Deanna Sanderson Helsten, an artist, photographer, and a former bride with advice provides The Sari-Clad Bride with the following photography tips:

Unless you have a personal referral from a close friend, finding the perfect photographer for your wedding is about as risky as trying to win the lottery. As a photographer, I have a good idea who is out there (and who should NOT be out there) shooting weddings. I have a few words of advice:

First: Don’t ever let the price determine whether or not you chose a photographer. Fantastic images are priceless. Bad photographs are worthless (or even damaging); but the value the photographer offers may not align with what they charge at all. You MUST see their work. If they cannot show you adequate pictures (ie: albums, slide shows, etc.) for at least five (entire) weddings…consider moving on. Judge the photographer based on their worst photographs…not their best. (Everyone can get a lucky shot once in a while.) If you find a photographer that you love, be willing to spend a little extra. The photographs are the most effective way to capture the memories of your special day. (I personally had a budget wedding, and the photographer cost more than the entire wedding expenses combined. It was worth every penny!)

Second: Experience says a lot. The rule of thumb is: At least 50 weddings makes an experienced photographer. I don’t know that we should hold hard and fast to that rule, but the photographer should at least have a backup camera, have their own lighting source if needed, (You have a bad photographer if they use the little pop-up flash on their camera.) They should bring in a second photographer to help at large weddings (they cannot possibly capture it all), and they should be unobtrusive during the ceremony and the celebration, yet commanding and full of ideas during photo-taking times (preparations, bride and groom, group shots, etc.)

Courtesy of Deanna Sanderson Helsten

Third: You should have communication with your photographer about what kinds of images you expect. An experienced photographer should have a list of the images that are typically captured at weddings. A South Asian wedding will have different needs than a typical North American wedding, but a really great photographer will be sensitive to all opportunities to capture great images, not matter what culture and style the wedding is. (Deanna’s advice: Group shots are really out of vogue. Insist on one really great group shot, and then let the photographer shine and show you their artistic abilities with priceless candid moments throughout the event.)

Lastly: Find your local professional photographers group. Here in my city, the best photographers belong to a group called PPSV, the Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley. (There are also state and nation-wide groups, but flying a photographer in from out of town may not be in your budget.) These groups are dedicated to improving the craft of the photographers. They meet regularly, take classes to improve their techniques, and even have their work judged. From professional groups like this, you will have a plethora of photographers to choose from. With so many choices, you should be able to find a photographer whose work you love AND with whom you make a personal connection with.

Best to you!

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