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Choosing a wedding photographer is one scary experience. As someone who regularly photographs weddings (and who relatively recently got married myself) I know the drill.
Here are some top tips on choosing the right photographer for your big day:
1. Realise that photos are expensive and you generally get what you pay for
If you’re not an avid follower of wedding blogs or the intricacies your friends’ wedding ceremonies and what they cost, you’ll generally go through the following motions when deciding on a photographer:
- Google the first person who comes to mind.
- See the price.
- Freak out about the price.
- Google/ask about alternatives.
- Think about settling on a sub-par photographer.
Wedding photos cost a lot of money. Realise that now. There are millions of reasons for this, which you can read more about here.
Don’t take out a second mortgage on your house just to afford a good photographer, but do try to get the best one your money can afford. A good photographer will have invested in the best equipment, will probably have the experience and their prices will reflect that.
Really, really strapped for cash?
There will be times that you find a relatively cheap photographer that suits (or is even below) your budget and requirements. They might just be starting out. Make sure you like their style (and follow the rest of the tips in this article) before committing.
2. Look at portfolios
Have a look at different portfolios of different photographers. Choose a photographer whose photos are close to the way you would like to remember your wedding.
Always make sure you look at pictures taken during the night or in low light (if they don’t have any in their portfolio, ask to see them). This generally gives a good idea of what the photographer’s skill levels are.
Some photographers, especially ones starting out and who have bad equipment, might really struggle when things get a bit dark. As wedding venues and circumstances differ, this could be a big problem for you (unless you have a day wedding).
3. Chat to the person beforehand
Your wedding photographer will be spending a lot of time with you on your big day. Make sure you like them and you’re comfortable with them. Set up a meeting (even if only over Skype). There’s nothing worse than being bossed around by someone you dislike on what’s supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life.
It’s also important to let your photographer know what your needs are for the day. You want to spend the whole day in a hot-air balloon with minimal pictures of guests? Tell your photographer!
And unless you pay a deposit (and signed a contract), you’re not bound to any photographer. Shop around, go on multiple coffee dates/interviews if you have the time.
4. Look what’s on offer
Photographers often offer a whole lot of extras, like coffee table books and engagement shoots. Make sure you know what’s included in your package and if affordable and applicable, make use of discounts.
5. Contract
Most wedding photographers will have a contract protecting you as the consumer and the photographer him/herself. These contracts cover everything from deposits to what would happen in the case of an emergency.
It’s a good way of having in writing how long you should wait before receiving your photos and important to have because you don’t want to be stuck on your big day with someone who has bailed on you and have no way of legally protecting yourself afterward.
