Choosing your Photographer

At Hannah Michael, we refer vendors because we believe in the quality of their products and the quality of service these companies provide. We try very hard to guide our clients to the people who will provide them the best possible service at an outstanding value, but some clients book vendors who are not on our preferred vendor list. So this is our guide to picking the right Photographer for your special event.

Photography is an all encompassing term used for all types of image capture but there are in fact distinct variations in the manner in which photography is approached in different genres. Different genres of photography require a different style and perspective. The techniques used by photographers vary based on the subject, the situation and the end use of the image or scene.

• Identify the style and print of photography that appeal to you most. Identify your budget and the size of your party. Identifying the key things will help you narrow down your options e.g. if you are planning a big event and you will like both Traditional and Reportage shots, it will be wise to engage a company that can provide more than one photographer on site for proper coverage, this will invariably cost more.
• Based on your identified needs, narrow down your options to the best three (3) companies that meet ALL your criteria. To avoid getting overwhelmed and confused, limit your options!
• Check out the photographer’s online portfolio as well as the finished products included in the package they are offering. There are many types of albums available and you want to be sure of the quality of the photography, as well as the quality of the design and make of the album they produce.
• The best photographers are capable of consistently producing great results in all types of lighting situations from the morning to evening celebrations so ask if it is possible to see a full wedding shoot from start to finish. This is better than seeing the 'best of' portfolio.
• Preparation is important – ask your photographer to have a site visit of your venue, to run through the schedule and plan the formal family group shots. The more time spent planning this with your photographer, the less chaos there will be on the day...ensuring a swift and smooth family photo session.
• Arrange to meet with your photographer before your big day. The success of the photos depend on how relaxed and confident you feel with the person, and considering they will be with you for most of the day, it's important you feel comfortable with them.
• Relax and enjoy the photography experience - your photographer will give you some direction to get the best from you on the day with some helpful hints and advice. Take all these suggestions on board...one good tip is to remember to smile with your eyes not just your mouth - a genuine feeling of happiness shows in the photos!
• Finally, remember only your photos will capture and store memories of your special event. Only the best will do!