1: What is the most important thing you are looking for when choosing a wedding photographer? Was it personality, website, portfolio, promptness or something else? – When looking at blogs and through albums at the bridal fair I was looking for great portfolios. What I noticed was that a lot of pictures were beautiful, but they weren’t beautiful because of the couple. They were beautiful because of the lighting, fancy tricks, and most of all location. I remember one BEAUTIFUL photo of a cathedral, the blue sky, the lighting was great, and oh yeah there was a bride and groom. I hated this. I wanted to see beautiful photos, but photos of couples, families, and friends. I didn’t want artwork, I wanted memories. So I focused on fiinding photographers that met that bill.
I also wanted laid back, casual personalities. The artsy types I mentioned earlier always seemed to have their noses in the air. The photographers we went with were so cool and laid back, they goofed off with us, and had fun.
Promptness is important, especially via email. With work and school I am always on a computer and it’s easier for me to communicate via email. I liked that our photographers were fast about email replies.
Travel to locations. Our photographers were willing to travel out of town for photo shoots, which was great. We didn’t have any trouble organizing a little trip about an hour out of town for our e-pics, and were even considering a trip to the University we attended, which was 3 hrs away. All ok with the photographers. They loved traveling!
2: What was the most important thing you looked for when looking at packages? Was it price, printing, albums, 2 shooters, hours, DVD, or oniine galleries?
All photos on DVDs, with release. 2 photographers was not vital at first, but our package included it and I realized quickly how happy I was about that. I have advised a lot of others to go ahead and splurge on 2 shooters. I also loved that our photographers were there all day, unlimited coverage.
Price was obviously important. We got great value for our money.
3: HOW did you find your photographer? – At a bridal show. They were actually my MOH’s photographer and when we spotted them at the bridal show I remembered them, they hugged my Maid/Matron of Honor, and we talked for a while. Set up an appointment for a week later.