The decision to hire a photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make during your wedding-planning process. But with so many different photographers out there, it can be hard to know which one would be perfect for you and your wedding.
That’s why we’ve made a list of the 10 things to keep in mind when choosing a wedding photographer. With these considerations in mind, you will be able to find a photographer who fits your budget, your personality and vision.
- Your Budget
- Their Style Of Photography
- What Their Availability Is
- Their Portfolio
- What They Offer
- Their Experience
- Where They Are Located
- Customer Reviews
- Costs Involved
- Contracts & Deposit Amounts
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
1. Your Budget
Perhaps the most important thing to take into consideration is your budget. It’s important to be mindful of how much you and your fiancé are prepared to spend on wedding photography. The average cost of a professional wedding photographer is $2,000-$5,000.
Some photographers may offer lower rates if they are new to the industry or if you book early on in the planning process, while others may charge more for their services because of their experience and reputation.
With that being said, don’t be afraid to negotiate and look for different package deals. You may also want to consider asking about discounts if there are any current promotions in place.
2. Their Style Of Photography
Another thing to keep in mind is the style of photography you are after. Just as you would wear a dress that matches your personality, the same should be true with your wedding photography. Different photographers capture and edit photos in a number of different ways so it’s important to seek out a photographer that matches the style you have in mind.
3. What Their Availability Is
When getting in touch with potential photographers, you should always ask what their availability is. You want to be sure that you can book them for the date and time that you need them. If a photographer is unavailable on your wedding day, there’s no point enquiring further. Consider asking them for recommendations of other photographers who may be available.
4. Their Portfolio
To get an idea of how a photographer approaches his or her work, it’s always a good idea to look at their portfolio before contacting them. Wedding photographers often post a portfolio of their work on Instagram or their own website. This will help you determine whether or not they would be a good fit for your wedding as it will give you insight into their style and what they have done in the past.
5. What They Offer
When choosing a wedding photographer, be sure to check out the different packages that they have on offer. These packages vary from photographer to photographer, but they generally include some combination of digital photographs, prints and a particular number of hours of work. If you’re on a tight budget, consider looking for a photographer who offers a cheaper package option that includes fewer hours or prints.
6. Their Experience
When you're looking for a wedding photographer, you want someone who has experience. Experience is the key to a great wedding photographer. A seasoned wedding photographer will be able to capture all of the right moments, and you can trust that they know what they are doing.
7. Where They Are Located
Location is a key factor in choosing a photographer. A photographer will incorporate the distance they have to travel to and from your wedding into the total cost so consider looking for a local photographer. A local photographer will likely be familiar with the area and may have worked at your wedding venue in the past.
8. Customer Reviews
Make sure to read customer reviews from brides and grooms who have previously hired a particular photographer. This is a good way to get a sense of what it's like to work with a certain photographer and whether they're good at what they do. If a photographer has received hundreds of good reviews, it's likely because they've been in business for several years and know their way around a camera.
9. Costs Involved
Once you’ve narrowed down your selection of potential wedding photographers, it’s time to ask the big question - how much is it going to cost? There are many different factors that affect what photographers charge for their services. Some of these include location fees, travel expenses, post-wedding editing and other add-ons. Be sure to check for any additional fees and to find out exactly what is included in the total cost.
10. Contracts & Deposit Amounts
Once you have selected a photographer, make sure you read the contract carefully and ask about any required deposits. A deposit is usually required when booking a wedding photographer. A contract protects both parties and should be included with every vendor you choose to hire.
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Want To Know More?
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