When planning a wedding on an exotic island, it’s important to have an idea in advance of how your special day will go. For example, what should you expect when hiring a wedding photographer? How do you weed out unsuitable candidates? What will your interaction look like during the wedding itself, and most importantly: what results should you expect?
Portfolio
Of course, every professional develops their own working style and ethics, so I’ll only speak for myself. If I were choosing a photographer for myself, the first step would be to look at his portfolio – a relatively small selection of the best work from his various weddings.
Wedding Galleries
Since portfolios usually only include a select few images, it makes sense to spend some time looking at all of your candidate’s photos from one wedding from start to finish. Actually, this is what clients, who are usually not professional photo models, get as a result.
Shooting Process
What will your interaction with your wedding photographer be like? Will he be invisible, like a hunter; or not averse to pushing away a priest to get a good close-up of the ring exchange? Will he give orders on how to pose and when to smile, like a commander; or will he let you mind your own business and click the camera now and then, like a paparazzo? What to do if you really could use a couple of hints and recommendations from an expert, but certainly not from a homegrown Spielberg, who imagines himself to be in charge of your party?
Typically, right after the wedding ceremony, if there’s no rush, a leisurely stroll or a little jaunt with the photographer to interesting places can be very helpful. It’s perfect for a semi-performance (“Guys, hold hands, walk along the surf to that palm tree over there, chat about anything you want along the way, I’ll be right next to you snapping”), or a full performance (“Foot – here, lean this much, chin a little higher, a millimeter before the kiss, freeze and don’t breathe for three seconds”). I’m happy to give tips on posing, etc. – if clients ask.
I will almost never, ever interfere with the most solemn, exciting, unique events at a wedding (He, standing at the wedding arch, sees Her for the first time that day); on the other hand, if you want, I can share some observations ahead of time, such as: “when you put the ring on your finger, do it slowly – not only is it nice and touching, but it will also allow me to choose the best angle so as not to disturb anyone”. That’s why I think it’s optimal when 90% of the communication between the photographer and the clients takes place in advance, before the wedding.