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A wedding
portrait, a family portrait, the advertising for your
product or company - these are all important moments to
capture. You need quality portraits that reflect who you
are and are pleasing to the eye. Lucky for you, there's a
lot to pick from in the marketplace. However, this large,
varied selection can make choosing a photographer
difficult. Below we've tried to be very objective with
this listing so that you can decide what is right for your
occasion. We hope you find this a useful tool in your
decision making process. |
What kind of photography
do you like?
There are many different styles of photography in the
marketplace. Traditional, contemporary and photojournalism are
examples of a few.
What kind of photography
do you think you will like in the future?
This consideration applies to portraits that you expect to
display for an extended period of time. It is not uncommon for
wedding portraits to be displayed throughout a couple's many years
of marriage. Traditional photography lasts through time but tends
to be somewhat static. Other forms tend to be less accommodating
because photographs tend to be taken in abnormal settings (ex.
back alleys, playgrounds etc.) and people's tastes may change.
Do you want your
photographs in colour, black & white or a mixture of both?
Having an idea of what you like before you go to view sample
work will help simplify the decision making process.
If you are looking for
wedding portraits or similar event, view samples of complete
weddings if possible.
Many photographers will compile albums of their best work.
Although this makes for a beautiful portfolio, it really isn't
great for making your decision. At events such as weddings,
photographers literally take hundreds of pictures. By viewing
most of the photographs of another couple's wedding, you
can learn more about the consistency of the photographer than you
would by viewing a prepared portfolio. Don't
make your decision simply because you saw one photograph you
really liked. To truly capture your day, all of the photographs
need to look great.
What's in a good
photograph?
This may sound surprising, but some people just are not sure
what to look for in a picture. We suggest that you look especially
at the background lighting. Are the backgrounds dark or are they
nice and bright? Is the picture sharp? Does it look grainy? Do the
people in the picture look happy? Relaxed?
What's your budget?
Just as there is a large market for photographers, there's
even a larger variance in price ranges. If the
photographer is operating a studio versus a home based business
you may also find price variations. More experienced photographers
tend to charge more. Buyer Beware - not all experienced
photographers or expensive photographers are necessarily better.
Don't be fooled by smoke and mirrors. Again as we mentioned above
- look at photographs to judge quality. Let the photographer's
work speak for itself and then decide if the price is worth it.
Are albums included in the prices?
This throws another factor into the comparison of prices
among photographers. There is a wide selection of albums and
therefore a wide variance in prices. Albums range from inexpensive
vinyl to high quality leather. In addition, more recently digital albums that are resemble
larger versions of children's board books have now entered the picture. If albums are included, make sure you
know what you are paying for.
Is the photographer part
of a professional organization?
Although belonging to a professional organization may give
some assurance of professionalism, this does not necessarily
guarantee the quality of work.
How long has the
photographer been in business?
You need someone dependable
to cover your special day. If you would like to order a picture a
few years after your event, will the photographer still be
available to do so?
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