Finding a wedding photographer

A photographer's style is just as unique as an author's voice in a piece of literature. Just as you would choose an author based on his or her style of writing, you should choose a photographer based on his or her style. So, what are the different styles of photography? Keeping in mind each photographer's style is unique there are two main styles of wedding photography.

Traditional (classic):
A traditional photographer is a pose and shoot photographer. This style of photography demands that the photographer control the flow of the wedding so that there is time to pose, inspect, correct and shoot each person in the best possible light. This can be very time consuming but very rewarding as well.

Contemporary (photojournalistic):
A contemporary photographer is one who records your day as it happens. This photographer has an observers point of view over the day. Take for instance a mother putting on her daughters jewelery. A traditional photographer would ask the mother and daughter to stop and smile, but a contemporary photographer would shoot the moment as it happens with out a word spoken.

Each style has pros and cons of course, but the real question is are you really one style. Most popular photographers are a mix of traditional and contemporary. So it is very important to love the photographers style (aka voice). What then? What do I consider when I've called and set up a meeting with a photographer?

The way you and your photographer get along is just as important as getting along with your future spouse. The day of your wedding is a blur and your photographer is there to capture what you want for your day. Rest assured there will be times during your day that you do not want to take another picture or talk to another person, and your relationship with your photographer can make all the difference. It is your day and your photographer's attitude needs to reflect that. So having a photographer who is rude to guests, or even you, can spin your day out of control and make your wedding a memorable experience for all the wrong reasons.

Get to know your photographer by asking pointed questions at every meeting you have with him or her. Ask questions like...
What would you do if I can not find my wedding director at cake cutting time?
How do you deal with over controlling family or friends?
What do you like most about wedding photography?

These questions will help you know if the photographer is: someone who can direct and take control if needed, manage stress and people effectively, and do they really like being at weddings and enjoy what they do. It is very important that they love what they do. If they do not love what they do, the pictures will reflect that attitude.

So get to know your photographer. It is more important then you think.

More often then not, I believe that people choose a photographer based mostly on price. Why is this? Maybe because they wait until the end of their wedding list to budget for it. Why are so many people not investing their money into their wedding? Yes, I know people are spending money on their wedding, but you need to be investing it. Like I said earlier, of all the things that you spend money on the only thing that will last after your wedding is your photographs. Photography is the wedding investment that will last the rest of your life. I'm not saying go out a blow your whole budget on a photographer, but make that investment that will last.

When you view a photographers prices keep in mind a few things:

The photographer does more work then just what you see at the wedding. There are hours and hours that go into your wedding after it is over.

A photographers expenses are pretty high. Equipment is very expensive, so they really are not making that big of a killing like you might think.

Remember to not choose your photographer based only on price. You want to get the one you love and that will fit your budget, so budget for the photographer first. (or at least in the top five)