The photographs from your wedding are the keepsakes that bring your special day to life each time you view them. A wedding photographer can help you get the best pictures and candid memory shots that will bring smiles of joy to your face each time you see them.
When hiring a wedding photographer, you want to get someone who is reliable, affordable, dependable, and has an eye for the best shots.
Interviewing your Wedding Photographer
You should never hire a wedding photographer without interviewing the people you have to choose from. During this interview, you can get a feeling of the person and get a chance to find out which shots they will be most likely to take, can did photos, funny ones, or just basic ones.
Be sure that you ask to see examples of the work the photographer has previously done. You want to get a feel for their style and skills.
You should always interview at least three people before deciding who you want to hire.
Important things to Consider about the Photographer
One of the top considerations is the amount the photographer charges. You have a budget, and in your wedding budget, you should designate how much you can reasonably afford to spend on your photographer.
When considering the cost, you have to view the number of photos the person is offering for the price they are charging.
You should also consider whether the pictures will be done at the wedding if the photographer will attend the rehearsal or take photos during the wedding setup or reception.
Most photographers offer package deals and will explain exactly which shots they will take and when they will be available according to the package you choose.
Most couples spend up to 15% of their wedding budget on the photographer.
Personality
The skill that the person has wit6h their camera does not matter as much as the person’s personality. The nature of the person should mesh with your personality. If you are fun-loving and like humor, you do not always want a severe photographer.
You want someone that you like when you are talking to them, making you feel comfortable. If unsatisfied, your discomfort will show in every picture they take.
Little Details
You will want to consider several little details when hiring the picture taker. Some of these details include:
- Will the print rights belong to the couple or the photographer?
- Do they back up their photos, and if they do, how long?
- What is the average turnaround time?
- Are they licensed or insured?
- Do they guarantee their work?
- What style photographs will they be taking?
Consider hiring two
It sounds ridiculous to have two different photographers at the same event, but with two photographers, you get two different points of view. The pictures that one photographer takes will be uniquely different from the ones the other one takes.
With two people taking pictures, every moment of your special day will be recorded, and you will get more options for your final video or wedding album.
Wedding Photographer Faux-Pas
Once you have decided on which photographer, you should keep a few things in mind to make the photographer’s job easier and your pictures better.
1.Let the photographer do their job
When interviewing the professional, you should tell them what photos you want. Funny, happy, loving, etc. Once you explain what you are looking for, step back and let the pro tell you where to take the best shots and some of the poses they want to get a picture of. Please make sure that your family and friends know that you trust the choices of the professional you have hired and want them to respect the person as a professional.
2.Do not wait too long to book your photographer
You do not want to delay booking your photographer. You want to give plenty of time for the person to be able to work your event into their schedule. When you book at the last minute, the professionals charge extra.
3.Do not forget to ask for recommendations
You have social media, friends, and family, and all have had experiences with one or more of these professionals in their lifetime. Ask for recommendations. Ask what your friends liked about the person they used and what they did not like about the person.
4.Hire a real Professional
Do not be tempted to let your favorite Aunt on your dad’s side of the family take the pictures at your wedding. Your aunt may take great photos at the family picnic, but you want an unbiased professional for this occasion. You are worth the investment.
5.Do Not pay in full until you are satisfied
Pay the photographer a retainer or portion of the money they ask for before the wedding but do not pay them in full until the pictures are in your hand. You want to reserve the right to reject any photos you do not like, and a photographer who has already been paid in full has no motivation to do the best work as quickly as possible.
Get a Written Contract
Do not hire a wedding photographer without a written contract. If there is a dispute, the agreement will clarify any disagreement or misunderstanding.
Ensure the contract includes the number of photos to be taken, the turnaround time you expect, the exact price arrangement, and the style of photos you selected. Be very detailed in the contract, so there are no surprises later.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding comes just once in your lifetime. The photos you have of that occasionally need to be perfect so you can recall each moment of the day for the rest of your life. The only way to get photos like that is to have a professional photographer take the pictures for you. This is one of the happiest moments of your life, make sure your memories are captured correctly.