Wednesday 14 April 2010

Finding a wedding photographer you love

Shopping for a wedding photographer in Hull or East Yorkshire isn’t like selecting outfits and bridal shop for one simple reason: you can’t see the pictures you’re buying until after you’ve made your decision. In the end, your decision will be largely a matter faith. For many, price ends up being the primary determining factor, which doesn't make much sense when you consider that there are no second chances. It's your big day and it happens only once, you can't go back and take the photographs again.

Start by building a list of several wedding photographers that you like the style of, forget the prices for the moment. Asking friends and relatives in Hull or East Yorkshire for recommendations is a great way to begin. People who’ve had positive experiences with photographers are always happy to share their photographers names with you, and when you meet with the photographer, you’ll both have an immediate frame of reference from which to proceed.

 
Visit each photographer's website. Carefully review his or her portfolio. Try to concentrate on photos and not on website design. Although it's worth noting that a photographer who can't be bothered to present a professional website maybe not be as dedicated to his art as you need for your big day. Good photographers usually show plenty of their recent work online including full weddings - you will save time by pre-qualifying photographers who have comprehensive online portfolio for possible meeting. Create a list of those photographers. Most important is - see if photographer's work looks appealing to you, if you can feel the "click". If you decide that Diosa Photography, Hull is the right wedding photographer for you, just give us a call on Hull 01482 426381 or call Craig Beck on his mobile on 07917 854667.


Call or email each photographer on your list. A quick phone call or short email will give you a number of key pieces of information, such as the photographer’s availability on your wedding day, type of photography specialties (e.g., candid, traditional, photojournalism, combination, film or digital, etc.), and a rough idea as to how much they’ll charge you and what you’ll receive for that fee. It will also tell you a bit about the photographer’s personality. Remember, this person will be an integral part of the most important day of your life, so be sure you choose someone you feel good about. The speed at which the photographer replies to your email is also something to do, are they a full time dedicated professional wedding photographer or are they just an amateur with a day job (and weddings are their hobby at the weekend).

Make appointments and meet with the photographers who sound promising so you can view their portfolios and discuss details. These meetings should include both the bride and groom as well as the bride's parents, and anyone else who will either be paying for the work or working closely with the photographer. Write down all your questions before you meet, and take notes during the meetings. Set the meeting on your terms if you want to see their work at their studio to prove the are a full time professional photographer that is your choice. If the photographer insists on coming to see you that probably means they work part time from home - warning signs should start ringing.

The more questions you ask up front, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel on and after your wedding day. If in doubt, ask! And remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question!
There is huge number of possible questions you can ask your photographer. Most professional photographers will provide you with clear explanations about their services prior to any questions even asked. Many of them have full packages that include certain number of prints, digital files, enlargements, etc., so it is very clear what level of service and final products you should expect. Ask to see albums they have done for other couples in Hull or East Yorkshire.

A professional wedding photographer should have spent at least 10,000 hours learning his craft. A trained eye is not something you can pick up from a book. A useful trick to test your photographer: You might want to ask the photographer to analyze your face to learn how he/she will achieve the most flattering images, best angles, and so on.

At this stage, if you've taken the time to ask good questions, you’ll know whether this photographer is for you. By now you've probably spent a good deal of time communicating with your photographer. Keep in mind that photographers are trained professionals and that they deserve to be treated as such. Go to your meeting prepared to leave a deposit to reserve the date. Before you do, however, you may want to assure yourself of a few more last-minute details. Ask about the photographer's policy for wedding-date changes and what happens if he/she is not available on the alternate date. Ask about their policy for an unforeseen cancellation. If the photographer is right for you, if the photographer is available, and if you're convinced that it's worth the price, then make the commitment and relax; this is undoubtedly one of the best and most intelligent decisions you've made in planning your wedding. We hope you choose Diosa Wedding Photography in Hull for your big day but it's important you feel comforble with Craig Beck's style and approach so give us a call and arrange that meeting 01482 426381


Craig Beck
www.DiosaPhotography.co.uk

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