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Five Tips for Choosing a Candid Wedding Photographer
Five Tips for Choosing a Candid Wedding Photographer
Below are Five Tips for Choosing a Candid Wedding Photographer; the words Candid, documentary and wedding photojournalist will be used interchangeably throughout the five tips.
1. Get to know the photographer’s Personality
I mean really get to know the photographer. The reason for that is because the photographer’s personality and beliefs will be reflected in the photographs. Like any form of art, a candid wedding photographer is driven by their subconscious. Their subconscious tells them where to stand and what to capture. Does that sound complex? Let me explain: I have been with my wife for 20+ years and she is the love of my life. My core values are centered around family and marriage; so as a reflection of my core values I became a wedding photographer. A nature photographer typically cares about the environment: animals, plants, global warming; hence they are a nature photographer.
The best photographers in any genre, firsts care about the thing they are photographing. In essence they photograph who they are. Furthermore, let me further explain via an example: at the time of writing this I have a four-year-old daughter. I love her and care for on a daily basis. So my love for her transcends into the type of photographs I make at weddings. In the past four years, I have been making the most beautiful photographs of little children.
2. Let the photographer get to know you
They more you connect with me as your photographer the more I will be able to make better photographs of you. Let’s say for example you tell me: “My mom taught us from a very young age to always be in touch with our emotions.” As a photographer that will allow me to anticipate that there is a chance you and your mom may cry at the wedding. And, I will be in the right place at the right time to capture those moments.
Documentary Wedding Photographers Philadelphia
3. Does the photographer Live in the moment
A wedding is a highly joyous occasion and you will know if the photographer lives in the moment from your interactions with them. For example: is the photographer invested in you or are they distracted by other things? Similarly, you must also take responsibility here! The brides and grooms that get the best momentous photographs from me are the brides and grooms who live in the moment. “The present moment is the only moment available to us and it is the door to all other moments.” This is one of my favorite quotes from a revered Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. Moreover, If one focuses their attention on what truly matters i.e. their partner, their family, and friends (people) they are more likely to enjoy every second of the moment. This will give me ample chances to make the best momentous photographs.
Wedding Photojournalists
4. Look at the photographer’s portfolio
Simple right? If there are primarily posed photographs in their portfolio, don’t expect more candid’s to be handed to you. Consequently, there is nothing wrong with having a lot of posed photos; each photographer has their own style. However, if it’s candid photographs you seek; then ask to see a full wedding or a slideshow from a wedding. This will allow you to know if the photographer is a storyteller and/documentary photographer. While observing the slideshow ask yourself the following questions (read the photographs):
a. The photographs I am looking at, do they tell a story?
b. Do I understand the story that is being told through photographs?
c. What can I tell or infer about the people that I am viewing?
Reading the photograph above: The bride’s mother hugs the groom as the bride reacts.
5. Budget
As photographers in the business of weddings, we know that budget is important for weddings but the truth is the only things you will have left from your wedding are your photographs. They are important! Good isn’t cheap and cheap isn’t good.
