Picking a photographer- how do I know if its right?!

floraall

Hey guys I'm new here. I'm getting married 9/17/11 and still looking for a photographer. I'm leaning towards Bravo Studios Photography out of Brighton. Has anyone heard anything about them? They look really professional and I love their pics, but its a lot of money so I just want to be sure. Thanks for the help!

Julz629

Welcome and congrats!

There is a sticky post at the top of the page where everyone lists their vendors, you might want to check out there.

Regarding your question about how do you know if a photographer is the right one...  You and your FI should both meet with them to make sure your personalities click, make sure to look at their work to make sure it is what you like, let them know your expectations, and make sure you understand what is included in the costs.  If you need reassurance, maybe you should meet with a couple different photographers so that you can compare them.

emarston1

Are you looking for more posed pictures or a more photojournalistic approach?  Definitely look through their blogs and galleries to make sure you love their photos.

Photography was the #1 thing for me so I was extremely picky when looking at photographer's sites.  But the other thing you will want to do is check vendor reviews.  This is I think the most important research tool.  If you aren't finding rave reviews from lots of brides - I would look elsewhere.

sunkissed212

Definitely make sure you 'mesh' well with your photog. I was very determined to find a photographer that made us feel comfortable in front of the camera. Obviously you want your photos to look natural and not forced and having a photographer that makes you feel comfortable is very important.

And, making sure that their style fits what you're looking for is also obviously important. Some photographers do more of a tradional style while others are more photojournalistic. It depends on what you're going for.

and ditto what the other girls said...make sure you know what you're getting for the cost, and check the sticky at the top for recommended vendors by brides here. I have not heard of the photopgrapher you mentioned in your OP, so I can't help there. Sorry.

larzhope

I'm getting married 9/17/11 too! so welcome date twin PP are right, the sticky at the top is going to have all the good info!

rcj2rcd

Hi - welcome to the board!

I agree with PPs, the sticky is my first stop for vendor research, but just because a vendor isn't on the sticky doesn't mean you shouldn't check them out or use them. I talked to 16 photographers before I decided on mine. She wasn't on the sticky, but I met with her and instantly clicked.

With any vendor, always do your research. Check out the photographer online (better business bureau), look at their portfolio to get an idea of their style to see if it meshes with yours, meet with them in person and take a little time to think after you talk with them.

janicejab

We're having a tough time finding a photographert at a reasonable price too! FI and I have met with 2 so far (first one was awesome, but expensive; the second one showed us HORRID pictures and we left within 10 minutes of arriving for our meeting). I set up couple more meetings, and am hopeful! My best advice would be to look online at their pictures and blogs as well as their pricing. Then set up a meeting. You'll know if you're comfortable with the photographer right away. You really should pick someone you're comfortable with or your pictures will look forced and you won't have as much fun. Good luck!