Oahu Photographer Indecision

angelia12

How does one ultimately choose the "perfect" photographer!? I have been wavering over this decision for quite some time now. Every time I think I found exactly what I want, I find a flaw in something and start looking for new options. There are just SO many options out there! I'm  looking for someone with a crisp, artsy, colorful, and unique approach with a good amount of experience and very good at directing poses and such. And ideally under 2k. Any ideas or suggestions? I'm so nervous about choosing a photog. that doesn't live up to what I want... Help!

(To give an idea of a couple I've considered: Firebird Photo, Stephen Ludwig)

Tanq&Tonic

Well, the reality is that there is no 'perfect' photographer.  You have to choose someone whose taste and skills you trust, and then let them exercise their vision on the day of your wedding.  The important thing is to look at a broad portfolio of entire weddings.  Anyone can build a portfolio from 1 or 2 good shots from 10 different weddings.  But proving skill over an entire wedding time & time again is a different story.  Find someone who is willing to show you that work, and where for the most part, you like what they do.  And if there are specifics you don't like, tell them.  We told our photographer no selective coloring (which he never does) and no tilt shift (which is signature for him).  He didn't use either on the day of our wedding.

The other thing I will say is that many times, no matter how well a photographer captures the day, I've found brides are disappointed with the photos.  The reality is that nothing will ever fully capture how that day felt, and how much happiness you felt.  But at least for me & those I know, as time passes, you look more objectively upon your photos and appreciate their work.

We brought our photographer from the mainland, but Shawn Starr is one of my Oahu favorites.  I think Visionari recently had a shoot that impressed me as well, but I think they are much more expensive.  Good luck!!

AKWinterBride

I don't think you will ever find the 'perfect' photographer as everyone has their own special touch.  I L-O-V-E my photos but I still look at others and think, 'Dang, that is gorgeous, I wish I had that shot!'.  So, go in objectively, decide what is most important to you (photojounalistic vs. posed shots | less editing vs. highly edited, etc.) and pick whoever you lean most towards!

[Deleted User]

I agree with Tanq and AK! Great suggestions Looking at portfolios is key. You can't really get that from their website.

I would also suggest talking to the photographer. I had 2 top candidates and after a phone conversation with them I was able to make a decision based on gut. It seemed like one person had a better sense of what I was looking for and I felt more at ease with her. It's hard to be in front of a camera so my thinking was that I should choose someone I felt more comfortable with.

emikat

We are using Stephen Ludwig and have already had our engagement photos taken from him.  I haven't seen the prints yet, but he was great to work with and fun.  He was able to direct us well and went with the flow on the day of the shoot.  I'd recommended him.  I had originally looked around and considered Dallas Nagata White.  Her site was impressive to me, but I haven't worked with her and she wasn't available the date of our wedding.  

noreenchiu

I agree with Tanq - I'd suggest asking the photographers for access to full wedding albums.  I've asked a few people for that, and it's really helpful seeing all the photos of the day, rather than just the best edited photos on the websites.  You'll get a better idea of their angles, use of lighting, etc.  Usually they will just give you passwords to a few past clients' albums on their website.  I've also found reading their blogs and facebook pages quite helpful, it might give you a better idea of their personality than just their website.

I think I've narrowed my choices down to Rebecca Arthurs or bringing someone from my home town with me.  Does anyone have any advice on hiring local vs. bringing someone?

AKWinterBride

Noreen, I was a Maui bride but I ended up bringing our photographer in from San Deigo.  She is not only an awesome and sweet photographer, but she could also offer us way, way, way more coverage than any local photographer we were interested in. 

We got all day coverage for the wedding as well as a 4 hour TTD shoot. 

dianalynm

I say photographers that display their photos in galleries/blogs from beginning to end. You want to find the photographer who can capture the moments that mean the most to you. 

Also, ask potential photogs for references. I asked mine for references and he was happy to provide them. Both references gave me rave reviews about our photographer. They also had galleries up on his website before I even contacted them, so I knew they were actual clients!

My #1 advice is really to find a photographer that has complete wedding portfolios and not just a handful of photos from each wedding (just like Tanq said).

However, I love your choice of Firebird Photography! Amazing style!