After checking out some “professional” photos of weddings this last year on people’s social networking sites and their prints, I’m taken aback by what people consider good photography. Maybe I’m too critical because I know what “good” photos are supposed to look like, or maybe people are just trying to be polite, but if you’re shopping around for a wedding photographer I’m offering you some MORE tips to make your decision easier. You may also check out my previous posts about Choosing a Wedding Photographer Wisely and What I Think Makes a Good Photographer.

Questions to ask your potential wedding photographer:

• Are you a full-time photographer?
• How many weddings do you shoot per year?
• Is my wedding the only one you will shoot that day?
• Have you ever been published?
• What is your style? (Traditional, photojournalist…)
• Do you have a plan for getting the posed shots done in a timely manner after the ceremony?
• How will you safeguard my photos?
• How many photos on average can I expect?
• Do you offer a disc and release?
• What kind of albums do you offer?
• Are you willing to customize a package?
• What kind of corrections will be done on my photos?
• Do you have back-up equipment?
• Do you have references?
• Are there any additional charges? (travel fee?)
• Is the deposit fee an additional charge or is it coming off the balance?
• What would our payment schedule be?

Think about what the background will be in your photos. What do the walls and floor look like? I’ve done receptions at the historic Bonneville House and the armory. Remember to think about what is on the wall behind the cake, where you will be seated, and other strategic places for photos. Is there unsightly wire, posters, or anything that distracts? Consider some kind of backdrop for those problem areas.

Consider your taste. Do you want to take a limited amount of posed photos before going on to your reception? Do you like candid photojournalism? Do want want the traditional bouquet toss and other traditional photos, or do you just want to dance? Does your photographer share your vision? I am more of a photojournalist. I do posed photos, but I’m not likely to repeatedly ask you to pose for this or that photo during the reception after the cake cutting and such is done, because I know you want to have fun and visit with family and friends. On the other hand, if you grab your best friend and ask me to get a photo, that’s what it’s all about! You are the boss.

A word on shooting lists:  If you feel you must send me a shooting list, that’s okay, but realize that I’m going to be following you around, I’ll get what’s happening. I laugh at the lists which try to include everything:  “couple reciting vows, couple kissing, couple walking down the aisle, couple cutting cake…..”   Hello, I’m there.   If I had my face in a shooting list I wouldn’t be taking as many photos.

Consider your hair, nails and skin. A manicure and pedicure is a must. Don’t do anything drastic to your hair or skin right before the wedding. Facials and hair removal can cause breakout of acne or irritation bumps and red skin.  New haircuts and overprocessed hair treatments should be a no-no close to the wedding day. That goes for guys too!

Girls already know to wear base makeup which matches their skin tone and about blending it down their jawline and neck, but get a pro to do your makeup if you can. You really want wear some color on your lips, not colorless lipgloss. Wear more color than you normally do. Trust me on this, if you don’t have color on your lips, your face is going to look washed out. A girl without her lipstick is like a present without a bow, it finishes your look.

Be careful of over tanning, the spray-on, tanning bed, and the real thing. The last thing you need is to have a sunburn or look overdone.  There have been some famous, beautifully pale, ladies on their wedding day, like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly,  Kate Winslet and Princess Margaret.

Try out everything beforehand: hair, makeup, bouquet, shoes, and dress.  Bridal Portraits are a great way to do a trial run. Call me and I’ll set up a session for you.

All content and images © Charlene Day Photography 2007-2009

My opinions about really good photographers of people: