I am honored when I have couples that come to me wanting my wedding photography services. It’s one of the most joyful times of a couple’s life and I take the job very seriously and know that they put their trust in me to document this monumental day for them and their entire families.
I wanted to share a few tips that I believe to be the most important when one is looking to hire a professional wedding photographer. You may not be getting married but maybe you know someone that is and you can share these with them.
- Know your budget. Prior to soliciting a wedding photographer is very important to determine the priority of your photos in the entire scheme of your wedding budget. Knowing what you can spend is important not only for you to stick to that budget, but it helps the photographer guide you into a package where you’re getting the things you need at the budget you have. All professional photographers should be able to spell out with the monies you have what those monies will provide to you, including files, art etc. Once the budget and package are agreed upon this should be outlined in your contract with the photographer that will need to be signed and agreed upon.
- Do your research. Doing research for your perfect wedding photographer is something every bride and groom should do. You want to be sure that the wedding photographer can give you what you want. From creativity of the shots to the look and feel to the overall final products they are giving you. The internet is a great place to start. Read reviews and look at the photographer’s body of work. It will tell you all you need to know. Asking friends and family members who they used and hear their experience is another useful tool.
- Create a shot list. The internet gives us a look into weddings from all over the world and allows us to see what others are doing and there will be shots and ideas that speak to you and your partner. Having a list of the specific shots you want to capture on the day of your wedding will help the photographer plan and will keep your expectations at the top of their list to fulfill. Knowing who is who is very important! A list of the important people that are musts to photograph or to be apart of certain shots will help you get everything you want.
I hope this information will give you a good start on hiring the wedding photographer that is the best fit for you. Just ask yourself what you want your photos to remind you of fifty years from now.