10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BOOKING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Your wedding photos are going to be the only things, apart from your memories, left after your wedding is done and dusted, and be will with you for the rest of your lives. So it makes sense that you would want to choose a photographer who will do your day justice. Here is a list of things of 10 things to consider when choosing your wedding photographer. In no particular order…
1. Style
Do you like the way their photos look? This is one of the main factors when booking a photographer. Do the colors pop? Are the couples in the photos posed or candid? Do the photos look natural or staged? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then move on! There are plenty of other photographers out there that will suit your style.
2. Reviews
What do other couples have to say about their experience with the photographer? Have they had good or bad experiences? Make sure to read the reviews on their website or social media before making your final decision.
3. Personality
It’s important that you get along with your photographer, because they will be spending a lot of time with you on your wedding day. It is important to “click” with the person who will be spending all day with you capturing your wedding photos. There has to be chemistry! Within a few initial emails you should hopefully get a feel if they’re right for you.
4. Price
As a rule of thumb when it comes to wedding photography, you get what you pay for. The more expensive photographers are usually that way for a reason as they have years of experience. compared to some of the less pricey photographers. However, everyone has a budget so try to stick to it, but my advice would be not to scrimp on your photographer, as the disappointment of sub par photos of your big day would be heartbreaking.
5. Which Package?
What do their packages include? How many hours? How many photos will you receive and how will you receive them? What are you actually getting for your money? Make sure to ask these questions and more before hiring… a good photographer will be contactable at any time for questions and queries a that couple may have.
6. Delivery Time
How long will it take for them to deliver your wedding photos? You shouldn’t really have to wait more than 4 weeks for your photos. Any good wedding photographer will be busy, so a wait will generally be expected. But If it takes longer than that, I guess it depends on how patient you are!
7. Extras
Does the photographer offer any add-ons that might be important to you? For example, do they offer an engagement shoot or bridal party shots? Are prints or wedding photo albums available for purchase? Will the photographer work extra hours adhoc if required? These might be things that you want so make sure to ask about them before committing to hiring
8. Book Early!!
Every good wedding photographer will be busy, especially through the summer months, so I would advise booking your photographer early in advance. Along with the venue, the photography is one of the most important parts of your day, and booking the one that’s right for you may mean booking as early as possible… before your date is booked out!
9. Less is sometimes more!
As i said earlier, you usually get what you pay for. And if a deal seems to good to be true, then it probably is! Usually the cheaper end of the photography hierarchy means less experience, lower quality of work and less professionalism. My advice would be a half day package by an excellent photographer vs a full day package by a below standard alternative for example.
10. The Contract.
Always, always make sure there is a contract of agreement between you and the photographer. The wedding photographer will have a contract for you to peruse before you commit. In the contact will be all the T&C, as well as details of the day, photo delivery time, cancellation procedures, deposit and payment details and much more. If the photographer doesn’t issue a contract.. walk away quickly!!