How to pick your wedding photographer

Scott's Top 11: How To Pick a Wedding Photographer Planning a wedding can be exhausting. The dress, the invitations, the cake... Choosing the right photographer is a snap, as long as you follow my top ten tips: #1. Connection: Go with a photographer you connect with and like. You are trusting this person to capture you heart on one of the most important days of your life. #2. Equipment: Equipment DOES matter in wedding photographer. If you're paying a professional rate, you need to know that the photographer has high-end camera bodies and lenses that maximize available light in high resolution. Don't be shy to ask candidates about both their camera and lighting equipment. We use 4 camera bodies and a multitude of the BEST lenses offered & lighting equipment that can handle any situation. I use the Nikon D3s ( the BADEST camera on the planet right now for wedding photography) The D700 & D300, While Karen, my assistant uses the Canon 5D mark 2 (The BEST Canon camera there is in my NIKON opinion) See we can all get along. #3. Back-up Plan: Ask about your photographer's back-up plan. What about equipment failure? It happens. Does he or she have extra equipment? Whatever you do, don't choose a photographer with only one camera! #4. Back-up People: No matter how good your photographer is, nobody can be in more than one place at one time. Is your photographer going to be bringing a second shooter or assistant? This is important. More people mean more angles and more opportunities to get "the magic moment." #5. Budget: Figure out where photography ranks in your budget, then see what photographer's fall into your price range. Everyone prices differently so make sure you are not comparing apples with oranges. Are engagement shots included in the package? What about albums? Make sure you are getting what you want before signing a contract. #6. Communication: Try to conduct your conversations with candidates over the phone or in person. You get a better sense of whether or not the person is right for you than over email. #7. References: By all means, ask for references and follow up on them. #8. Turn-A-Round Time: You should expect to see your images within 2-4 weeks. Be careful if the turn-a-round is longer than that. #9. After The Wedding: Half of the job of the modern wedding photographer happens after the wedding. These days most people have a decent digital camera including your uncle Harry (we will get into that next). And most people do think that any digital camera is good enough and that the camera is the only thing needed for photography. It's as easy as pushing the button, right?...What about imagination & creativity how to capture the most important of details and the spontaneous, candid moments that are the butter on the bread that just causes you to melt every-time you see them. Photos are optomized in Photoshop and elsewhere. It is here that much of the "look" you see on photographers websites happen. Make sure your package includes some re-touching and post production. That you like. #10. My Uncle has a Digital camera: Don't have a family member photograph one of the most important day of your new lives. How many weddings has your uncle photographed. Do they really want the responsibility of this day. Aren't they there to celebrate your day. Remember these will be shared with family and friends as well as your children & grand children for generations. And if you want 2 photographers would you need to ask your Aunt to be his assistant...LOL #11. For smooth sailing on ALL OF THE ABOVE, choose Scott Craig Photography. Just kidding! Well, not about the smooth sailing part... but that does lead me into my biggest tip. Choose someone who makes you laugh and that you both feel a connection with that also has the modern vision of photography that you will be happy to share for generations. You will appreciate the light-heartedness on what can be one of the most nerve-wracking days of your life. After all, when done right, posing for your photographer can be a real blast. Until Next time, SC