You have found the one you want to spend the rest of your life with and now it’s time to start planning your wedding...the bridal party, the dress, the photographer, the invitations, the food, the honeymoon destination…so many choices to make!
Where do you even start? How about here, with these 6 Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Wedding Photographer…
1. Do you like their style?
Any professional wedding photographer should have a portfolio or a web site where you can view their work. It shouldn’t take you long to figure out if you like their style. They may have a formal, more traditional style with a lot of posed shots. Or, they may have a more natural, relaxed style with lots of candid shots. There are even different editing styles. Some wedding photographers can adapt their style to meet the needs of their customers. There is no right or wrong style, as long as it makes you happy. To see if my style makes you happy, check out some of my recent work.
2. Do you want to be around this person on one of the most important days of your life?
This may seem like a given, but you should make sure that you like the person before you hire them. No matter how much planning you do, and you will do A LOT of planning, you will more than likely be a little stressed on your wedding day. In those moments, do you want to interact with someone who has a friendly, calm presence? Or do you prefer to have someone with a bubbly, outgoing personality around? You will be sharing some pretty intimate moments with your photographer. From getting dressed, to time spent with parents, to the lovie dovie newlywed pics after the ceremony. Make sure that you will be comfortable spending so much time with this person.
3. What is their timeframe for getting your photos to you?
Every customer has different expectations and tastes (think restaurants….drive thru vs. five star restaurant), but everyone wants to see their wedding photos as soon as possible. Ask your potential photographer what their turnaround time is. Ask them if they can send you a few images within a couple of days so you can put them out on social media. Obviously, some wedding photographers are extremely busy and their editing may be backed up for several months. If you would rather not wait that long, you'll want to consider someone else. On the other hand, you don’t want someone who will have all the editing done in a few days. Most people will want someone in the middle. Someone who will spend enough time ensuring that every image is perfect, but also not make you wait until your 1 year anniversary to let you see your first glimpse of his "first look.”
4. Are they in your budget?
Only you (and maybe your parents) can decide what you should budget for your wedding photographer. Remember that your photos will be one of the only things left once your wedding day is over. While you don’t want to overspend, it’s also important not to compromise and regret your decision the moment you see your wedding photos the first time. You do not want to experience that sinking feeling. On the other hand, don’t spend $4,000 if you are happy with a photographer who charges $2,000. It is important to do your homework. Ask to see a complete wedding so you aren’t fooled by the few best images they pulled out for their web site. Also, understand what your money gets you. Does your package come with all of the images, a limited number, or none? Do your digital images come with a print release or are they just low resolution proofs for viewing only? Will you receive an album or prints? For details on what I offer, contact me so I can give you all the information.
5. Are they available on your wedding day?
If your date is set, this should be one of the first questions you ask. If you don’t ask first, the photographer should. There’s no need to waste your time or theirs if they already have your date booked.
6. Do they have an emergency plan in place?
If your potential photographer had an emergency come up, how would they handle it? Do they have other photographers they could call to take their place on your wedding day? Do they have back up equipment? While no one expects any problems to arise, emergencies happen. Make sure your potential photographer is prepared to deal with the unexpected.
