CONGRATS!!!! You recently got engaged and now you’re planning your big day. Of course you don’t want to break the bank for ONE day but you want to be able to remember every detail. I completely understand. So I decided to create 3 simple steps to hiring someone to capture your day.
Step One- Know the expectations you have for the photographer
How would you want to remember your day? It’s so many styles of photography you can honestly get lost. lol Know for a fact the style you want and search for that in the photographer’s portfolio. When looking at the portfolio, focus on the attention to detail and lighting. This is important for the outcome of your wedding album. Also, search through the photographer’s ENTIRE website (including the blog). I say this because a photographer portfolio may only include two or three awesome pictures per wedding. I believe that a wedding day should be a story told from beginning to end. A blog is an awesome way for a photographer to tell a story. Consistent photographs in a portfolio and blog are what you are looking for. :)
Step Two – Professionalism and Personality
The two P’s are one of the most over-looked characteristics when searching for a photographer. Nowadays, you can tell a lot about a person by what they post on social media. I’m not saying don’t hire someone because of their post or opinions. I’m saying there is a balance between the two. You can really figure out if your potential photographer has a good balance in conversation. I would recommend having a list of photographers you like (based on their port) and call them for a brief phone interview. Your wedding day is an all day event full of love, laugher and fun. The last thing you want is someone dampening the mood and energy of the day.
Step Three – The budget
This in my opinion is the hardest part of hiring a professional photographer. I understand looking at different packages may be a bit stressful and you rather have Uncle Bobby take pictures. Before you make that mistake understand that after the food is eaten, decorations are taken down and reception is over, all you have are the photographs. FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Photography is expensive. Honestly, there is no way around it. You’re paying for someone creative knowledge, education, time, equipment and postproduction. It may not be what you were expecting to pay but trust me when I say it’s one of the best investments you will make on your wedding day. I recently read a blog from a wedding planner saying your photographer should be the first thing you search for when planning a wedding. Even before the dress. It surprised me but it made perfect sense.
In conclusion, this is your day and all about you and what you want. I hope I was able to help you on your search for a wedding photographer.
Feel free to leave any questions in the comments. Cheers
