Your wedding will probably be the happiest day of your life. That’s why you want to make sure that you hire a good wedding photographer who can capture the memories that last a lifetime. There are several things to consider when choosing a photographer. Here are the do’s and don’ts of hiring a wedding photographer.
DO: Ask Around for Different Quotes and Compare Portfolios
Be sure to shop around when choosing a photographer. Don’t just hire the first one you find or, even worse, the cheapest one you can find. Of course, price is no proof of quality. That’s why you should also ask to check their portfolio and see what photos they have taken for other couples. Find a photographer that has a portfolio you like and a price you can afford.
DO: Book Your Photographer in Advance
As the person planning the wedding, you know when it’s going to take place. Be sure to book your photographer well in advance because they are very busy and they can get booked up fast. Especially if you are getting married at a time when people tend to get married. Consider booking your photographer as soon as you have a date and time set for the wedding. At the very least, you should do it a few months out.
DO: Meet With Your Photographer to See if you Get Along
You’ll be spending a lot of time with the wedding photographer and you’ll be counting on them to take great pictures. That means that you should try to find a wedding photographer that you get along with and have some chemistry with. Be sure to meet up with your photographer before hiring them to see how well get on. Isyou this someone you could trust to manage your photography? Could you see yourself spending lots of time with them? If not, keep on looking.
DO: Discuss Your Requirements
The photographer won’t know what you want unless you tell them. Do you want classic photos or a more modern style? What’s the theme of the wedding? Are there any specific pictures that you want them to take? Be sure to discuss any requirements you have with them beforehand. Don’t thrust things on them suddenly on the big day. They might need to prepare for something special. The more you can tell them, the better prepared they will be and the better your photos will turn out.
DON’T Forget that there’s no such Thing as a Do-Over
If something goes wrong with the photos, you’re stuck with them. It’s not like you can just do the whole wedding again to get different ones. Sure, you could redo some photos on the day, but even then you are limited. Be sure that you hire a professional who knows what they are doing. These photos have to be right the first time round.
DON’T Expect Miracles If You Ask Your Friends to Take Pictures
You could save money by foregoing a photographer and asking friends and family to take pictures for you. Be sure to temper your expectations and not expect miracles if you go that route. They have neither the experience nor the equipment of a professional wedding photographer. They can take nice pictures, sure, but the only way to get professional quality photos is to hire a professional.