In that case I would go with the one who's personality you like best.
You will feel much more at ease in the pics if you have a good rapport with them x

i have only exchanged emails with both at the moment, the lady seems really nice and has asked to meet up so we can look at her portfolio and discuss things, and maybe visit the venue too, and the man has said he would like to meet up and talk about things and take some informal shots aswell to see if we are at ease with him, so both seem really nice! lol the lady has offered a cd of images, and the man has offered a cd and an album, both are priced at 300 so im really stumped! lol should i arrange to meet both? and maybe tell the other i have another photographer im talking with aswell, or should i keep that to myself? decisions decisions!!

I knew from the first time I saw our photographers work that I wanted him. Luckily he's a really nice guy and very passionate about what he does. I had to have a photographer whose shots were good quality, but natural - not too much posing!! I don't like traditional wedding photography so I guess it was the sense of naturalness in the picture that I liked, people laughing, chatting and crying.

In order to convince h2b, I brought up similar pictures of his and another photographer and showed him the quality difference.

It was a number of things for us. The quality and style of the photos was obviously a hugely important thing, plus the cost and what you got in the package for the money (although we actually went for the most expensive in the end), the photographers personality and passion for his work as we had to feel comfortable with the person and like them being around us taking pictures all day. Then when it came to the crunch and we'd narrowed it down to 3, we eliminated one as he hadn't done either our church or reception venue before, then down to the final two who had done both church and reception venue ....................just went for the one we felt most at ease with (like both of them a lot)...............I and H2B just had a gut feeling and I've learnt to trust my gut feeling :D

xx

after look at loads online i got it down to 2 we loved and meet with both they were both about the same price and did pretty much the same style of work and i got on really well with them both one was male and one was female. i hate having my photo taken so i need to make sure i got on well with them both and would feel happy in there company for the full day. after meeting them both i was still finding it hard to pick one so i emailed them both explaining i was finding it hard to pick as they were both about the same price though the lady offered a pre wedding shot in her price and with the man it cost an extra £200 while he offered a white backdrop photo shoot for the evening (a bit like a photo booth style with props) as something a little fun and different and i loved those pics. the man got back to me straight away and offered me a pre wedding shot in the price as he really liked the idea of doing a wedding shot on the beach (which was something we really wanted)as it was something he hadn't done before plus he had already recently done a wedding at my venue with my chosen car to so i went with him. don't be afraid to let them know your looking at other people too as it might help getting extras added on to you package or a bit of money off xx

yeah i might tell them im having trouble choosing and see what their responses are, and maybe that will help with my decision. Me and my partner both hate our picture being taken, so we def need to feel comfortable in whos going to spend our day with us! im going to email them tonight and see what happens! :)

Hmmmmmmmmm can't seem to find that thread but here is what I copied and pasted from it at the time I was meeting photographers which I found useful. Hope it helps.


The Basics

1.Do you have my date available? NOTE: Obviously, if the answer is NO and you’re not willing or able to change your date, don’t bother asking the rest of these questions.

2.How far in advance do I need to book with you?

3.How long have you been in business?

4.How many weddings have you shot? Have you done many that were similar to mine in size and style?

5.How would you describe your photography style (e.g. traditional, photojournalistic, creative)? NOTE: It’s helpful to know the differences between wedding photography styles so that you can discuss your preferences with your photographer. For descriptions of the various styles, click here.

6.How would you describe your working style? NOTE: The answer should help you determine whether this is a photographer who blends into the background and shoots what unfolds naturally, or creates a more visible presence by taking charge and choreographing shots.

7.What do you think distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?

8.Do you have a portfolio I can review? Are all of the images yours, and is the work recent?

9.What type of equipment do you use?

10.Are you shooting in digital or film format or both? NOTE: The general consensus seems to be that either format yields excellent photos in the hands of an experienced professional, and that most people can’t tell the difference between film or digital images anyway. For more info on the two formats check out the following:

11.Do you shoot in color and black & white? Both? Infrared? NOTE: Photographers who shoot in a digital format can make black & white or sepia versions of color photos.

