Help with project

I'm doing a project for my MBA program on wedding photography. I've realized that the photography industry is overly saturated. With that said, I would like to know what you guys look for when choosing a photographer for your wedding...

If possible, please comment on what you would/might do to distinguish yourself from the rest of the people who just bought a DSLR and now consider themselves professional photographers.

I'll let others with more experience weigh in here (I've only shot 35 or so weddings), but I think that most professional wedding photographers don't actively do anything to distinguish themselves from that perhaps overly-confident rebel-clad crowd. Most of us are too busy working at improving our craft. If our images, our product, resembles that of the beginner, I think we're in trouble.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #14203162
but I think that most professional wedding photographers don't actively do anything to distinguish themselves from that perhaps overly-confident rebel-clad crowd.

I agree with this. There's a difference between wedding photography and taking pictures at a wedding. It's all about creating a defining style for yourself and not trying to be all things to all people because all that gets you is being nothing to no one.

While the market is saturated on the supply side, it remains sufficiently large on the demand side. Pricing has been under pressure, but the market itself remains in tact with all of it's segments. The couple who would be willing to hire that guy who just got a nice camera last Christmas was not my prospective client anyway; I pursue a different segment.

Another way of saying this is that only so many people/prospective clients can tell the difference between wedding photography and taking pictures at a wedding. It's those people that we need to understand and market to. They get the value, they've planned for the budget, and we compete for them not against guys with a camera but other professionals who also have advanced skills. Then it becomes about competing more on style (price, too, but at a very different tier).

The market is only saturated for those who cannot stand out

what they said^^

Thank you for the comments/advice! Please keep them coming.

Exposure101 wrote in post #14191977
I would like to know what you guys look for when choosing a photographer for your wedding

Are you asking us wedding photographers, or folks who are looking for a wedding photographer?

First thing you should look for in a wedding photographer is someone whose images you absolutely love. Then you should see if they're in your price range. If they are, great! If they're not, or if they're already booked, ask them if they have any recommendations.

After establishing you've found someone that shoots in a style you prefer, has the date open, and is affordable, make sure they've been around the block a few times. Ask them for referrals and/or a few portfolios of entire weddings.

PhotoMatte wrote in post #14211966
Are you asking us wedding photographers, or folks who are looking for a wedding photographer?

First thing you should look for in a wedding photographer is someone whose images you absolutely love. Then you should see if they're in your price range. If they are, great! If they're not, or if they're already booked, ask them if they have any recommendations.

After establishing you've found someone that shoots in a style you prefer, has the date open, and is affordable, make sure they've been around the block a few times. Ask them for referrals and/or a few portfolios of entire weddings.

I'm asking both. I would like to hear from the pros on here as well as those that are looking for wedding photographers. I'm just curious as to the obstacles that pros have to face as well as what they feel they can improve on. Also it would be great to see what has been working for you professional wedding photographers out there. My project is due in a few days and I would like to get a few more comments just to get a better understanding of the wedding photography business.