Let’s face it – Unless you’re in the business, you probably have no idea where to start
when selecting your Wedding Photographer!
So here are our Top 10 Tips, to help ensure you find the Perfect Photographer for Your
Wedding!
1. PORTFOLIOS, GALLERIES, SAMPLES…
The most important aspect of the whole process is that you fall in love with the photographer’s work!
If you don’t ‘click’ with their images, then move on…
It’s also important to note that many photographers work very hard to make sure their portfolio will blow your mind…sometimes they even use models & professional lighting. Make sure you see what their ‘normal’ wedding photos look like; otherwise you might be in for a shock when you see your own wedding images!
2. EXPERIENCE IS ESSENTIAL
Everyone has to start somewhere…But it shouldn’t be on your Wedding Day!
You need to trust that your Photographer is experienced, equipped for all circumstances, has the experience & knowledge to go with the flow & deal with everything that might happen on your Big Day.
…After all, this is a huge, once-in-a-lifetime event, & you don’t want to be the guinea
pig for someone less experienced than you deserve!
Make sure you ask the important questions:
· How many weddings have you shot?
· Do you have a back-up camera body, & alternate lenses?
· Will you bring an assistant, or a Second Shooter?
· Have you shot at our location before?
· Do you shoot weddings for a living, or as a hobby?
3. THE RIGHT ATTITUDE
Your wedding photographer will be an integral part of one of the most important days of your life, & at the end of the day, they should be there to help make your day Perfect (sometimes, as the Verge girls have done, it comes down to the little details; getting you a glass of water (or champagne!), helping you with your dress, or making sure your hair looks flawless!).
Regardless of how talented a photographer is, or how many awards they have won, if you have no chemistry with them, then your wedding photos won’t truly reflect yourpersonality, style & the emotion of your day.
It’s important that you feel comfortable with them as you’ll be spending 99% of the Big Day with your photographer.
· Do you feel relaxed around them? Are they relaxed & friendly, or are they bossy & overbearing?
· Do they look smart & professional?
· Do they instill confidence in you?
· What’s their style? The way they act – are they casual, laugh-out-loud types, or quite demanding?
· Do you ‘click’ with them?
You’ll only be able to judge these things once you meet them face-to-face.
THE GOLDEN RULE – HIRE SOMEONE YOU TRUST 100%
Don't commit to any photographer if you’re less than 100% confident in them. Don't waste your time if you don't absolutely love their work, & make sure you have great chemistry with your photographer. Once you've made your decision, just step back & let them work their magic.
You'll be seeing them after the wedding too, so be sure you enjoy working together, & that they're easy to contact.
The more questions you ask, the more confident you will feel when making the final decision on which photographer to choose.
When viewing portfolios, think about the images:
· Do they look artificial & composed, or are they natural?
· Do they evoke emotion?
· Is there a good mixture of portraits & groups?
· Do they tell a story of the entire wedding day?
· Do they capture detail well (expressions, dress details, etc)?
Also ask the photographer for references. It is often useful & reassuring to find out from
past clients if the photographer was punctual, friendly, enjoyable to work with, etc
4. SECOND SHOOTERS
A second photographer is a great way to ensure that no details are missed from your day; you can capture a wider range of angles, & allows for more artistic freedom within your images.
Many people don’t see the point in having a Second Shooter, & may wonder if the Primary Shooter is not competent enough on their own, but a second shooter is a fantastic (and often essential way) of capturing every moment of your Special Day. How else would you capture the groom’s expression as he sees his bride for the first time? Or capture the long-distance shots during your ceremony…from a balcony!
Second Shooters are well worth asking your photographer about!
Trust us…you’ll appreciate them once the Big Day is finished!
5. IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER…WELL…YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER?
Many photographers employ an impressive Salesperson to WOW you & ‘sell’ you on their photography… But is the person you meet, trust and ‘click with’, the person that will actually be shooting your wedding?
If you’re unsure, just ask!
