>

By Freida Michael


A top drawer photographer can make or break your wedding day. Dallas wedding photographers are plentiful, but they are not all excellent. Finding one is not a needle in a haystack, but it does take some leg work. You want the best moments of your special day captured forever and only a pro can do it in style.

Choosing a photographer for your wedding can be tricky. With a photographer, you won't know what you're getting until you've already paid and the pictures have been taken. If the pictures don't turn out well, it's too late. Before choosing who you want to take your pictures, you'll want to decide on a style. Styles include documentary, portraiture, fine art, and edgy-bold. The style you choose is important in picking a photographer.

Doing your homework means determining the look and style of the wedding pictures. Do you want a formal album, a documentary of the day, great portraits, or an edgy and bold style? Every photographer makes a personal imprint with each shot. You can choose the kind you want.

Once you've settled on a style, you'll want to begin researching photographers. Read reviews from recent weddings, check local listings. Look at photographers' blogs and websites to find postings from weddings they've shot, and to get an idea of their style. Look at their social media as well -- see what people are saying about them on Facebook and Twitter, and look at how they respond.

You can tell a lot about someone in person so make sure you do not limit the interview to the phone or email. Let them talk about their philosophy and approach. Then tell then what you want and get their recommendations. They need to know the time of year and the place to make an accurate assessment. Time of day is also key.

If the photographer has the requisite style, you can now conduct an interview to assess attitudes and values. You can watch reactions and signs of good listening. If you are a match, you can discuss details of the venue such as time of day and a possible lighting plan. A contract can be signed if there is a meeting of minds.

Ask to see candids and formal wedding albums as samples. Are they all the same or in different styles? What does the photographer recommend for you? After all, he or she is the pro with a lot of experience. Get a feel for whether or not the photographer captures the essence of the wedding or single moments in time. If you are pleased overall, you can discuss prices and add to or narrow the scope of the job. Don't be surprised if he or she keeps the rights to the photos as it is common practice. Finally, talk about reprints, touch ups, and multiple copies. Determine a time frame and get a guarantee that the photographer will stick to it.

Photos may seem like a small part of the wedding, but they'll exist long after the day has ended. You'll look back on them for years to come and cherish the captured moments. It is important to choose the right photographer to capture these moments for you.




About the Author: