Choosing Your Photographer

date posted: June 29, 2014

A photographer’s pictorial of your entire nuptial process—from getting ready to the end of the reception—is one of the most important aspects of a wedding. Why? Because in many cases the couple is so caught up in the moment that many things are missed. The final photos allow a couple to relive their special day for years to come.

Prior to initial consultation:

Research websites of local photographers, and decide if their style is what you’re looking for.

Have a basic knowledge of the entire day’s timeline, including when the bride and groom’s preparation will start, all the way to the end of the reception.

Know if you want more of an editorial of your wedding, more dramatic poses as in magazine ads, traditional poses, candids, or a combination of all styles.

Questions to Ask:

How many weddings have you photographed?

Can I have a list of references?

Do you work alone? If not, will you or another person be my photographer? It’s extremely important to actually have a good feeling and rapport with whom will be taking your photos. It can affect the end result of your photos.

Can you give me various conversions of your favorite photos, such as black and white, sepia, color, soft focus, and other textures and effects?

What does the cost include? DVDs for the bride/groom and their parents? Proofs? Enlargements? Many photographers charge for each individual element, and others offer ways for the couple to order their own prints and enlargements.

Is retouching an extra cost? Many photographers charge for taking out blemishes, scars if requested, and any other aspect of the photo you wish to be retouched.

Are there various packages available? What are the costs? Do they include bride/groom preparations?

Do you charge for mileage to sites outside of your locale?

Do you charge by the hour or the event?

How many photos can you expect to be taken at the wedding?

Do you offer other options besides a standard wedding album, such as published coffee table books in various sizes and page amounts? A slide show production for a television or a computer?

Are there post-production charges? You must realize that the hours the photographer spends at your wedding is not the only time he/she is spending on this assignment. A quality photographer may spend up to 60 additional hours perfecting your photos.

Will you be discreetly documenting the wedding without sweeping me away from my event? Aside from the traditional posed shots, how “in-my-face” will you be? Some of the biggest complaints couples have is that they don’t get to really enjoy their wedding because the photographer continually stops the bride and groom to take a photo.

How will the entire day unfold? Be certain you agree with his/her time technique.

How long will it be before I can see the digital files? Will they be posted on a private site for a sneak peak as post-production is being completed? Do I have to wait for all to be finished and retouched before being able to see them?

What is the process for album, print, or enlargement design or orders? Ask about the post-wedding process and about choosing photos for albums, books, and enlargements.

Do you have an emergency back-up plan with a professional associate that can fill in?

When is the deposit due, and how much is it? Is it refundable within a certain period of time? When are further installments due?

Local Photographers:

Arius Photo
Hudson Valley, ariusphoto.com
We are so passionate about the art of lifestyle and wedding photography and feel so blessed to be able to live in the amazing Hudson Valley. We take an artistic and candid approach to everything we photograph, always looking for the way the light dances. With two different visions, we beautifully balance each other, and it shows in the lasting memories that we create.

Hudson Valley Photography
Jean Kallina, Kingston, 917-757-9692, hudsonvalleyphoto.com
Whether Jean Kallina is shooting a gorgeous magazine feature in New York City or a barn wedding in the Hudson Valley, every one of Jean’s images tells a story—and in the case of your wedding, it will be your story, captured scene by scene, with a romantic realism that sets the standard for the most stylish and natural weddings photography. Jean Kallina was awarded The Knot’s top pick for the past four years and the Brides Choice Award five years in a row.

Keith Ferris Photo
High Falls, 845-532-0125, keithferrisphoto.com
You deserve the very best for your wedding day. See why countless couples have been choosing Keith Ferris Photo for over a decade. He is unobtrusive and easy going, and he captures the day as it unfolds, so you can focus on you. He spent his early career as a photojournalist honing his skills; he works fast and accurately, never compromising quality.

Rose Schaller Photo
Middletown, 845-342-4449, roseschallerphoto.com
Selecting a wedding photographer is an important part of your wedding day. If you are looking for a photographer who will take the time to get to know you and create photographs that represent your true spirit, you are in the right place! It is equally important that you both get along with me, as we will be spending most of your important day together. I will produce wedding images to be cherished for a lifetime and help you relive your wedding day moments. Your flowers fade and the cake is eaten, but your wedding images last forever!

Elizabeth Unterman
Woodstock, 845-489-0975, elizabethuntermanphotography.net
Using her fine art and photojournalism background, she works to create a unique visual experience for her clients. She utilizes many tools and techniques, including film and digital photography, bookmaking, alternative printing techniques, and video.

Hudson River Photographer
Diane Stredicke
hudsonriverphotographer.com
Beautiful wedding photographs show love and emotion and are not posed. Meaningful weddings say something special about the couple getting married.

John Fischer Photography
noroadunturned.com
John Fischer sells fine art landscape photography prints and can easily set up wedding registries for those looking to decorate their new home. Prints from his collection of photos from the Hudson Valley and beyond would be a great addition to any décor. He is happy to work directly with clients to make sure they get something they are excited about.

Photos By Rochelle
photosbyrochelle.com
Rochelle’s creative photojournalistic approach captures the festive moments and candid scenarios that truly render the essence of the day’s events and the couple’s love.

Sarah Tew Photography
Long Island City, 917-374-4346, sarahtewphotography.com
Sarah Tew is a fine art wedding and portrait photographer shooting since 2006. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine’s wedding edition, Style Me Pretty, Junebug, Brooklyn Bride, Le Magnifique, The Knot, Every Last Detail, and elsewhere. An a la carte menu of beautiful album styles and wall art possibilities thrills even the most discriminating clients.

Other Notables:
Cappy Hotchkiss — cappyhotchkiss.com

Kelly Merchant Photography — kellymerchant.com

Lev Kuperman Photography — levkuperman.com

Matt Petricone — 973-868-9043, mpeventphoto.com

Roy Gumpel — facebook.com/roygumpel

Turnquist Photography — Hudson, turnquistphotography.com

Ulysses Photography — Middletown, ulyssesphotography.com