i can’t believe i’m doing this

…but I can’t help myself.

I’m officially going to morph into someone I’d like to say that I’m not, but for this moment … just this once will you please give me the permission? Permission to stand tall on my soap box, utter a few meaningful (at least what I deem meaningful) words and then I promise I’ll step back down and resume my normal self.

I’m sitting in a coffee shop, internet turned off (until now) so that I’m forced to focus solely on this one event that needs to be edited. There are these two girls sitting to my left, sipping on coffee, one sharing all about the details of her wedding. She has talked now for quite some time about the disappointments in their hired photographer. They haven’t even seen one photo and already she (and her mom it seems) are rehearsing an argument to share if their photos turn out like they are anticipating they will. I am not a nosey person … I normally sit in these coffee shops with headphones in (like I am now), but I can’t help but tune in when I hear “photographer” again and again. Seems as if when doing their bride + groom shots he asked them what they’d like to do? “What?”, they ask. “What would you guys like to photograph?” Her friend is dumbfounded. She explains that he didn’t direct many of their photos, instead simply wanted to do what they wanted to do.

Here’s the problem with that … you, sir, were hired to direct all aspects of the photography. If they were directing it they wouldn’t have hired you. They would have brought along their own camera and taken their pictures with a tripod.

She’s going on and on … his lack of organization, the way he managed their time, etc, etc …. (imagine me moving sliders around in Lightroom except I’m totally distracted because I’m trying not to be like the friend gasping and blurting out words from sheer frustration. The injustice!)

And, so since I’ve climbed all the way to the top of this soap box I might as well make the most of it.

A note to all you lovely souls searching for a wedding photographer:

. Don’t hire a photographer based on their website. Website templates (even the fancy ones) can be purchased for $100 nowadays.

. Keep in mind that photographers put their **best** work on their websites. Make sure it’s sufficient. Don’t hire a photographer because a handful of their photographs are good (even if the other ones are just okay) … those might be the only good ones they’ve ever taken.

. Don’t be afraid to ask photographers if you can preview an entire wedding they’ve photographed (ask them for the password to the proofing section of a past wedding). Quantity does not equal quality. Just because there are 3,000 photos does not mean they’re good. Some of the best photographers are going to edit it down to the absolute best 10-15% leaving you with hundreds of “framers” (photos worthy of being displayed in a pretty frame). You do not want 12 of the same photo with someone different having their eyes closed in each one.

. Make sure you meet with them - face to face (unless you know of them from someone else and trust that person). Hiring a photographer for your wedding is an intimate thing … make sure you connect with them. Make sure they get you.

. Don’t hesitate to ask your potential photographer what gear they use. Ask them how they would handle different situations (say if it rains at your outdoor wedding).

. Just because they provide an assistant or a 2nd shooter does not mean that your photos are going to be doubly good. Take note that some weddings are actually better off shot with just one photographer (I’ll elaborate on this if anyone wants to know my reasons for why ;). If your wedding is large enough to warrant a 2nd shooter, make sure they are good, too. Don’t hesitate to ask to see their work!

. And, finally just because they are the most well known photographer in the city you live in does not mean that they are good. Eeek! I feel like such a sell-out. All my ugly sides are seeping out of my pores. It’s terrible, I know, but it’s true. I am dumbfounded at some of the successful photographers out there. Shadows on a person’s face, underexposed photos, terrible composition … oh, they make my insides hurt just viewing them. Yet they’re everywhere so be warned!

. Oh, and one more bit of advice … don’t hesitate to get the advice from another photographer (a legit one).

Okay, I’m stepping down … I’m sure tonight when I go to bed I’ll gasp at the fact that I wrote this. I will say though that I feel better.

It’s a no spin zone around here. Here’s Jessica Cudzilo, looking out for you.

p.s. check out my ‘Resources’ tab on my blog for a list of my favorite photographers. Check out the wedding ones … then compare with photographers in your area. Awesome cannot be imitated.