Your Wedding Photographer – The Perfect Fit
Photography, to me, is the most critical vendor for your wedding. Yes, of course, you need the florist, the venue, the videographer, etc., but to me, photos are the only part of the wedding that will last! Your flowers will die, you don’t get to “keep” the venue… you know what I mean. So when choosing my wedding photographer, it was essential to do my research and make sure I found the right photographer near me!
Yes, I repeat, it must be the perfect photographer FOR YOU. Because there are many different types of photographic weddings styles. Do your research and find out which type of photos you want to be left with after the wedding! But we will get to this in a little bit! So, I have compiled a list of what to ask and look for in a photographer to make sure you are making the best decision for yourself.
What type of photography style do you prefer?
It is vital and, to me, the most critical question to ask! There are terms to describe the photographic style – illustrative, artistic, natural light, photojournalism, traditional – but I do not think you must memorize these terms and definitions. So do some browsing on the internet and figure out the styles you like the best! Of course, if you look at their website, you will be able to figure it out too
•Do you like the candid photos? Or the more traditional images?
•Do you like the photos that seem to tell a story?
•Do you want to repeat all of the photos you see on Pinterest and Instagram?
•Do you want to have bridal “portraits” of you and your groom?These questions will ultimately lead you to the type of photography you will want, and eventually, if you love the photos on their website, you must love their style!
May I provide you with a shot list?
Most photographers work from a shot list they will request from you in advance. They want to make sure you get a shot with each family member and all of the “must-have” moments. It includes the first kiss, the exchange of rings, the cake cutting, the first dance, etc. While an experienced photographer will not need to be reminded of these shots, there may be shots you have seen online that you would like to take! For most clients, one of the most requested shots is the boudoir shoot before the bride puts on her dress!
How many images will I receive from the wedding?
Each photographer will generally take between 1,000 and 2,000 images throughout your event. However, this does not mean you will see all of these! They will provide you with around 500 images, but this will vary depending on the photographer, so make sure to ask! But don’t worry; each shot will include 2-5 of the same picture, so your photographer will go through all of the images and only keep the best ones – that way, you don’t have to sort through them all!
How many images will you edit?
Yes, what should fix the lighting on all of your images before sending them over to you? It is not a tough job for the photographer, as most will be perfect just like they are. However, your photographer will not fix your makeup and do Photoshop touch-ups to all 500 images. If a book is included in your package, they will absolutely (or should absolutely) edit all of those images before sending them over to printing. If you want a specific picture edited, your photographer will have no problem doing that for you!
Is an engagement session included?
Many photographers include an engagement session but may not have the digital files, which is normal; whether or not it is included, I would ALWAYS do an engagement session with the same photographer who will shoot your wedding. It gives you a chance to get to know them, allow them to understand who you are, and better capture that personality and the relationship the two of you have!
Do you provide a wedding album?
Some will include the album in their packages, and some will not. But if you are getting your album from your photographer, ask to see samples to make sure you like their style! That’s all there is to that one!
How many photographers will be present on the day of my wedding?
I am sure you have seen those photos many times with the adorable groom seeing his bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle and that beautiful bride next to her dad with the biggest and most genuine smile you have ever seen! Do you want both of these shots? If you answered yes, it is great to have two photographers present! It adds some $$ to the package price, but it is fundamental to me.
How many hours are included in my package?
This question is fundamental. You will want to ensure you get the “getting ready” shots and all of the “activities” throughout the night. So, in theory, you will need your photographer there two hours before the ceremony begins, and they can leave an hour and a half to two hours before the reception ends! Just make sure you get everything included in your timeline for the photographer to photograph – this is something your event coordinator will plan for you! If you don’t feel this is enough time, you can always add time at an additional cost!
Will I have full rights to my photos?
LISTEN UP! It’s IMPORTANT! And this is the most important part!! If you do not have the rights to your photos, you can never print from Costco, CVS, or even at home! If you attempt to print the screen on the computer, all of your photographs will have the photographer’s watermark! You can always get them printed from your photographer, but this can obtain extremely pricey! When posting on Facebook or any other social media site, INCLUDE THE PHOTOS WITH THE WATERMARK. Photographers work through referrals, so including those photos that will advertise their excellent work is the least you can do! If you are printing for at-home use, use the ones without the watermark!
Have you shot a wedding at my venue?
Yes, photographers are highly creative and will have no problem finding unique places to photograph at your venue. So remember, this is not a deal-breaker AT ALL! If your photographer has already been there, then great! And if not, it would be a great idea to visit the site before the wedding with them so they can get a feel for the site and get some ideas ahead of time! It is also a good idea to have the catering manager at the venue show the photographer around to the places others generally photograph. It will give them a way to see those hidden spots or come up with even more unique ideas for the sites brides and grooms typically take their photos!
When choosing your photographer, make sure you research their package pricing and take a good look at all of their photos displayed on their website! If you would like to see our photographers portfolio, please let us know or visit.