I know its January, but......

It seems like January is the hot time to be searching for a wedding photographer.  Shocking, I know!

But just in case you are considering meeting with me to discuss your wedding details, you should do it VERY soon!!
June is Gone!! and July and August are filling fast.

I choose only a select few brides and grooms to work with each year, because I want to be sure that you receive the best that I can deliver, in all aspects of your wedding photography experience.

Dont be afraid to ask for a consult, you are not obligated to sign a contract, its a great way to get to know more about the photography industry, as well as what you may or may not want to look for in a wedding photographer.

When you are all done the wedding, there are only a few things which will remain, your rings, dress, bride/groom/ and the photos.  Choosing the right photographer is a MAJOR decision.  And while budget is a major factor for these sorts of decisions, try not to let it be the ONLY thing that makes up your mind.

Here's my list of criteria/ questions I would want answered if I were looking for a wedding photographer again.

1. Can I review your portfolio?- This would let me see the best of the best that the photographer has to offer.  These shots should be the cream of the crop for the photographer.  If I dont love these, I would not choose this photographer, regardless of who recommended him or her.

2. Can I see a full wedding?- This would let me see everything else, how they are able to deal with different lighting situations as well as locations.  If I look at all their reception shots and they are converted to black and white, grainy or out of focus, it would let me know that if I choose to work with this photographer, I need to make sure my reception is well lit, or my photos may not turn out well.  If their reception photos are well lit, sharp, in colour, have flashes of light from across the room, I know that this photographer will be able to handle a darkly lit reception.

3. Can we do a trial run shoot before the wedding? This is going to give me the opportunity to work with the photographer in a low-stress situation so I can see if I feel comfortable with the photographer.  Thinking about the average wedding day, often the photographer spends more time with the bride and groom than the family members.

4. Can I speak with one or more of your previous brides?- A great way for me to find out about how other people felt working with this photographer.  

5.What is your back-up system?- A good photographer will have multiple ways to back up your files so that should their computer/ system fail, your precious shots are not going to be lost.  This is a large expense for a photographer, both in Money and in time, so EXPECT that it will come at a premium.

6. Will you be using an assistant on the day of the wedding? Most wedding photographers work with a second shooter or an assistant.  This is a bonus for you for a number of reasons (1) should the photographer's camera malfunction, there is a back-up plan, (2) The photographer will have someone to help them with their lights/ gear that actually understands what to do, as opposed to asking one of your wedding guests to help out. (3) you will have images from very different angles of the same scene, so it gives you choices when you go to make your album.

7. What plans do you have should your gear fail at the wedding? If your wedding photographer is a true professional, they will have sufficient equipment to cover your wedding, even if something malfunctions with their primary lights or camera. If they give you a blank stare at this point, I would be questioning their ability to cover your wedding.

8. What plans do you have should you become ill, injured or somehow unable to cover the wedding? The photographer you ask this question to should at this point let you know that they are a member of a professional organization, or at least have made arrangements with other photographers to cover their events should they become ill.

9. Does your business carry liability insurance? This is important because many venues will not allow the photographer to work on their site unless they carry insurance. Accidents can happen.

10.Google search them Chances are you are going to be able to find both positive and negative information about them, remember to always consider the source.