3 things to consider

“Which photographer should I choose for my big day? It is the most important event in my life and I wish not to mess up my memories.. How do I decide?”

I believe ramai antara anda semua pasti memikirkan perkara yang sama seperti ungkapan di atas..

Semenjak dua menjak ini, perkhidmatan fotografi perkahwinan bagaikan dilanda tsunami.. Rata2 kita dapat melihat begitu banyak website2 dan blogsite yang menyediakan perkhidmatan fotografi perkahwinan..

Fenomena ini saya percaya akibat kemudahan mendapatkan kamera DSLR dengan harga yang mampu milik.. Boleh dikatakan setiap hari kita dapat melihat ada saja orang yang menggalas beg camera dan tidak kurang juga manusia2 yang menggalas camera di bahu mereka.. Begitu ramai sekali fotografer2 yang timbul sekarang ini..

Saya masih ingat ketika saya mula2 melibatkan diri saya dalam bidang ini.. Camera pertama saya pada waktu itu cuma berharga RM1,100 sahaja (which is wayyyyy cheaper than DSLR).. Tapi masa itu camera digital masih belum wujud.. Pada waktu itu AMAT SUSAH untuk kita bertemu dengan jurugambar2 lain.. Saya cuma dapat melihat jurugambar beraksi pada ketika terdapat event2 besar danjurugambar yang hadir cuma jurugambar press.. Hobbyist memang tak ada.. I was alone in my own world back then..

Fast forward ke tahun 2009, harga DSLR kini sudah turun pada average RM2000 untuk entry level kit set.. Harganya masih tinggi berbanding kit set analog saya dahulu tetapi ramai sungguh org membelinya dan mengusungnya kesana kemari.. Sekarang pada saya fotografi bukan lagi satu hobi tetapi kini ianya sudah menjadi trend.. Its a “Must Have” gadget for most people..

Apabila ini berlaku, ramai fotografer mempunyai tanggapan “I need to make some bucks to fund for my next camera gear.. I think wedding is the easiest way to do it..”

Haaaa.. This is the kind of mentality yang common pada KEBANYAKKAN jurugambar2 wedding sekarang ini.. Mereka tidak melakukannya kerana minat.. Bukan kerana tanggungjawab.. Bukan kerana mereka appreciate wedding anda.. Mereka cuma memberi perkhidmatan wedding untuk mengumpul duit bagi membeli equipment2 terbaru di pasaran.. There are no heart involved.. They are pure cold blooded bloodsucking opportunists.. Would you jeopardize the memories of the most important event of your life by giving them the task?

I am not saying that they are bad at photography, some of them are really2 good..

So how do you decide?

1. The Photographer
A photographer should present themselves neat and tidy at all times. Their image represents you since you were the one who chose them. The photographers should at all times projects themselves as professionals and know what they are doing without much (or any hiccups). The photographers should always watch their manners and respects your event. The photographer should always be responsible. (This is why we URGE everybody to come and meet us for consultations thus we do not practices sending out our quotations through emails or on the phone.)

2. The pictures
When we browse around looking for photographers, we will DEFINITELY be presented ONLY with their best shots. Some showcases only 1 best shot for that event and some can go up to 10. Only a few will actually show you the coverage they had for the WHOLE event. I myself practices showcasing the best images that I’ve shot the Whole event. Be wary of photographers who only showcases images during preparation/makeover and portraitures only. Shortlist photographers who showcases images during events such as berarak, merenjis, candids and such.. Outdoor portraitures, makeover photos and such are not that hard to do.. Its a piece of cake to get good images during the mentioned event.

3. The albums
Each photographers interprets your event differently. Some emphasizes on your events with lots of candid and story telling. Some emphasizes on portrait shots (which makes you always look good in the album). Some have the combination of both. And some have their own unique way. Find the photographer who can interpret what you want in your album and this can be achieved by having a good communication. ( again, this is why we urge people to meet us for consultations).

It is not easy to choose the “Right” photographer for you. Dont let your budget constraint you.. It should be your biggest investment during you wedding day.. Photographs worth more that your fresh flowers deco, more than the taste of the nasi minyak, more than your jimmy choo heels, tag heuer watches, paul smiths and hemes (which you bought for your hantaran)..

Please remember……….

“Wedding photography is actually an INVESTMENT”