Choosing one wedding photographer over another can be a challenge. There are numerous options in the Denver area alone. I’ve listed a few highlights here about what distinguishes my photography from the competition and provided tips for choosing a wedding photographer in Colorado.
Benefits of Regensburger Photography:
- Organized: I plan out the wedding shots with the bridal couple ahead of time and arrive at the venue early to scout out the best locations.
- Innovative: I continually learn about new techniques and invest in new equipment to provide you with the best possible images.
- Reliable: I’m on time and keep to a schedule. I bring back-up equipment with me in case something fails.
- Flexible: I’m easy to work with and I don’t nickel and dime you for every additional item such as travel fees.
- Experienced: I’ve shot a large number of weddings and portraits, and in addition, I am an experienced sports and portrait photographer. I won’t miss the shots you want.
- Quality conscious: I don’t use cheap albums or printing papers. You can be assured your albums and prints will last. I guarantee it.
- Technically skilled: I know how to get great images even under trying lighting conditions. I pay attention to detail and use equipment to produce the best possible results.
Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer:
- Quality: When you look at a photographer’s portfolio, how good are the images? This may sound simple, but you’d be surprised at how many other factors people look at first when deciding on a photographer. By ignoring image quality, couples may be surprised when the photos don’t turn out well. Look for images that are sharp, in focus, and well-lit. What is the quality of lighting like? Is the lighting uniform or are there distracting shadows on people’s faces or behind their heads? Is the posing proper? Are all the people in the photo looking straight at the camera or are they looking at different places? Are people’s hand and feet uniform or do some people have feet open, some closed, right hand over left, left over right? Little details like these can mean the difference between good photographs and average or poor photographs.
- Style: You should pick a photographer whose style moves you. Some photographers focus on taking artistic, posed portraits while others take excellent candids. Some even do a mixture. If you want great candid shots of the reception, don’t pick a photographer who doesn’t display this type of work and vice versa. Look at the photographers’ websites and demo albums to see what type of shots he or she primarily concentrates on. Also, ask yourself whether the photos wow you. Is there something about the photograph that moves you or sparks your interest?
- Types of services offered: This is a key point that many brides and grooms overlook. Find out exactly what services the photographer will provide. Many discount photographers today deliver a DVD to the client with all the photos on it, never to be heard from again. This is great if all the bride or groom wants are some photos to post on Facebook, but what if you actually want a print made from the file? The best photographers know how to prepare images for printing and work in conjunction with custom labs to achieve the best possible results. You should ask whether the photographer retouches images or contracts to have it done. While most photographers will provide basic color correction, many do not include major retouching services such as skin blending or custom dodge and burning. As a result, images included on the DVD may not be adequately prepared to make the best possible prints. Ask to see samples of large prints made from the photographer’s work and judge them with a critical eye. Another thing to look for is whether the photographer provides albums, and if so, what types of albums are being delivered. A number of good album styles are available today including traditional leatherbound albums and photo books. Ask if the photographer uses templates or custom designs the album. Ultimately, ask to look at samples the photographer has delivered in the past.
- Equipment: While every photographer has a camera, not all are created equal. Most photographers are using high megapixel cameras with professional lenses. Some more budget conscious photographers are using more middle of the road equipment, however. What’s the difference? Speed and sharpness. A professional camera autofocuses faster and expensive lenses take sharper pictures. That means a photographer using inferior equipment is going to miss some shots other photographers will capture. Another thing to ask about is lighting equipment. Is the photographer using on-camera flash or stand alone lights? The latter may be needed for large halls and/or churches. Ask about equipment when you interview the photographer.
- Experience: Experience doesn’t count for everything, but it does count for something. More experienced photographers will be better able to handle unexpected situations. They will also have a list of references you can contact or testimonials you can read online.
- Personality: I think it is always a good idea to work with a photographer you gel with. If you are relaxed working with the photographer, the pictures will turn out more relaxed and natural looking. Some people like a photographer who has a take-charge personality. Others like a relaxed session with a person who has a more laid-back style. Figure out what works for you. One of the best ways I have found to get to know a photographer before the wedding is to do an engagement session. This will give both of you a comfort level come wedding time.
- Price: After you’ve selected a group of photographers to choose from, the decision may ultimately come down to price. Photography like all other parts of the wedding has to fit within your budget. If you like a photographer but the price is out of reach, see if the photographer will work with you on designing a package that will fit. Many times the photographer will also have specials or coupons that may save you significant money as well. Keeping all of the above tips in mind, don’t just select the cheapest photographer to the exclusion of all else. Remember, just because your friend or Uncle Tony can take a picture, doesn’t mean that it will be a photo you cherish for a lifetime. When the DJ music has faded, the catered food and cake have been eaten, and the flowers have died, your photographs will still be there to help you remember your wedding day. Choose wisely.
If you are looking for a Denver Wedding Photographer, call 303-478-7586. Good luck finding the right photographer for you.
