Finding "The Perfect" Photographer or Videographer

You don't have to be a Bridezilla or a complete jerk to get what you want when it comes to your wedding photography. But you do want to be assertive and exacting with your expectations for pictures. Here are some tips to help you find a wedding photographer who will take the shots you want.

• Search your area or the area of the venue for photographers for hire. Before getting into which pictures you want, check the photographer's credentials. Make sure they have the appropriate experience and ability to shoot your wedding.


• Discuss all the options available with your fiance, and decide on a few the two of you feel are the most qualified and will give you the best finished product for your money.


• Meet with each photographer, and gauge how receptive they are to taking specific direction from you. Tell them during this meeting you have a list of shots you which to have from your wedding, and ask them if that is acceptable.


• Come to a decision with your fiancé which photographer would be the easiest to work with, and hammer out all financial details with that photographer. Clearly state when and where the wedding will be.


• Set up a meeting with the photographer to go to the venue and go over the specific shots your wish to have. The photographer will be willing to work with you and perhaps has a few ideas of his/her own to bring to the situation.


• Follow that meeting up with one more overall discussion a few days before the wedding. Go over again exactly what you are looking for, and be sure the photographer is clear about what is expected.

It is a lot easier to take outdoor photos than indoor photos. Look at photos done indoors. How is the lighting? Are the photos clear or mostly blurry? Has the photographer shown that he/she can take photos in different lighting situations, such as candlelight, indoor fluorescents, rainy and really sunny weather? In outdoor fully sun photos check if people have a lot of shadows on their faces. If they do that is a sign that the photographer doesn't use fill flash or doesn't know how.

Adrian Herbst Photography In Michigan

Michele O'Neal Photography In Southern California

Ponces Portraits In Northern California

Auman Photo In Central Florida

Timothy Whaley & Associates In Illinois

Achber Studio In New Hampshire

Crystal Pruett Photography In Virginia

Joe D' Alessandro Photography In Maui

Kelvin Photography In Dallas-Fort Worth

Central Ohio Photography

Watson Studios In Knoxville TN

Timberlake Photos In Columbus, Ohio

Visit Almost Heaven

Ask to see a couple videotapes of weddings they have done.

** Are the images bright and crisp or dark and grainy?

** Are the transitions between scenes smooth?

** Do they use the right amount of special effects?

** Do the special effects overpower the video making you dizzy?

** Does the videographer have good storytelling instincts?

** Are the scenes in chronological order?

** Were the videos boring or enjoyable to watch?

One videographer should be enough to get the perfect video of your wedding. If one suggests that you need a whole crew, he/she is probably not thinking about your needs, but their own.

You want to choose a videographer with great social skills. Stay away from pushy videographers that will bug your guests too much for that great shot.

** Be firm but polite. Remember that the photographer is a working professional, and if they make a commitment to give you what you want, they will be open to that, but you shouldn't be rude or condescending.

** Most photographers will charge a flat fee to attend the wedding and shoot pictures. You then purchase the specific pictures you want at the sizes you want after it.

** Make sure the photographer is able to provide work samples and references. If he/she can't, you may want to look at someone else for the job.

** Most photographers keep your negatives for a year or two. If you want the negatives you may have to purchase them.

** Check with your officiant if there are any restrictions that the photographer and videographer need to keep in mind when taking photos at the ceremony. Some have strict rules to using flash.

** Stay out of direct sunlight when posing for photos because direct sunlight causes shadows on your face that will make your nose bigger and give you raccoon eyes.

** Most important, remember to smile a lot at the wedding because smiling relaxes your face making your pictures look stunning!!

Weddings are one of the most momentous occasions in a person's life. Yet when the cake has been eaten, the wedding attire is in storage and guests have gone home, it can be difficult to remember all that happened on the big day.

Professional Photographers help prevent your wedding from feeling like a blur by capturing all aspects of your wedding with their camera. What is common among most shots is that the wedding party and their families all seem to be having a great time. A photography philosophy is that pictures should reflect the personality of a person, whether they act silly with their friends or sentimental with their family. If people are having fun and being themselves, you get the best pictures.