How to Choose the Right Experienced Wedding Photographer for Your Special Day
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event that you'll want to remember forever. That's why it's essential to choose the right wedding photographer to capture every precious moment. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a wedding photographer.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Photographer
First and foremost, you want to choose a wedding photographer who has experience shooting weddings. This experience will ensure that your photographer has the skills and expertise to capture all the important moments on your special day. A photographer who has shot 50 weddings will understand the flow and the risks on a wedding day more than someone who has only shot 5 of them.
Additionally, you want to make sure that the photographer's style matches your vision for your wedding photos. This is one of the most important factors in choosing a wedding photographer as their style and how they capture your day will be how you remember your day for the rest of your lives. Do you prefer someone who is very stylized, or do you want someone who is shooting only in black and white? Do you want someone who shoots like a photographer from your favorite wedding magazine, or someone who’s photos look like the one on your pinterest board.
It's also important to consider the photographer's personality. Your photographer will be with you throughout your wedding day, so you want someone who is easy to work with and who puts you at ease. You may not realize it, but your photographer is usually the person you will go to for guidance when something starts to go wrong. You want someone with experience to be able to guide you through the tough scenarios that may come up, as well as someone who is personable to keep you laughing and keep the moment light hearted.
Finally, make sure to consider the photographer's pricing and availability. While price should be a consideration, it is also okay to spend that little bit extra to make sure you get the photos you deserve. The important part here is availability. Some photographers book up 12 to 18 months in advance. Be sure to start looking as soon as you have booked your venue.
The Difference Between an Amateur and an Experienced Photographer
While an amateur photographer may be able to take decent photos, an experienced wedding photographer has the skills and expertise to capture stunning photos that truly capture the essence of your special day. Experienced photographers know how to anticipate special moments, adjust to lighting, and create unique and creative shots that an amateur photographer may not be able to achieve. There is nothing wrong with hiring someone who is less experienced, however do not hold them to the same degree as someone who has shot hundreds of weddings.
Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
To ensure that you choose the right wedding photographer for your special day, it's important to ask the right questions. Some important questions to ask include:
How many weddings have you shot?
Can you provide references from past clients?
What is your photography style?
How do you handle unexpected weather or lighting changes?
What is your pricing and what does it include?
Can I see a full wedding days worth of photos?
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Wedding Photographer
Choosing the wrong wedding photographer can result in disappointing photos that don't capture the essence of your special day. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing a wedding photographer, and how you can avoid making them.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Wedding Photographer
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid is choosing a photographer solely based on price. While price is an important consideration, you want to make sure that your photographer has the experience and skills to capture your special day. An experienced wedding photographer has not only the skills needed to capture the day but the equipment as well to ensure that nothing will stop them from getting the perfect shots on your day.
The best way to ensure you have an experienced wedding photographer is to look on their website, social media or even reading reviews online. Look to see if their style matches what you want, check to see they have more then one wedding couple in their portfolio. Check to see if they do more than just weddings, sometimes professionals will have more than one type of photography that they do. Is their other work just as good as their wedding photos? Ask yourself if you were paying them would you be happy with what you see in their portfolio?
If at the end of the day price is the reason you cannot book the photographer you really would like, consider asking them if they can do an altered package, or if there is any way they may be able to work with you on price. Some photographers will be a little bit more flexible and work with you, others may not. The worst someone can say is no. Make sure to approach them with a kind hearted email, and do not expect them to change their pricing, but there is nothing wrong with asking. If they cannot be flexible on pricing then ask them if they know anyone with a similar style who may be in your price range. Many photographers know other wedding photographer in the area and you may find someone else who can capture your wedding photos that you have not considered before.
Another big mistake people make is choosing a photographer who doesn’t communicate with them. An experienced wedding photographer understands the importance of communication and will work closely with you to understand your vision for your wedding photos. They will also communicate with you throughout the wedding day, ensuring that they capture all the special moments.
A professional wedding photographer will talk to you about the flow of the day, whether you want a first look, or if you want to do couples photos during cocktail hour. If you want a shot of the dress, or if you just want a fly on the wall capturing the little moments during the day. They will also help with scheduling and set proper expectations during the day for you to work with.
Final Thoughts
To avoid disappointment, make sure to choose a wedding photographer who has experience shooting weddings, has a photography style that matches your vision, and has a personality that puts you at ease. It's also important to choose a photographer who communicates well and has the expertise to capture stunning photos in any lighting condition. Hiring an experienced wedding photographer is a smart investment that can ensure your wedding photos are stunning and memorable. By choosing a professional with the right skillset, equipment, and experience, you can relax on your wedding day, knowing that you are in good hands. Use everything in this article, and others I have posted to help you choose the right experienced wedding photographer for your special day, and you'll have beautiful photos to cherish and share with your loved ones for years to come.
