Finding the right photographer for a special event can be overwhelming. There are a lot of things to take into consideration, but most people seem to focus on the cost. Events are a lot of work for the photographer, so they can get pretty pricey... understandably so! Because of this, many people look to hire "new" photographers who are all too eager to take the job at a low price. I am not hating on newbies or those that hire them. We all have to start somewhere, and I am grateful for those who give those opportunities. Unfortunately, there are those who are working with gear that isn't ideal for event photography, and that has nothing to do with the photographer's skill level. So, what is the NUMBER ONE question you should ask when hiring a photographer for your event?
"Does your camera have a dual card slot, and do you utilize that feature?"
It doesn't matter how good the photographer is, memory cards can fail. I've heard so many horror stories of memory card issues, accidental reformatting of the card, and more. Anything can happen. When it's a regular session, the photographer can always offer a re-shoot. That isn't possible when it's an event.
That is why a dual card slot is a MUST, in my opinion. A camera with this feature records to two cards at the same time, so there is a backup in case something happens to the first card. So whether you are hiring a beginner or a pro, be sure to ask the question! It could save a lot of heartache if the worst happens and there is a memory card malfunction.
