Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Wedding photography is something that will last for years. Wedding music and beautiful flowers may seem to be important at the moment; however, the photography is what will stand the test of time. There are many photographers to choose from, especially in larger cities. Therefore, it is vital for brides and grooms to choose a photographer that will meet their needs while fitting their style and capturing the moments that are most important to them. These tips can help soon-to-be-married couples through this somewhat confusing process.

Decide on the Style of Photography

First, brides and grooms should become aware of the many styles of wedding photography that are available and should find the style that best meshes with their personalities. When most people think of wedding photography, they initially think of the type of photography that was popular a few decades ago. This style of portraiture generally featured the bride and groom, wedding party and various family and friends in a series of posed shots. Often, these formal photos were taken at the front of the church or other wedding venue.

A candid style is an alternative in which the photographer does not pose the couple. Instead, he or she will take numerous candid shots throughout the wedding day. Typical shots might include the bride getting ready, guests milling throughout the reception area and couples dancing.

However, one of the most popular options today is the modern style. This nontraditional style often has a bit of portraiture combined with candid shots. For example, the people may not be centered on the photographs and some photographs may be taken at an artistic angle. Check out more trends in wedding photography in our in-depth article.

Ask Friends and Relatives for Recommendations

Often, friends and relatives will know of great photographers in the local area or will know someone else who does. These personal recommendations are often much better than simply starting a blind search online because the bride and groom will feel that they have choices that they can trust. With today’s social media, many friends may know of photographers from Facebook or LinkedIn who have the same style as the bridal couple.

Look at Photographers’ Websites

The next step is to look at the websites of the recommended photographers. Looking through the online photo galleries is a quick way to discover the photographer’s style. The website should have clear contact information as well as information about bridal packages and albums.

Meet the Photographer

Next, the bride and groom should set up an appointment to meet potential photographers. Most couples will meet with two or three to determine which one best meshes with their personalities. However, some couples may feel confident enough to set up an interview with only one photographer if they especially like what they saw on the website.

Settle the Specifics

When the right photographer is found, couples should determine the specifics. For example, they will need to choose how long they will need the photographer on the wedding day and whether or not the photographer will be needed at both the ceremony and reception locations. Couples should also be given information about how many photos they will receive, how long it will take to receive the finished proofs and what resolution the photos will be. This is also the time to decide whether the couple will want the photographer to design a wedding album for them.

After this, the couple will need to sign a contract. This will include information about the photography package, the payment plan and the course of action if the photographer is incapacitated on the day of the wedding (You will want to check the photographers liability insurance as well). Of course, several weeks before the wedding, the bride or groom should confirm the wedding date as well as the day’s schedule with the photographer.

A wedding photographer will capture the special moments from one of the biggest days in an individual’s life. These pictures can display the unique style of the couple, from traditional to modern, in a way that will be preserved for years to come. Of course, couples will also have options regarding the size and cost of the wedding package that they choose and may also be able to purchase a stylized photo album of their wedding day.