12.Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?

13.Can you put together a slideshow of the engagement session (along with other photos the couple provides) and show it during the cocktail hour? What about an “instant” slideshow of the ceremony?

14.What information do I need to provide you before the wedding day?

15.Have you ever worked with my florist? DJ? Coordinator, etc.? NOTE: Some vendors have great working relationships that help things go smoothly. It’s especially helpful if your videographer and photographer work well together.

16.May I have a list of references? NOTE: The photographer should not hesitate to provide this.



The Shoot

17.Are you the photographer who will shoot my wedding? If so, will you have any assistants with you on that day? If not, who will be taking the pictures and can I meet them before my wedding? NOTE: You should ask the questions on this list of whoever is going to be the primary photographer at your event, and that photographer’s name should be on your contract.

18.Do you have backup equipment? What about a backup plan if you (or my scheduled photographer) are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?

19.If my wedding site is out of your area, do you charge a travel fee and what does that cover?

20.Are you photographing other events on the same day as mine?

21.How will you (and your assistants) be dressed? NOTE: The photographer and his/her staff should look professional and fit in with the style of your event.

22.Is it okay if other people take photos while you’re taking photos?

23.Have you ever worked at my wedding site before? If not, do you plan to check it out in advance? NOTE: Photographers who familiarize themselves with a location ahead of time will be prepared for any lighting issues or restrictions, and will know how best to incorporate the site’s architectural elements into the photos.

24.What time will you arrive at the site and for how long will you shoot?

25.If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?


Packages, Proofs and Prints

26.What packages do you offer?

27.Can I customize a package based on my needs?

28.Do you include engagement photos in your packages?

29.What type of album designs do you offer? Do you provide any assistance in creating an album?

30.Do you provide retouching, color adjustment or other corrective services?

31.How long after the wedding will I get the proofs? Will they be viewable online? On a CD?

32.What is the ordering process?

33.How long after I order my photos/album will I get them?

34.Will you give me the negatives or the digital images, and is there a fee for that?


Contracts and Policies

35.When will I receive a written contract? TIP: Don’t book a photographer—or any vendor—who won’t provide a written contract.

36.How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due? Do you offer a payment plan?

37.What is your refund/cancellation policy?

38.Do you have liability insurance?


Questions to ask yourself:

1.Do I feel a connection with this photographer as well as his/her photos? Are our personalities a good match?

2.Am I comfortable with this person’s work and communication style?

3.Has this photographer listened well and addressed all my concerns?

Check references. Ask the photographer for at least 5 references, preferably of couples whose wedding was similar to yours in size and/or style. Getting feedback from several people who have actually hired the photographer in question can really help you decide if that person is right for you.

InDreamland, thankyou so much! i would not have thought of half of that to ask the photographer! i will def be grilling them! lol we are arranging to meet with laura so hopefully all goes well and she answers well too! lol has anyone booked a photographer that looked good, and then u didnt wuite get what u expected or wanted? and looking back would u now realise why they werent as good as first thought? x

Mine a friend of mine happened to know but she's an amazing photographer who really loves unique and alternative weddings, just what I needed!

ours is a friend of mine from college where i did photography anyway I know his work well and Im at ease with him, i hate having photos taken, i prefer to be behind the camera lol. but with him i feel very relaxed. No brainer really.

My Uncle and my Cousin are both professional photographers, my Cousin has his own Wedding Photography business as a sideline to his cameraman job. I've seen work they've done at other peoples weddings and so I have asked them to do my pics, all it's costing me is the cost of their hotel rooms.

Sorry I can't be of any help I'm just so chuffed.

You got it! Don't like it, then vote with your feet. But, as you say, one month to go....best get a wriggle on. Lol-:)

dont know why it says one month, i suppose cos im under 2 months now! def feeling the pressure to get one booked! i have 58 days!! still waiting for a response from laura too! i do hope shes good and gets back to me really soon! im feeling quite nervous about it all now as it gets closer to the day! i just dont want to feel too pressured by time and settle for less! eeek!