Jan

11

What to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Photographer

Filed Under Wedding Planning 

After the flowers have died, the cake has been eaten, the guests have all gone home, and the honeymoon is over, your wedding photos will help keep your happy day alive for you by preserving those magical memories forever. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the rest of the wedding planning, finding an affordable and talented wedding photographer can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when hunting for the perfect shutterbug.

Can you work well with your prospective photographer? You want your personalities to be compatible, so make sure to find someone you feel comfortable with. You may want to consider asking a close friend or family member to use their skills as a wedding gift. It is important to keep in mind that not just anyone with a camera has the appropriate level of skill to shoot the most important day of your life. Ask to see a portfolio. Examine their aesthetics and style to see if it meshes with your own ideas. You can test the waters by asking the candidate to shoot engagement photos, giving you the opportunity to see how well you work together as well as a chance to measure their talent and test their artistry. However, it is important to remind yourself that if you are going to use an amateur photographer, don’t be surprised if the results don’t live up to your expectations. Hire a professional if it is within your budget.

Ask for recommendations from your friends or family who have recently been married. Comparison shop by visiting local studios and asking to see portfolios. When interviewing a prospective choice, inquire about the types of cameras or special effects they will be able to offer. Make sure to ask if they have backup equipment they can use if their regular set happens to fail at an inopportune moment.

Discuss your budget with the photographer you choose and see if they can work with you if their prices are outside your set cost limit. Make certain that you understand the price package and everything it contains. This includes the actual hours the photographer will be working as well as the time they will spend developing prints after the wedding and creating wedding albums.

Make a list of the specific shots you want before your wedding day. If you can, visit the sites you plan to use with your photographer ahead of time, preferably at roughly the time of day when you intend to shoot. Discuss the time you want your photographer to arrive and the time they will be finished shooting. Little decisions made ahead of time will save you money and energy when you are distracted by enjoying the actual wedding itself.

The biggest regret most people feel after their wedding adventure concludes is that they are not satisfied with the wedding photographs. Investing some time into researching local studios or photographers as well as understanding a bit about how photography works will help you in your quest to find the perfect person to capture your special day.

Sarah Danielson is a contributing writer for Essence Photo and Video, the best in Chicago wedding photography and videography for your special day.

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