Basics on selecting a photographer:
1) A camera does not make a photographer. Just like a typewriter does not make a writer. Here in the Virgin Islands we have many people that charge money to use their cameras that are not “photographers”. You would be better served buying a camera for Uncle Bob and have him shoot your wedding.
2) look at background and training. Are they a member of a professional organization? Are they certified? At present there are only 3 certified professionals in the islands.
3) Portfolios are a great way to view the photographers best work and to judge if their style fits you. But be aware that even an amateur can have a good portfolio. But can they reproduce what you see on a regular basis? In most cases not, as what you see happened by accident. This is something only a well trained pro can do. A good check is to view complete weddings that have been posted online for their brides, or wedding albums they have designed. This way you can more accurately gauge how consistent they are. There are only a few pro’s here that allow you to see this. Why? Because they have nothing to hide.
4) As in anything, you get what you pay for. Be leery of included photography in packages without being able to see samples/portfolios from the photographer the planners are using. Many times they hire a photographer for $200 and charge the bride $800. So you are not getting an $800 photographer, just a $200 one. Good professional photography is not cheap. With the cost of pro grade equipment and the hours spent after the wedding editing and retouching the photographs, designing albums etcetera a pro will put in another 40 hours of work on an 8 hour wedding shoot.
5) If you have never purchased truly professional photography before, you will be WOWED with the results and have something special for generations after the ceremony.
Selecting a photographer and being comfortable with that decision is not easy, but a very important step. It will be one of your largest investments. But a little homework and some looking around will net you photographs that you and your family can truly enjoy for a long time to come.
Cheers,
Gary