HIRING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: 4 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

A woman’s wedding day is one of the most special occasions of her life. Saying ‘yes’ to the dress, selecting a breathtaking venue, and planning the perfect menu be so time-consuming, that many couples forget about the importance of capturing the moments when they come. Those who have been married know that hiring a wedding photographer can be a daunting task. After all, wedding photos can be pricey. However, hiring a professional photographer is one of the most significant investments you can make in your future marriage. The following four tips can serve as a guide for making the right choice before you say, “I do.” 

#1 Know What You Want

Hiring a professional wedding photographer is a must.  Even in the “do it yourself” age, DIY wedding pictures are never a good option. You will want to be able to enjoy your nuptials and will need someone capable of capturing these memories.

But before speaking with local photographers, every bride and groom should sit down and talk about their “must haves” when it comes to their wedding pictures.

Do you want pre-wedding pictures or just photos during the ceremony? Would you like your wedding photographer to be present at the rehearsal or the reception? Are a lot of high-quality wedding prints important to you? What about videography or having a second shooter? These are all things that you should consider before hiring a wedding photographer.

For example, before hiring a professional wedding photographer for her ceremony, Joyce took the time to think about what mattered the most. She knew that she wanted candid shots that would depict the raw emotion of the day.  So, when selecting her professional photographer, she searched for someone with lots of experience in taking wedding images that did just that.   

#2 Consider Personality

Joyce also thought about her own personality when picking a New York wedding photographer to shoot her event. Because she and her groom were so easy-going, they really desired a photography specialist who was also easy to work with. The wedding photographer that she chose clearly understood what was important regarding bridal photography and wedding videography. Because their personalities meshed so well, her professional wedding photographer knew that she desired the following:

• Lots of candid wedding photos including pictures of her bridal party and guests
• Images of the wedding rings, bridal gown, and even the groom’s cake
• Patience with some of Joyce’s pushy family members and picture-happy guests

Because their styles meshed so well, the bride and photographer were able to work together to make sure every one of her photos was a priceless keepsake.

#3 Balance Budget and Quality 

Contracting someone to capture your special moments, whether it be a New York wedding photographer can be expensive. However, it is important to look at your wedding images as an investment that will last a lifetime. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for when it comes to wedding photography rates. There will be plenty of cheap options, but you should seek quality work when choosing the perfect photography match. After all, it’s a good possibility that your children grandchildren will be looking at these pictures in years to come.

A few suggestions:

• Establish a budget for your wedding images and share this with potential photographers upfront.

• Consider your photography an investment and review all possible packages available—what are you willing to pay for? Sometimes what seems to be a more expensive wedding photo package is actually a better deal because of all that it offers.

• Talk about extra expenses. It’s important to know exactly what you’re getting when you hire a wedding photographer, as incidentals like charges for additional prints or enlargements can be rather costly.

But this doesn’t mean they aren’t a good buy. After all, the cost of the paper is nothing, usually mere pennies. It’s the art that you are investing in, and a great wedding photographer offers quality wall art that will last a lifetime.

#4 Pick a Professional

Even the most controlling, A-type personalities will have little influence over what pictures are being taken during the actual events. This is the main reason for choosing a professional with a fantastic portfolio is a must.

When interviewing a potential photographer, don’t be shy! Ask about their familiarity with shooting weddings, review photo collections, and ask for references. Checking online reviews on Yelp or other websites is a good option as well since these are harder to fake.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a wedding photographer doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, when gone about the right way, it can be an enjoyable experience. By taking your own wants and personality into consideration while also sticking to your set budget, you can hire the perfect professional wedding photographer to capture your precious memories.