Congratulations! You got engaged! Let’s start looking for a wedding photographer!
There are times future brides tend to wait the last minute before they hire a wedding photographer. It may be common because of the pressure that each individual go through planning their wedding. Our advise, don’t wait that long. It is said that you should choose your wedding photographer 8 months before your BIG day arrives. That’s plenty of time right?
To some, yes, but when you are the star of the show, time flies quickly when you are also balancing life.
You got other things to worry about, such as cake vendor, videographer, reception area, guest list, church prep, wedding coordinators (<WISE INVESTMENT), florist, etc.
So let’s get dirty and get you that tip! We’ve assembled a couple finding the right photographer. You can start by asking your family and friends who might know of a photographer that may be recommended or you can work with. You can also visit websites such as weddingwire.com, wedding blogs, and other sites to find a closer photographer that might be the right one and in your budget. OR You may be set with a photographer that you’ve been following their portfolio, that may be the case but these tips won’t hurt you to carry when the day arrives you sign the dotted line for a wedding photography contract.. Nevertheless, here we go!
TIP #1
Hire a wedding photographer that you can be comfortable with.
The last thing on your mind is to worry about your photographer. Meet with your photographer and discuss the possibilities. And also that TIP #2 can become a reality.
TIP #2
Get an Engagement session going and find out their availability for your wedding day.
An engagement session usually breaks the ice between you and your photographer. It also determines the chemistry and product results you might be looking for. In between the engagement session, you’ll find out right away if this is the photographer you want to work with. Conversations should be started in regards to your wedding day if he/she will be available.
TIP #3
Ask for references or testimonials
Since you’ll be researching their website either thru referral or Google.com, ASK.
TIP #4
Experience and past engagements
At times some photographers will not have the years of experience, which is important, but you also need to have an open mind. Carry on TIP #1 and see their work first before making that commitment. Usually young photographers may not carry the experience but has the eye and artistic level you might be looking for. And besides they can only get better as time progress before your BIG day arrives. Be Open Minded. See their portfolio, online or in person.
TIP #5
Contract and Payment agreements / Pricing
Make sure that you are getting all the options and service agreement on paper. There is a reason why a wedding photography cost anywhere between $1800 to $30,000. (That’s not a typo!) Sometimes options can be pricey or not. Get the essentials such as a photo album or canvas prints. Most photographers will include high-res images on a DVD or CD. You cannot put a price on memory, this is a one time event that you want to make sure it will be remembered for generations to come.
TIP #6
Delivery of media and goods.
Make sure to ASK the estimated delivery of all goods and services. IMPORTANT! and put it in WRITING!
TIP #7
ENJOY!
Enjoy your time! Tip #1 carries over – Be comfortable with your photographer. The last thing that he/she wants to do is stress you out on your BIG Day! Everything will work out as planned.
There are more tips that we can add, in our book this is probably 7 of the most important items to ask when hiring your wedding photographer. In between the transactions, you’ll form a bond so strong that will only lead to greater things when your day arrives. Think of it as working with your best friend!
Good Luck interviewing and Congratulations!
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