7 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Choosing your wedding photographer can be a daunting task. Chances are you’ve never used a professional photographer before, so you’re not familiar with how they operate. And unfortunately, not all wedding photographers are created equal.

To help you make the perfect choice, here are 7 helpful tips:

  1. Get referrals. Ask family, friends, co-workers and anyone else you who is willing to answer, who they used as a wedding photographer. If possible ask to look at their wedding pictures so you can see for yourself what the finished product looks like. Photographers only choose the best pictures for their portfolios so this is a great way to learn what you’re more likely to get.
     
  2. Find out who will be shooting your wedding. Some larger companies have been known to get a contract using one photographer’s reputation and portfolio, only to send a more junior person on the actual day. Horrible, but true. Asking the company’s policy on this practice upfront will help you avoid any upsetting surprises.
     
  3. Learn what style he or she uses. Nowadays there are several different styles that photographers are using when photographing weddings. Formal, candid, photojournalistic, contemporary – just to name a few. Be sure to choose a photographer that specializes in the style you want.
     
  4. Ask how they work. Every photographer has his or her own policies. Before meeting with a potential photographer take the time to plan out exactly how you want your day to be photographed from beginning to end. Then go over this plan with the photographer to see if he or she is able to accommodate your desires.
     
  5. Know what you’re getting. Is there a limit on the number of pictures? Will you get digital or printed proofs? When can you expect to see the proofs? Can you purchase the negatives? How long do ordered wedding pictures take to arrive? Asking these questions will ensure that you understand exactly what you’ll be getting. Then before finalizing anything get a written contract.
     
  6. Understand the fees and payment terms. As with many things associated with weddings, photographers often overcharge. Ask specific questions about what the fees are and when you’ll be expected to pay. Beware of companies whose fees are difficult to understand. These are the ones who make most of their money by charging you for overtime.
     
  7. Make sure they share your vision. This is your day, so you should have it photographed exactly the way you want it. If after discussing your vision with a potential wedding photographer you don’t feel that he or she agrees, find someone else. The last thing you want is to receive your wedding pictures and realize they’re not what you wanted.

 

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