We are almost booked for 2010 and currently booking into 2011. Because of this, we’ve been getting many emails lately from brides who are seeking photographer referrals for dates we are booked. A recent request from a lovely bride included a bit piece about being happy to hire an art student to photograph her wedding on a date that we are already booked. I hope she doesn’t mind that I am using her email as a valuable teaching opportunity.
Please, please be cautious of who you are hiring to photograph your celebration. Even in a beautiful setting (or laid back, casual, small, intimate, etc.), you need an experienced photographer to be able handle the demands of shooting in different settings and follow through with the production. I’m very strict with encouraging the people who assist me or intern with me to not take on the responsibility of a wedding until they are absolutely confident that they can handle it.
Along that same line, there are a lot of new photographers popping up right now. Like, record setting numbers. While many are very talented and educated in photography, there are some who’ve just purchased cameras and have proclaimed themselves professional photographers.
I’ve heard from many, many people who’ve gone with one of these routes to save money and have deeply regretted that they put their most important day into the hands of an amateur.
Now, I am in no way suggesting that every new photographer, art student or non-professional photographer will ruin your wedding day. I was an art student, too, once. Everyone has to start somewhere. I am just encouraging you to be thorough in your research.
My biggest piece of advice is to ask to see a complete wedding from the photographers that you interview. Not a “best of” or a finished album. Ask to see the complete set of proofs or files from one or two of their more recent weddings. It is really easy to get a few great shots from a wedding. It is a bigger testament to someone’s talent and expertise to see how they’ve captured an entire wedding day. This is the best way to foresee what you will end up with after your celebration.
Good luck in your planning!
by Mindy
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