I haven't been writing for a couple of weeks, but it has been a very busy time, and it was important to focus on the three weddings in a row I just done rather than doing other things like what I am doing now. The live part is more important to me than the seating in front of the computer. I also used this opportunity to chat with suppliers to understand how the new technologies do affect, improve, change their relationship to the customer and also how they are approached. I first met a Dj on Saturday, a videographer on Sunday, an other one and a wedding planner on Monday. It obviously seems that the digital medium is taking over all across the spectrum whether you advertise or show your work. But there is one thing I have problem with is the new way people choose their photographer. By the way, for once I accepted to show my face up in action. I thought it was the right time to do it related to today's article.
So, as I am being told from wedding planner Siobhan Craven-Robins, that she always recommends her clients to meet up with the photographer prior to the wedding day, but never really does it with the video. Why is that ? To me, it does make a lot of sense, but not necessarily to you. I think the photographer has a lot to capture and transcend with one shot at the time. It is important to get into the mood of the day by liaising beforehand with your subject. This approach is true is most photographic assignments across its widest spectrum. Ask photojournalists how they approach their subject and they will always insist it is vital to spend some time knowing your subject before even thinking of taking your camera out of your bag. That is the same with weddings, people are still very camera aware whereas video is seems as something less judgmental. The moving image blurs the information with the flow of images whereas photography freezes the moment and leaves the viewer free to dissect the composition. It is therefore more critical.
The latest trend is to look for a photographer on the internet - it all makes sense so far. You look at the materials, the style, the versatility, the creativity, the reliability. You also look at details, meaning how the freelance or agency present themselves. A website is something personal, and you can already discern who you are dealing with. You fill up the enquiry form or email directly to obtain a price list or estimate. So far, this approach is the most common one I would say or suggest.
If I get I referral I would understand why people do not need to meet up as they got comments from former clients or friends, and they may also have seen the final product like presentation, prints, albums and simply materials. Still, personally, I would always suggest my clients to meet up beforehand in order to symphatise and feel like I know who I am dealing with. We are humans after all and need to feel comfortable for such occasions. Do people meeting on the internet go out together straight after few nice chats on the web ? That would be odd I guess.
The recent concern I have comes with the latest trend to booking someone that you have never met. How can you trust the person will turn up on the day ? What insurance do you get he/she will do a good job ? What is fake and what is reality on the net ? What is a decent price to pay to feel you are dealing with a real professional ? Does the website really represent what the freelance is able to deliver ?......I could write down so many questions and I could tell so many stories.
I am quite concerned. The person in charge of capturing your special should be special, as simple as that. Photographs will be the only real memories left. If there is someone to choose with special attention it has to be the photographer. And I am going to explain the best way I can why.
First, let me tell you that what you see on the internet is to be taken with precaution. Nowadays most "photographers" are graphic designers and they know very well their weakness and learn fast from the digital technologies in order to polish or exagerate their presentation. That also mean that you can fully fake it all thanks to Photoshop. Well, I am not so sure that the software is really helping in improving the quality in general. It helps in fact to correct poor or mediocre materials to take them to a better standard, but still usually the pictures don't have any life, no interest ( people from a film background will be the best to use the digital medium as they don't rely or overuse it) Besides you can do a wedding photographic website without owning or knowing anything about photography. You can buy materials from picture libraries, or you can also steal them directly from your deskstop. Who knows, who can really control ? No one, except by chance if you come across your own pictures. You can also ask someone else who has little knowledge to sell you materials. You can also pretend being a freelance and borrowing materials from people who will be working on your behalf, etc... There are so many ways that you wouldn't believe it !Well, from a website point of view, if you pay attention to the ensemble of the work and from the philosophy you can make yourself an idea if you are dealing with someone respectful and professional. You email that person, ask details, price list, etc... it is a dialogue to engage, and it is your responsibility as a customer. So many people nowadays go for cheap digital photography and don't expect to spend more than £500. Let me tell you than you can't make a living for such a low fee unless you (excuse my french) rip off people.
Important detail: if it looks cheap at first, it will cost you much more later, and you will cry your eyes out. You will definitely pay the price for cheap ! Whether with the extras afterward or with the poor quality of the materials. DO NOT TRUST OFFERS AND WEBSITES. TO BE A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IS A REAL JOB THAT FEW ONLY CAN HANDLE WITH STYLE, RIGOUR AND CONSISTENCY. DON'T TAKE IT LIGHTLY, MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER.
So, why should you meet your wedding photographer before hiring one ?
As I said previously, it is first a human instinct and contact. You may like the work but you do not get on with the freelance. You have the feeling that he/she will be very bossy on the day. You do not like the behaviour. Throughout the discussion you may also find out that the person in front off you is not the one who is going to perform on the day. Sometimes representatives turn up on behalf of someone else and the clients will only meet the real photographer on the wedding day. Ask as many questions about his/her background, what do they know about photography, old and new technologies. Talk about the wedding proposal, the organization, the running order, ask how the freelance usually coordinates or devises the formal requests and also the creative ones, well...you have to trust and sense that the freelance is fully on top of his game, and that he/she is also a good listener, ready to improvise on the day. Because this is what wedding reportage is about, going with the flow and get the best of it. It is exhausting to be honest, and that is why I love it ! In the end, you as a couple are the stars of the day, not the photographer.
Ask for albums and as many materials as possible in big format. No dvds only, prints are the real thing. See how good they look A4 format. Ask about the price list and all the extra expenses which are never mentioned at first. Ask the freelance what exactly you get for which price - that is crucial !
You have to feel that the person you are about to choose is the right one. You are fully confident that you are choosing him/her for the good reasons, which should be in the end reliability and quality. If you do not really care about photography I would suggests not even to bother with an official photographer as most wedding nowadays are covered by 50% of guests with their mobile phones or digital compacts. Do not be surprised if most materials are lost by your one year anniversary !
So, please DO MEET YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BEFOREHAND. NOT DOING IT ENCOURAGES BAD PEOPLE DOING BAD PHOTOGRAPHY AND THEREFORE KILLS THE PROFESSION. Because in the end it's you as a couple who will pay the price.
Any comment or support from any public are welcomed.
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