Chaso DeChaso wrote:
>
> Hello Pentaxers,
>
> I have three questions regarding employing a
> wedding photographer for my upcoming wedding:
>
> 1. What should I look for in a photographer?
> Are there any essential questions I should ask?
> Are there any warning signs of bad photographers?
This is going to be an interesting thread.
Look for someone who's style you like. Make sure they have some
experience, unless you're trying to save cash...
Bad wedding photographers are bad because they don't get along very well
with people. If you talk to him and you just don't like the way you
interact, steer clear. You're looking for someone with some social
skills, who can get people to move around without coming off like an
ass, and who knows when to lay low.
Others are bad cuz they aren't very good with the camera. You can
usually find this out by asking to see a proof book. A portfolio is
always going to look pretty good, but the proof is in the proofs.
So to speak. Ahem.
References are good too, though I guess they wouldn't steer you towards
someone they screwed over.
> Of
> course, viewing the past work is always important, but
> it is often not clear (especially in larger firms)
> precisely who took the photos one is viewing, or
> whether one will be able to secure that particular
> photographer.
Well, demand the photographer you like. If you can't see the specific
work of the guy you're hiring, I would avoid them.
There should be a few independent people in your area.
> What is important to specify to the
> photographer I end up employing?
Uh, you need to figure out what you want and tell him.
>
> 2. Is it important that the photographer use
> medium format? I know this topic has been debated a
> bit before. Some have said that medium is essential
> (at least for stills); whereas, others have argued
> that this is only important if one is intending to
> enlarge beyond 8x10, and that 35mm cameras are
> generally more capable in regards to capturing
> movement with advanced autofocus.
You answered your own question.
Personally, I don't think it's all that important. It's important to me
from a marketing standpoint, but I don't get too many requests for
16x20's...the ones I've gotten are from 35mm. There's grain out the yin
yang, but they (and I) don't care, the composition and timing make it
work.
It may be a sign as to how professional a guy is.
But maybe not.
>
> 3. Are there any list members who are
> professional photographers in the Albany, NY area
> available to photograph a wedding on August 12, 2001?
> Or can anyone recommend anyone in this area?
I could fly up from DC. ;)
I don't know anyone up there. Might want to search some wedding
sites....
tv
--
Thomas Van Veen Photography
Washington D.C.
http://bigdayphoto.com/
301-758-3085
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