There are many important things to consider when hiring a wedding photographer, including the photographer's price, experience, and skill.
Below are important things to take into consideration when interviewing potential wedding photographers.
Personality It is extremely important to meet face to face with the wedding photographer you are considering.
Your photographer will be spending the majority of your wedding day with you, so it is important that your personalities mesh well with each other.
It will be easy to convey your thoughts and ideas for your wedding images if your photographer is easy to talk to and is attentive to your requests and needs.
Portfolios Ask a photographer to view portfolios of their current work, including a complete wedding and reception.
Some photographers may only display select images on their website or in their sample albums that may not reflect the entire event that was photographed.
Photographers who have been in business for a few years should have a wide variety of portfolios to view.
Ask if the photographer has documented a previous wedding at your wedding venue.
Seeing images of a wedding at your venue can give you an idea of how the photographer works in those specific surroundings and lighting conditions.
The Contract A reputable wedding photographer will have a complete contract outlining the services that will be provided, the price agreed upon, and the products that will be delivered.
Time frames should be outlined, including arrival time, coverage hours, and departure time.
There should also be information on what would happen during unforeseen circumstances, such as severe weather, illness, or other issues.
Payment arrangements should be included in the contract, outlining when deposits or final payments will be due.
Recommendations and Reviews You can seek photographer recommendations and reviews from other brides in your area.
You can also review their Better Business Bureau profile or reviews on popular websites and search engines.
Word of mouth can be the best marketing strategy a photographer can use, knowing that brides will be eager to share their experiences and their images with other brides.
Ask to see the photographer's finished products and get opinions on interaction with the photographer, as well as turnaround time on delivering the final products.
Albums, Prints and Enlargements Your photographer should have individual pricing for products such as albums, photo prints, enlargements, and specialty items such as canvas wraps and mounts.
Many different products may be available as trends and supplies change, so make sure to ask if specific products will be available if your wedding date is more than a few months away from the time you book your photographer.
Education and Experience It's easy in today's digital age to purchase a professional camera and claim to be in business as a photographer.
When meeting a potential photographer, it's okay to ask about their educational background and their photography experience.
Some photographers may have a degree in arts, while others may have mentored or trained under an experienced photographer.
You can also verify how long a photographer has been in office by checking their occupational license or business license, which can easily be found online.
By following these recommendations, your search can result in the perfect wedding photographer to fit your needs.