Spotlight on JS Photography

This past week, Angela got a chance to sit and talk with Jeff from J.S Photography to be able to give our clients the scoop on photographers. They had a short Q & A session so read on to hear what Jeff had to say regarding choosing a photographer, and what to be looking for.

Angela: When looking for a photographer for your special event, what are the top three things you should consider?

Jeff: *Education* - An education is the foundation upon which a career is built. Make sure that your photographer has a degree specifically in photography.Photography is a very technical and challenging field, and taking a few classes is not sufficient for a solid foundation. Would you hire a lawyer without a law degree or without having passed the BAR to represent you?
*Experience* - Following education, nothing is more important than experience. Experienced photographers have hundreds of weddings under their belts, have seen it all, and can handle any situation on your wedding day. You are encouraged to ask for references from past brides and wedding vendors. Because a true professional photographer has an established reputation in your community, you can rely on them before, during, and after your wedding. In fact, they may well become your family photographer for life.
** *Low Pressure* -- Don't be pressured into signing a contract immediately. Choosing a studio to entrust your memories with is an extremely important decision and you need to complete your research. Professionals are confident with their abilities and products and will never coerce you to make a decision that you are not comfortable with. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics.
Angela: What are some of the advantages in having two photographers verses one?

Jeff: Two photographers will provide you with different perspectives throughout the event, for example while one photographer is doing family portraits the second photographer might be catching a precious moment with the flower girl.

Angela: Why should the photographer have liability insurance?

Jeff: **Liability & Indemnity Insurance are very important to help protect your family and your guests. Employing a photographer without proper insurance can expose the bride and groom to liability. In fact, most venues require proof of insurance. Make sure your photographer also has a business license; anyone who does not is operating illegally.

Angela: Can anyone join the Professional Photographer's Association (PPA)?

Jeff: Although _anyone _can join professional organizations such as the Professional Photographers of America just by paying the dues, these organizations provide photographers with valuable continuing education opportunities. Just having a PPA or WPPI logo on a website gives very little information to the consumer and does not indicate the level of dedication a photographer has. Once again, choosing a professional with an education in photography from a university is the best way to ensure your memories are in the hands of a true dedicated professional. Usually choosing a photographer is the most overwhelming task a bride and groom have when planning a wedding, that is because photography is an unlicensed profession. Anyone can pick up a camera, create a website, and call themselves a photographer, despite a lack of training, education, experience or even legal business licensing and insurance! Sadly, many who represent themselves as a professional photographer don't meet even basic standards of education and training one would take for granted in other professions. Most new photographers don't realize that it takes a lot of time, money, and energy as well as a lifetime of dedication to become a great photographer, therefore many new studios come and go in a short period of time.

Jeff and Sabrina both hold a Master of Fine Arts in photography from the University of Florida. The MFA is the highest degree achievable in photography from an accredited university, Jeff and Sabrina also hold a BFA in photography as well as a Certified Professional Photographer degree from the PPA. JS Photography is the only studio in Florida with such qualifications.
To learn more about Jeff and Sabrina's qualifications feel free to visit this page on their web site http://www.jsphoto.com/about-js-photography.html