THE 7 BIGGEST MISTAKES BRIDES MAKE WHEN HIRING
A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THEIR WEDDINGAND HOW TO AVOID THEMDear Friend
Thank you for reading this report.
This booklet will help you pick the best wedding photographer for you.
Picking the right photographer for your big day can be confusing,stressful and you want to make sure you make the right choice.
Education is the best way in helping you make this decision. That’s why I wrote this report.
Why am I qualified to write such a report? Let me tell you a bit about myself before I get into the main topic.
I have been a professional wedding photographer for over 25 years so far. Why is this a big deal and why should it make any difference?
Many photographers have been around that long or more. Why should my experience be any different you might be asking?
That is a good question. Here’s my best answer. In all of those years, I have studied hard, worked hard and pressed myself to avoid one of the biggest mistakes wedding photographers can make. The mistake that I call “ stuck in a rut”.
I keep up with new trends, stay creative and above all, make my brides happy
that they have chosen me as their wedding photographer.
Not only that. I have a long, long list of happy clients who have given me the honor of photographing what I consider to be the most powerful day in their lives.
Being recognized by my peers is one thing, but more importantly the ultimate judge of my talents and abilities is and always will be my clients.
Besides my experiences as a teacher/leader to my peers and photographer to many happy brides and grooms, I have a few more notable feathers that help qualify me. Excuse me while I brag a little more before I begin this report....
Other notable and not so notable features and interesting stuff about
Charles Vandersluys .
*I have received my Masters and Craftsman degrees in photography from the Professional Photographer of America.
*2008 Reader Choice Award for the Best Photographer in Niagara Falls.
*3 time International Day Photographer of the Year
*Received an Outstanding Business Achievement award from the Niagara Falls
Chamber of Commerce.
* I own my own studio.
*Had a couple of my images Published in the PPA Loan Collection book.
*I love rock and roll music, my family, love to travel, and scuba dive.
*I am a big kid at heart, love people, children and dogs.
Okay, enough about me. I wanted to reveal a little bit about me so you feel like this report was actually written by a live human being and not some boring techno babble corporate and sterile robotron.
Education is truly the first step to making the right decision. You do it when you buy a car, a house or anything else.
You will learn how to pick the right person for you.
Sincerely,
Charles Vandersluys
THE 7 BIGGESTMISTAKES BRIDES MAKEWHEN HIRINGA PHOTOGRAPHER FORTHEIR WEDDINGAND HOW TO AVOID THEMMISTAKE #1 - You pick a photographer based only on price!
The old adage is true. “You get what you pay for.” This is especially true
in the photography industry. If you want good photography, you should decide
to work with a photographer because of the overall value you receive. Not
because they are the lowest priced.
Here’s why....
VALUE=QUALITY+ SERVICE+ PRICE
It is impossible for any company in an industry to offer the cheapest price,
have the highest quality, and provide the best service all at the same time.
You can get high quality and super service, but you can’t get both and still get
the lowest price.
Just like in any business, you would hire the best people and buy the highest
quality product–consequently, you have to charge more for your services.
Total value is all three. Quality, Service and Price!
The common problems YOU WILL have when you pick a photographer
who only offers the lowest price:
1. The first problem with dirt cheap photographers is they don’t stand behind
their work if they make a mistake, or worse yet, ruin all the pictures, then
the problem is way beyond fixable. Or you may have pictures that are okay,
but you hoped for more. In that case there isn’t a lot they can do. The end
results is you get what you pay for. A little money saved up front can cost big
in the end. There is a saying I like to tell my clients: “What cost are you
really paying for photographs you don’t like?”
2. The second problem with a photographer who offers the lowest price is
they tend to also offer the lowest quality. Your wedding photos are your
most important and valuable investment. The value you place on choosing
the right photographer will show for many years. It is a long term investment.
Why risk so much and throw away such great memories for a few pennies
saved ?
3. And the third reason why hiring the cheapest photographer is a problem
is that you might get charged extra for things other photographers normally
include. You might have to pay for such things as your previews, or worse yet
they might not even make your previews available for you to keep at any price.
Some will even stamp them across the front with their studio logo. Cheap
photographers nickel and dime you to death. What seemed like a good deal
may in fact cost you more in the long run.
This is often a tactic some use just to get you in the door.
