Seven Guidelines To Choosing The Best Wedding Photographer

A cheap camera is sufficient to record most of the important events in our lives. But once in a lifetime events such as weddings deserve the extra expense of filming it right. Yet look in the yellow pages and you can see there are plenty of choices available. Follow these seven principles in choosing a photographer and you probably won’t be disappointed with the results.

1. Availability. A wealthy couple may want to hire the best Virginia Beach photographers to capture their California wedding. But to most couples that isn’t an option. They want someone close enough so that transportation is not an issue. Also, considering that most weddings are on Saturday, you will want to know if your chosen day is open for them.

2. Skill. Photographing a wedding is much more than just setting up various shots and clicking. It will involve good equipment, good lighting, and expert skill. Of course the pictures will probably be digital. What pixel range will they use for the pictures? Generally the more pixels, the better the resolution but also the larger the file size. Then find out what the company’s reputation is? What do others say about their skill in taking wedding pictures? Are samples from other weddings available?

3. Personality. From your first interview, imagine yourself working with them for several hours. Were they pushy, wanting to get you to choose their most expensive options? Or did they make recommendations and let you decide? Do you think they would tend to want it their way, or would they work with your plans? How good are they in working with children?

4. Price. The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. now is over $20,000. Though you don’t want to blow your budget on pictures, you do want the quality of a professional. What is your maximum budget for pictures? Do they have options within this amount that include all you have in mind?

5. Service. How soon will you be able to see the pictures? Some even have a computer slideshow of the wedding pictures during the reception. That is certainly a nice touch. How quickly can prints be made available? Will others of the family and friends have access to them via a website or CD?

6. Options. A wide variety of options should be available. For example, if you so desire, is the photographer available during the rehearsal? Are they willing and available when you want the main photographic event to take place? Are they OK letting relatives take their own pictures while they are setting up shots? What creative suggestions do they offer? Can others print pictures off their website?

7. Integrity. Does the photographer deliver on the promises made? Is the photographer known for being on time and at the right place where they are expected? Are all the parts of the package you choose delivered as promised? Do they have other things planned that day or will they be there as long as you expect them to be?

A wedding is too important to rely on an amateur to do an adequate job. Consider these points as you plan your special day and, chances are, you won’t be disappointed with the result.

Del Haven Studio is the location of a proven Virginia Beach wedding photographer who is experienced in expertly preserving all the wonderful memories of weddings. Click the links to visit their website today and see slideshows of their work as a Virginia Beach photographer in weddings, corporate settings, and with personal or family portraits.