Finding a wedding photographer

Hi all,

One of my very good friends has recently become engaged and he is planning the wedding for July. He asked me if I would like to shoot the wedding with compensation being my flight there (OR to NY). As much as I would love to be able to do this, I neither have the gear necessary or experience so I thanked him and declined. I did however tell him I would like to help find a photographer for him. Now, money is always a factor and I know he isn't too concerned about it but I believe ~$2k may be at the high end of what he anticipates.

As I'm not terribly knowledgeable on what to look for in a wedding photographer, I wanted to ask everyone here. I hear of a lot of "hit and miss" stories where people pay a "professional" and end up dissatisfied. If I were in a position where I would be confident enough to shoot their wedding, then I would do everything I could to make my work memorable and meaningful for them - I want to find a professional who would do the same.

Thus far I have compiled a small list of things to look for in a wedding photographer:

- Their personal style
- List of previous customers
- Feedback from previous customers
- Their flexibility in taking certain shots, meeting your creative ideas
- Backup photographer
- Do you like them personally
- Contract negotiations, does their contract seem appropriate to you
- Prices
- "Package" options

It's a small list (and vague), so I'd love input so I could add to it and get more experienced and detailed information.

Thanks for the help!

Note - the wedding will be in Burnt Hills, NY. So if you know of a good photographer in the area or have experience with one I'd appreciate your input!

I am already married, but if I was getting married, I'd be interested to know the following but not limited to:

• Do I like the photographer's style?
  
• What type of experience does the photographer have?
  
• Are there any galleries containing complete day coverage that I can view?
  
• Is the photographer sufficiently equipped such as proper backup and redundancy in gear?
  
• Prices up front.
  
• What EXACTLY am I getting? (High resolution images? Prints? Album?, etc...)
  
• Any package pricing?
  
• Would I get along with the photographer?

Thank you Nick, that's helpful! Yup, I believe that's a pretty close estimate - I would be a bit reassured having a known POTN member shooting it!

For me:
- Does their work show some technical competency and expertise?
- Does it look like they're experienced and truly in the business?
- Do I feel a connection with their artistic style?
- Do they fit within my budget?
- Do I like them personally (I'll be with them more than any other vendor on my wedding day)
- Do the work in a manner that is unintrusive?
- Do I like their albums and other products?
- What does it take to get the disc of images and will they be full resolution without watermarks?
- Are they insured?
- What is their back-up plan if they get sick or injured?
- Do they have back-up equipment?

Thanks Peacefield, I didn't even consider the insurance and back up plan for sickness or injuries. That's an important factor!

Stop searching. If Nick offers what your friend wants in that price range, hire him. I doubt you are going to find someone with a better gear list and photographic mindset for that price. Book him now.

I second that.

I'll third that notion.

Agreed.

Ok, so you found your photographer. Problem solved.

I wasn't necessarily volunteering myself...but thanks fellas!

Well, 3.5 hours can be a long drive or a short drive. Depends on why you are doing it!

That 13 hour drive to Illinois to visit my brother back in October? I'll never do that again! I mean, I was glad to get all the baby goods, but man, that was painful!!!

Well, I'm only about 25-30 minutes from Burnt Hills but I'm not a wedding photog yet. I really don't even know of any in this area. The photog that shot my wedding doesnt do weddings anymore. She did mine (her first) and one more and then got out. I can pm you a couple names of guys in my area but I don't know them very well to place a recommendation for them. You'll definitely have to do your own research.

I've never seen a bad photo by Nick. I'd hire the guy.

Wow, the responses and PMs have been overwhelming! I really appreciate all the input, suggestions and offers. I'll be checking out all potential photographers and informing my friend with my suggestions to help guide him in his decision, as I'm not doing the actual hiring after all .

Nick, you must be pretty good if everyone is advertising your services for you!

SethDuBois wrote in post #13466042
Wow, the responses and PMs have been overwhelming! I really appreciate all the input, suggestions and offers. I'll be checking out all potential photographers and informing my friend with my suggestions to help guide him in his decision, as I'm not doing the actual hiring after all .

Nick, you must be pretty good if everyone is advertising your services for you!

They were paid handsomely to say those nice things about me...