Selecting an ideal wedding photographer is an essential part of the wedding planning process, as is choosing the perfect venue or dress. But unlike flowers or catering, your wedding photographs live well beyond the day.
It can be difficult to find a photographer who matches your aesthetic and taste, your idea of the ideal wedding photographer, not to mention someone you trust to truly capture the most important moments. Will they take the right photos? Will we work well together? If you feel overwhelmed, try to follow small but very useful tips
Ask around, or look for reviews online.
Word of mouth is one of the most proven methods for finding an ideal wedding photographer. Friends often share a common style and similar budgets. If you loved a friend's wedding, don't be too shy to ask them about their experience. Otherwise use Google and look for reviews of wedding photographers!
Instagram, instagram, instagram.
This may be one of the few cases where social media stalking is strongly encouraged. Start scanning the feeds of your favorite wedding blogs or magazines. Or walk through the geotag of a beautiful venue. In the process of clicking from profile to profile of accounts that share your taste and vision, you may end up settling with the perfect person you otherwise wouldn't have found
Give precise indications on what you want for your wedding
With so much to choose from, it can be easy to hire a photographer simply based on the beauty of their work, rather than taking into consideration what you're expecting for your wedding. If you're getting married in an intimate indoor city space, look for inspiration along that vein, rather than being distracted by airy, joyous outdoor wedding photos.
Get informed!
Understanding the costs for various products and services is the first step in making informed wedding decisions. While many photographers don't post their prices online, use their portfolio to get information on the types of weddings they do. If their Instagram is juxtaposed with large private real estate events or very diverse destination weddings, it can be assumed that their rates will certainly be higher than less publicized photographers.
Start asking a Supplier and the rest will follow
Have you found the florist of your dreams? Ask them who their favorite photographers are. The wedding industry is a close-knit community – don't be afraid to ask industry suppliers for recommendations. Another option is to look at their website to see who shot the weddings they were a part of.
Make sure your and the photographer's personalities are a good mix
So you've found a photographer you like. What's the next step? And also, how do you make sure the photos fit your style and personality? When you craft your first email to contact the photographer, be sure to write down the location, dates, and hours of coverage needed for the wedding. Share who you are and your vision for the day. If the photographer feels a connection with you, he or she may respond in a more personal tone.
Don't contact him only by email. Meet him in person or call him! If you take the time to establish trust from the beginning, you are likely to have the experience you want on your wedding day.
Review their work.
Be sure to ask for three to four full galleries of previous weddings. It's important to see how a photographer will cover a wedding from start to finish, she explains. Don't just look at the highlights of their portfolio. Also, ask for references and reviews. Talk to other couples about the moments they enjoyed most with the photographer, and also what the unpleasant sides of the relationship were.
Pay attention to details
There are some important things to keep in mind before signing a contract. Most importantly, who is the photographer who will provide the final images? And when will the delivery take place? If you're getting married in the fall, do you want your holiday photography? Can you imagine making large format prints on frame or creating a wedding album ? All of these elements should be discussed and agreed upon beforehand so you know what to expect after the wedding.