Choosing a Wanaka Wedding photographer
It’s not easy finding a photographer for your big day and yet it’s one of the most important things. Wanaka has several wedding photographers covering all types of budgets and when it comes to photography you generally get what you pay for.
A good photographers will work your wedding with two or three cameras to be sure to cover all eventualities without having to change lenses and to have a backup if something goes wrong. He will be part of a proffesional organisation and have a strong portfolio. If you look at a photographers portfolio and dont see perfect images quality wise and great moments captures your wedding is not likely to have that either!
If you decide to hire your wedding photographer from a company with several photographers be aware that the images you see in awards and portfolios can be the best of the best from all photographers together so be sure to know who is shooting your day and that you have seen images from them.
One of the most important thing is how you get along with your photographer. Some photographer are really in your face and are constructing moments rather than capture the flow of the day. What it comes down to is that you are spending one of your most important days with this person so you better enjoy the company of them. How you feel and how comfortable you are with your photographer will show in the images.
The following points have been designed to help you make your decision a little
easier.
What is the final cost?
- It’s important to read the fine print in order to establish if there are any hidden costs. Some couples have a have found hidden costs after the wedding day when they have gone to order prints or albums. If it’s not stated, ask how much prints cost before you commit.
How long for location shots?
- It’s your wedding day and it should be shared with your guest s not on a tiki tour with the photographer. Decide locations and set a time. Location shoots should not take more than 1 to 1 ½ hours with a professional photographer.
Are they familiar with the area?
- How well does your photographer know the area you are getting married in? Do they have plan b options for bad weather and great locations for perfect weather? You don’t want to be telling your photographer where to go for your wedding photos on the day.
How long does it take for you get you photos/albums?
- You should expect to receive your images within 6-8 weeks. Some photographers can email you previews much earlier than this or set up a web page for you to share with guests if required.
Who is your photographer?
- If you are considering using a company with more than one photographer, make sure you know who is going to shoot your wedding and that you have seen images and albums from that particular photographer.
Rapport is key!
- You are going to spend a lot of time on your wedding day with your photographer so it is very important that you feel comfortable and relaxed in their company.
How good is their work?
- Any photographer can take a few good photos. Look at several whole weddings to get a feel of the style and quality from start to finish and not just “the best of “on their website.
Do they have references?
- Ask to see comments from previous customers and if possible speak to brides who have used their services.
Are they professional?
- Professional photographers often work in other fields of photography, not just weddings. They should be able to show a portfolio of recent work in all areas that they work in. They are more likely to have all the latest equipment and solid knowledge of photography and creativity.
Do they belong to a professional body?
- AIPA = Advertising and Illustrative photographers.
- NZIPP = New Zealands Institute for Proffessional Photographers
To belong to either of the above photographers need to be voted in and/ or provide images to a certain standard together with a yearly fee. NZIPP has a very hard qualification process and so far there is only one photographer in the Southern Lakes that has passed the wedding and commercial qualification and that is Larsson Photography
What equipment will they have?
- Check what standard of equipment they use to ensure it is professional and not hobby like. Professional Digital cameras are better than film in every aspect of wedding photography and it’s not recommended to shoot weddings on film. Additionally check that they have back up equipment to cover all situations.
Insurance?
- Your photographer should have public liability insurance to ensure all bases are covered if an accident should happen.
