When your big day rolls around, you’ll want to make sure you capture every moment. After all, you’ve waited your entire life for this very day. What better way to remember it all than by hiring the perfect wedding photographer? However, finding them is easier said than done. Here’s eleven things you might want to keep in mind as you start your search.
1. Consider the Time of Day
Have you ever looked at a wedding photographer’s website and noticed a trend among the best-looking pictures? It might be the time of day. Most wedding photographers have the required equipment to make both day and night shots look fabulous, but it might be worth asking if they have a specific forte. This will help make sure you get the best shots they’re capable of!
2. Look for Originality
Another thing to keep in mind is the uniqueness of photo albums among a photographer’s vast portfolio. No one wants photos that come across as uninspired, cliché or the same as everyone else. A good photographer will know how to whip up something fun, new, and spur-of-the-moment.
3. Evaluate Their Expertise
A wedding is an emotional event. Naturally, there will be some moments you’ll want to capture that are truly touching, while others... not so much. The best photographer will be able to tell the difference and make sure they’re only getting you and your guests at your finest, while avoiding bad angles and potential clothing mishaps or slips (whoops!).
4. Get Their Input on Poses
Most brides have spent a considerable amount of time online looking into various wedding venues and services. By the time of their wedding, surely you’ve seen countless pictures of couples posing just right for the camera. However, when it comes time to pose for these pictures yourself, it can be difficult to recall the thousands of pictures you saw and make the perfect pose. When speaking to a wedding photographer, ask if they’re able to provide guidance for you and your spouse. The right pose can make all the difference!
5. Communicate Frequently
The best way to make sure you get the pictures you want is to regularly communicate with your photographer. This can be done before, during, and after your wedding. For example, you might want to make your photographer aware of a few photo op ideas you had in mind before and during the wedding, then see if they’re able to edit or crop any pictures that could potentially be enhanced.
6. Have a Plan in Mind
Are pictures of the cake-cutting ceremony or an outdoor family shot among the many that will make up your dream photo album? Be sure to let your photographer, as well as your guests, know so everyone is present when the time comes—and so that no one misses out on any celebratory fun.
7. Have a Short Trial Run
A good way to develop chemistry between you (as a couple) and your photographer is to have a short trial run with them. This way, you’ll be able to understand their communication style and provide them with initial feedback, like, for example, that you prefer your right side profile over your left. This can make a dramatic difference in how your day-of photos come out!
8. Get to Know Their Assistant
While it may not apply to every wedding photographer, you’ll find that most have assistants. If you’re unsure about a photo or a pose, it may be worth getting the opinion of the assistant as well. You never know, sometimes four eyes are better than two.
9. Check Their Work
In addition to looking at their website and social media accounts, you should also look into reviews or seek references to understand how others found their experience. General comments, like, “Extremely professional!” are helpful, but don’t provide as much insight as a longer, more detailed review. Make sure you’re studying up!
10. Check Their Price
Couples are often reluctant to spend the extra money on a professional wedding photographer. This isn’t exactly surprising. According to Chime, a second chance banking company, 74 percent of Millennials are coping with debt, and are therefore more cautious about how they spend their money. However, the photos you take at your wedding will last a lifetime, so don’t feel guilty about hiring the best for the job—especially if they include videography services!
11. Go With Your Gut
At the end of the day, go with the photographer you feel comfortable with. Reviews and social media may add, or take away from the reputation of who you’re looking to hire. But if you love their work and they’re easy to communicate with, then they might be the perfect wedding photographer for you!
