Finding and Booking a Wedding Photographer

Shopping for a wedding photographer isn’t like selecting outfits and bridal bouquets for one simple reason: you can’t see the pictures you’re buying until after you’ve made your decision. You never quite know who you are getting or how good they are. The photos that are taken of that special day will be the memories you take with you for the rest of your life. Don't trust those precious mementos to just anyone. In the end, your decision will be largely a matter of faith. For many, price ends up being the primary determining factor, which doesn't make much sense when you consider that there are no second chances. Once the wedding is done, the photos and video are the only record of your important day. It is a one shot deal with no UNDO button.

The photographer is an investment worth researching. Price should be only one of your considerations for choosing a wedding photographer and is usually an indicator of the quality and level of service, but everyone has experienced exceptions to this rule. When comparing prices, you must keep in mind what you get for a given price: how many proofs, how many prints of which sizes, how many hours and which venues are covered. But first and foremost, hire a professional photographer!

Start by building a list of several wedding photographers.

Your best resource is people you know. Ask your friends, family members and co-workers for their advice and referrals. They can provide some of the best information to you from their past experiences and observations. People who’ve had positive experiences with photographers are always happy to share their photographers names with you.

Visit each photographer's website.

Carefully review his or her portfolio. Try to concentrate on photos and not on website design. Are you looking for something different in your wedding photography? Some people don't like traditional "posed" pictures in wedding albums, and have turned to alternatives such as candid photos, black and whites, and grainy photojournalism shots. Reportage photography has become very popular over the last few years. Here the photographer will record your day as it unfolds, capturing the laughter, tears, and spontaneity of your wedding in a candid and realistic style rather than staging everything. Other photographers are more formal in their approach, focusing on posed and grouped shots in a more controlled setting with carefully chosen backgrounds. Most wedding photographers will work in a blend of these styles, shooting both posed and candid photos throughout the day. This may seem an obvious point, but some companies have a few photographers on their books or may even use freelance photographers. As mentioned earlier, photographers have different levels of ability and skill, ask to see their work personally.

Call or email each photographer on your list.

A quick phone call or short email will give you a number of key pieces of information, such as the photographer’s availability on your wedding day, type of photography specialties (e.g., candid, traditional, photojournalism, combination, film or digital, etc.), and a rough idea as to how much they’ll charge you and what you’ll receive for that fee. It will also tell you a bit about the photographer’s personality. Remember, your wedding photographer will be an integral part of the most important day of your life, so be sure you choose someone you feel good about.

Make appointments with the photographers who sound promising

When looking for a photographer, arrange an appointment to see them at their studio to assess their work. Ask them if their display albums show complete weddings i.e. from the bride getting ready through to the reception. Anyone can produce an album full of their best work from a variety of weddings, but this does not show you if the photographer has any weaknesses in any specific areas. Make appointments to interview wedding photographers as early as possible preferably on a week day, or on a Saturday if you work during the week. Get there as soon as they open, before the crowds, as Saturday is the busy day for them. After work on weekday evenings is also a good time to go. Write down all your questions before you meet, and take notes during the meetings.