Choosing a Wedding Photographer - by Aspirations Photography

Are your wedding images important to you? Do you wish to avoid problems? Then please read on:-

Your wedding photography represents the memories of one of the most important days of your life. You will only get one chance to get it right. So choose correctly and you will be "happy ever after". Choose wrongly, and it will usually "end in tears".

The photographic industry is not regulated. Any one can claim to be a "photographer". The advent of the digital camera has brought into the photographic sector (especially the wedding market) a huge number of individuals who are there just to make "a fast buck". Every "Tom, Dick and Harry" seems to be out there, claiming to be a "wedding photographer." They feel that because they can press a button and have an image appear on the screen (at the back of the camera), then somehow this means they are a "photographer". I wish it was that easy.

Proper photographers know how difficult photography is, particularly wedding photography. To be a good photographer, one needs to have the right knowledge and skills. Photography is also an art. Unless you know about photography, it is difficult for the average person to know what is good or bad photography. So, how do you ensure you get someone who is good and not a "cowboy"?

The best way is to look for a qualified member of a leading and reputable organization. The best of these (in the UK) are The British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP); The Master Photographers Association (MPA); and The Royal Photographic Society (RPS).This shows that someone has attained an industry recognized standard. They are also bound by professional codes of conduct and practice.

However, a word of caution, there are a huge number of dubious organizations that have cropped up in recent years such as certain web based "Photojournalistic" ones. These "Mickey Mouse" organizations are a disgrace to the industry, and are only there to make some quick money. Sorry, I feel that I should make an apology - to Mickey Mouse! He is an honest and professional character who has been around for many years, which is more than can be said of a lot of so called "photographic organizations".

To complicate matters, certain reputable organizations such as the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) and the Guild of Photographers, operate a "two tier" level of membership. An important thing to watch out for is whether some one is just a "member" (completely worthless as any one can become a member by handing over some money) or a "qualified member".

Unfortunately, many individuals and companies out there lack basic integrity. Ask them to show evidence of what organization they belong to and also what level of membership they hold. Better still, check for yourself on the web site of the organization they claim to belong to.

Important questions to ask -Are they full-time professional photographers or part-timers? How long have they been photographers? What experience and qualifications do they have? What happens if the person you have hired falls ill? What happens if their camera equipment fails? Do they carry back-up equipment? Are they insured as photographers?

Make sure that you have a contract. This is essential to protect the interests of both parties - the client and the photographer. Everything agreed should be clearly stated on this, and please read the "small print."

The next thing to look for is style of photography. There are different styles such as Traditional, Candid, Reportage etc. Photographers generally tend to do one style. Make sure that it is what you want.

Albums are also something to consider. There are different choices available such as the traditional type and also the contemporary "Story books". There are considerable variations in the quality, and therefore in the cost, of albums.

Finally, there are many photography providers out there at different price levels. Do not expect much if you want the cheapest price. How much you pay does affect the quality of photography, albums, and service you get. However, choosing the most expensive does not necessarily mean that you are getting the best.