{Photography} how’s a girl to choose?

Taya January 10th, 2012 by Taya

I will say that checking the venue off my list has been a HUGE relief.  Thanks to this weekly blog keeping me focused and on track, I feel organized and relaxed.  I truly feel like the fun has begun! So when I say beginning this photographer search is difficult, I mean that it’s an enjoyable challenge. There are SO many fantastic photographers out there, and every recommendation my friends have given me looks awesome! So….. how’s a girl to choose?

In a nut shell (or bullet list), here is what I am looking for in a photographer(s):

  • Someone who’s cool, fun, easy to work with, yet still diligent enough to make sure they get all of the important shots. (The last thing I want to worry about on our special day is the photography. I feel like that should be a gimme. slamdunk. no prob. right ladies?) On that note, I think it is MAJORLY important to hire someone who has shot a wedding before. Sure you may have a friend who’s a great photographer, but taking photos of a wedding is a different animal. What are your thoughts on this?
  • Detail shots
  • candid special moments
  • fun group shots
  • photos of everyone having a blast, not just me and my hubby…. I mean, how many pictures do we actually need of us?
  • I think I need 2 photographers (minimum) to get multiple points of view, and to ensure we don’t miss anything major.
  • I like a vintage inspired look (ala mid-century). A little black and white would be nice mixed in with some soft colored shots. I don’t like anything too photo journalistic.
  • When I envision our pictures I see them as soft, romantic and candid…. not bold, crisp, and posed.
  • Someone “affordable.” Photos are VERY important to me, and I’m standing my ground on spending money on a quality photographer, but I don’t want to go overboard with our budget.
My bestie, Shana, is getting married in Maui this June, and said that this task was kind of easy for her because her planner gave her a list of 5 to call. Being that her wedding is in Maui, her options are simple. Try living in the land of lights, camera, action. Although my planner is giving me a list too, searching for a photographer in LA gives one major sensory overload.
My other bestie, Kaci, got married in Seattle a few years ago and gave me a good pointer. She suggested that I meet with the potential photographer to make sure we like him or her, and that our personalities mesh well. This is a great point, because like many brides will tell you, you spend a lot of time with your photographer and I can only imagine how that would be if they were super annoying, or rude, or even worse- boring. Because of my acting/TV background, I can tell you that chemistry with your photographer is imperative. The more comfortable you are with your photographer, the more natural and organic your photos will look.
I like to compare this hunt for a good photog to looking for a new toothpaste. You go to the toothpaste isle at the grocery store and there are tons of fancy looking boxes, all with pretty bright colors and the promise of making your teeth look and feel fabulous. Most of them will probably work great for you. But how do you choose “the one?” Most likely off of a friend’s recommendation, right? …. Ok, so maybe pictures at your wedding are a little more important than toothpaste, but you catch my drift ;-)
I have mentioned before that I am a very decisive person. I find something I like, then I go for it without reservation. I’m sure once I narrow it down to 3 I’ll be able to make a solid choice. Here are some inspiring photos from photographers that close friends of mine have recommended.

My dear friends Jessica & Mike Haro on their wedding day. Photos by Jason&Anna Photography

My friend Lauren & her hubby Tony on their big day. Photos by, Float Away Studios

Our dear friends Trevin & Anita on their big day. Photos by Amy Peckins Photography

Photographer I was inspired by through my online search: Sweet Monday Photography

 

How did you find your wedding photographer? Did you meet with them before? Were they experienced with shooting weddings? Please feel free to share your advice!

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9 Responses to “{Photography} how’s a girl to choose?”

  1. January 10, 2012 at 11:22 am, Marie Marotta said:

    Getting the candid moments is so important. On my list of must have pics included the boys getting ready. There is a tradition where they have a shot of the grooms choice before the wedding. It is my favorite picture. It is in my book right next to the one of me and my girls drinking champagne!

