A very important decision
As a bride-to-be, you will be making lots of important decisions about who will provide services for you, your family, and guests on your very special day. Without question, one of the most important decisions is who will photograph your wedding. It is through the vision, creativity, and talent of your photographer(s) that you will be able to relive the emotion, romance, and special moments of this all important day. In the past 8 years, my wife and I have heard so many couples say "I'm so glad you got a picture of that, I was so nervous I really don't remember much about the day".
Unlike so many other expenses, your photography is an investment in lifetime memories. Think about it, the food will be consumed, the flowers will wilt, the music will fade and the dress will be packed away . . . but your photography will last for decades ! Don't short change yourself in this important area of your budget.
What are the most important questions to ask when interviewing Photographers?
"Did YOU actually take all these photographs that you're showing me?"
When evaluating a photographer's portfolio, make sure the person you're talking with actually created all the images. You may be speaking with an associate who can not produce the same quality images. When you make an on-site visit, it's important that you like the quality of work AND the personality of the photographer. MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER.
Our Position: When you visit for a consultation with Impressive Images, you will meet the creators of all the images that you see on display.
"Will YOU photograph my wedding?"
This a follow-up to the previous question. In today's economy, several local photographers are taking on more work than they can personally handle. When faced with more than one wedding on a given day, the photographer you met with will probably photograph the most profitable event of the day and send a "contract photographer" to the other event. Someone you've never met with may show up to photograph your wedding. BEFORE YOU SIGN A CONTRACT, MAKE SURE YOU MEET WITH, AND SEE THE WORK OF, THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WILL ACTUALLY PHOTOGRAPH YOUR WEDDING.
Our Position: When you visit Impressive Images, you will meet two photographers who have never "contracted out" a wedding. In the past 12 years, we have photographed every wedding we've been retained to do.
"Will my wedding be the only wedding that you photograph that day?"
Some local photographers are forced to schedule multiple weddings on any given day. If yours is the first wedding of the day, you probably only have to worry about the fact that the photographer may have to leave your reception early to get to the other event. If yours is NOT the first event of the day, you've got a lot more to worry about.
Will he arrive on time for your wedding? (mechanical breakdown, traffic, poor directions, unavoidably delayed at first wedding, etc.) Did they shoot more film at the first wedding than they had planned? Do they still have enough film available to give you complete coverage? Will they arrive with enough energy to still give you 100% of their talent and creativity?
Our Position: We realize that this is the day that you've dreamed about for years and been planning for months. You will have our undivided attention for the entire day! We usually arrive at the facility 2½ hours before the ceremony.
"Do YOU bring back up equipment to the wedding?"
This remains an important question.
Our Position: Not only do we bring back up equipment, we also provide a back up photographer. By retaining a team of photographers, you have twice the assurance that a photographer you trust will photograph your wedding.
"What do your previous clients have to say about their experience with you?"
More important than what any photographer's promotional literature promises, is what their clients have to say. Any photographer you visit should be able to show you handwritten comments from previous clients. By viewing a photographers portfolio, you can evaluate the quality of their product.
Evaluating the quality of their service is quite a bit more difficult. If testimonials are available, see if previous clients say this individual was helpful, respectful, and professional in their dealings with the wedding party, families, and guests. Did they deliver all they promised? Were photo orders delivered in a reasonable time? Did the photography interfere with the couple's enjoyment of the day?
Our Position: When you visit Impressive Images, you will be invited to view a binder full of Thank you notes, letters and written comments from our very satisfied clients.