Experience Level
Has this person photographed other weddings in your type
of Asian ceremony? He must know the whole ceremony from
all angles and where to be at different parts of the rituals
of the day. It's no use just following the Bride & Groom
wherever they go as other rituals do take place elsewhere.
Personal thoughts are that he or she should be from the
same culture as yours so they can fully appreciate the rituals
and be passionate about it.
Photographic Style
Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to
see? Can you picture yourself photographed the same way?
Is there a satisfactory mix in different styles? There are
"buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism,
formal, classic contemporary, and so on. All colorful adjectives
aside; do YOU like it? Find a photographer that you feel
comfortable with and who can bring out your best.
Truth in Advertising
Is this the photographer that will be photographing your
wedding ceremony or will they send a associate or colleague.
Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine.
Be certain that the Photographer's work you like will be
the same person present at your wedding, else what is the
point if you like his approach and he doesn't attend the
wedding.? Be sure the photographer has got NO other commitments
for other weddings that day; you don't want him to just
rush things to get to his second or third job!, nor do you
want him to have the other wedding on his mind while he
is capturing your wedding.
Personality
Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get
along with? Is the "chemistry" there? This is
a person that you are going to spend most of the day with;
the most important day. Could you handle it? Does he or
she seem service oriented? Will they blend in with your
guests? Select a photographer that you connect with. During
your first meeting if you feel comfortable talking with
them and your personalities mesh, hire them. It makes the
day that much more enjoyable when you and your photographer
have fun...and it will show in your photos
Appearance
Ask the photographer how he intends to dress. The last thing
that you want is a conflict at the wedding about the photographer
wearing a casual shirt and trainers. Is this person well
groomed? How was he dressed at your initial meeting?
Punctuality
On your conversations / message with the photographer, did
they respond within 24 hours? Were they prompt in returning
your calls? Were they professional in the discussions with
you?
Email &
Web Savvy
Yes believe it or not 99% of Asian brides will have an email
account and 70% will have a work email address. So its important
that the photographer, too, is 100% on Email and Web Savvy.
A lot of questions will arise during your planning stages
and time is important to you when seeking answers. Make
sure you get prompt responses on your emails.
Price Range
Although, the last thing you want to do is shop by price,
is this person within your budget? If not, is he or she
worth the difference? A lot of times we tend to surpass
our budget constraints to get what we really want. If you
see and like it, you'll find a way. Your Photos and albums
will be the one thing that will last over many years to
help recall your wonderful day. Its worth that bit extra
if you love the photographer's work and personality.
Delivery
How long does it take to get your proofs back, your finished
album? Go ahead and ask. Some photographers take months
to deliver your album as they could be doing anywhere from
10-20 weddings a month in the peak Asian Wedding season.
Be sure of how long things take to turn around.
References
A personal reference is always the best and people love
to talk. Get some references from the photographer and check
them out personally. A photographer who doesn't have references
or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that
you need to hire.