To avoid buying on price along, we suggest you choose two or three
photographers and rank them in the order that is important to you such as
Quality first, Service second, and Price last. AND ONCE YOU FIND A GOOD
ONE...STICK WITH THEM! You’ll be glad you did and you will have peace
of mind.
MISTAKE #2 - YOU THINK ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE THE SAME.
Every photographer is different. No two are really the same. Every
photographer has different equipment, and has different skills and abilities
and different employees: these all bring a complete mix of abilities to their
product but, will not guarantee consistency.
MISTAKE #3 - YOU HAVE SEVERAL PHOTOGRAPHERS COMPETING FOR WITH EACH OTHER FOR YOUR WORK
You may think that this is a good way to do business.And it is, to some extent. But, here is why it usually isn't a good way to deal with photographers...
A good photographer has enough loyal customers, that they don't have to deal with price shoppers.
Once you find a good photographer, it is important to stay loyal to them. If you flip-flop, most photographers won't be motivated to keep YOU as a customer.
Price is important but, price should not be more important than good quality and service.
This is what some people like to do. They try to get everyone fighting for the same piece of pie. This might be OK, short term, strategy because you save a few bucks but, when you need a favor, or super fast service...not one of these photographers will go out of the way to help you.
(Ad if you have been a price shopper in the past, they probably will charge you more...)
Every photographer expects to bend over backwards for their clients now and again, provided the customer is loyal, the photographer will do all they can to help.
All good photographers are loyal to you if YOU are loyal to them.'
I, myself, patronize small local businesses because I know a business owner appeciates the business and in turn, give more personal service.
MISTAKE #4 - You think having the right equipment is all a photographer needs to do the job right!
Many photographers own wonderful equipment. That doesn’t mean they know how to use it properly. You can have all the “latest greatest wiz bang lenses and digital wonder cameras,” but if you don’t know how to use it properly
you are no better off than anyone picking up a camera and pointing and shooting.
Compare this to your cell phone. Studies show that half the people who own cell phones don’t even know how to program speed dial, let alone the more advanced features.
Photography is art and craftsmanship combined. Most people who hire photographers don’t truly understand, that despite all the technological advances being made, photographers still use the same quality work habits
and techniques as they did 25 years ago.
Contrary to what a lot of people think, photography is not just picking up a camera and clicking the shutter. It takes craftsmanship to turn out quality work. Photographers have to know how to capture the right moment, how
to compose properly, how to expose properly and how to use light, shape and form in order to get the most flattering and artistic results and poses of you.
After all, it’s all about making you look and feel great !
Communication is the key to hiring the best photographer for YOU.
*Ask what style of work they do- ask to see some samples.
*Ask to see the wedding contract. Some will make big promises and
do something else - because their contract backs them up.
*Ask to see sample from recent weddings.
*Ask them how long will it take to see the images after the wedding.
*Ask them if they retouch or enhance the final images.
*Ask them what it will cost and exactly what do you get- how many
Images are included.
*Ask them how many weddings they’ve photographed.
*Ask them (this is a good one) what their philosophy is on wedding
photography.
Wedding photography is not a generic product. Ask these and other relevant questions and it will become obvious who the right choice will be for you. You will notice a marked difference in attitude, quality, creativity, and
experience. Remember, this is your special day. Do you want to hire an amateur to take experimental photos or a pro who will created a masterpiece?
The same thing happens in the photography industry.
Many photographers have tools that have a lot of bells and whistles, but if the photographer has little or no technical and creative know how, they may as well be from fifty years ago.
Make sure the photographer knows how to use their tools to the very best of their capabilities. You risk not only pictures that could have been outstanding,but worse yet, utter let-down because of lack of technical know how.
MISTAKE #5 - You don’t give the photographer enough time to get the job done properly!
Mistakes happen when you rush!
Or when there are not enough instructions. You concentrate so much on getting all the detail organized, you forget to tell the photographer.
Be organized! Be organized! Be organized! And communicate all the details to your photographer, and also let them know any special needs, shots or relevant details, so you will not be let down.
Before the wedding get them involved. Let them know what your hopes andplans are. Who know they many have some really cool ideas that might just thrill you or some useful tips on making sure your plans go smoothly.
You can save time, money, and headaches from the very beginning by communicating with your photographer. You should think of your photographeras one of you wedding planners. Consult with your photographer.
The time you start looking for your photographer is also an important consideration. You can’t expect very many good ones to be available if you start shopping only a few months before you big day. Most of the better ones
are booked way ahead of that, often a year or more in advance.
