Finding A Great Wedding Photographer

There are numerous vitally important factors to consider when choosing a wedding photographer. In fact, hiring and working with a wedding photographer can be such an involved process that many people have a separate wedding photography checklist that assists them with the process. Photography is an art, and wedding photography is a special form of art.  

A wedding photographer needs not only to know how to get great shots, but must be able to interact well with wedding guests and not disrupt the flow of the event. These are elements that not all wedding photographers and wedding photography studios often take into consideration.

When reviewing your wedding photography checklist, it is quite important to first look at the wedding photographer’s past body of work. Can he or she take great shots “on the go?” This ability can be very important if you want dynamic photos that show the flow of people and events at your wedding. It is one thing to be able to photograph people who have posed for the camera, as they are stationary and smiling. Yet, it is quite another photographing people when they are in more candid positions.  

When reviewing the photographer’s portfolio, do you see evidence that he or she is able to take photos organically during the event? These type of flowing and organic photos will certainly give you and all who see the photos of your wedding a more accurate representation of what your wedding day was actually like.

Another point that should be on your wedding checklist is whether or not the photographer is eager to give you his or her references. In short, does the photographer feel comfortable allowing past customers to give you feedback on their performance? A smart wedding photographer or wedding photography studio will already have quotes and recommendations available to you either in literature or on the website. If a photographer seems reluctant to provide you evidence of happy customers, look elsewhere.

It is also wise to look for a wedding photographer who has wedding photography tips to give you before the wedding. These wedding photography tips should guide you towards what you need to do to make his or her job easier and the photos look as good as possible. In a similar vein, your wedding photographer should be concerned about the physical environment where the photos would be taken. He or she should want to see the areas that will be photographed ahead of time.

Finding a good wedding photographer is essential for making sure your wedding runs smoothly and your memories of your wedding are as good as they can possibly be. Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find a wedding photographer who is a gifted artist.

Have a look at our recommended Wedding Suppliers to find some of the best vendors in quality and price from the comfort of your home.

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Wedding Photography Checklist

wedding photographyYou probably want to make sure that your wedding day is perfectly immortalized through nice pictures or videos to which you can go back again and again in the future. So, if your budget allows for it, hiring a professional photographer / videographer might be a very wise decision.

This checklist contains the most important things which need to be taken into account when interviewing a wedding photographer / videographer.

Don’t feel overwhelmed by all the ideas pointed out here. Just pick the ones that best suit your dream wedding.

  • Set budget
  • Start 6-9 months in advance interviewing photographers
  • Ask for photographer’s references and photo samples
  • Decide if you want a second photographer
  • Check price for full day wedding coverage
  • Check photographer’s charge for travel, hotel, car rental…
  • Check shipping costs (when photographer lives overseas)
  • Check minimum number of “keeper” after photos
  • Check if they mass produce photos selected to send to guests
  • Check if digital negatives and files are included
  • Check if there will be any logo or copyright on photos
  • Check if meals for photographer/s need to be provided
  • Decide on style of photography (romantic, casual, funny…)
  • Decide if you prefer film or digital
  • Decide if you also want black & white photography
  • Decide if you want matte or glossy
  • Decide if you also want an engagement photography session
  • Decide on locations for photo shooting (engagement / wedding)
  • Assure light & shade photography
  • Make a prioritized shot list
  • Designate an organizer/helper for portraits
  • Make sure you have formals (family portraits) with all family members
  • Decide on type of albums (Are they included in price? How many?)
  • Decide if you want some photos enlarged
  • Check finished photos / album delivery date
  • Decide if you want an online gallery / online wedding album
  • Decide if you want to provide disposable cameras for guests

Tip #1: Most people realize the importance of this part and invest a good chunk of their budget into the wedding photography -after all, you can never relive those hours for a “retake”. So, make sure when you select a photographer and/or videographer, that they can deliver excellent quality, much diversity, tasteful creativity and are committed to providing you with excellent service and results.

Tip #2: Make sure that the photographer and videographer work well together (if you have both), since they have to do their jobs simultaneously.

Tip #3: It can also be fun to have informal formals (funny family portraits)

Tip #4: If you ask family or friends to serve in the photographer role: clarify payment arrangements and clarify expectations (time committment, type of shots, quality of product)

Have a look at our recommended wedding photography studio.

If you liked this checklist, take a look at our most dateiled and complete wedding timeline checklist.

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