Choosing your wedding photographer
 Article written by Brendan Klasen, Distinct Digital Photography www.distinctdigital.com.au
What this article is about
Planning a successful wedding is one of the greatest challenges couples often face as they embark on their life journey together.  After all, there is just SO much to organise and fit into one single day - it's hard to know where to start.  We can't help you with your choice of dress, nor can we help you work out which table your long lost Aunt Beryl should sit at, but we can certainly help you find a great photographer!  If your wedding day memories are important to you, then make sure you read this article!
Why do I need a professional photographer?
Sure, your Uncle Bob may have the latest and greatest digital camera that money can buy, but it's not the camera that takes great photos - it's the person using it.  Many people make the big mistake of relying on friends to take photos, and unfortunately many people end up crying at the disappointing results.  Only a true professional has the skills to work both behind the lens (the technical art of capturing the photo), and also in front of the lens - posing, arranging and working with people to give great shots.

Lesson 1: Don't skimp on your only opportunity to capture your wedding day memories - employ the services of a professional!  With photography packages starting from only $599 isn't it worth asking a professional?
I don't want the photographer to run my day!
Weddings are such hectic events!  There's just so much to cram into such a small time - it's so hard to make sure everything runs on time!  But this doesn't mean that your photographer should be pushing you around.  Your photographer needs to remember that it's your day - time goes quickly enough without having to be directed like a Hollywood movie production!

Lesson 2: Make sure you meet with your photographer before your wedding day to discuss the plans for your day.  Remember to allow enough time for the photos YOU want, and be open and honest with what you expect from your photographer.  Make sure you are comfortable with your photographer's personality and approach.
How do I know whether I'll like the photographer's style?
Photography is a form of art and is as individual as the person behind the lens.  What some see as a beautiful work of art others see as a bunch of messy strokes on some canvas!  Everyone has different tastes and styles, and the only sure-fire way to make sure you like the photographer's work and that is to look at it.  Ask to see their gallery of previous wedding photos, and make the judgement call for yourself.  Make sure you look at an entire wedding album from beginning to end - not just the photographer's collection of "best hits"!

Lesson 3: Look around and make sure you are happy with what you see.  Always ask to see the work of the actual photographer shooting your wedding - many larger studios employ casual staff and there's no guarantee what you are looking at is their individual work.

What's included?
Often when you're looking around for a photographer it's hard to compare 'apples with apples'.  What some photographers include as standard others charge extra for - everyone seems to have different inclusions.  The thing to make sure though, is that you and your photographer are exactly clear on what is required.  The best way to avoid the uncertainty is to make sure your photographer provides a wedding agreement.  This agreement should clearly state exactly what's included, what's not covered, and how much.  It should also specify what happens if you choose to cancel or change your wedding plans after you have confirmed your booking.

Lesson 4: Make sure your photographer provides a written confirmation of all your wedding photography details.  This way you both know what is required and expected, and you can concentrate on the important part of getting great shots.

Can you do black & white, sepia, or other special effects?
It wasn't so long ago that you didn't get a choice - black & white was what you got!  Colour was a luxury that most people just couldn't afford.  The fact is - many images have an entirely different look and feel when they are in black and white or sepia.  Why limit yourself to only one or two rolls of special-effects images?  Today's digital technology allows ANY image to be captured in full living colour, then have any number of special effects applied right before your eyes.  The best part is that you can see the results instantly and make up your mind about what looks best before you even leave the studio.

Lesson 5: Ask your photographer whether they offer the versatility of having special effects applied to any image and whether they can show you what the results look like before any printing is done.  Also be sure to check out the latest trend in 'magazine-style' wedding albums.
Can you publish my photos on a web site?
Most couples want to share their wedding day memories with all their friends and family.  There's often people who can't make it to help you celebrate your special day, but why should they miss out on the fun and excitement?  Today's technology allows a private web site to be established where you can view your entire wedding photo album using the internet.  Guests, family & friends can even place orders for reprints directly from the web gallery - it will certainly save you time running around to collect orders, and allows them to see the images from the comfort of their home.

Lesson 6: Ask your photographer if they can offer a web photo gallery.  Is the gallery secured and password protected so that only those people you choose can see your photos?  Does their site accept orders for prints directly from the gallery?

To find out more information
We hope this article has provided some useful advice in choosing a wedding photographer.  If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services then simply browse to our web site www.distinctdigital.com.au

Comments and feedback to the author are always welcomed - please submit all feedback to brendan@distinctdigital.com.au
Other articles of interest
Embracing the digital revolution
Help planning your wedding photos
Our top 10 tips for better holiday and travel shots