One of the most important things to chose for your wedding is going to be your photographer. These photos you’re going to look at probably every day for the rest of your life.
There are certain things you need to pay close attention to when you are comparing photographers for weddings.
Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing wedding photographers.
Experience
The wedding photography experience is essential. Knowing how to take the perfect photos, the lighting, angles, how to direct their subjects are very important details in photography.
Your photographer needs to be well versed in taking photos at the right times during the ceremony and reception. Missing the first kiss would be horrific, or not catching a sweet moment between the bride and her father during the father-daughter dance. Not realizing your best side or the best angle to take your portrait-style photos could result in you hating every one of your wedding photos.
While a new and less experienced wedding photographer may be cheaper, they might miss things. Often a photographer who is new to doing weddings on their own will have experience second shooting for a well-established wedding photographer. Even if someone seems new to the photography scene, you can always ask about their prior experience.
An experienced wedding photographer will also be able to go with the flow of your day. They will be well versed in when things happen, how to direct guests to get the best photos, and how to handle all situations.
Wedding photographers need to be extremely attentive and have great attention to detail.
Cost
The cost of a wedding photographer can differ from $500 to upwards of $10,000. It is important that you don’t bargain hunt for a wedding photographer, in photography you generally get what you pay for.
This doesn’t mean that you need to spend thousands of dollars on your wedding photographer. The budget for your photographer ideally would be ten percent of your overall wedding budget. The average amount spent on a wedding photographer is currently around $3,000.
Your wedding photographer may only be with you for 6-8 hours on your wedding day, but they do hours of prep work and editing work. The average wedding photographer spends 60+ hours per wedding from start to finish.
More expensive photographers will have better equipment and often multiple shooters to be sure that they capture every moment of your wedding day.
While some photographer’s prices may seem high, their experience is worth the extra cost. An experienced wedding photographer will be able to handle difficult families, weather conditions, and any mishaps that can happen.
Style
When looking for a wedding photographer you should consider the photographer’s wedding photography style. Do some research and see what styles you like best.
Styles range from editorial to traditional. The photographer’s editing style might be modern or minimal. View multiple websites and photographers. Choose someone whose photos you would be proud to hang on your wall.
A traditional photographer will do mostly posed photos and will cover all the bases. An editorial photographer will still cover all the moments you need but will add an artistic spin on them.
A photojournalistic style will focus mostly on candid moments and will stay true to organic moments. This can be good for non-traditional weddings.
Depending on your wedding style, you may want someone who is familiar with landscape photography. Destination weddings or weddings that are in unique places may require a photographer with different skills than a traditional wedding photographer.
Search for traveling photographers. There are a ton of people who travel the country or world taking wedding photography jobs everywhere. Keep your options open and do lots of research!
Reviews
Always check reviews! Search their websites, Facebook, Twitter, Google, TheKnot, and anywhere else that you can find actual reviews. Even better if you have references or have friends who loved their photographer.
Don’t be afraid to use someone popular among your friends, there is a reason everyone is using the same photographer – they’re good! And it’s not like your photos are going to look the same unless you also have the same dress, venue, and people in your wedding.
Finding a reliable photographer who is prepared for any situation is essential. They should be prepared with backup cameras, batteries, SD cards. A good wedding photographer will have backup everything and their reviews will be glowing.
Get out your FBI investigator kit and look into the photographer’s social media. Do their clients rave about them and tag the photographer in their posted wedding photos? A good wedding photographer will have a healthy social media account.
Meet the Photographer
Set up a meeting with your photographer before you book them. Be sure to have a list of key moments or photos you want. It is important that your photographer and you are on the same page and you get along.
Talk to your photographer about package options. Many photographers will have the option to add a second shooter, engagement sessions, or things like a printed wedding album.
Choosing Wedding Photographers
Choosing wedding photographers is one of many very important decisions of your wedding day. The venue, the dress, and the photos – we can’t wait to see it all come together!
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