Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions any couple can make. The day your photos are taken will be a day you’ll always remember, and it’s important to choose someone who has experience capturing the special moments that should be immortalized on film.
However, there are some major mistakes brides often make when choosing their wedding photographer. Here are five big ones, along with how to avoid them.
- Pricing
First, before meeting the photographer in person, start by doing research online. There are many professional photographers out there that have websites and social media profiles where they post their work. Look through these portfolios and see if you like what you see. You also want to find out about the type of photography they specialize in. Many photographers offer packages that include different services such as albums, albums and prints, or just album only.
If you’re looking for an experienced photographer whose style matches yours, it’s best to get together with him/her in person and have a conversation. You should be able to tell whether he/she is passionate about his/her craft and loves being behind the camera. Also check out reviews from other couples that used his/her services.
- Location
When picking a location, you want somewhere beautiful and unique. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, you don’t want to use an ordinary venue. You want something breathtaking. Think about what you’d like to capture on film – the bride walking down the aisle, the first dance, the vows, etc.
- Getting In Touch With Them
Once you’ve found a few photographers, go ahead and meet them in person. This way you can see how they interact with each other and the clients, as well as how professional they are. It’s important that you feel comfortable working with them because you’ll be spending a lot of time with them during the entire process.
- Meeting Your Photographer
After you’ve met the photographer, ask him/her questions to ensure you’re still on the same page. Is he/she going to photograph all aspects of your wedding? Will you need additional coverage? Can you provide a list of vendors so they know exactly what you’re expecting? Are you getting married in a church? What kind of camera do you prefer?
Make sure you leave no stone unturned. Ask as many questions as possible and make sure you both understand what your photographer will be taking pictures of.
- Choosing A Package
Now that you’ve gotten to know them better, you can sit down and discuss the package you’re interested in. You want to make sure everything you’ll be paying for is worth it. Ask about discounts that might be available (this is especially true if you’re not paying for the services individually). Also ask about how long they plan to keep your images. Some companies will retain the negatives forever while others will give you digital copies.
Also ask about the editing process. How does the photographer edit the photos? And how much money can you save by using his company over another?
- Finding Other Brides
You really want to look at their portfolio and find other brides that were photographed by them. This gives you an idea of how good the photographer is. You may even be able to find their pricing information online.
- Negotiating Price
This step is optional but very important. You don’t want to pay more than you need to, but you also don’t want to pay too little either. Asking a price is always a delicate situation; you don’t want to offend the photographer at all. However, you also don’t want to be pressured into signing a contract without knowing what you’re getting yourself into.
There are many ways to negotiate prices. One of my favorite techniques is asking for a deposit. You could say something like “I’m really excited about working with you and I would love to sign up now, but I was wondering if I could get a small payment upfront?” This shows you’re serious and that you wouldn’t mind waiting until later to finalize the deal.
- Finalizing Your Contract
At this point, you should have a contract signed with the photographer. Be sure to read it carefully before agreeing to anything. Also look over the contract again before leaving the photographer’s office. You’ll probably notice things you missed the first time around.
- Post-Wedding Shoot
Your wedding day is officially over. Now comes the fun part – the photography! After your wedding, the photographer will likely call you to make sure you had a great day and let you know when he/she plans to begin processing the photographs.
- Reviewing Albums
The moment you receive your wedding albums, open them up and take a look. Take notes on anything you don’t like and call the photographer immediately. Tell him/her what didn’t turn out the way you wanted it to.
- Photos Don’t Just Have To Be Of You And The Bride
You want a complete portrait of your wedding day. Ask the photographer to shoot pictures of the guests as well. If you don’t have any family members taking part in the ceremony, hire a videographer to document the whole event.
- Making Sure They Do A Great Job
Once you’ve reviewed your albums, call the photographer to discuss your results. Did you have a blast at your wedding? Were the photos you received amazing? Was it easy to communicate with the photographer?
- Keeping Up With Communication
It’s important to stay in touch after your wedding. Send thank you cards to everyone who helped you celebrate and remind them of the special day. Contact them to ask if they have any suggestions about the wedding photos you received or if they have any ideas about your next party.
- Next Step
From here, you’ll likely be receiving your proofs. At this stage, you’ll have the choice to send the photographer your contact information and request for a review. Once you approve the proofs, you’ll be given the option to purchase your final copy of the photo book.
- Paying For A Book
This is the last step. You’ll then be told how much you owe, which includes your deposit. Once you pay the remaining balance, your album is ready to ship to you.
These are the common mistakes that generally a bride commits when he choose the photographer for his wedding day. The try of the person must be to avoid the mistakes as they will lead to the worst memories of the special day. The person can for the wedding photographer Hunter Valley as they will not provide the facilities for which they will have to regret in the future.
In the end, making the right decision about finding the perfect wedding photographer is crucial. Don’t rush into anything. Make sure you’re confident in your decision before signing anything.
What other mistakes did you encounter when searching for your wedding photographer? Share your thoughts below!