The images of your big day are one thing that can keep the wedding memories alive well into the future for you and your husband.
Beware of Imposters!
As the prices of DSLR cameras continue to drop, more and more inexperienced wedding photographers are entering the marketplace and providing wedding photography at cut-rate prices. However, it takes more than owning a fancy camera to make a great photographer!
According to Darren Miles, a professional photographer in Naples, FL, "Wedding photographers' skills are honed and developed over years of
training and experience. Experienced
photographers understand lighting, composition, post processing,
communication, workflow and organization. Ultimately, their skill level
and experience will be the difference between a bunch of images that
would otherwise be hard to differentiate from a point and shoot camera
and photographic heirlooms that take your breath away and last a
lifetime."
Different photographers have different styles, so make sure you choose one that offers what you want. Wedding photography is trending away from the traditional "posed" images and has migrated to more of a photo-journalistic story telling style.
There is definitely a place for traditional style images, however, so make sure you review each photographers portfolio (view an entire wedding) and ensure that the style he/she uses reflects your personal preferences.
8 additional things to consider to get the most out of your wedding photographer:
- Check References
Ask each photographer for references, and ask if you can actually speak with recent brides whose wedding they photographed. - Determine How the Photographer Charges
Some photographers charge by the hour. Most wedding photographers will have set packages available, with options to add extra time or services by the hour. Make sure you understand the fees and make sure you have them in writing. Plan to allow any where from 10%-30% of your budget on wedding photography. - Consider How You "Feel" Around the PhotographerAs important as the skill of the photographer, is the way you feel when you are around him/her. You will be spending a lot of time with this person on your wedding day ... up close and personal! Having someone that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed naturally will have an impact on how your images turn out and how you look in them.
- Find Out if a Must Have Shot List is Accepted
Most photographers have a list of "must have" shots for a wedding, but theirs may not match yours. Create a list of the must have images from your wedding and provide it to your photographer ahead of time. Photographers know the obvious shots, but they may not know you have four generations of women at your wedding (Great-Grandma, Grandma, Mom, and you). You'll want a photograph of the four of you for sure! Is a photo of you signing the marriage license important? You only get one shot at it, so let your photographer know! Think about extended family members, groups of friends, pets and settings you may want to include, as well.
Is signing the marriage license a "must have" photo? You only get one shot, so let your photographer know! - Find out When the Proofs will be Available
Ask this question ahead of time so you are on the same page. You'll also want to find out how the proofs are shared. Will there be a link available to send out to family and friends to review proofs, as well? Most wedding photographers provide this, but never assume. Always ask. - Ask if there is a Back-Up PlanNo one plans to be ill or have a family emergency but it happens. Don't be left in a lurch. Find out if there is a back up photographer(s) available on stand by or how that situation would be handled. Also find out if there a cancellation policy, in the event you have an emergency of your own. Again, make sure these policies are provided in writing.
- Request a List of Print Packages and Options in Advance
Share these with parents and anyone else who may want to order prints from the wedding. Save money by ordering all together. - Make Sure You Have a Signed Contract Make sure you know exactly what you're getting and make sure it's ALL in the contract. This should include things like the number images included in your package, how many hours of photography are included, extra fees for additional time or additional photographers, specifically WHO will be the actual photographer at your wedding, and the photographers arrival time, date, and location. Take nothing for granted and leave nothing to chance. Make sure everything is in the contract.
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| "Vintage" Disposable Wedding Reception Camera |
Assign someone from the wedding party to drop the disposable wedding cameras off at Walgreens, CVS, or your local drug store and get the images put on a disc. When you get back from your honeymoon, these will be a BLAST to share and we guarantee you'll get some photos you would NEVER expect!
Make Your Mementos Picture Perfect!
The photography at your wedding is one of the most important aspects of the day. The day itself will be a whirlwind for you, so you want to select the BEST photographer to capture it all. Take our 10 suggestions for selecting the RIGHT photographer and you'll be well on your way to finding the best fit for your wedding, style, and budget.Best of luck to you in planning your special day!
~ The WhereBridesGo.com Team
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For more ideas, wedding favors and accessories, check out WhereBridesGo.com!
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