Photographer's Advice

I don't photograph weddings for the money - I photograph them because I enjoy it, and because it supports my photography habits. What I want to say is, even if you don't use my services, I hope you'll read and learn from the experiences I've had in the wedding industry. You can learn a lot from a photographer - we see pretty much everything that goes on in a wedding, and we partake of nearly as much. So this section is here entirely for you in the hopes that your wedding day will be the best it can be, even if I'm not there. 1) Like your photographer. Perhaps this is somewhat self-serving (as I think I'm a pretty likable guy), but there's a reason I list it first. Your photographer (if they're worth their salt) will be with you nearly the entire day, excepting a few obvious occasions. They are effectively a hired best friend who will be constantly trying to cast you in the best light possible (literally) throughout the day. If you meet him or her and feel comfortable with them - that is, chatting, joking, etc. - and essentially wouldn't mind inviting them over for dinner, then you're off to a great start! Remember - for your wedding day, this person will be with you nearly every moment. So choose wisely. Interview well, and make sure you've got a good rapport. 2) Make sure they're talented. Ask to see a complete result of someone else's wedding - not just the best photos, hand-picked by them. Nearly anyone can take 20 or 30 great photos if they go to a few weddings. The question you need answered is, can they take *400 or 500* great shots at *your* wedding? 3) Rights to Duplicate - you'll want these. It used to be that photographers charged you not only for photographing the wedding, but for each photo you wanted, and each copy of each photo you wanted. This gets expensive. Modern photographers, however, embracing digital technology, are more and more commonly giving rights to duplication because, well, it's easier and makes customers happier, especially three years down the line when you want duplicates for some reason.