How to choose your wedding photographer!

Okay ladies...listen up! When meeting your photographer, make sure you have this checklist to save you some trouble!

-Do your research! Pick and choose 3 photographers FROM THE AREA in which your wedding will be! Having a photographer from the localized area is key. They will most likely have a long list of formal locations, they'll know the roads, they'll know the traffic situations, the short cuts, etc. They'll also most likely know the other vendors, which will only make the day go a bit smoother. Choosing someone local will also save travel costs, as well. If you're in love with a photographer from out of state or out of the area, you'll need a whole new checklist. ;) (see below) When searching for your three, be sure to really evaluate the website. Make sure its professional, and you can visibly tell they've photographed more than one wedding. Most importantly, LOVE their work. If, when looking at wedding photos you feel the true emotion of the day, you've got yourself a keeper.

-How to choose your top 3? Typically you're going to love their style. Weather it be trendy and fun, or incredibly formal, you'll know what you like when you see it. So choose your 3 photographers exclusively based on the eye appeal. Next....figure in the budget and costs. If a photographer has a package that you really enjoy, but it's priced at $8,000 (which is out of your budget) then dig a bit deeper. Figure out why the package is priced higher than you'd like it to be. Some photographers will negotiate a price, others however, charge what they're worth. So, if you're able to tweak a specific package to fit your budget and needs, then keep them on your top 3 list. (Your traveling photographer---When hiring someone out of state or out of the area, make sure they know what they're getting into. Be sure they know what your expecting of them! You're going to want them there the day before the wedding to do a dry run of the driving. Having them do a dry run of the traveling at some point is crucial. You do NOT want your photographer getting lost the day of the wedding. The show will go on with out them. SO! It is important they do the drive BEFORE the wedding. Also, get the travel costs set in stone. Some photographers charge by the mile, while others have a set fee. If it fits into your budget, go with it! GET A BACK UP! If your photographer has car trouble, gets stuck in traffic...anything can happen...so make sure you're covered. Hiring someone out of state is always an option...just set the guidelines ahead of time!)
-About the packages! Time=Money. Ask your photographers what their minimum amount of coverage will be. Say you only need four hours of photography...but their online package states 8...see if there could be a price cut! Be realistic here. You really only need your ceremony, formals, and part of the reception. So if you have a budget, factor the labor into this.

-Ask a friend! Have a friend who loves photography? Ask them to photograph part of your day, either as a wedding gift, or negotiate a price that is reasonable. Most friends who have a passion for photography will do it out of the kindness of their hearts, and then front you the bill of printing or the cost of the cd creation.

-Things to ask your photographers.
*How many weddings have you photographed?-really, this is quite important in many ways. There is definitely some sort of flow that is similar in each and every wedding. It's important that your photographer will be on their toes and will just about know what is happening next. Someone new to weddings, will lack in this knowledge. How to get around this? If you love a photographer, but they are fairly new to the business, give them a timeline! We all know weddings hardly ever go exactly as planned, however, giving them a general idea as to what is happening throughout the day, will give them a better understanding---and then they wont miss a thing.

*What is their style? What you're looking for here is...are they more of a candid photographer? Do they stage scenarios? Do they capture they day as it flows? What is their style? -- Then you simply choose what fits your personality. If you're incredibly camera shy, you certainly wouldn't want a photographer in your face telling you to smile! You'd want someone who is more low key, unobstructive and natural. Someone who also has the proper equipment to "stay back".

*When I hire you, will you be the one photographing my wedding? -- Sometimes when you hire a company to do a wedding, they may have a selection of photographers. Make sure you're looking at THE photographers work that WILL be shooting your day. Also, make sure you meet them. Eye to eye is always best, but a phone chat will totally suffice.

*How long will it take for our proofing to go live? Or our album production? Or our digital negative? --Make sure you ask when you'll be receiving your package. You do NOT want a year to go by with out a wedding album in hand. If your photographer shoots digitally, there is no reason your online proofing shouldn't be available for viewing with in two weeks.

*Do you shoot with an assistant? Does the assistant take photos as well?--Be sure your photographer has some help. And 2 cameras with 2 different eyes is always better than one. If your photographer shoots solo, just make sure they have back up equipment.

*If you're sick on the day of my wedding, will someone else be able to fill your place? -- Make sure your photographer has a back up plan for themselves! If an unfortunate event happens and your photographer is unable to attend, make sure they have a backup that can handle it.

*Do you like your photographer? -- VERY IMPORTANT! Connecting on a friendship level with your photographer is crucial. After all, they will be at your wedding as long as you will! They will be a part of every single important and special moment. They will capture it all. And you will have interaction with them. Make sure you are on the same team. You must like your photographer! They will also be a part of your lives for several months after the big day itself.

*Ask if you're the only wedding of the day!--You don't want to have your photographer late to your own wedding, because an AM wedding ran late. Make sure you're the only event of the day. Only event of the weekend? Not a concern. Photographers typically book Friday night rehearsal dinners, Saturday and Sunday weddings. Very normal.


-Now...how to choose! Choose the one that makes the most sense. LOVE the work. And I mean...LOVE it. Make sure you connect with them on a personal level. Make sure their fees meet your budget! And make sure they will deliver. GET A CONTRACT!!! ;)


Hope this was helpful! Feel free to contact me for any other concerns or questions.

Sites to check out to find a photographer in your area?

www.ppa.com
www.wpja.com


Happy Hunting!
Renee

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