It’s essential for you to meet the actual photographer who will be with you the whole day, to decide on which photographer you hire to capture those beautiful memories.
*When in doubt – refer back to Tip #3
6. BUDGET IS THE KEY
It’s very true what they say: Price plays an important factor in your decision, so you should definitely ‘shop’ on price (to create your shortlist), but the essential key is to not ‘buy’ on price.
All photographers are definitely NOT the same!
If two photographers are priced $1000 apart, and you wonder why the difference is so big, then you should ask about how much experience they have?
How much do you love their work?
What’s included in their packages (Are you comparing apples with apples…are you
truly getting VALUE for money)?
Are they simply building a portfolio, or is Wedding Photography their full-time profession?
In most cases, there’s a reason for the price difference!!
You’ll find it when you start to look closer…
7. YOUR PACKAGE – WHAT DO YOU GET?
Do you know exactly what you get?
Packages can be very vague. You should figure out exactly what you’re getting for your cash.
So, your photographer is asking for $3000. What do you actually get? Albums? Prints? Hours? Discs?
How big is the album?
Do you get the images in digital format?
If so, who has copyright? Is the photographer’s logo watermarked across them all?
Is editing included?
What are the hidden extras (if any)?
How much more will you have to spend to get exactly what you want?
Do you have a list of things you definitely want?
If not, see 7.1. below…
7.1 MAKE A LIST OF WHAT YOU WANT
It might sound simple, but you’d be surprised how much variation is out there!
Some photographers offer a disc of all the photos. Some only offer a selection of images in an album.
What’s important to you? Write down everything.
Seriously; everything - Albums, coverage, prints, digital copies, wall enlargements (what size?), second shooter…
Write down everything you can think of that you want from your photography. Then, compare that to what your prospective photographer is offering.
On rare occasions you’ll find those photographers (like Verge Studio) who are flexible
with their packages…
When in doubt – Just Ask!
If you love their work, AND they’ll give you everything on your list, AND they’re in your
budget…BINGO!
8. CONTRACTS...UGH
They suck. We hate using them, but contracts are super-important as a matter of communicating. They will explain exactly what you’re getting, what the photographer is responsible for, what you’re paying for, & what happens if things go wrong.
So, how’s your photographer’s contract? Make sure you read it. You’ll want to understand absolutely every point in it, & if you don’t then you need to ask someone.
Ask the photographer. Ask your mum. Ask a mate. Ask someone!
If your photographer is hesitant to discuss the details of their contract (or if they simply don’t even have one!), that’s a huge red warning flag!!
9. WHAT DO THEY ACTUALLY DO?
Is your Photographer a Photographer?
Or is your photographer really a truck driver/doctor/golf instructor /student that has an expensive camera, & shoots weddings on the weekends? Give them a call during work hours & ask them! Make sure that whatever the answer, you’re 100% happy with them when you Book & Pay your deposit.
**Remember - deposits are normally non-refundable!
***When in doubt – refer back to Tip #3
10. VIDEOGRAPHY. VIDEOGRAPHY? VIDEOGRAPHY!!
Deciding to hire a Photographer is a no-brainer.
Videography is a bit trickier…
Some companies offer both services, but remember that these are two completely different skill sets…so make sure that you’re happy with the individual people responsible for each of these jobs.
Some photographers & videographers just outright refuse to get along with each other,& spend a lot of time getting in each other’s way. Some are absolutely amazing at working together…
How’s yours?
Just keep in mind that you’re paying for their services, so if your photographer isn’t willing to work with your videographer & vice-versa, maybe you need to find someone who will remember that it’s Your Wedding Day!
They should be working harmoniously to make sure your Wedding Day memories are captured perfectly for you, forever…
Simply give Verge Studio a call if you have any questions about Photography for Your Wedding Day.
We would be honoured to help make this the most incredible day of your lives!
Happy Planning!
Love, The Verge Girls xo
Verge Studio Photography - Wedding Photographers, based in Perth's gorgeous Swan Valley!!
www.vergestudio.com.au
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