The Caterer interviews one of WeddingWire Photographers

Now THAT’S a CAR!

As a caterer I know how to suggest finding a wedding caterer for your wedding, but I really have no idea what you need to know when searching for a wedding photographer, so I asked Jay Farrell, a Nashville, TN based freelance photographer specializing in journalistic wedding photography, portraiture, and fine art.  “My website is www.jayfarrellphotography.com.  My original roots are street photography and fine art photography/figure study.  The great thing about weddings is that I can incorporate many different aspects of my native style into these events, whether it’s how I capture moods, use lighting, compose my images, and even some “fly on the wall” approach for capturing those moments.  In this article, I will be giving tips on selecting the right wedding photographer for your wedding.

Choosing style and compatibility with your event:
First, you should decide if you are more drawn to a journalistic style or posed/traditional portraiture…and get the right photographer with the right style for you.  Asking a photographer to become a different photographer just because you like their price better won’t work.  Look at the different aspects of their work…composition, lighting, toning, mood, and their overall ability to tell a story.  More careful research and contacting fewer, that you are really interested in will make the process less stressful and save time.

Determining value vs. price:

It always pays to have a realistic budget for your vendors…but weddings are a one time event with no do overs.  A photographer with the cheapest price isn’t the best value.  Why even bother spending good money on the dress, tuxes, flowers, cake est if you are going to settle for sub standard photos?  The best way to determine value is getting what is the most important to you in your photography package.  Whether it’s engagement photos, an album or coffee table book, prints, or all the above that you are looking for to complete your story…what do you want to end up with?  What is the photographer offering?  If you are getting something of value, love that photographer’s work, and still are able to afford it, you have your best value.  This does not mean cheapest price, once again.  Often couples who want a disc only, have every intention of doing their own books etc. but often never do it, because it’s work, that they aren’t experienced with and can end up in frustration. 

Personality matters:

Your photographer is the vendor you will probably spend the most time with.  They will be around your loved ones on your big day…you want someone who’s personality and energy level match your event.  Are they easy to reach?  Do they answer your questions and listen to your needs?  Are they flexible when it comet to taking care of their customers’ needs?  This is one reason meeting with the photographer is important, and using this criteria, along with other criteria in this article, and not letting tunnel visioned about price alone…wait, did I already say that?:)

Questions to ask and things to see:

Does the photographer carry liability insurance?  That is important because many venues require it.  Plus it’s what a professional does.  Also, always see the photographer’s work in print, unless your goal is to have Facebook images only, which I would hope not.  They should have sample books or prints to show you.  Printed material is what you want to end up with, you want to see the print integrity of their work.  Also, ask to see a complete wedding, so you can see their ability to light, and tell a story from start to finish.  Do they have ample backup equipment should equipment fail?  Will you have print rights with images provided on disc?  Is there any quality control with images delivered, like basic adjustments done in post production so they look their best?  If not, run.  Are packages customizable?  Also, the contract should be fair and be designed to protect the interest of both parties.

You’ll know when you find the right person for the job if you don’t make a hasty decision and keep your eyes open to all important factors.  Being a good fit with your vendors is equally important as liking their work.  Good luck and I hope this helps!”

My favorite line is “weddings are a one time event with no do overs”. Much of Jay’s advise can apply to choosing your caterer, it’s a very personal fit and you want someone to is flexible.  We wedding vendors really like to work as YOUR team, even when we are meeting each other for the first time.  It’s worth taking the time and often spending the money to find the best match.

Thanks Jay!
Ruth MacBean
www.teatimeinc.com