    And my only suggestion is to make sure you and the photographer are on the same page and mesh. They are with you during the most romantic and intimate times of the day! You are right that if you do not like them, it will be SO annoying!
    Great post Taya!

  2. January 10, 2012 at 1:04 pm, Andrea said:

    I have to say, I believe with all my heart that wedding photographers are THE most important vendor you will have/need (right up there with a videographer). A great one can turn even the shabbiest of weddings memories into something forever artistic and beautiful, and vice versa, a terrible one can take the most beautiful of days and make it cold or un-inventive.

    Being a designer, some of the most important considerations I sought were soft summery colors/overall tone and the ability to capture “the moments” – of course, with an artistic eye. Anyone can take staged photos, but the ability to capture the beauty in a loved one’s laugh will always mean so much more. It’s the moments that can tell a story, that will bring your day to life, all over again. :) I also started a folder where I collected neat photos that I was hoping to either replicate, or asked our photographers to try to capture. Adding photographers to your Google Reader also helps your chance of narrowing down the style you’re drawn to most, with the bonus of seeing more wedding and great ideas. :)

    But more than anything, find someone that captures a day in the way YOU love already (no one wants to change their style for a client / we should hire them for a reason), and you’ll already be well on your way for meshing well. Definitely meet with your photographer to be sure, but if you adore what they do, you’re already leaps and bounds ahead of most!

  3. January 10, 2012 at 2:40 pm, Keri said:

    A wedding in Maui? Amazing! Love how you incorporated your friends photos into the post! They are all beautiful and I don’t think you can go wrong with whoever you end up choosing! I was very picky in my photographer search. I got tons of recommendations from friends but ended up going with a girl I found completely randomly…She is new to the business of photography but her photos are amazing and I just had to hire her! I told my other friend who is now engaged about her and she is using her too!

  4. January 10, 2012 at 2:53 pm, Kathy said:

    Photography is one of the most important aspects of the BIG day! You will look back at these images for the next 40+ years.
    The magic of photography is that is can take you back to that moment, and how you were feeling, the excitement, the jitters, the rush – it’s all about remembering how special that day was and how you and your loved ones felt.
    Finding the right photographer is important because you want to feel comfortable with them and also be able to speak to them about your wants and needs. If you’re comfortable with your photographer, it will show and you will have beautiful memories of your wedding day.

  5. January 10, 2012 at 3:28 pm, Sara said:

    I think you definitely need someone who has shot a wedding before. You need someone who knows how to photograph your ceremony without interrupting or being in the way. You need someone who is sensitive to you and your families needs because let’s face it weddings are emotional times. You need someone who is familiar with all the little details and happenings that make each wedding unique and special. There are just so many reasons that an experienced wedding photographer is the best route to go.

    I love that you have thought about a list of photos you want! My photographer actually had a worksheet that I filled out so she didn’t miss any of the family or detail photos that I wanted her to capture. I also agree that 2 photographers if it fits in the budget are a must have. There are times when it is so handy, especially for the getting ready times. We had one with the guys and one with us girls. It was really nice.

    I would also take into consideration your venue. I got married at a location that can be difficult to photograph because the building’s lighting and coloring. To me it was important to find someone with experience shooting my location and see how they approached the venue. I wanted to know that they had the skill and artistic eye to capture beautiful photos there. Obviously, not all venues have this issue, but it might be good to check with photographers who have taken photos there to see if there were any challenges they faced.

  6. January 10, 2012 at 6:28 pm, Blogger's Future Sister! said:

    Hi Tay! Great post! As with bridesmaids dresses, I feel this point is also super important to get right! Have you noticed how non-photogenic the groom’s side of the family is?! aka: me! Make sure they’re willing to do some nice touch ups of important shots :)

    On another note– I found my friend Meg’s photographer in San Francisco for her while I was living in Boston! While the photographer’s prior photos and website were gorgeous, the couple team came at a high cost. To compromise, the bridge and groom agree that the photographers would only be booked for 4 hours– the ceremony and beginning of the reception. As a guest, this was a NIGHTMARE. Not a single one of our friends got a shot with the bride, let alone a group shot with our core group of gals. I agree with you– no compromising when it comes to the photo budget!

