Wedding Photographer needed

Dunsie2007

Hi all,

We are getting married next July, 2008. Location: Waterford

We have been looking at some photographers, and to be honest have not been very impressed by what we have seen, so I have a few questions for you all, as you appear to have a keen eye for a good photo.

1) What criteria would you use to select a photographer. I am thinking
Quality of images, what should I be looking for?
Personality
Cost

2) Do any of you know any photography students who might be interested in this as a project?

3) Would you all be interested in a competition to select 2 photographers who would photograph our wedding?

I look forward to hearing your opinions,

Regards
D

Paulw

Look for - original photos. Good quality photos. Good clear, in-focus images.

You want to meet the photographer, and see what they are like. This person will be around for most of your big day, and they will have requirements.

Most of all - know what you want before you start.

I'm sure there are many photographers on here who would certainly bid for your business. I can think of at least 3 offhand who I'd certainly recommend (no offence to all the others here).

garytuohy

try www.aaaphotos.org

Fajitas!

Dunsie2007 wrote: »

Hi all,

We are getting married next July, 2008. Location: Waterford

We have been looking at some photographers, and to be honest have not been very impressed by what we have seen, so I have a few questions for you all, as you appear to have a keen eye for a good photo.

1) What criteria would you use to select a photographer. I am thinking
Quality of images, what should I be looking for?
Personality
Cost

2) Do any of you know any photography students who might be interested in this as a project?

3) Would you all be interested in a competition to select 2 photographers who would photograph our wedding?

I look forward to hearing your opinions,

Regards
D

I'd get in contact with photographers, see what they have to offer. You'll be looking for good strong images. What you think is a strong image is up to yourself though, there are formal styles of wedding photography, and more reportage styles. Find out how the photographer works like that.

Think of what size prints you want to, and ensure they can print to whatever size. Ask about albums, books, etc. Ask if will shoot an engagement session.

I wouldn't be giving it to a student 'as a project'. That sounds like you just don't want to pay for the effort, and at the end of the day, students projects can go horribly wrong...

I think the idea of a competition to select your photographer is a bad idea, why don't you choose who you want to do it. If someone told me I was in a competition on an internet discussion forum with another photographer to shoot a wedding, I'd tell them to use the other photographer.

Dunsie2007

The reason I am suggesting a compeition is that when I see the quality of image throughout this forum, I am amazed.

Especially since I have met various photographers, and to be honest their albums have left left me seriously unimpressed.
No originality
Eyes shut in phtos
No theme
Shocking poses

I just want a relaxed natural style, but this seems very hard to find. So I was trying to explore various avenues.

To be honest I do not think there are many quality photographers out there. Or is it there is not many quality subjects !

Thanks ofr your replies.

challengemaster

but the thing is, you're assuming that such things are the photographers problem, and under their control.

let me pose this to you - Who's fault is it if YOU are not photogenic and don't look natural when the time comes to it? The photographers? they can only do THEIR best with what they've got to work with.

Benster

Well, unless you have a friend who is handy with a camera and is willing to do a favour for you, you are probably going to have to fork out to get decent photos of the big day. There are 1000's of weddings in this country every year and the business is seen by some as a quick way of making money, whether they are good or not.

Photographers with those qualities you are looking for, quality and originality (maybe add in "consistency" too), are thin on the ground as you say, and those who do weddings come with a price to match. If thats what you want, be prepared to pay.

What I've said above is not to disparage anyone here on Boards, there are many here who can come away from a day's shooting with 5 or 6 "keepers", just look at folks' Flickrs to see the absolute quality. But when it comes to weddings where upwards of 40-50% of the shots you take have to be keepers, that sort of experience and talent is usually in a class of it's own.

elven

Well that's a slightly hard line to take CM... the whole thing about wedding photography is to do with the photographer having the personality to help people relax in front of the camera - but also, the couple being prepared to put in the effort required to come out with great shots at the end of the day. A lot of people think you can get an amazing photographer who will give you fantastic pictures without having you pose for them and just get on with the rest of your day but that's something you need a very special person for, and generally pay thousands for as well.

If you're trying to assess a photographer, consider:

An entire album from one wedding. Don't be fooled by being shown only their best pictures from 50 weddings over the last 5 years.
Print quality, and the package they are selling - does it include proofs, small prints, large prints, an album, a dvd of pictures you can print for yourself?
Personality - you *have* to be able to get on with them, and feel relaxed with them - it will show in your pictures if you aren't and a great photographer you don't get on with won't give you great pictures. Their personality will also come into play when actually arranging people, it's notoriously the most difficult part of the day is getting the right people there for the group shots (although I have come to understand there are far less in Ireland than in scottish weddings!).
Equipment - yes, it might seem like anyone with a point and shoot can take great pictures but equipment can limit us in certain situations like low light, or harsh sunlight and strong shadows, or not being able to fit everyone in, or not having a good quality flash that doesn't give red-eye...etc etc...
Experience - If someone did a great job at a really formal wedding where they had a co-operative couple, they might not do so well with a casual affair where they are meant to take candids
Style - some photographers like to catch people unaware and capture those little moments - others are better in a pre-arranged situation. Find one that works with your preferred style.

Something that's really helpful to a photographer when you're trying to explain what you want is a scrapbook of pictures you like from magazines etc. That will allow them to say whether they can give you that type of result.

There are a few pros and semi-pro's round here so I think you'd get some pm's if you want them. The student route is a very risky affair though.

Hope this helps

janmc

There are quite a few boards members with very good wedding portfolios. Someone from here did the photos for my brother's wedding recently - he was excellent (and made me realise what an amateur I am :rolleyes: )

Look at portfolios, but also talk to the photographers. If you get on well with someone, chances are you'll be more relaxed and end up with better photos as a result.

bigeoino

I hope that the original poster has got their photographer by now!

Otherwise they're running a bit late but, just in case, I was a second photographer for these guys in Cork - http://lifestudio.ie/ - and I believe they'll give you your moneys worth - relaxed, imaginative, minimal stress.
(Me - still scared - it's a lot of responsibility! )

Fenster

Quick, someone fish Mike out of the closet.

Borderfox

Fenster wrote: »

Quick, someone fish Mike out of the closet.

Progen

Your one and only choice..

Brendan Landy, http://www.landyphoto.com - check out his wedding album.. He is absolutely unreal at them, been doing it all his life.. Nice guy.. If you decide to use him, tell him Martin Bowden reffered ye.

elven

This thread is way old people!