Key Things to Consider When Hiring a Wedding Photographer
Congratulations!
Planning for the wedding of your dreams can be an exciting task. You might have imagined yourself doing it since you realized you want to spend the rest of your life with your beloved partner. However, as most engaged couples find, it can be daunting and overwhelming, too. After all, your wedding will be a once-in-a-lifetime event that will kick off your forever with your other half. Everything should be perfect! Don’t you think?
Putting your confidence in wedding vendors and partners, people you hardly know, to curate the experience of the best day of your life is not easy. Hence, choose wisely and pick ones who deserve your ultimate trust, especially when deciding on your wedding photographer. Not only must they possess knowledge of the technicalities of the art. But, because you will be with them on most of your big day, they must be someone you feel at ease working with.
To get you started, I have put together the key factors every engaged couple should consider when hiring an excellent professional wedding photographer:
Photography Style
As the stars of the show, you and your fiance must be in control of your wedding. The same goes for how it will be documented. There are a myriad of wedding photography styles. Each will give you its own emotional tone and artistic feel. These range from classic and timeless, light and airy, and dark and moody. Other options include traditional, photojournalistic, and editorial, among others.
Before searching for a photographer, figure out first which style speaks the most to you. Create a Pinterest board or bookmark Instagram posts to see the one that strikes you the most.
The Photographer’s Portfolio
After identifying your favorite photography style, it is now time to look through exceptional portfolios by photographers who are well-versed in it. When doing this, it is wise to remember that the images on their website and other social media platforms stand out among their work. These photographs are taken in the best location and have superb lighting conditions. However, not all venues are the same. The light also depends on the place, the weather, and the time of day. Hence, make sure your photographer is an expert so that they’re able to capture beautiful images in any conditions. This is evidenced by a wedding gallery with a wide variety of shots yet with a cohesive look.
The Photographer’s Personality
Once you have a shortlist of photographers, it is now time to figure out who has the personality that jives with yours the most. A good photographer will be like a close friend who knows your values and which moment to capture for you! Check their social media to see how they interact with their audience and read client testimonials on their website. These will tell you tons about their personality and energy. If possible, meet them in person or through video chat. This will help you see how easily you can build rapport and if they can document your wedding the way you want it to be remembered.
Date of Availability
Weddings are a big commitment. That is why it is no question that most photographers are booked years in advance! Save yourself from the possible heartbreak of not having your dream, total-package photographer at your wedding! Reserve your spot on their calendar as soon as possible.
Prices and Packages
Next on the list is to determine if your prospective artists offer a wedding photography package of your liking. These come with different inclusions and in a range of prices.
One thing to consider is the length of photography coverage. Some experts charge by the hour, while others include a specific number in their package. They may also have second photographers included in the package to ensure capturing multiple angles of crucial moments. Lastly, some packages are all-in-one and may include the engagement session and the album and prints of the post-processed images.
For the best experience, check if your budget fits the package of your choice. If not, feel free to see if they can work with you to adjust the package to fit your budget.
Logistics
As mentioned, weddings are commitments. For this reason, photographers charge a non-refundable retainer fee to reserve your date. It is extremely important to have a contract in place. This should help answer any questions such as if there are any unforeseeable circumstances that may cause your photographer to fail to show up, or what would happen if you had to change your date.
For an impeccable wedding photography service, let me know your story. Allow Legacy Union to tell it through stunning and timeless images you will treasure for a lifetime and share with the generations to come. We offer services like wedding photography los Angeles, couples photography los Angeles and lifestyle photography los angeles.