6 things to consider when hiring a wedding photographer
Your wedding day photos are arguably one of the most important and sentimental pictures you will ever have. You will look at these shots for the rest of your life. You will show these pictures of your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so on. For such a special day, much research and thought are needed in selecting the perfect photographer. Here are just six things to consider when hiring your wedding day photographer.
#1: Quality & Style
When searching for the perfect person to photograph your special day, their portfolio is an excellent place to start. With today’s technology, most (if not all) photographers have a website filled with their work. If you didn’t find their portfolio or website, I would advise you to move on to the next photographer on your list. Trust me!
Take a look at their photos. Do you like their way of editing? Do their images have the feel you are looking for? Every photographer has a unique style, and you need to ensure theirs lines up with what you love. Start with deciding your preference; light and airy, dramatic and dark! Then, find a photographer that agrees! Do your research; there is a perfect photographer out there for you.
Style goes hand in hand with quality. Is their portfolio filled with clear, centered, and focused photos? You will want to make sure your photographer can fully capture each moment. After all, they only get one chance to get that first kiss.
#2: Location
Another critical component to consider is location. If you are planning a destination wedding, make sure you research photographers in that area and traveling photographers. Even if you are going to the town over, ask if they are willing to travel to shoot. Many photographers limit the miles they will travel to shoot, or they may charge additional fees for longer distances. Discuss these logistics when inquiring about a quote.
Is your wedding venue indoors or outdoors? This question is important to consider under the location category. While you are scanning through their portfolio, please take note of whether their pictures are mainly outside or inside. Lighting plays a huge factor in the quality of the photos. Be sure your photographer has the skills and experience to produce beautiful, high-quality photographs in various lighting settings (inside, outside, morning, night, etc.).
#3: Personality
This person will be alongside you all day, snapping photos of your every move! It is going to be very important that you feel comfortable around them! One way to make sure you jive with their personality is by meeting in person for a cup of coffee before hiring them for the job.
Find a photographer who you can depend on. The last news you want to hear as you are getting ready to walk down that aisle is, “your photographer is not here…” Be sure that they have excellent and reliable reviews.
Not only do you want a photographer who can snap pretty pictures, but you also want someone with a creative vision for the best poses and the confidence to make them happen. Having someone who can take charge is an essential quality for your photographer to have. When it is time for your friends and family to get organized for a shot, you want a loud, direct, yet also kind photographer to be able to get everyone into position. You want them to be confident, comfortable, yet again kind enough to tell you to turn your head a bit to the right, to walk up and fix your train into the perfect swoop, to move that unruly piece of hair sticking in your face, or to inform you that you have a tiny spec of an herb stuck in your tooth from dinner! Their job is to ensure you are looking your best.
#4: Multiple Photographers
There is a lot to capture in a wedding; the bride and bridesmaids getting ready, groom and groomsmen getting ready, first looks, multiple angles during the ceremony, guests, food, decorations, dancing, etc.! It can be helpful to have numerous photographers capturing the day from all angles. Be sure to know how many photographers are on the team.
#5: Package
Make sure you understand the details of the packages your photographer offers. Do you want photos digitally? Sent to you in a physical album? Or somewhere in between? Discuss this to make sure you know what you are paying for. Don’t be afraid to ask all sorts of questions; this is a significant investment!
Some photographers even offer proposal and engagement packages! This route has the bonus of the photographer knowing you by the time the wedding rolls around.
#6: Budget
Before you look around for a photographer, you will want to sit down with your fiance and family to discuss how much you are willing to pay for a photographer. Prices vary as well as the packages each photographer has. For example, you can spend as little as $500 or as much as $10,000. It is essential to make sure you have a budget in mind before enquiring with any photographer.
Once you have a price nailed down, creating a potential list of photographers will become easier. Not to mention, this is a huge time saver.