Planning a wedding involves choosing the right photographer to capture your special day. With different options such as documentary, editorial, and candid, it’s important to understand your preferences. Your photographer will play a key role in preserving your memories for years to come. This guide highlights factors to consider, such as your style, budget, and coverage length. By following these tips, you can ensure that your joyful moments are beautifully documented, allowing you to relive your wedding day for years ahead. Let’s find the perfect photographer to create timeless imagery of your celebration.
- Know Your Style
Are you in search of documentary, editorial, candid, or perhaps a hybrid style of photography? It’s important to recognize the varied of styles available for wedding day photography. Take the time to explore the photographer’s online portfolio to fully grasp the type of work they produce. Does their website suggest a strict documentary approach? How do they capture wedding days – through posed and directed shots or more spontaneous and authentic moments? Ask them to describe their philosophy in capturing a wedding day to learn how it may flow on yours.
- Know Your Budget
This decision will have the most enduring impact on your vendor lineup. We’re talking about family heirlooms, friends! Your wedding photos will be cherished and passed down through generations. Ultimately, you will get what you pay for. If photography and videography are top priorities for you on your wedding day, allocate a larger portion of your overall budget to them. Avoid cutting corners, and trust your instincts when making this choice. It’s wise to have a budget range in mind and ask about customized packages if your dream photographer falls on the higher end of that spectrum.
- Understand That Length of Coverage is Important
For capturing organic, unscripted moments, more hours of coverage is often better. The candid, spontaneous moments of your special day are best documented without a rushed timeline. For example, while 10 hours may seem like a lengthy day, if your photographer understands it’s not just a ‘photo shoot,’ the images will feel more natural and unplanned. Many of our favorite moments happen outside of the official timeline. We aim to move through the day alongside our couples, allowing them to remain emotionally engaged in the day. In terms of budgeting, more hours will naturally require a higher investment. It’s beneficial to grasp this concept before discussing options with your potential photographers, so you’re prepared for the idea that a longer day will yield better results.
- Be Prepared to Book!
It’s common for established photographers to fill their calendars well in advance, sometimes 18 to 24 months ahead. So, if you’re reaching out and find a photographer who aligns perfectly with your vision, style, budget, and personality, be ready to secure their services! The disappointment of meeting a couple that is an ideal fit but is only ‘testing the waters’ without committing to a deposit can be disheartening. It’s often said that the best options go quickly, and this holds true for venues, florists, planners, photographers, and more!
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