by Paul Hanson – PPA Certified, M.Photog.Cr., AFS-MNPPA adapted from www.mnppa.com

Sincere congratulations on your upcoming wedding! If you are like many couples, the time before your wedding may seem both long (Isn’t it ever going to get here?) and short (It’s only how many months before our day?).

Now is the time to search out the perfect photographer for your wedding. Unlike many of the other services you hire for your wedding, your photographer will be with you on your day and will play a large part in the success of your wedding.

Picking out the perfect photographer can be an arduous task, but with the helpful hints we have laid out, we hope it will be easier. In this short article we would like to give you some advice on what may turn out to be the most important decision you make for your wedding – selecting your wedding photographer.

Here are some questions you need to ask every photographer over the phone:

• “I’m getting married on . . . and I was wondering if your studio has my date available.”
  This is probably the most important question you can start with. If the studio doesn’t have your date available, there is no need asking any other questions about your date. If they have your date available, proceed. If they don’t, would they recommend other photographers for you to consider? Assuming they have your date available, you could go onto the next question.
• “We are getting married at . . . and our reception is at . . . and we wonder if you have worked there at these places or places like them.”
  It is a bonus if the photographer has worked at most locations where you are getting married, but it is not essential. Many photographers will arrive early to judge the light, find good spots to use and generally scope out the church. However, some wedding locations demand that the photographer be familiar with their particular situation. If you have an unusual location you might want a photographer to be familiar with that location.
• “We are considering taking the photographs . . . (before or after the ceremony) and we wonder if that is something that you would do.”
  If the photographer will not take photographs at a certain time and you have your heart set on doing it at that time, you would not be a good match. Be certain the photographer will match your expectations on the best time to take photographs.
• “We really like . . . (a certain style, black and white etc.) and are looking for that style. Do you do this?”
  Many photographers have a definite style from which they will not vary. Other photographers are more flexible and will feel comfortable doing special requests. .
• “What range of prices are your weddings?”
  Instead of discussing specific costs over the phone, find out a ballpark cost for the wedding photographs. If you are looking to spend about $3,000 for your photographs and the studio starts at $5,000 you might not be a good match. Try to be flexible, however, when it comes to costs. Generally you get what you pay for when it comes to fine photography.

When you make an appointment with the photographer:

• Be sure to meet the person that would be at your wedding and you are seeing their work. Be sure you are looking at complete weddings, not just”highlight” books. Does their work match with your expectations? Does their studio meet with your approval (neat, clean, well organized)? Remember that you will not be able to see pictures from your wedding, you can only judge the photographer at this meeting.
• Is the studio affordable? Do not compare prices from one photographer to another. If the photographer is affordable, consider them. Remember, average photographs at a good price are still average photographs and may not be a good value.
• Does the photographer have advanced degrees? Minnesota Professional Photographers has three degrees available (Fellowship, Accredited, and Service), and Professional Photographers of America gives two degrees (Master and Craftsman). Professional Photographers of America also confers the title of “Certified Professional Photographer” to photographers who can pass a lengthy test on photography, who submit an approved body of excellent work, and who have excellent personal and business recommendations.
• Does the photographer do this for a living? This is not a day to hire a “part-timer”.
• Does the photographer have a personality that matches yours? Remember your photographer will be with you at your wedding, you should feel comfortable with them.

The most important advice we can give, however, is to book your photographer the minute you make your decision! Do not delay! Good wedding photographers are in high demand and their dates book quickly.

More helpful advice can be found at www.mnppa.com

Inspired Portrait Photography provides wedding photography for Mankato as well as many surrounding towns.