So the wedding season is well and truly in full swing. Brides and Grooms walking down the isle and tying the knot. A wedding fayre (or is it fair) almost every week with all kinds of services on offer. I'm often asked what makes a good photographer, and I have a very simple response - Me - no that's just me being big headed.
A good photographer should listen to the couple be courteous with the guests and blend into the background when the focus should be on the bride and groom. The best compliment I have received was when a couple said they hardly noticed I was there and can't remember when I took the shots they were looking through.
Many photographers now turn up in scruffy clothes and bark orders at guests because their 'creativity' is being interupted. They shout at guests when they try to take their own pictures of the happy couple and herd people from one place to another like cattle. So that's probably the case for a bad - what makes a good one?
1. Prepared - check they have decent equipment, and backups and insurance!!
2. Experience - look at the pictures of past weddings they have attended
3. Package - look at an example of a full album, not just the best shots from a dozen weddings - this way you'll get a better idea of what your album will look like.
4. Dress - Ask them what they will wear, some photographers turn up in leggings that are too tight and scruffy t-shirts (thats just the men!!). They don't need to compete with the bride or groom but they shouldn't look like you dragged the nearest tramp off the street to take your pictures
5 Above all PERSONALITY - this person will be with you all day on the most important day of your life - if you don't get on with them you won't get the shots you want for your album, wall hanging, canvas or to send round facebook
