Many brides are not completely satisfied with their wedding photographs. Since being asked to provide this editorial contribution, I have been conducting an informal survey to gain insight into the nature of the situation. What I have uncovered is a lack of understanding and insight by the consumer in what is required to secure the correct service provider. I even interviewed a photographer that admitted that she was disappointed with her own wedding photographs.
This situation is more prevalent than you might imagine. When a bride is reluctant to share her wedding photographs, this is a sure sign that she is experiencing "should-a, would-a, could-a."
Being a past president of a large local association of photographers in the Washington, D. C.-metro area, I receive several calls a year from unhappy customers of wedding photographers. The primary reason for the disappointment is related to the content of the photographs; the photographs did not communicate what the customer recalls the event day to represent with respect to mood, ambiance and character. The second most common complaint is that the photographers� approach or behavior during the event was not as expected, therefore certain situations were not recorded on film. Both of these situations are the result of the customer not giving enough thought to what to experience when viewing their wedding photographs.
Once the customer determines what they want the photographs to say about their event, this becomes the basis for screening potential photographers. The more specific your criteria are, the more likely the process will result in a more perfect match.
We live in a very visually sophisticated world, i.e., commercial television, magazine publishing and cinema production. Yet the average consumer, when it comes to visually telling the story of one of the most significant events of their life, does not have a clue about finding the "right" storyteller.
When you see photographic images that move you, ask yourself why you feel that way. The content of the photograph embodies the qualities that will satisfy you about your photographs. My greatest revelation when I interviewed people with unhappy experiences as well as perspective clients is their united statement, "I never thought I could have all that."
You can have all that and more, even if you are on a tight budget. If you find yourself in the situation of budgetary constraints, you might consider forgoing the elaborate fine album presentation and instead invest in the time and dollars needed to secure a photographer that has the ability (talent) to convey your vision on film. Maybe you can only afford to pay for his/her time and talent and a set of edited original photographs. If proofs (original photographs usually 4x5, 4x6, or 5x5 depending on the type of camera used) convey the experience of your event, then later when you have the money to invest in a more elaborate album presentation, your investment will be magnified. It stands to reason, if the small photographs excite you, then the enlargement combined with enhanced presentation will only magnify your enjoyment. Conversely, if the proofs from your story do not move you, larger photographs and expensive presentation will do little to improve your appreciation.
Steps to Finding the Right Photographer
First determine where you are about the content of the photographs of your event. Do you want a few really great photographs that summarize or represent the highlights of your event? Then try a traditional approach where the photographer is proactive in creating situations photographed. Do you prefer a more detailed approached in the body of work that portrays the real story of your event? This then requires a journalistic approach by the photographer. Regardless of your preference, select a photographer that specializes in what you desire. Truly outstanding work is not usually the product of the general practitioner. You will be better if you choose a photographer that is talented, interested and passionate about your point of view and desires concerning your wedding photography.
After determining what you are looking for, ask friends and associates of like mind for referrals. Find out how they felt about their experience and review their photographs. Look at ads in bridal magazines and visit local bridal shows that provide advertising opportunities for photographers. Check with your event planner. It is critical that you know what you want to make the most efficient use of your time in interviewing potential service providers. When making the initial contact with a service provider, be explicit about your desires and requirements. If you are concerned about the investment required, tell the prospective photographer what you want and how much you contemplate investing. Some people value the event more than others. Nationally, consumers invest between 10 to 30 percent of their total wedding budget for photography.
There are two elements to a wedding photography package. First is the cost of acquiring a client, photographing the event, and processing and delivering the original photographs. The second part is producing the enlargements, albums and other assorted products that amount to investing in product presentation. On a tight budget, focus on the first element, the photographer�s ability to capture on film what you desire.
Next, seek out and interview the photographer. You may first encounter a sales consultant or studio manager, but insist on meeting with the photographer that will be photographing your event. The single most important factor affecting the content of your photographs of your event is rapport with the photographer. The photographer has to understand your vision for your event. There must be congruency between your vision and his philosophy and talent. Technical expertise is only a part of the formula for great photographs. Your event is a multidimensional occasion � people, personalities, places, things and real moments all interwoven to become the fabric of your memories, some fleeting, others indelibly etched in the mind.
The Telephone Interview
Be specific concerning your product desires. Question the photographer about philosophy, concepts and policies related to business practices. If the initial screening provides you with a sense that you would like to meet and see more, make an appointment to meet with the specific photographer that potentially would be available to cover your event. At that meeting, rapport is paramount. Regardless of how outstanding you feel his photographs are, if rapport with the photographer is lacking, do not proceed. If you are seeking a photographer to portray the uniqueness of your event and the photographs shown to you of different events all depict similar circumstances and event elements, this may indicate the photographer has a fixed point of view about the events he photographs. Be explicit about what you expect to see in your photographs. Lack of communication is the most frequent cause of disappointment with photographs of an event. If the photographer does not understand your point of view, then the probability of you getting what you want is greatly diminished. If you like the photographs shown to you, you should verify that the photographer being interviewed is the creator. It is not necessary to be overly concerned with technical issues, i.e. camera equipment, type film, etc.
The final step would be to get what is to be delivered in writing. A specific contractual agreement is always advised. Do not forget about written guarantees unconditional satisfaction is best for all involved.
Life is a collection of memories, some fleeting and others indelibly etched in the mind. Choosing the right photographer will insure that you have vivid portrayals of your event to share for years to come. Life is what you make of it. Take care, take charge and make it a great event.
The most expensive photographs (regardless of the amount you invested) are the ones you paid for but do not convey what you intended - just ask any disappointed bride or groom. The greatest value (return on investment) is the photographs that keep giving and giving, as the result of you selecting the right photographer (talent, personality, concept and philosophy) for your event.
Original Post by Jim Johnsonon
http://www.bridalspace.com
