Getting to Know Your Photographer (and them getting to know you!):
When it comes to comfort levels, I can tell you that being in front of the camera is not high up on the list of most comfortable or easy things to do. It's certainly awkward having someone tell you to kiss or laugh like you mean it, while pointing a camera at you. This is why this category, hands down, belongs to independent photographers. The little guy will take the time to get to know you. Most small photography businesses will offer engagement sessions as your "practice" session, to get out those awkward moments. And you get that session with the actual person that will be there on your wedding day. I tell my brides and grooms it's more of a time for us to get to know each other, so when the big day comes, you can relax, and get the images that you've dreamt of. One of the first things I hear people claim about my work is how natural everyone looks. That's because I've taken the time with them to get to know them! Many big studio companies won't let you meet or talk to the photographer until a week or so before hand. Sure, some will let you "choose" which photographer you want on your wedding day. I've heard of several companies that wait to tell you the name of the person that will be photographing your wedding that week!
Personalized Service:
This one, again, goes to the independent photographer. You will be speaking directly with the photographer, in most cases, when you hire an independent photographer for your wedding day. This company is most likely the photographer's baby, raised from infancy, and you'd better believe that someone who has invested so much of his own time to grow a business will be sure to take excellent care of you! The independent photographer will take the time to find out your likes, dislikes, have conversations, respond to questions (as silly as you think they may be!), give advice, work on posing, and be sure that your wedding day flows smoothly. (Even if it means taking on tasks that aren't in the job description--sewing bra straps to a bridesmaids dress? Been there. Pinning boutonnieres on groomsmen? Done that. Helping to coordinate when things take a turn in the wrong direction? You betcha.) As an independent photographer, I'm also there to ensure that your day is as stress-free and smooth as possible, because I care about your wedding. A photographer that is sent from a big studio MAY do some of these things, but as someone who has not invested as much time in you or your event, they may only see the paycheck side of things. If they're not being paid to do it, why bother?
On the other side of personalized service, an independent photographer will carefully examine all of your images, making sure each one is as perfect as it can be. Big studios usually have someone else do the editing. Now you've had someone who doesn't know you photograph your wedding, and someone who wasn't even there is editing your priceless images. Sigh.
Cost:
Ok, the big studios win this one. Because of their high-volume intake, larger photography studios are usually able to offer their services at lower costs. Can't really argue there. Independent photographers have to pay for everything themselves, and since they can't handle the large volumes that a big studio can, there's much less income to offset these costs. But, you get what you pay for. ;)
Back-Up Emergencies:
Again, big studios will win this one. With so many photographers on deck, should the assigned photographer to your wedding day have something tragic happen, they can send a replacement. While many independent photographers surround themselves in the industry and have other photographer friends that they can probably call on, it is a risk that needs to be considered. But reverting back to the personalized service of it all, I can guarantee that an independent photographer will do everything he or she can to ensure that they are there for your day. We will bend over backwards to ensure that we are there to see your day through, where as a big studio photographer may just "call out" and find a replacement, instead.
Quality, Style and Knowledge/Experience:
This one is a tough category to select a real "winner," because photographers come at all ability levels and styles. Many big studio photographers work there part-time, or for fun. Photography may not be a passion for them as it is for an independent photographer, or it may be a way for them to "learn the industry" before branching out on their own. Independent photographers may invest their time in to constantly learning their craft, to ensure that your images are top quality. You may like the style you see from a big studio, but how do you know you'll get the photographer that shot that particular wedding that you liked? The quality may look good, but will it be consistent? How much knowledge will a big studio photographer really have? Remember, just because they've shot 100 weddings that year (experience), doesn't mean they have the knowledge to produce timeless images. But on the flip side, the same can go for independent photographers. Are they willing to invest their own time and money in to knowledge? Have they invested in the right quality equipment? At least you'll know one thing with the independent photographer, and that is if you like what you see when you meet with them, you can bet you'll end up with that style of photos for your own day.
Next Week...
Why hiring an amateur photographer could cost you more than your bargained for.
About Blueprint Photography
Blueprint Photography is owned by Jamie Lapsley and located in Newark, DE. I photograph in the DE/MD/PA/NJ regions often, and have travel options available, as well. I've been photographing weddings for over 5 years, but studying photography for 15 years. I have a growing family, including my husband of five and a half years, my two year old daughter, Abby, and my soon-to-be-baby-boy, Liam! We have two dogs and two cats that love to greet brides and grooms at the door when coming for a consultation to discuss your wedding.
Get in Touch!
WEBSITE: http://blueprint-photography.com
PHONE: 302-668-6058
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