Three mistakes to avoid when hiring a wedding photographer: Part 1

Posted by KC - 12/08/09 at 10:12:42 am

Since we hope you are reading this blog because you are considering Craige & van Roden as your wedding photographer, or you know someone who might be, I wanted to include some good advice offered by other experienced photographers. I was not surprised to see “wrong personality” as the first mistake to avoid. When you like your photographer and your photographer likes you the bond formed is going to be reflected in the images that are captured on your wedding day.

Merrill Whitmeyer Wedding

KC with close friend and client, Rebecca Merrill

“When you are hiring a wedding photographer, don’t hire someone whom you don’t really like on a personal basis! Their photos might be great, but remember that your photographer is going to be a very substantial participant in your wedding day, not only capturing your memories, but becoming a big part of them! So make sure you’re comfortable with their personality. If you find your photographer irritating, abrasive, or if you think their jokes are cheesy, keep looking. You REALLY don’t want to look at your wedding photos, and think “Oh wow, remember the incredibly inappropriate joke the photographer told right before he shot this?” or “That guy got on my nerves – I remember feeling irritated with him as this photo was being taken.” Your day is about your happiness, first and foremost. The most beautiful photo in the world won’t mean as much if your memory of the photography experience sours it!
~ Buffy Goodman, Edmonton, Alberta

The number one mistake to avoid when hiring a wedding photographer is to listen to everyone else. Your best friend might have loved her photographer, and your cousin probably swears by hers. So you meet with both of them and their pictures seem good enough. But did you like them? Your photographer will be with you all day, so it’s important you get along with them and enjoy their company. Your instincts will tell you a whole lot!
~ Britney Gardner, Turn Loose the Art, Huntington Beach, CA


  • Bess Whitt
    So..........
    CVR Photography (KC and Patti) did our third wedding in less than 18 months so I feel like we have some basis for comparison.

    The first photographer actually took some pretty good shots, was reasonable but I felt no connection. She was on her own with no help and so many of the shots captured by having a second photographer were missing when all was said and done. She was the mom of one of the students in our daughter's class and basically gave us a good deal for which we were grateful. The bride was happy with what she had and that my friend is what counts, even if there could have been more...

    The photographer at our second daughter's wedding was a real nightmare!!! He was supposed to have an assistant but she basically was his wife watching from the sidelines helping to carry equipment. He had problems capturing the photos he wanted before the ceremony, had issues with his equipment and lighting, and got lost between the church and reception. There was absolutely no forethought to being prepared. Even though he lived in the area, he didn't even take the time to check out the venues beforehand.

    I was leary of another wedding photographer by the time the third wedding rolled around! KC traveled out to the country (yes we are indeed in the sticks) with the kids to do engagement photos at our family farm. He wanted to see the church where the ceremony would be held, and our backyard where the reception would be so he could get a feel for the "lay of the land." He talked to the prospective bride and groom several times before the big day to connect with them and work to capture the memories they wanted. He gave SJ suggestions to help ease her frustrations with all the little details.....if you're working on a wedding you know what I'm talking about..... He kept in contact with our good friend helping as wedding planner.... and he was a genuinely nice guy and gentleman during the entire process. I will always be grateful for that calming effect he had on a bride trying to deal with all the challenges of planning that perfect day. I feel like we were able to not only capture some great memories of a wonderful day but we have met a great guy and have a new friend. We haven't ordered copies of the photos we'd like... 3 weddings and two grandbabies in less than a two year span kind of hits the pocketbook, but we know we can down the road. If I had to do all three again, he is the only photographer I would engage again. Think about these folks... I don't think you'll be sorry..
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