Custom-made memories: Finding the photographer that’s right for you

By Matt Mikus, Up North Bride

From the reception hall to the decorations on the table, every detail needs to be perfect.
Now it’s time to hire a photographer for the big day.

Finding a photographer is such an important part of the ceremony, that Jim Nelson of Jim Nelson Photography of Levering considers it within the top three things to take care of first.

“The first three things that a couple needs to do is find their church, their reception (spot) and then their photographer,” Nelson said. “Photography, after your wedding day, is what you have to remember your wedding day from.”

The first step is reviewing multiple options. Check out different photographers’ portfolios and find photographs that you like to see. Make sure to be familiar with the body of work. Each photographer has a unique style, and it’s important to make sure that you find a style that appeals to you.

Noah Grieves of Ark Studio Photography in Petoskey says that looking over portfolios helps a couple to find what they like. He also mentioned that a large body of work with wedding photography shows a higher level of dedication and professionalism.

Once you’ve found the right photographer, it’s important to meet them in person.

“I’ve heard horror stories about doing everything online,” Grieves says. “They do all their talking over e-mail, and they have no idea who the photographer is.

“You want to make sure your photographer has a good personality. The photographer is with the bride and groom for most of the entire day, so you want to make sure it’s someone you would want to hang out with all day.”

Most photographers specialize in either traditional portraits, where family members and the wedding party pose for photos, or photojournalistic styles, where the photographer captures moments from the entire day. Many offer packages that offer both styles, but it’s important to understand your photographer, and tell him or her exactly what you’re looking for in your images.

Photo studios are unique and may offer different services compared to each other. Linda Drayton Photography in Petoskey offers video of the weddings. Grieves said that he sometimes brings a photo printer so guest can print pictures from their personal camera to give as a gift. Nelson mentioned that he often gives tips to the bride and groom on planning the event, since many of his clients don’t hire a wedding planner.

Price comes into play while making the decision, and it’s probably the hardest to understand when choosing a professional photographer. With digital photography, everyone can take great photos, but keep in mind that not everyone is a professional photographer.

“This is the once-in-a-lifetime deal,” said Jana Drayton of Linda Drayton Photography. “If you spend $10,000 on a wedding, what do have left after everything is over? Your pictures.”

Grieves said many photography studios offer a variety of packages that can fit multiple budgets. Sometimes just talking to your photographer can help you reach an agreeable price.

“People look solely at the prices and they try to penny pinch,” Grieves said. “Photography shouldn’t be something to penny pinch.”

While many couples may look for cheaper alternatives to their wedding photos, it’s a safer bet to hire a professional. The higher price offers more than just photographs. The cost covers professional skills, additional equipment in case of emergencies and reliability that an amateur can’t offer.

“A lot of people look at the prices and think, ‘My friend has a camera, I’ll pay him to take some photos,’” said Carrie Gillett of Linda Drayton Photography. “You have to look at the quality. You want reliability.”

Nelson said he believes it’s important to hire a professional because hiring someone you know personally may compromise attention to documenting your special day. If they are a family member or a close friend, they may feel like joining in the festivities of the day — which could cause them to miss an important picture.

“And when you miss a shot,” said Nelson, “the shot is missed. You can’t go back and redo the ceremony.”

After all the planning and stress of making sure everything is set, just remember that when that day comes, enjoy it.

“Don’t stress about the little things,” Drayton said, “That will be someone else’s job by then. When the day comes, just enjoy the day.”

Up North Bride Home » Fall & Winter 2010/2011 Edition » Photographers: Finding the right one for you