SSE: Rebecca, we know that some brides have trouble deciding on which photographer to use for their wedding. Can you share your advice on how to choose a photographer?
Rebecca: Sure, there are a few things to take into consideration that should make your decision a bit easier – especially after you’ve met with more than one photographer.
- Make sure that the photographer compliments your personality and preferred photography style. The most important factor, aside from their portfolio, is your gut feeling during your initial consultation. Do you believe that your photographer truly understands your needs and can deliver your bottom line? It is essential that you feel 100% comfortable with them and that you believe they can relate to you and what you want out of your day.
- Complete an engagement shoot with your photographer. This will help you to relax and to get to know one another better. Quite a few photographers, including myself, will offer the engagement shoot complimentary with a wedding package. In addition, the engagement shoot offers the bride and groom the chance to see their photographer in action – if you are not 100% confident in your choice after completing the shoot, then trust your gut instinct and research other photographers.
- Be wary of potential scams. Unfortunately there are photographers out there that misrepresent themselves. When you are looking through the photographer’s online and print portfolios, make sure that they are the ones who actually took all of the pictures you see. Another important factor to be aware of is to ensure that the photographer whose photos you like, is the actual photographer that will be shooting your wedding. The last thing you want is to have a different photographer sent in their place to shoot in their place. If it makes you feel better, work these details into your contract.
- Meet with a photographer more than once before making your final decision. A photographer that truly wants to be a part of your day should have no trouble taking the time to make you feel comfortable and answer all of your questions.
- Make a point of learning how long it will take to receive your deliverables before the wedding. The time it takes to get your proofs, thank you cards, albums, etc. back after your wedding varies between photographers. Personally, I like to give the bride and groom their CD and album in a maximum of four weeks after their special day. Not a lot of photographers will have them to you earlier than that. It is important to make sure that you ask in advance what their timelines are and that those dates appear in your contract.
- Read your contract! Before signing on the dotted line, make sure that all of your questions regarding the contract have been answered, and that you agree with everything that is listed in there. All expectations for your day should be stated within the contract, including the number of photographers present, arrival and departure times, deliverables and their timelines, and their contingency plan if any.
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