How to Pick Your Wedding Photographer
In terms of wedding vendors, your photographer is one of the most important people to select. In 50 years, no one will remember how good your cake tasted, or the exact kind of flowers you have. Those are important too, but your photos/videos are the only way you can freeze your moment in time. There are so many photographers, giving so many different prices, packages and experiences. It can be overwhelming. So how do you make the right choice?
Figure out what you want first
Some wedding photographers can be a bit like car salesman. You come in looking for a used Honda Civic and leave with a brand new pick up truck. While there is nothing wrong with upgrading or changing what you want, you should have a basic idea of what you want. If you don’t know what you want, you can shop around and read articles that give you ideas. Let’s say you want to do a first look. You need a wedding photographer who has a second shooter to capture both sides of the meeting well. Now you know you can eliminate photographers who do not have a second shooter. What if you need your photographer to come overseas with you? Finding a traveling photographer with the appropriate documents is a criteria.
Let’s say you want a full wedding album, but you want to be able to customize it. Knowing your photographer is connected with professional printers would be an important thing to know. You can eliminate some choices based on how many revisions your photographer includes with your purchase. Shameless self plug, I will correct your album until its ready to print.
You can and should eliminate offers that do not meet your needs financially, personality wise and professionally
Personality Matters
Your experience with a photographer is very important. This is the person that will be up close and personal with you on one of the most memorable days of your life. They should be someone you are comfortable with. I will tell you what I have heard from clients time and time again. “My wedding photographer was good, but it wasn’t really intimate. The pictures were clear but it didn’t feel like they got us.” My portrait clients have told me that they worked with the hottest photographers in my city, and would never do so again because of how they felt they were treated.
Why does this matter?
There are so many minor details that go into photography. Whether you want to or not, your unhappiness can show up in your photos. Even if you are the worlds best faker, and your poker face is undefeated, you really cannot fool yourself. You may see a smile in those pictures and be brought back to the moment that you wanted to fire your photographer. When my clients work with me, I like to keep the environment lighthearted and fun. I want you to see yourself and remember that that photoshoot was fun.
Finally, your wedding photographer should have a personality that you would feel comfortable mixing in with your other vendors. Most people are not aware that your vendors need to work and take care of each other. Your caterer should be feeding the photographers. Your photographers should be willing to coordinate to get with your florist and the venue on how to get the best images. Everyone should have a good time and a good experience.
The Technical
This one sounds simple, but I feel like it needs to be said. Here are the top three questions
Does their style match what you’re looking for?
Do they meet the legal requirements of your state and venue?
Do their policies work with what you need in a photographer?
If the answers to these questions are yes, I think you have a top contender. If you’re still looking for a photographer, I may be available. Get in touch with me.
