"InSync" Photography and Video

There are millions of articles out there telling you exactly what you should be looking for when hiring a photographer; but knowing what you don't want is equally important when searching for someone to capture your day. I've photographed dozens of weddings all across the country, and the following are some "don'ts" that I've picked up along the way.

First of all, don't choose a photographer based solely on the fact that he or she is supposed to be the best. The "best" photographer out there may not be the best one for you. It takes many things to be a great wedding photographer. Superior images are obviously crucial, but so are fining someone whose personality meshes well with yours. You will spend your entire wedding day with this person. He or she will be right there in front of you as you walk down the isle, as you cut the cake, pretty much for every important moment there is. And while he may be the greatest there is, if you three (you, your future spouse and your photographer) don't get along it could begin to feel less like a wedding and more like a game of tug of war as you each vie for control of the day.

Secondly, don't choose a photographer who won't listen to or respect your ideas. Yes, he is a professional and he does do this for a living, so there are certain things that he really does know best (lighting, camera angles, how to set up certain shots). But, if you're adamant about something; let's say your parents are recently divorced and you know they wouldn't feel comfortable having their picture taken together, and then your photographer should respect that.

Your photographer should also be willing to tell you about his or her style of shooting; for example, some photographers like to 'run' the day. They coordinate events and take control over much of the wedding. Others prefer to stay in the background and shoot more candid photos. It's important that you be clear about what you're looking for in a photographer to avoid potential frustration and disappointment later on.

The most important thing you can do to insure that you and your photographer are a good match is to meet with him or her before you sign a contract. This may sound obvious, but in fact some companies will have you meet with a representative rather than the actual photographer who will be covering your day. Now, this works fine for a limo company, since let's face it, you won't be spending your whole wedding day with your driver, but personally I want to have a chance to sit down and talk to my photographer before I spend six of the most important hours of my life with him.

All of this is not to say that your photographer has to have a shining personality in order to do a good job on your wedding day. There are plenty of wonderful people out there who have no business shooting weddings and there are some great photographers who have the personality of old lunch meat. The bottom line is you have to trust yourself and your instincts. If your gut tells you that a photographer just isn't a good match for you, no matter how highly recommended, I'd keep looking. I firmly believe that great photos come from photographers who truly love what they do and respect the people they work with.

So hunt around and when you find someone who is a good match, book them. Then sit back and enjoy your wedding day!