What You Need to Know Before Booking a Wedding Photographer
Here’s the real deal: finding and booking the right wedding photographer can be quite difficult. You will definitely need a professional for your wedding day. When you find a professional wedding photographer who’s right for you, they can easily make the day go smoother. There are so many wedding photographers out there and they come with a variety of packages and prices. Below are things you NEED to know before booking the wedding photographer of your dreams.
First thing’s first: do NOT base your decision on price alone.
Price should not be your main focus.
Why, you ask? Because it’s about the experience and the value that you’ll get.
Every photographer is priced differently and on their own terms. Is it important to you that you get the best quality and experience on the day of? Then understand WHO the photographer is and what their packages include for your wedding day experience.
It’s incredibly important that you feel that you can connect with your wedding photographer. No one wants a stranger following them around for 8 hours on the BIGGEST day of your life. But, when you feel that you can be yourself with this person, the best photos will always be taken.
Secondly: Know what photo editing style you enjoy.
Make sure when you find a wedding photographer, that you stalk their website and/or their instagram to get a feel for the photos they take. Can you envision yourself in those photos and getting that style printed? Really take some time pinning images on Pinterest or saving images on Instagram to get an understanding of what photo editing style you lean towards. Then find a photographer that fits in that category.
Thirdly: Don’t forget about nitty gritty, because you might have to pay more
What exactly is included in that wedding photography package that you’re inquiring about? Every single photographer is different in the way that they price their services. This is one area that photographers use an area to upcharge - which isn’t always a bad thing. It can give you discounts on packaging everything together or it can lead to you feeling cheated.
Here are some great questions to ask a photographer about their packages:
Do they limit the photos they deliver?
Some photographers will limit the number of wedding photos sent to you and others will give you lots. Then there are some who will give you no photos and tack on an extra charge to receive photos AFTER you pay for the photographer to be at your wedding.
As for me, my philosophy is to give you as many photos that have turned out. I never limit how many photos you’ll receive.
Do you receive a print release?
Basically, are you extended any rights to print these photos yourself? Or given access to post them on social media? If not, you could get into some serious legal trouble - not a fan. You can read more about print releases here.
I personally make sure you have a print release and can post, share, and print any and all the photos you get from your wedding.
Are there any travel fees included?
Another area that you may not realize photographers can charge for is travel. Make sure the photographer knows where your venue is and ask if there will be any travel fees. In addition, some photographers ask to be put up in a hotel, charge you for airfare and potential other travel costs endured.
In addition to a print release and no limit on photos, I always include all travel costs in my packages, so you don’t have to worry about extra charges, ever.
Do you have to pay extra to get the photos?
As I stated earlier, there are photographers who only charge for their time at your wedding and you will have to pay extra for getting access to the photos. Make sure you ask about this!
Again, my packages include the edited, high resolution photos. Sent to you in an online gallery. Simple as that. No hidden fees.
Will the photos be watermarked?
You know, that logo of theirs that is overlaid on your photos in a clever way that you cannot fully enjoy them? Not all photographers do this, but ask about it. What it can mean is that you receive the photos, but must pay extra to have that watermark removed. Or you can get that canvas print with their logo - your call.
As for me, I never put a watermark on any of my images. They’re edited for you to download, use, and share!
I wish that all wedding photographers could have a streamlined way of presenting their services and pricing. However, each business is conducted differently, so it’s up to you to sort out what will be the best value for your big day.
I would love to share my pricing brochure with you so we can start this friendship I know we’re bound to have!