Photo Credit: Brea McDOnald Photography – breamcdonald.com
Photography is Forever – Just Like Your Marriage
Nothing will capture your entire wedding day as much as your photography. The day, while amongst the most important days in your life, is hectic and will likely feel like a whirlwind when it’s all over. The only opportunity you have to ensure there is a permanent record of all your special moments is through your photography and videography.
Do Hire a Professional
Just because someone has a good camera and enjoys taking pictures, doesn’t make them a professional photographer. With camera technology so inexpensive now, amateur photographers are everywhere, many promoting themselves as pros. The problem with lack of experience and training is that beyond having the skills to keep up with an event as intense as a wedding, they also don’t understand lighting, composition and placement like a true professional photographer. When it comes to your photography and videography, you get what you pay for and you definitely want a pro!
Don’t Skip Their Portfolio
Photographers, like other artists, have their own flare and style. You want to make sure this matches with your vision for your wedding photography. Most professionals have a portfolio on their websites, and you want to take the time to look through it carefully. Make sure their examples match with your expectations.
Do Check Their Reviews & References
If you haven’t worked with someone before, even if they come highly recommended, get on their social media and read through their reviews. Also ask anyone you are considering for a few references you can call (wedding photography references!) so you can get some more detailed feedback about what it is like to work with this person, how the experience over the course of the day went, and if they were happy with both the final product and the process for ordering photography images for your albums.
Don’t Leave Everything in the Photographer’s Hands
Even the best professional needs your input to make sure they are capturing all the moments and individuals you want. It’s important to be clear about what you are looking for, from specific location shots, to preparation moments like putting on your dad’s boutonniere, to getting a picture of every couple or table at the reception. It’s a very busy day, so let them know how early in the preparations you want them on hand to begin snapping. Also consider the style of photography you prefer – formal portraits, artistic vignettes, or a casual photojournalistic feel. Even the best professional can’t read your mind, so consider what you want ahead of time and communicate it clearly.
Photo Credit: Samantha Kensell Photography – samanthakensellphotography.com
Photo Credit: Samantha Kensell Photography – samanthakensellphotography.com
Do Check Their Reviews & References
If you haven’t worked with someone before, even if they come highly recommended, get on their social media and read through their reviews. Also ask anyone you are considering for a few references you can call (wedding photography references!) so you can get some more detailed feedback about what it is like to work with this person, how the experience over the course of the day went, and if they were happy with both the final product and the process for ordering photography images for your albums.
Don’t Leave Everything in the Photographer’s Hands
Even the best professional needs your input to make sure they are capturing all the moments and individuals you want. It’s important to be clear about what you are looking for, from specific location shots, to preparation moments like putting on your dad’s boutonniere, to getting a picture of every couple or table at the reception. It’s a very busy day, so let them know how early in the preparations you want them on hand to begin snapping. Also consider the style of photography you prefer – formal portraits, artistic vignettes, or a casual photojournalistic feel. Even the best professional can’t read your mind, so consider what you want ahead of time and communicate it clearly.
Photo Credit: Bill Ellis Photography – billellisphotography.com
Do Work Together on a Plan
When you review their portfolio, make notes on shots and styles that you really like, as well as ones you don’t care for. Create a list of your must-have shots, moments they absolutely can’t miss, and pull together some examples from Pinterest or other resources of wedding images you love. When you work together with your photographer to plan out their approach to capturing your wedding day, you will have a good chance of getting the album of your dreams.
Don’t Hire Someone You Feel Uncomfortable With
Don’t underestimate the importance of hiring someone you feel an easy connection with. Your photographer will be with you nearly every minute of your wedding day, during some very intimate and emotional moments. You should be able to feel at ease with them in your personal space, and that they have the right personality to be both assertive to capture the photos you want while at the same time being unobtrusive. The more comfortable you feel with your photographer, the better your pictures will be.
Do Compare Costs & Packages
A photographer can’t give you an exact cost until you have decided how many photos you will order, how many albums you will have them create, etc., but they should be able to price out their time for the day clearly. A professional should have a set of costs and fees to show you in writing. If they have packages, and most do, be sure you understand exactly what is included in each package and what will come at extra costs. Discuss your timeline and schedule for the day, and share with them your photography wishlist. Make sure your priorities fit into a package, or you determine total costs for shooting your wedding day together.
Featured Image Credit: Chantal Paradis – Paradis Photography: paradisphotographyme.net
Photo Credit: Val Bozzi Photography – valbozziphotography.com
Photo Credit: Val Bozzi Photography – valbozziphotography.com
Do Compare Costs & Packages
A photographer can’t give you an exact cost until you have decided how many photos you will order, how many albums you will have them create, etc., but they should be able to price out their time for the day clearly. A professional should have a set of costs and fees to show you in writing. If they have packages, and most do, be sure you understand exactly what is included in each package and what will come at extra costs. Discuss your timeline and schedule for the day, and share with them your photography wishlist. Make sure your priorities fit into a package, or you determine total costs for shooting your wedding day together.
Featured Image Credit: Chantal Paradis – Paradis Photography: paradisphotographyme.net