How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

joan — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:40:43 +0000

By Joan Ross, Wedding Photographer, www.joanross.com

In one day, all the months of planning are over. The music ends, the gown is put away and the guests return to their daily lives. With an outstanding wedding photographer, memories can be kept alive for all to enjoy in the years ahead. So consider following this list of questions to help you select your wedding photographer.

Check with Friends: A recommendation from someone whose opinion you trust is a good way to find your photographer. Other ways to find a local photographer are to search the internet and go to a wedding planning site.

Experience Level: Has this person photographed other weddings? Make sure she/he does this for a living.

Photographic Style: Check web sites to find the photographer whose style is attractive to you. Questions to ask yourself are: Are you drawn to formal, candid, or a combination of photographic styles? Do you want color, black and white or a mixture of both? Do you like the organization, layout and flow of the photographic images on the site?

Truth in Advertising: Verify that the photographer who will be photographing your wedding is the one you are talking to. Be certain that you see his/her work and meet with that individual face to face.

Personality: When you meet the photographer, is she/he someone you feel comfortable with? Trust your intuition.

Whole Wedding: If you’re interested in the photographer’s services at this point, ask to see a complete coverage of a single wedding.

Price Range: Is this person within your budget? If not, is she/he worth the price difference? Understand what everything costs, including reprints and albums.

Delivery: How long does it take to get your proofs, thank you cards, finished album, and bridal portrait?

Offering: Do you understand what you are getting? Ask for a package customized to your needs. Ask for an engagement session and get to know your photographer better.

Contract: Read and understand the contract. What about deposits and payments, cancellations, or the photographer not being there?

References: Get several references from the photographer.

Once you have a great photographer, put your trust in the photographer’s ability to do her/his job and enjoy your wedding day!

High School Senior Portrait Session

joan — Mon, 30 May 2011 14:39:35 +0000

Summer time is a great time for outdoor senior portraits. With Joe we did the standard studio shots and then moved outside for some more information photographs.

Live!, Senior Portrait Session

joan — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:37:01 +0000

High school seniors often want a different look and feel for their yearbook photograph. So I went to class to learn what new look and feel I can provide them. Here is just a small sample of what I took and did with the photographs of Erin for her senior portrait session. We walked in the fields, sat in the sand, captured her beautiful smile, glowing eyes and showing an attitude.

Let me capture you in your special look.

Work – Play – Life

Capturing moments in time!

Spring Forth, A Family Portrait Session

joan — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:09:16 +0000

Before spring came, this family let me capture a fresh magical moment in their home of multiple generations. Here are just a few images from the session.

Family Portraits in the Leaves

joan — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 23:37:33 +0000

It was a beautiful fall day for a family portrait session in a local park. Sunshine combined with yellow leaves and happy, fun loving family members made for a fun session for all of us. These are a few highlights of our session together. Thank you from Joan Ross Portraits.

Toys for Tots Gathered At Networking Event – Event Photographer

joan — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:50:53 +0000

Over a hundred toys were donated to the Marine Toys for Tots at last nights event thanks to Dan Edmonds and the event attendees. Additional photographs taken by me can be seen on my page on Networked Events.

Family Pyramid – Family Portrait Photographer

joan — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:40:36 +0000

We had fun at the Kane family portrait session and at the end all the grandchildren decided to form this extended family pyramid. We met outside in the early evening hours to pose for this session.

Playful Fun for these Engagement Portraits

joan — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:58:10 +0000

For this engagement portrait shoot I met Brad and Kristi at Boston’s Columbus Park and photographed them in various spots in the area. Just our luck that a Merry-Go-Round was near by. They got married several weeks later in West VA.

Coming of Age! — Event Photographer

joan — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:12:48 +0000

Photographing the Bar/Bat Mitzvah event with understanding, flair and thoughtful composition.

For her special day, Whitey is calm, cool and collected as she poses alone and then with her family just before her Bat Mitzvah service. We had lots of fun celebrating with her later on in the day.

Event Photographer for Networked Events

joan — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:10:16 +0000

I’ve had fun photographing various Networked Events in Boston and Lexington over the past year. I just recently photographed the Toys for Tots collection holiday events in both Boston and Foxborough. While doing this I’ve met and have gotten to know some awesome people. Thanks Dan and Steve.

Winner of drawing for free pass for Networked Events

The Baseball Tavern, Boston

Under the Stars

Attendees portraits