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Your choice of photographer can truly have
a lasting impact on the quality and quantity of your wedding memories.
"Twenty years later, the cake and flowers are gone," said
Don Douglas, one of Juneau's foremost wedding photographers. "Only
the photos remain."
Before setting out on your quest to find a wedding photographer,
Douglas counsels you to take time to think about what you want.
Are you looking for professional images, or will snapshots do?
"If you want professional photographs, hire a professional,"
Douglas said, "just like you would in any other arena."
If you are going for a pro, your selection process needs to begin
as far in advance as possible. Once you've made your choice, you'll
want to book him or her before someone else reserves his or her
time.
But prior to scheduling consultations with wedding photographers,
first take just a little bit more time to peruse magazines and web
sites to get a feel for the type of photographs that appeal to you.
"Get a sense of what you like and what you don't like,"
Douglas said.
That way, when you begin to look at photographers' work, you can
see if their style resembles your taste. Furthermore, you'll have
a better idea if you are looking for a journalistic approach featuring
candid shots of your special day, or if formal shots are more suited
to your style. Maybe you want it all.
"I'll do both," Douglas said. "That combination seems
to work for 98 percent of my customers. Most don't want just one."
You should meet with two or three wedding photographers before making
your final selection. The best way to develop a short list is to
ask family members, friends and coworkers for recommendations. Douglas
suggest you make your second stop the yellow pages. "I've been
a professional wedding photographer for 20 years," he said.
"It's difficult to believe anyone can do this successfully
without an advertising cornerstone.
"Weddings move fast; they have a particular flow to them,"
he added. "You need to be doing them for a while to be able
to pick up on that."
Now it's time to schedule consultations. During the meetings, explain
in detail what you want and take a thorough look at what the photographer
has to offer. Examine samples, portfolios and recently completed
wedding albums. Most experts offer a variety of wedding packages.
Review them with the photographer to make sure you clearly understand
what they do and do not include. Don't hesitate to ask if they offer
any flexibility in selections. Explore all your options.
Be sure you are meeting with and viewing the work of the person
who will actually shoot your wedding. As a rule, this isn't something
you need to worry about in Juneau, but it doesn't hurt to confirm.
While cost is likely a consideration, don't let it be your determining
factor. Comfortability is crucial. "It's very important,"
Douglas said. "You are going to see a lot of your photographer
on an extremely meaningful day.
"It's one of those things where recommendations from those
people you trust come in," he added.
In a small city like Juneau, professional photographers are likely
to shoot a variety of work, instead of specializing like some do
in major metropolitan areas, so take careful note of the photographer's
attitude towards your wedding. Is his or her personality upbeat
or deadbeat? Do they regard your wedding as a job or as a joyful
event?
"Weddings are a delight to do," Douglas said. "It's
a real treat to be so close to such a special event. The bride and
groom are at the crossroads of their life."
By Catherine Parmelee
For the Juneau Empire
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