill. Your photographer MUST remain on task to not only keep on time, but capture all of the important moments that you desire without delay.

5) The ability to deliver what they promise - Enough said.

Hope this helps. Send in your questions!