What to know before hiring a wedding photographer
So you got the ring? Did you do the #isaidyes or #shesaidyes hashtag? Along with the excitement of finally getting engaged, now comes the fun part of actually planning the wedding. So you find the wedding venue, you get your wedding dress, you ask your friends to be bridesmaids, you get the wedding cake, and everything else to make your wedding day perfect!
So….who will you choose to capture those memories? Let’s talk about how to hire a wedding photographer. Don’t limit your search to just an affordable wedding photographer, but look at what you really need to capture your special day. When you search for a wedding photographer, don’t limit it to just your own city (for example a search for a Houston wedding photographer), but search some of the surrounding cities (Katy wedding photographer, Cypress wedding photographer, etc.) and you will get results from those that can serve you as well
How do I choose a wedding photographer
Choosing a wedding photographer can sometimes be a process, but it doesn’t have to be. I realize that every wedding vendor is important, but after the meal is eaten, after the cake is cut, after the music stops and the wedding dress is put away, all you will have left are the photos.
Think about how you want to look that day. Different photographers have different styles. Some shoot using natural light only, some shoot using flashes and external lighting, some use a combination of the two. Try to find those that come close to your “style” and how you want to look. Will they “tell a story” to document the day, or will they pose every shot?
Questions to ask your wedding photographer
How fast do they respond to your questions? Do they answer emails on the same day, within a few hors of you sending, or do you have to wait for their response? That will give you an idea how they communicate after you sign the contract (yes, you need to maintain contact with your wedding photographer to make sure your issues are properly addressed before your wedding day. Speaking of contracts, get everything they say in writing so they don’t over promise and under deliver. Talk by phone and if possible in person and see if your personalities click. If you’re an extrovert and like to party, find one that matches that. If you are more of the reserved type, find one that matches that.
How much should I spend on a wedding photographer
I know sometimes money can be an issue and depending on your budget, you may not have $10,000 for wedding photography but you also need to be wary of the affordable wedding photographer. There will be a LOT of affordable wedding photographers that will offer you “deals” and low prices, but make sure the offer is not too good to be true and that the photographer will be around to make good on them. Look at their work….online and in print and make sure it is to your liking.
Also ask, how experienced are they? You don’t want someone “practicing” or getting experience on your wedding day. How long have they been in business? Do they know how to shoot properly in a wedding venue like yours? how experienced are they with the equipment they have? Are they insured (some wedding venues require that wedding vendors carry liability insurance while on their property)
Yes, this sounds like a lot, but when you consider that this will be all that you have left on your day, you need to be sure you are happy with the results. When you are ready to book a wedding photographer, you can send me an email or just use my contact form and I will respond quickly!