    I also like the idea of giving guests a shared Flickr account name and log-in info so they can post candid shots they take at the wedding!

  7. January 10, 2012 at 6:44 pm, Erin Hartzell said:

    First of all Taya you will be a beautiful subject for any photographer! Wedding photography is a complex way of capturing moments in artistry. Make sure whoever you meet with and view the portfolios of can capture your special day in the art form, angles and lighting that you are drawn to. Don’t forget to talk to them about fun ideas for different pictures and to see if they would be willing to take pictures in forms similar to pieces you are already drawn to. Also, don’t forget to make sure the person actually taking shots on your day is the person you spoke with and saw the work of (some larger companies hire out other people). I can’t wait to see pictures of your wedding day!

  8. January 12, 2012 at 8:14 am, chatti said:

    you not only have to love their work but also your photographer’s personality! It is such a must to be on the same page as the photographer. I am also looking for a wedding photographer and though I am a wedding photographer myself it is difficult to choose (Why people assume that a photographer getting married will have it easier than “normal” brides is beyond me). There are so many talented photographers in California and I have a bunch to choose from but I know that the one I will end up with will be the person I most connect with. Good luck with your planning!

  9. January 12, 2012 at 9:03 pm, Taya Asimos said:

    First of ladies, THANK YOU for responding to my blog post! I can’t express enough how rewarding it feels to get your feedback, advice, and encouragement. All of you are awesome!

    @Marie: you’re right- getting photos of the boys getting ready or at least hanging out waiting for us while we get ready is very important. It’s definitely on my “list.”

    @andrea: Your comment, “A great one can turn even the shabbiest of weddings memories into something forever artistic and beautiful, and vice versa, a terrible one can take the most beautiful of days and make it cold or un-inventive.” I COULDN’T AGREE MORE!!!!!! Wow, it’s so amazing what photography can do to entice you to preview and venue (i.e. the Ace hotel in Palm Springs), then let you down. or the opposite. It’s sad that I wrote off certain venues based on their photos inline, but hey, that’s how it goes. Good photography and a gorgeous venue= success on all levels. Thank you for your awesome feedback ;-)

    @keri: Thanks for your comment. My friends (and their photogs) loved that I bragged about their amazing photos on this blog. It feels good to pick up someones spirits like that, and take them back to one of their happiest memories :)
    PS< I found my invitation designer randomly, so I totally feel ya on that note ;)

    @kathy:I am sharing your post with my fiance to express to him how important photography is! Love your comment and totally agree! :)

    @sara: thank u for this comment. YES, prior wedding photog experience is a MUST! no if and or butts about it ;-) and thanks for the tip about the venue. hadn't thought about that but can see how it could help having someone familiar. I'm going to do some research on past photogs at my venue now! thx again :)

    @vanessa: love your comment future SIL (sister in law) ;) no skimping on this part of the budget for that exact reason!!!! share that with vinnie. Better yet, don't. I'm gonna save up and pay for it myself so there's no debate! HA! :)
    PS everyone's picture is going to be beautiful!!!!! xoxoxoxo

    @erin: you're right, I bet there are many companies that hire out other photogs. hmmmm, never thought about that but I bet it happens often. thx for the comment! PS tell your mom I say HELLO!!! xo

    @chatti: I bet your experience has been the most challenging out of everyone. Ah to be a wedding photog getting married hiring another wedding photog. It's difficult bc of your knowledge of what they should be doing, and I bet some of the people you are considering hiring will be guests at the wedding… am I right? tough sitch. Well, I wish you the best of luck! and pls keep me posted on how it goes!!!! :)

    THANKS AGAIN to everyone who has posted a comment! I'm grateful for you all ;-)