Finding the Right Event Photographer

Certain special events, like graduations, engagements, birthdays, and weddings, mark pivotal milestones in our lives and the lives of friends and family members. Hiring a great event photographer is a key element in helping to immortalize the memories of the moments that have changed us.

Things You'll Want in Any Event Photographer

Perspective
Great event photographers know that each event has its own story; with each story comes multiple perspectives. Make sure you hire someone who can share at least three alternatives of how event can be covered. Ask about camera angles and potential shot lists to gauge your photographer's level of creativity.

Flexibility
The hallmark of a seasoned event photographer is his ability to work with ever-evolving circumstances. Ask your potential photographers about situations that have gone awry at recent events and how they chose to handle the various challenges.

Professionalism
Though this should go without saying, bear in mind that events bring out the best and worst in people. Your event photographer should be patient enough to deal with drunk guests, smart enough to avoid come-ons from inappropriate guests, and savvy enough to compromise with uptight security personnel.

Tips for Certain Types of Events

Children's Birthday Parties
When hiring a photographer for a child's birthday party, make sure you spend time observing your potential shooter and how he or she interacts with children. While this may seem obvious, make sure to get several recommendations from friends who have successfully used the photographer in the past.

Graduations
An event photographer should be given the lay of the land prior to shooting a graduation. This means providing him with an approximate timeline for the event, along with the stage location, the diploma hand-off location, and the after-ceremony meet and greet location. Make sure to check with school officials to find out if your event photographer needs a special pass to shoot the event.

Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
Bar and bat mitzvahs can be tricky, as most temples do not allow photography during the actual ceremony. Arrange with your event photographer to do pre-ceremony reenactments at the temple several days before the actual event. If you are hiring someone who is not intimately familiar with this right of passage, spend a few minutes explaining the significance of the various rites and traditions.

Weddings
Make sure you hire an event photographer who has shot several weddings in the past. Ask for client references and view online samples to ensure that your photographer's style matches what you're envision for your big day.

Office Parties
It takes a special kind of event photographer to capture the vibe of an office holiday party. Look for a photographer who can snap pictures of individuals and groups early in the evening and who will also have a good eye for which shots should be deleted before they set off too much office gossip.

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