Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful things a person can experience! I know this first hand since I am in the midst of planning my own wedding. I have to say, all I want is for my guests to have a blast, and of course, I want amazing photographs to remember the evening! Now, we all know by now weddings aren’t cheap, and if you weren’t aware so are wedding photographers. I have decided to blog about the proper steps one should take when looking for their personal wedding photographer, in hopes that I can follow these steps as well.
Step one, decide on what style of photography fits you. Do you want something more classic and traditional like a portrait style album? Or do you want something more modern and sharp where your pictures have a very bold feel to them. Or like myself, do you want something more artsy? By this I mean a photographer who focuses on creating dramatic yet very natural shots from a unique point of view. After you’ve figured this out then you are ready to move on to the next step.
Step two, research, research, research! Make sure you read all the reviews from any local photographer you may be considering. Check out any social media those photographers have to offer and get a feel for their sense of style. Go on to make a list of any photographer you feel drawn to.
Step three, you can work on interviewing those candidates and make sure to review any pieces of work they have brought along! Also take a look and see if any of the venues that photographer has shot, are similar to yours. This way you have a feel for how your pictures may turn out. Ask them questions about their years of experience and how many weddings they have actually done.
Step four, make sure you have a clear understanding of what is included in the photographers package. Compare the fees and check to see what all is included in each individual package. One package could be more expensive than another and offer you less for your money, and you don’t want that!
Step five, confirm your photographer! After carefully going through the steps above, you are well on your way to receiving a great album that matches your style! Something else to consider is having more than one photographer at your wedding. I have seen this done a couple of times, and I do recommend it if it’s in your budget. This way you’ll have more coverage and possibly even two styles you love!
Last step, discuss the approximate date of your albums arrival! Discuss prints and disc versions. Many people like to order a disc version of their wedding album since it’s easier to upload to a computer and cheaper to get your own prints! Lastly, go over any retouching your photographer may do. Tell him/her what your limits are for retouching and if you want black and white versions as well.
I know it can be a lot to take in, but in the end if you feel like you have done your best to find the right photographer for you, then you should be very happy with your results! Remember, it’s okay to be picky, it’s your day!
Well done?