Can you experts recommend a photographer?

[hbrownfi]

Hello all,
I've been browsing this thread and have seen lots of great pictures and (what appears to me) have read a lot of great advice. Can anyone suggest a photographer to me for my April/May 2007 wedding in Orange, VA? (About an hour and a half from the D.C. area) The ceremony and reception will be at an old plantation mansion (www.willowgroveinn.com (http://www.willowgroveinn.com)).

Besides some photography classes in high school, I don't know much about photography and even less about professional photographers. And of course, you never hear the good stories, only the horrible ones... the photographer never showed, the pictures were poor quality, etc. The only advice I've heard so far, is make sure you get references. So, can you all help with recommendations or general advice? I could probably use some good advice on how to make the photographer's job easier (as I am an "unexperienced model" as someone put in one of these threads!)

Many thanks. Heather

[cmM]

Heather, what's your budget?

All brides are unexperienced models, don't worry (people always look best when they're natural, so you only have to be your honest self, leave the rest to the photographer). My only advice to you is don't settle for 'uncle Bob'. An professional phototographer can't be substituted in terms of consistency, quality, and, well ... professionalism.

[NGrinerPhoto]

i shoot for washington's number one photography company. the website is www.freedphoto.com. ask for amanda and tell them that nick referred you.

[hbrownfi]

i shoot for washington's number one photography company. the website is www.freedphoto.com (http://www.freedphoto.com). ask for amanda and tell them that nick referred you.

Thanks, Nick. will do. I guess cmM is right, I should know what my budget is before I talk to anyone. I really am starting at square one, I think I have to determine what the range of rates are, before I can estimate my budget.

Someone on another thread has posted a checklist he provides to potential customers. I think I'll look that over so that I'll have some frame of reference when I talk to Amanda. Thanks to you both!

[hbrownfi]

i shoot for washington's number one photography company. the website is www.freedphoto.com (http://www.freedphoto.com). ask for amanda and tell them that nick referred you.

Nick, this link didn't work...

[tim]

The link works for me.