Whether you've set up meetings with your top wedding photographer choices or you've already met with photographers and are trying to figure out the best fit, here are a few things to consider.
1. Check out a full wedding. If a full portfolio isn't already available online, ask to see one. Also, make sure the photographer shows you photos from more than one wedding. You don't want to be working with someone who's only shot one wedding and the bride just so happened to be a model. Another thing I've seen photographers do is to try and pass off a professional photo shoot as an actual wedding. You want to make sure you're working with someone who is good under pressure and can make the reality of a wedding day look just as good as a professional photo shoot. Another great thing you can check out in person that you can't fully experience online is any album options they offer.
2. Make sure you like them. From shots of getting ready to the main photo shoot and all the way to the end of the reception, there's a good chance you will spend more time with your photographer than anyone else on your wedding day (except the person you're marrying of course!). With this in mind, even if you LOVE someone's work and want to book them immediately, I'd still encourage you to meet with them in person or over Skype and chat for a bit to make sure you click with them. If you aren't comfortable with your photographer, it'll show in the photos.
3. Do your visions align? Ask them what a typical wedding day looks like. Does your idea of how you want your wedding day laid out match with how they typically like to shoot? Are you looking for an entire photo shoot directed by the photographer but meeting with someone who likes to stay invisible and shoot things as they happen photo journalistically or vice versa? Make sure you're on the same page with how they like to work.
PS. Don't forget this! The two most important questions no one knows to ask any potential photographer before you book them.
Image Zoe Rain Photography for JKoe.
Such great tips Jenny! Too often people choose vendors without asking the right questions, which can make for a terrible experience later on. I would definitely ask how many weddings a photographer has done, and determine from there how many pictures you really want to see. Inexperience isn't always a bad thing, but they need to be honest with you up front.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Joelle