MISTAKE #6 -You hire an amateur, friend or relative, or an unqualified photographer and expect top-notch wedding
photographs.
You may have seen a top notch wedding photographer in action at the wedding of a friend or relative. A really good wedding photographer makes it look so easy, almost effortless.
There is a very simple reason for this. Experience.
The biggest mistake any bride can make is asking a friend or relative to capture their day, and when the results are not there, the responsibility and ill feelings can be crushing.
Most , it not all untrained wedding photographers simply cannot handle the stress and responsibility that goes along with capturing a wedding. The pace, the stress and the speed are way too much for them, let alone being creative.
There is nothing wrong with hiring a amateur, as long as you have realistic expectations, and know you are going to be getting amateurish photographs.
Even a professional photographer in a different field such as commercial photography will have a rough go of photographing weddings.
Weddings are tough. Bottom line. And the only thing that makes it flow and seem almost effortless is experience. Do you want to give your photographer the opportunity to practice on your wedding?
Or do you want someone who is so qualified they can handle anything that is thrown at them and they come through at the end with dynamic pictures?
Of course a photographer can’t guarantee wedding pictures because of the very nature of weddings. A wedding is an event. Once you wedding is over, it’s over. You have your photographs as your memories, so ruined photos won’t
matter much even if you get all your money back.
MISTAKE #7 You don’t ask for references.
Call the local florist, or DJ service and ask them who they would recommend
They hear a lot of feedback and experience a lot of photographers in action. You will be surprised. You will discover many positive leads that will make your search very fruitful, and it is so easy to take a few minutes and call around. Most people will treat you very warm, and they will be eager to answer your questions. Another way is to look for
testimonials on their web site. See what past clients have to say about the photographer.
This is the easiest way you can hire the best photographer for YOU!
And...Here’s a bonus section for you:Things To Look Out For There are some things you should watch for when you shop around for
your wedding photographer.
*BOOKING TOO FAST-Shop around, take your time. Don’t ever feel pressured into making a decision on the spot or that day, unless of course you’ve done your homework and feel very comfortable with your choice. Then
nab’em before it’s too late.
*READ WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING- Some vendors use certain tactics to get people to sign a contract. Then they may not follow through on the “verbal” promises made. Unfortunately, this makes the entire industry look bad.
There is a simple solution. Take your time and read the contract. If your prospective photographer makes a promise, get it in writing.
*Hire a photographer with a distinctive style and expect different results -You choose a photographer because they will deliver a certain product, a “look”. If you like what they offer, than you can be certain you will like the results that they will deliver of your wedding day. It sounds simple doesn’t it? Many brides cut corner and expect better than
expected results from their photographer. Most photographers offer a free engagement session with every wedding package. You would ask to have onedone before you actually commit to a full wedding package. That way you
get to experience the photographer at work and see the actual results they
will produce for you.
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*Look for a photographer that obviously loves doing what they do.
Sadly, for too many photographers you wedding is just another “job”. They fail to bring passion and love of the craft into each and every wedding they photograph. Look for someone who radiates passion, and love of the craft. If photographing your wedding is drudgery for them, your photos may be fine, but will they really shine for you the way and artist who is truly passionate about their craft can make them?
*Experience... Nothing beats it. If your photographer has photographed many weddings and has a strong vibrant reputation in your community, you can rest assured they got there with experience. Outstanding wedding
photographers are not taught in school or by acquiring some degree or by winning awards. They get there through experience, just like an airline pilot.
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS I hope this report helps you make the right decision about who you are going to hire for your wedding. Good photos will become priceless and one of your most valued and treasured keepsakes.
Studies have shown that the first item that people take with them in the event of a fire
is their wedding photos.
With the advent of digital photography you see many, many more cameras at wedding these days. Seems that everyone is a photographer. However, owning a decent digital does not make anyone a good wedding photographer.
Owning a good camera does not give anyone the ability to compose, to see light and use light effectively. To predict when certain events will unfold and be “at the right place at the right time.” There is so much more.
Best of luck and congratulations!
Charles Vandersluys Master Photog., Cr.,- Baldini & Vandersluys Photographers
J.R. Baldini, Master Photog, Cr.
Baldini & Vandersluys
Master Photographers
7973 Lundy's Lane
Niagara Falls
(905) 354-8692
1 800 393-7270
