Photographers and wedding planners have something huge in common – both work in an oversaturated industry (especially in Williamsburg and the surrounding areas). Even if you were able to clearly eliminate the “obviously bad” ones in either category (and with all of the smoke and mirrors, I dare you to try), there are a lot of decent to great ones leaving you a ton of choices.
Know that in both categories, a fancy website can be an indication of great quality, or could be hiding something like: “I woke up yesterday, decided to become a planner or photographer and my boyfriend/college roommate/superhero pet rabbit is really good at web design”.
I’ve worked with tons of local (and non-local) photographers over the years. There are plenty of guides in magazines (some good, some sketchy) to tell you what to look for in contracts, packages, pricing and more. But here is my list of trade “secrets” to help you further narrow the field and find a photographer who is truly going to help make your big day feel magical:
Is he a team player? Great photographers know that their role is as part of a team. You might laugh at this, but if I had a dime for every diva with a camera who ended up causing tears because they didn’t understand the delicate balance between capturing a beautiful moment and creating an excruciating one, I could retire today.
A professional photographer works WITH the professionals around him not against them. You’ll understand the importance when your wilted salads are served to your angry dining room full of guests because your photographer just needed one more shot at the expense of another hour of shooting.
A great photographer communicates with the couple and the planner or other pros, in advance, so that plenty of time is scheduled at the necessary moments to get the great shots – and respectfully adheres to the schedule to the extent humanly possible.
A great photographer doesn’t dismiss critical guest comfort unless you (the bride and groom) specifically order him to.
Does he understand what you love about him? Maybe you think you’ve selected a photographer for one reason, but he has a different understanding. To be fair and ensure success you need to communicate this clearly.
Tell your pro if you chose him because you love his candid shots.
Explain that you’ve never seen more exciting looking formals and that’s what you’d like to see in your albums.
Be honest if you just liked his price (not a reason for hiring, by the way) because he might think you’re all about the “guests eating at table” shots (ick!), and you should probably give him (a lot) more guidance.
Pay a ton of money for or invest hours of DIY time in your décor? Make sure your pro knows that those detail shots are critical to your enjoyment of his photos.
Photographers are not mind readers (if they are, they should charge even more). Avoid those with artist egos – the ones who are sure you hired them because they are gods among men. No matter what your priorities are, you’ll end up with their vision of your day (that’s okay if that’s what you want – but be sure it’s what you want).
Great photographers know who they are. If you’ve heard rumors that a particular photographer is a time hog, or doesn’t “do” formal photos, it’s imperative that you ask him point blank about the reputation. A great photographer will understand where those rumors are coming from, and will probably explain to you what it is about their style that might lead people to feel that way.
A less-savvy photographer will look at you blankly, or get extremely defensive. Guess what? Bad sign.
Great photographers have a body of work, bought their cameras more than a week ago and have great references from pros and happy clients alike. Enough said.
There are some great photographers in and around Williamsburg, Virginia. Seek them out, tell them I sent you and reap the rewards when you open your stunning albums (real or virtual) for decades to come.
Call me if you want some of those great names too – I am more than happy to share!
Shayna Walker (757-592-3365), Wedding Planner
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