Don't get caught out!

Recently I have been contacted by numerous outfits promoting wedding photography workshops on the premise that 'in order to secure clients you need to have a portfolio of stunning work' and that, quite rightly, this can be obtained through such workshops.  It used to be that you could tell whether a photographer was only presenting work from controlled conditions because you would only see the 'bride and groom' in images and generally with a very dodgy bouquet or well worn wedding rings!  However, new workshops are using wedding suppliers for dresses, cakes, flowers, etc, models are still being used for brides and grooms but now others are being added as 'extras' and not only venues but churches are now being hired to stage a full portfolio. 

Whilst this is great to get a variety of beautiful shots - they are NOT taken under wedding conditions.  Each shot has been carefully posed over time, with guidance and the lighting is controlled to maximum effect - unlike during a wedding where you cannot pose a couple/change the lighting during a ceremony, the bride and groom are not (generally) professional models used to posing in front of a camera and you have to work with the location/weather on the day, organise groups quickly and efficiently and have to do this all within a very strict time-frame for everyone to be ready for the sit-down meal at the venue so that the chef isn't ready to roast you alive!

There is nothing wrong with using wedding workshops, but when you are looking for a photographer, check the following:

You are looking at a variety of work (several full REAL weddings) that shows all aspects of the day and guests - don't be afraid to ask where/when these were shot.

If a photographer only has a portfolio of wedding workshop images (we all have to start somewhere), will they have attended weddings as a second photographer to get REAL LIFE experience BEFORE your big day and if so, when and who can you contact to check? 

I have had 3 photographers second shoot for me to provide them with experience; a couple after they have advertised themselves for wedding photography and ALL have very quickly decided that the organisation, fast pace and long hours are not for them - and that is only when taking the casual shots!  

Don't let someone decide this when they are the MAIN photographer at your wedding - there is nothing wrong with using a 'newbie' wedding photographer, just make sure you know it beforehand.

Happy hunting!