The seven rules of success when hiring your wedding photographer

Many studios, many photographers…which one to go for? It is, indeed, one of the most important decisions you have to make for your wedding. Your memories from this unique day are so important to you and to your family.

In order to make a very good decision, here is our advice:

1. Make sure that you meet your photographer in person

This is critical. You don’t want to spend such an important day with a photographer who you are not comfortable enough. Let’s face it, everyone has a different personality. You have to make sure that you can tolerate that person all day; ideally you have to even like him/her a lot! If you don’t like the photographer you just met, do yourself a favor - do not book him/her.

You will be spending a considerable part of your wedding day with your photographer. It is not someone you will see for five minutes. He will pose you, your family and your bridal party, he will deal with your flower girl, ring bearer and your grandparents and family from Florida or from overseas. Book someone you get along with, someone who listens to you and will work with you.

2. Once you make sure that you like your photographer’s personality, make sure that you like his photography style

Most experienced photographers are shooting throughout the day a mix of traditional, posed images and photojournalistic, candid, natural images. Why? Because this is the most popular, balanced formula.

Take a good look at the pictures. Do you like what you see? Would you like to have a set of photos that is similar in style and composition?

If you like mostly the documentary, modern, photojournalistic images make sure that you are very specific about that. You hate posing for the camera? You don’t want your photographer to interfere too much? That means you want an unobtrusive photographer, who will not take over too much.

Communicate, communicate, communicate. The clearer you are, the better the results are.

3. Take a look at the albums

Now that you know that you like your photographer’s personality and his style matches your taste, take a look at the albums. The most popular choice is one digital album for the bride and groom and two parent albums – library style (classic). Every wedding is different, so is yours. If you like the albums, sketch an estimate together, including the albums, proofs, enlargements, thank you cards, anything else you might need. In other words, create your own, customized package that meets your specific needs.

4. Now you can bring into play the “magic number” – your budget

Is the package you designed covered by your budget? If yes, very well, proceed to the next step – discuss about payments, deposit, and all the monetary aspects. Read the contract carefully, make sure everything is ok.

If you went over your budget, see where you can skimp a little bit. Maybe you can reduce costs by getting CD proofs instead of printed proofs. Less thank you cards, less enlargements, smaller albums etc…but if you like your photographer and the quality of the albums – it’s very good if you adjust your budget to the package or the other way around, your package to the budget, because always remember – your goal is to have the pictures that you’ve dreamed of – everything else you can adjust on-the-fly.

Ask yourself: Do I like my photographer? Am I going to be comfortable with him/her shooting my wedding? Do I like his style? Can he get the pictures I want? Do I get enough value for my money? If the answer to all these questions is yes, then go for it.

5. How about the payments?

A good studio only takes a small amount for the deposit, to secure the date, and splits the rest of the amount in two-three payments. Depending on your preference, you can leave a certain amount to be paid after the wedding, when you pick up your proofs, or if you are more comfortable to pay everything before the wedding, you are welcomed to do so.

6. Allow Enough Time for Your Wedding Photographer

A good, balanced set of wedding photos has a nice amount of pictures from every aspect of your wedding – “getting ready”,“ceremony”,”bridal party”,”romantic photos”,”details”, family portraits – formals”,”reception”. Especially for the “getting ready” set of photos, the “romantic” set and the “bridal party” set, make sure that you allow time for it in your schedule.

Any special photographic requirements - make sure you ask your photographer.

7. Negotiating your price for the desired package

Wedding photography is very personal, highly customized to your needs. The most important is that you love the photographer’s style and personality and the pictures he is able to provide you with. There is no day like your wedding day. Do not book a photographer just based on prices. Buy based on the value you are getting. Also, if your photographer has made you a verbal promise, get it in writing.

Following all these guidelines will greatly increase the chances that you will choose your right photographer.

Good luck !