You found your lifelong love, now your next journey will be to match the two of you up with a wedding photographer. More than any other vendor you select for your big day, your photographer will need to sync up with you and your new love so he can capture those moments-in-time that will last your entire marriage. Pick him or her wisely; get to know your wedding photographer well during the pre-event consultations. Set up a meeting with your parents and get their input too. Get a general consensus, not only about their talent but their personality as well. Simply put, once the wedding is over no one will remember the flowers or the food. The photos are all you will have when the day is over. You can avoid frantic searches and complications by approaching the task of finding a photographer with a lucid plan and clear vision of what you want.
Finding the Perfect Photographer
Advanced planning is paramount and it’s all about proper scheduling. October and May are the busiest months for weddings so if you are planning to have your wedding in either of these months you need to plan at least 9 months ahead. Choose your photographer early because while florists can do several weddings in one day, a good photographer only does one.
Can you Trust a Referral?
Most photographers grow their business through referrals from friends and family of current clients. While relying on internet research is a good start you will need to compile a complete and thorough list of appropriate referrals. It’s a great idea to get recommendations from clients who have worked with the photographer, seen the actual results and know how they will interact with guests and the bride and groom on the big day.
Style and personality
Most professional photographers have the talent, but it’s important for couples to find one with similar taste. Ask to see their work or go to their studio. Preview their samples and see how formal or informal their finished work is. Looking through albums can tell a couple how a photographer works, and it’s important to ask who will be shooting the event, some studios have multiple photographers. And make sure you have an agreement in writing about who will provide the artistic direction.
A great way to see if a potential wedding photographer will work well with you and provide you with the style of finished photos you want, is to book an engagement session with them. This way you will be able to gauge comfort levels and to see their work style first hand.
Essential Issues
When booking a photographer go over every detail on the pricing structure and various packages. Study each package closely so you will know what services are included and which will require additional costs. Services like retouching, artistic enhancements, online galleries, turn-around time and receiving a CD with all the images will vary with each photographer.
Album styles like traditional hardcover albums, story book albums or coffee table books can be priced differently, as well as gallery-wrapped canvas prints and framing services. But the most important issue is to make sure you have a written agreement and that each service you want is spelled out and clearly communicated.
Your day will last for years in the finished photographic works that are created during your special day. Make sure you choose the right wedding photographer.
