Top Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer
Covered in this post—Top tips for choosing a wedding photographer:
Congrats, you’re engaged! Once the initial excitement is over, the time has come to start thinking about what exactly you want your wedding day to be like. There are so many things to consider about planning your big day, and after selecting your venue and date, the next thing you will want to think about is finding a wedding photographer to capture all the beautiful details you have put so much time and money into planning. It may seem overwhelming to search for the perfect photographer that matches your style, budget and personality – but it is one of the most important wedding vendors you will select. Your wedding photos will be one of your most treasured keepsakes from your special day, and you want to make sure you find a photographer that truly captures the style you are looking for.
Not sure where to start when looking for a wedding photographer? Here are some top tips that will help:
1. Know what you’re willing to spend.
One of the first things you will want to do is set a budget for what you want to spend on your wedding photography. One thing to remember is that it may seem like a good deal to hire a photographer that is new to the industry and offering lower prices, however skill comes with experience and often you get what you pay for. Wedding photographers may sometimes come at a premium price, but they are there to capture all the details from your wedding (no matter how small) as well as all the special moments from your day. These are all things you can’t go back and capture after the fact, so you want to make sure you get it right. Also remember that photographers must factor in equipment costs, travel expenses and any additional time spent editing your photos into their packages – so the numbers reflect much more than just the time spent photographing your wedding on the actual day.
2. Figure out what style of photography you like best.
Knowing what style of photography you prefer will help you narrow down your search for a photographer. Spend some time and do your homework looking through different portfolios of photos so you get a sense of the kind of style each photographer has. Think about whether you like fine art photography, more traditional or something else. What about mostly posed photos compared to candid? Finding the look and style of shots you want for your day will help you select the photographer who will provide you with the images you are looking for. Make sure to look at examples for any photographers you are looking at, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their shooting style or the types of photos they will capture.
No matter where you have your wedding, the photographers at Campbell Wedding Productions are dedicated to preserving the unique moments of your wedding – wherever it’s at (even a beach).
3. Do your research.
Once you’ve decided on your budget and style, spend some time researching different photographers that fit your criteria. Look at examples of their photography online, read reviews from weddings they have captured and talk to any family or friends who may have any experience with them. Getting a clear understanding of the type of work a photographer does, as well as how they are to work with will be helpful in your search. Ask to see portfolios from recent weddings the photographer had done and try to look at complete wedding albums (instead of just smaller highlight albums or those on social media). Knowing what the end deliverable looks like will help you determine if they are the right fit for you and will capture your day the way you envision it.
4. Ask questions and set expectations.
Clear communication is important for both yourself and any potential wedding photographers. Make sure to ask a lot of questions up front so you are both on the same page. What does timing and turnaround look like? What sort of editing (if any) is included in the package pricing? Are there any options to receive some highlight images shortly after the wedding? What about videography options? Make sure to ask any questions you think of so there are no surprises. Also, if there are specific shots or expectations of what you are looking for, make sure to let the photographer know. Now is the time for you to both get to know each other and determine if it is a good fit. The more upfront you are with them, the more they can work to get you everything you are looking for – or if they are unable to, they can let you know and you can move on to the next photographer. The time to make sure all your questions are answered and make sure the relationship is a good fit is before you sign the contract.
At Campbell Wedding Productions, within one week of your wedding you’ll receive a slideshow with all the highlights. Check out these two examples:
5. Schedule a test run with engagement photos.
One of the best ways you can really get to know a photographer is by working with them, and a great way to test this out is to schedule an engagement session with them. Engagement photos are perfect to try out the photographer you are thinking of for your wedding photos. Think of it as a trial run and an opportunity for you both to get to know each other better and find out what each of your preferences are. Building a relationship with your photographer will allow you to become familiar with their personality, their style and how they work. Getting to know each other prior to the big day will also allow you to feel more relaxed and comfortable at your wedding so you can focus more on your special day and less on worrying about how the photos will turn out.
The bottom line is that selecting the perfect wedding photographer for your big day is an important decision, and you need to make sure to put the time in to select the right one. There are a lot of different factors involved in making sure the relationship is a good fit for both you and the photographer. Your wedding photos will be something you look at for the rest of your lives and will cherish forever, so find the photographer who will deliver the images that truly capture your love and your day.
Want to learn more? We’d love to work with you and capture all the moments from your special day.
Campbell Wedding Productions is a full-service Chicago wedding photography team with experience documenting all types of celebrations—from artistically photographing an intimate downtown Chicago city wedding to creating stunning images in a Chicagoland country club. We’re passionate about capturing your love story, so contact us today.