 |
 |
 |
We take the worry out of planning your Wedding
|
 |
 |
 |
A to Z Weddings - Hiring Your Wedding Photographer
Tips & Advice
from our professionals:
=============
Where do I start?
Hiring Your Vendors
The Ceremony
The Reception
After the Big Day
|
|
When the time comes to select a professional wedding photographer in Buffalo and Western New York for your special day, there are various elements to consider that will greatly affect the outcome. How can you be sure which wedding photographer is the right one for you? You can research online, visit bridal shows, read local phone books, or go by the recommendations of friends. The most important challenge is to better educate yourself to make a sound decision.
1: Photographer Credentials
One of the first qualifications a bride should consider researching about their potential wedding photographer is their credentials. Have they been qualified and screened by an organization? Have they been honored by their peers, hold any awards, or certificates? Have they invested in advertising and industry standard annual membership reviews? Below is a list of key organizations that could provide initial background credentials for your search candidates:
 WPD (Wedding Photography Directory) PPA (Professional Photographers Association of America)Category: Non-profit Professional Photography OrganizationEstablished over 100 years ago, the PPA is the leading certification source for professional photographers of all specialties. The PPA boasts over 18,000 members in 64 countries, laying claim to the world’s largest non-profit organization for photographers. The PPA endorses photographers who have demonstrated great photographic knowledge and skills by successfully completing the PPA Certification Program.
The PPA Certification Program is an attempt to help consumers choose the best photographer possible. To achieve PPA certification, a photographer must undergo a series of tests. The photographer must first pass a comprehensive written exam. Furthermore, they must submit their photographs to two panels of judges. The submitted images are reviewed and approved by the judges to assure that their knowledge and skills are analogous. PPA Certified Professionals must also continue to demonstrate their excellence to maintain their certified status through continual education and submission of quality images. Every five years, a PPA certified photographer must renew their certification. Less than three percent of all photographers in the United States hold current certification through the PPA.
WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International)Category: Professional Photography OrganizationThe WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) is an organization with a focus on wedding and portrait photography. Unlike the PPA, members do not go through a certification program. The WPPI is a useful resource providing photographers with assistance to their daily business operations. WPPI offers its members benefits from various service providers, such as insurance packages, data recovery, equipment leasing, etc. WPI also features an online photographer search to broaden the value of consumer visitors.
WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association)Category: Professional Wedding Photojournalism Centric OrganizationThe WPJA is focused solely to wedding photography, with a strong emphasis on the photojournalism style of capturing images. In order for a wedding photographer to join the WPJA (groups/studios are not allowed to join, only individual photographers are permitted to apply), the applicant must meet a number of guidelines, including: a professional website, wedding portfolio etc. Membership approval is based on various factors, including: technical and creative skill, web site presentation and image quality.
2: Importance of Traditional Wedding Portraiture
Once you have verified your photographer's credentials in Buffalo and Western New York, or determined the photographer is talented enough to carry out the responsibility of documenting your wedding, there are many other considerations to make. First and foremost, you must ask yourself if you appreciate their style: meeting with them well in advance of the wedding to collaborate over their past work and establish an open line of communication. Is this professional also easily accessible? Once these questions have been answered, you must also ensure that the images you are viewing were actually taken by the professional.
Many photographers have a particular style. Some photographers are strictly photojournalists, some are solely traditional artists, and others demonstrate both skills and styles combined as a single entity. As the art of photography progressed, the wedding photojournalism movement has lured in many wedding couples in recent years. However, the importance of traditional portraiture should never be overlooked. Formal portraiture has been one of the most popular forms of art for centuries. All the historical figures have opted to record themselves via this artistic approach for a very good reason: traditional portraiture captures the subject with the utmost flattering perspective and vision. Not only is a wedding as a whole remarkably expensive, considering the preparation effort alone to become your most beautiful on your wedding day (with the cost of bridal gowns, shoes, undergarments, jewelry, hair, makeup and flowers), it would be foolish to not consider portraiture to be an important focus of your wedding album. This is the reason why you should ensure your photographer possesses a rich portraiture portfolio.
3: Client Relationship - Is Your Photographer Willing to Share?
Wedding photography should not be categorized into the mere business of payment upon delivery of service. Your wedding day requires a photographer's attention to detail, inspirational touch and the utmost devotion. Choosing the right photographer is an intimate affair. Does your photographer take your wedding event with personal conviction? Is your photographer willing to share his/her personal experiences? Getting to know your photographer is the result of willingness to share. If you don't feel comfortable with your photographer, the quality of your wedding album will suffer.
Conclusion
Wedding Photography is the single most important investment of your wedding day. In addition to checking your photographer's formal credentials, photography styles, and personal working synergy, there are other alternatives / important factors to consider:
Photographer Talent - Many photographers cannot afford certification, or are too busy to keep renewing their certification. Do not overlook related experience and exceptional talent.Costs - Some photographers cost more than others, often for a good reason. Understand the saying "You Get What Your Pay For" has its merits.Digital / Film - There are disadvantages to both film and digital. It's worth conducting some research.Liability / Archiving - Some photographers may not keep a backup of their weddings, ask your photographer for additional media recovery packages, and consult their common practices.With this said, I hope you have gained some insights into how to choose the right photographer for your wedding. Take my advice as a compass, I wish you the best of luck in your wedding planning journey.
|
|
Looking for Buffalo Rochester and Syracuse Wedding, Weddings, Planners, Consultants, Florists, Dresses, DJ, DJs, Disk Jockey, Music,
Photographer, Photos, Photograph, Videographer, Video, Receptions, Halls, Venues, Engagement, Rings, Invitations, Limo, Limousine,
Cakes, Gifts, Gowns, Officiant, Church, Churches, Ceremonies, Advice, Sound Systems, Banquet Halls, Facilities, Honeymoon, Bachelor Party, Tuxedos....
Find it ALL with AtoZWeddings.com
300 Langner Rd - Suite 7 : West Seneca, NY 14224
Phone: (716) 824-3508
 |