The TOP things to Consider When Looking for a Wedding Photographer 

Your wedding is irreplaceable. While this will be the only day you’ll spend in your wedding dress, the only day walking down the aisle, your pictures will live on forever. While booking a wedding photographer may be one of the last things on your mind behind caterers and venues, don’t discount the importance of your photographer. Here are 10 tips to ensure you choose your perfect wedding photographer this year. 

1. Find somebody whose personality meshes well with your own. You will spend a lot of time with your wedding photographer on your wedding day. Make sure you’re with somebody you enjoy. Not only will this make your wedding day much more enjoyable, but because you’re more comfortable, you’ll get the best photos. 

2. Worry about their portfolio, not the style they say they shoot. Some photographers like to describe themselves by shooting a certain style. While this may be true, your photographer’s portfolio is more important than the style in which they say they shoot. Their style should match the style you want. Make sure you ask if they would be willing to try different shooting and editing styles for you, if that’s what you want. Be upfront in your expectations. 

3. Don’t “Uncle Bob” it. This is a classic term in the photography world. Yes, your uncle may have just purchased a new beginner DSLR camera, but that doesn’t make him qualified to do the job. As previously mentioned, many of your other expenses are one-time expenses: the venue, food, dress. But the wedding photos? Those are timeless. Invest in them. You will get what you pay for with wedding photography. Ensure they’re photos you’ll want to look at for the rest of your life. 

4. Ask about payment flexibility. Similar to the wedding style, make sure you know everything about their payment process. Depending on your preference, especially if you want a payment plan, make sure this is something you discuss with your potential photographer.

5. Ask about photo delivery. One differentiating factor between wedding photographers is how long you’ll have to wait between the wedding and receiving your photos. This is a question you can ask when you’re looking into different wedding photographers. 

6. Rights of the photographer. If you don’t want your photos published on your photographer’s website, make sure your photographer knows this in advance. In some cases, photographers may request a service fee. This free advertising of posting their photos helps keep their costs of photography down. 

7. Flexibility on shots. Many brides will have Pinterest boards galore of possible wedding photos. Many photographers will have their own style and types of photos they love shooting. If there’s a specific shot you want on your wedding day, ask about the options to see if it is possible or if there is a way for the photographer to try to capture it for you. Most will try their best, but the day and timeline will be a major factor in the completion of this.

8. Back-up Equipment. Ask about how they will be shooting the wedding. Will they be using a second shooter? Will s/he be using backup equipment? You should know all of this information to avoid surprises on your big day. 

9. Recommendations. Ask your friends for recommendations. Have you had a friend who has gotten married recently? Ask your family, friends, and coworkers for recommendations about wedding photographers. Word-of-mouth advertising is an extremely powerful tool

   … and the biggest…

10. What’s their differentiating factor? Be upfront. Ask what sets them apart from other photographers. This gives you the opportunity to get to know your photographer more, and this could help in your final decision.
    

Your wedding photos are timeless. Make sure they’re ‘hang over the fireplace’ worthy.