With so many wedding photographers out there today, it's hard to know where to start when looking for a wedding photographer and it can be an overwhelming process.
This article will give couples some guidance when searching for a wedding photographer.
Where to start: Recommendations from people you know, doing an online search, and going to bridal shows are all ways to begin when looking for a wedding photographer.
Most photographers nowadays have a website which should have an example of their work and information about them.
You can broadly search "Wedding Photographers in [your city]" or narrow down your search for a more specific type of photography to help you narrow down the results.
Some specific examples to search for are "Fashion Wedding Photographers in [your city]" or "Outdoor Wedding Photographers in [your city].
" Once you've found a selection of photographers you're interested in, contact the photographer for more information or set up a time to meet.
Below is a list of questions you can ask your photographer to see if you're a good match and find out more about their qualifications.
Question 1: What is the style of your photography? Many photographers today say they have a photo journalistic style; while this broadly means a more candid style and capturing moments as the day enfolds, it's such a widely used term today, it can really vary from photographer to photographer.
Ask them if they can elaborate more on their style.
Always make sure to view the photographer's portfolio and if they're consistent, they should have a visible "style.
" Question 2: How are you different from other photographers? A wedding photographer should be able to let you know what sets them apart from other photographers-part of this might go hand in hand with their style-they might be known for their very romantic images for example.
Another photographer's claim to fame might be their fun personality, which makes it a great experience to work with them.
Another might have unique wedding albums or packages.
Question 3: Is an engagement shoot available? Included in any packages? It's very important to be comfortable with your photographer before the wedding: you're photos will come out much more natural and relaxed looking and on a stressful day, it's nice to know who's following you around on the day of your wedding.
An engagement session is the best way to become comfortable in front of the camera and you'll get to know your photographer.
It's a good chance to have engagement photos taken in a location that has special meaning to you, which may not be possible on the day of the wedding.
It's also an opportunity to have Save the Dates and a Guest Signing Album made from the photos.
Question 4: Do you carry insurance? As a business owner, a wedding photographer should have appropriate legal measures in place.
It's important for a photographer to have Liability Insurance, so make sure you ask.
Question 5: Do you have backup gear? Anything can happen, so wedding photographers should have backup gear-make sure to ask your photographer about this! Question 6: Do you offer packages or are you a la carte? This is a good question to ask because you will want to see what the photographer's products are and what is included in packages if they have them.
Packages usually offer some kind of discount compared to what they would be priced individually but you will be restricted as to what you choose (also see if they are flexible with substitutions).
A La Carte allows you to pick and choose what you order, so you can get exactly what you want.
Question 7: How do we pay? Ask your photographer specifics about the investment.
Many wedding photographers require a retainer to book with them and usually require all remaining payments prior to the wedding.
Does the photographer offer payment plans? Do they take credit cards? Question 8: What is the process after we book? Will your photographer guide you through the process and keep in touch before the wedding? Ask questions about how you will work together-a photographer is a big part of the wedding timeline and it's great when he/she works together with the other vendors to keep the wedding on track (as well as with you, so they know all the details).
One last piece of very important advice: You're going to be with the wedding photographer a lot on one of the most important days of your lives - so make sure you like them!
This article will give couples some guidance when searching for a wedding photographer.
Where to start: Recommendations from people you know, doing an online search, and going to bridal shows are all ways to begin when looking for a wedding photographer.
Most photographers nowadays have a website which should have an example of their work and information about them.
You can broadly search "Wedding Photographers in [your city]" or narrow down your search for a more specific type of photography to help you narrow down the results.
Some specific examples to search for are "Fashion Wedding Photographers in [your city]" or "Outdoor Wedding Photographers in [your city].
" Once you've found a selection of photographers you're interested in, contact the photographer for more information or set up a time to meet.
Below is a list of questions you can ask your photographer to see if you're a good match and find out more about their qualifications.
Question 1: What is the style of your photography? Many photographers today say they have a photo journalistic style; while this broadly means a more candid style and capturing moments as the day enfolds, it's such a widely used term today, it can really vary from photographer to photographer.
Ask them if they can elaborate more on their style.
Always make sure to view the photographer's portfolio and if they're consistent, they should have a visible "style.
" Question 2: How are you different from other photographers? A wedding photographer should be able to let you know what sets them apart from other photographers-part of this might go hand in hand with their style-they might be known for their very romantic images for example.
Another photographer's claim to fame might be their fun personality, which makes it a great experience to work with them.
Another might have unique wedding albums or packages.
Question 3: Is an engagement shoot available? Included in any packages? It's very important to be comfortable with your photographer before the wedding: you're photos will come out much more natural and relaxed looking and on a stressful day, it's nice to know who's following you around on the day of your wedding.
An engagement session is the best way to become comfortable in front of the camera and you'll get to know your photographer.
It's a good chance to have engagement photos taken in a location that has special meaning to you, which may not be possible on the day of the wedding.
It's also an opportunity to have Save the Dates and a Guest Signing Album made from the photos.
Question 4: Do you carry insurance? As a business owner, a wedding photographer should have appropriate legal measures in place.
It's important for a photographer to have Liability Insurance, so make sure you ask.
Question 5: Do you have backup gear? Anything can happen, so wedding photographers should have backup gear-make sure to ask your photographer about this! Question 6: Do you offer packages or are you a la carte? This is a good question to ask because you will want to see what the photographer's products are and what is included in packages if they have them.
Packages usually offer some kind of discount compared to what they would be priced individually but you will be restricted as to what you choose (also see if they are flexible with substitutions).
A La Carte allows you to pick and choose what you order, so you can get exactly what you want.
Question 7: How do we pay? Ask your photographer specifics about the investment.
Many wedding photographers require a retainer to book with them and usually require all remaining payments prior to the wedding.
Does the photographer offer payment plans? Do they take credit cards? Question 8: What is the process after we book? Will your photographer guide you through the process and keep in touch before the wedding? Ask questions about how you will work together-a photographer is a big part of the wedding timeline and it's great when he/she works together with the other vendors to keep the wedding on track (as well as with you, so they know all the details).
One last piece of very important advice: You're going to be with the wedding photographer a lot on one of the most important days of your lives - so make sure you like them!
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