In my opinion, the photographer is one of the few items worth splurging on. It's all you're going to have to remember your wedding once it's all said and done. So how can you get a fabulous photographer?
How to Find Them
- Ask your venue for suggestions. Perhaps they can offer a photographer who is already familiar with the venue. Bonus points!
- Ask friends and family for references.
- Use sites like The Knot or Wedding Wire.
Style Matters
You should now have a list of photographers. Take a look at their portfolios on their website or Facebook page. Do you like the way they photograph? If not, move on. If so, it's worth a phone call. Don't understand what I mean by style? Here's a list of wedding photography styles and examples:
If you don't want your photographer to interrupt intimate moments and you want them to capture moments as they happen so the images are genuine, go with a photo journalistic style. This style is becoming more and more popular. If you're lucky, you'll find a photographer that does a blend of all styles. My photographer, Josh Jones, achieves this beautifully!
- Photojournalism: These photographers take a more candid approach to documenting your wedding. They stay out of the way and let the magic happen without having to tell you to stop celebrating to pose for a picture.
- Fine Art: These photographers use interesting angles, textures, filters and lighting in order to create visually stunning photographs. This requires lots of positioning and posing though, so be patient.
- Fashion: This style is popular in large, metropolitan areas. Like Fine Art, it uses unique lighting and backgrounds, but it focuses more on poses. Thus there is more photographer/client involvement.
- Traditional: In this style, the photographer becomes more of a director and focuses on posing the bride and groom and groups in order to obtain the images.
If you don't want your photographer to interrupt intimate moments and you want them to capture moments as they happen so the images are genuine, go with a photo journalistic style. This style is becoming more and more popular. If you're lucky, you'll find a photographer that does a blend of all styles. My photographer, Josh Jones, achieves this beautifully!
Experience is Key...
Though photographers with more experience are more expensive, the extra cost is worth it. The added experience means they know how to work with clients effectively. They are better prepared to work under stressful conditions and can work around lighting issues. Though it's good to give a newbie a chance, you might not want to risk that chance on your wedding day.
...So is Personality
Go visit your top picks. A person can have it all, but if their personality stinks, run the other way! You want a photographer that is personable and fun-- someone who can get you to laugh. The best photos come when you're relaxed and comfortable. If the photographer can't do this, your photos are not going to turn out very well. Plain and simple.
Know Your Budget
Most photographers cost around $3,000-4,000. This usually includes a set number of hours, editing, a way to look at all the edited photos (usually through a password protected site) and a photo album. Most photographers have different packages to choose from, such as full day coverage and an engagement shoot. Look through your options.
How to save:
How to save:
- Give a rookie a chance! Aspiring photographers need the business and will give you a great deal.
- Perhaps a friend or family member does photography on the side? It's perfectly fine not to have a professional, but choose wisely! Again, these photos are what you will have to remember your wedding day.
Book Early!
It's a good rule to find a photographer 9 months prior to your wedding. Find your favorite within your budget, read the contract, pick your package, sign the contract and make the down payment to secure your date.
- Adina
- Adina