Venue: Ojai Valley Inn (Ojai, CA). Photo Credit: Michael & Anna Costa Photography
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You will want to remember it for years to come. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right photographer for your special weekend. There are many photographers out there, but not all of them are created equal. Here are some tips for choosing the right wedding photographer.
Research
First, do your research. Google wedding photographers in your area and take a look at their websites. The seasoned photographers behind Sven Studios suggest that you read reviews from past clients to get an idea of what others have thought of their work. This will allow you to get an idea of the quality of their work. When you’re looking at websites, take note of the style of photography that each photographer specializes in. Some photographers are better suited for traditional weddings while others excel in more photojournalistic styles. You will want to choose a photographer whose style matches your vision for your wedding day. Also, try to stay away from trendy looks or filters that won’t stand the test of time. If you are working with an experienced wedding planner, they can help you navigate through all of the choices as well.
Conduct a consultation
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s time to set up consultations, whether in person or via phone/Zoom. During your consultation, be sure to ask the photographer about their experience, their style, and their vision for your wedding day. This is also a good time to get to know the photographer’s personality to see if they will be a good fit for your big day. As much as possible, you have to be comfortable with your photographer. After all, they will be spending the entire day with you on one of the most important days of your life. Also, ask them questions like why they got into photography, what is their favorite moment to photograph at a wedding, and what is their overall approach. Ask them who their perfect client is, and who is not. This can really give you a feel for being the right fit for each other.
Get a feel for their work
You should also ask to see examples of the photographer’s work. This will give you a better idea of what to expect on your wedding day. Make sure to ask to see a full gallery from start to finish so that you can get an idea of the photographer’s storytelling ability. A good photographer will be able to capture not just the important moments, but also the little details that make your wedding day special. Also, don’t forget to discuss the budget. Wedding photography is not cheap, so you will want to make sure that you are comfortable with the photographer’s prices. More often than not, you get what you pay for when it comes to wedding photography, and you can’t have a redo. So this is an area you should plan to allocate at least 10% or more of your budget.
Come up with a contract
Once you’ve decided on a photographer, be sure to get a contract in writing. This contract should outline the details of your agreement, including the price, the number of hours they will be photographing, the number of edited photos you will receive, and when you can expect to receive your finished product. This contract will protect both you and the photographer in case of any unforeseen circumstances. For instance, if some of the prints are damaged then the photographer will be liable. Also, make sure you know if you own the rights to the images, so that you can share and post them freely, as well as reproduce them into gallery wraps, albums, etc.
Your wedding day is one of the most important events in your life. You want everything to be perfect, including your photos. By following these tips, you can be sure to choose the right photographer for the job. With the right photographer by your side, you can rest assured that your wedding day will be captured beautifully.