When you are planning a wedding, a dream photographer is in the top 5 on your to do list. But we can easily be brushed to the side while looking for an amazing venue or the perfect florist. I know this so I wanted to help you out by naming a few things to look for while searching for the perfect wedding photographer..
Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when you are looking for a wedding photographer for your special day!
Tip #1 - CHOOSE YOUR STYLE
When doing your research know what style of photography your going for on your wedding day. There’s classic, documentary, light and airy, dark and moody, and editorial.. just to name a few. I am more on the fashion editorial side but I also throw in some documentry style shooting and of course candids!
Tip #2 - KNOW YOUR BUDGET
Having an outline of your budget always helps when looking for a wedding photographer. That way you can look into the right photographers to reach out too. Most wedding photographers have their prices on their websitesfor your to review and some don't. Some have Wedding Investment Guides you can download and review in exchange for your email address. Before you reach out to the ones who don’t disclose their prices online, just know they might be more expensive then the others on display due to quality and artistry. Don’t reach out to a photographer and ghost them because their prices are too high, respond back so we know not to continue to send follow ups.
Tip #3 - HAVE QUESTIONS IN MIND
Most photographers want to jump on a phone call to connect and create a relationship. This is the perfect time to ask any questions that you have for them.
How do you describe your photography style?
Do you include engagement sessions in your collections?
Do your collections include prints?
Can we see an example of a fully edited wedding?
How many images do we get back?
Is there any part of the day that you don’t document?
These are just some examples. You don’t have to get too specific but general questions Luke these are always helpful for both you and the photographer. Save the details for the consultation.
Tip #4 - ASK ABOUT PRINTS/ALBUMS
Prints and albums are the best part of the wedding photography experience. These are the products that showcase the most memorable day of your life. Some photographers off prints within their packages and some list them as add ons that you can purchase à la carte. Be sure to ask how they offer prints and what’s included in each package.
Tip #5 - MAKE AN INSPIRATION BOARD
I LOVE Pinterest. I can make Pinterest boards all day long. Make one for your wedding day shots list. If you see a shot that you like - add it to your board and send it to your photographer that you have In mind, ask if they can recreate the pose or the lighting in the photo. This will give the photographer an idea on what you want your wedding photos to look like.
Tip #6 - REVIEW YOUR CONTRACT
When booking a photographer there will always be a contract to sign (or there should be). I wouldn’t hire a photographer who doesn’t have a contract. A contract protects you and the photographer from any mishaps that might happen on the day of and after the wedding. This includes: What happens if your main photographer is sick on the day of your wedding, how long it takes to get your images back from the photographer, payment agreements, etc.. Just read your contract all the way through and ask questions before you sign.
Tip #7 - ASK FOR A WEDDING TIMELINE AND SHOTS LIST
Wedding timelines are amazing. They map out all the events of the day from hair and make up to the bouquet toss at the end of the night. It’s important to make time for your creative couple portraits because time can easily get away from you on such a busy day. A shots list is super helpful when you have specific shots that you can’t live without. This is something you go over in your consultation to make sure you guys are on the same page.
Tip #8 - COMPARE PRICES/PACKAGES
All photographers package their weddings different. If you know you want an engagement session or an album, be sure to review the packages that include these items or see if you can add them on later for a separate price. Check out what others offer and decide what’s best for you. We won’t be mad if you decide to go with somebody else.
Tip #9 - CHECK OUT SOCIALS
Everybody uses the internet now a days. I use Instagram a lot to display my work. I will search you on instagram first before anything else. Social media is a great way to check out the photographers work or even personality before booking. Check out real reviews from real people. Google and Facebook are the places I would search for reviews on the services of your wedding photographer.
Tip #10 - ASK ABOUT TURN AROUND TIMES
Turn around time is very important to know. You don’t want to be waiting months for your wedding photos because you didn’t ask about when you’ll be getting them back. Typically this will be in your wedding contract to hold the photographer accountable on delivering images in a decent timeframe. Usually photographers will deliver images back within 3-4 weeks. you might get sneak peeks before that so you don’t go crazy wondering what they look like.
Choosing a wedding photographer doesn't have to be overwhelming. Knowing what you want and what to ask about is the first thing you need to establish. The most important thing is you find a photographer that fits your style and budget. It’s an easy process from there.
Want to see more?
Check out my wedding blog!
Download my Wedding Investment Guide Here!