What to Consider When Selecting a Wedding Photographer
Oh heeeeey! Welcome or welcome back 🙂 This month has already started out crazy. We have been running a package with Rustic Frames Photography and Back2One Productions to offer a comprehensive trio for future weddings. If interested in more details, that link can be found here.
In celebration of our collaboration, this month we are focusing on photography this month and all of the questions/advice needed when selecting a wedding photographer. I used Pixel This Photography for my wedding and Glen Wilson along with his wife Becky are the perfect team! I had worked with them for a couple of years on other weddings so I knew their work and that they would do an amazing job. I definitely didn’t make it easy on them and by the end of the night, I was on the dance floor in yoga pants and a sweatshirt (a story for another time) but they rolled with it. However, what if you don’t know a photographer personally and are looking for the first time? I have compiled a list of important things to consider before signing the dotted line.
COST
Obviously this one is a big factor for most couples and goes without saying. Cost is important but, let’s also consider what you are paying for. How many hours are they covering and what are they covering? Do they have experience? Keep in mind that photographers with a higher price tag also have the experience to back it up. Do a little research on them, their work, etc. Maybe ask for referrals of past clients. This is an important investment in your wedding day and they are creating heirlooms that will stay in your family for generations. Cost is important but so is the quality of work you are receiving.
DATE
Easy enough – is your date available? Maybe you had your heart set on a specific photographer because you’ve been Pinterest planning for years. Make sure you reach out to them as soon as you have a date set to secure their services.
STYLE
This one is a big one for me. I also offer lifestyle photography under my brand so until I began forming my own style, I didn’t really take that into account. Photos are photos right? Wrong! You have photographers that edit in a more classic style with bright, true to color photos and then you have photographers that play off the sunlit drenched palettes and others that work with a more moody tone. Take a good look at the images you love, have pinned, and really see what they have in common. Then, I like to go on the photographer’s Instagram accounts and look at their overall feel. This is a perfect place to see their work over consecutive periods. My personal favorite? I love an overall brown and neutral color palette! The two lovely ladies below are the photographers I have teamed up with for next year and they are fabulous! Although new to weddings, they have a beautiful portfolio for couples photography. Check them out!
https://www.instagram.com/rustic.framess/
PERSONALITY
How do you want you wedding day to feel? Classy and professional? Or maybe fun and carefree? Your photographer, like your planner, will contribute to that immensely. They will be directing you, in the dressing room with you, and interacting with all of the most important people in your life. You want to make sure that their personality meshes well with you and what you want to achieve for your day.
EXPERIENCE
I went over this a bit in the first section but what experience does your photographer have? Can they provide you with samples of weddings they’ve shot? If not, what other samples can they provide for you? Starting out as a creative professional is hard! But there is also a lot of talent out there that is unestablished just looking for a break. This ties into the cost aspect but when making your decision, make sure whatever is most important to you (cost vs experience) – do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for samples and reviews.
BACK UP PLAN
It happens, people get sick – hurricanes blow through. Make sure to talk to your chosen photographer about their back up plan should anything occur to prevent them from shooting your wedding. Most professionals have that in their contracts but it is always good to discuss it upfront.
WHAT IS PROVIDED
Always make sure a clear discussion about what is provided with the package that you are paying for. Hours of coverage, Number of photos, any wedding albums, also any extra fees associated. I know photographers who will send the entire album over watermarked and allow clients to select the photos they love the best while the remaining photos can be purchased for more. There are others that commit to a number and send over the whole album. Find out what exactly your photographer is offering as well as the coverage and turn around times then get it in writing. This will prevent you from having any confusion between you and the vendor.
I hope these tips have helped in hiring one of the best vendors you can have at your wedding! If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to answer them! Feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me at hello@jcrosewood.com!
Happy Planning! – Jess
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