How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

You’ve already bought the ring and popped the question. Now you want to find someone who can capture the events of your wedding through the art of photography. In order to get the best possible pictures, you need to find someone who understands the value of your day. It can seem daunting, but for some help, follow these steps to choose a wedding photographer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Sit down with your fiancé and determine what you want from the photographer. You will need to know how many pictures you want him/her to shoot, how you want those pictures printed, and how you want them bound, among other things.

2. Analyze the venue you have chosen for your wedding, or get an idea of the kind of place you and your fiancé would like to get married. Note the lighting, the ambiance and the space in which a photographer would be working.

3. Compile a list of local photographers for hire. Search their portfolios--several of these photographers will have photo samples online--to find examples of photos taken in similar environments as your venue.

4. Use that list, and make contact with each photographer. Set up a consultation meeting and advise the photographer the environment in which they will be shooting. Get price quotes on printing, what kind of photo paper will be used, cost per hour or event, and ask how much time it will take to get photos in their completed form back.

5. Compare prices, but keep in mind, photography is expensive. Since wedding photographers usually operate on a fee for the wedding, and a per-photo system after the wedding, make sure you’re going to get quality as much as you’re going to make sure you get the right price.

6. Hire the photographer, and reiterate the date of the wedding often. Likely, the photographer will have consultations with you prior to the wedding to discuss the events and the timeline of the day. Be very specific, do not leave anything up in the air. They will need to know exactly where to be and when, and if there is a surprise or a special event planned.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask the photographer questions like “I have x amount of money, how much can you do for that?” or “how many pictures will you get us from start to finish?” These will give you a strong idea of the quantity of product you will get for your money.
• Most photographers will charge a flat fee to attend the wedding and shoot pictures. You then purchase the specific pictures you want at the sizes you want after it.
• Aim for character. Make sure the photographer is on the level, and be very specific about exactly what you want. That wedding day will only happen once, make sure you don’t hire someone shady.