Whether you’re simply looking for someone who will do an excellent job, or someone who has specific experience with eloping couples or shooting in unusual locations, we’re going to tell you what mistakes to avoid when choosing your wedding photographer.
If you’re planning on getting married, there is a lot to think about. From the location of your ceremony and reception venue to the dress code and guest list, it can all be overwhelming when you’re trying to decide on all the details.
One thing that isn’t quite as important as the rest of your planning is choosing your wedding photographer. You may not realize it but choosing an ideal wedding photographer can be one of the most important decisions you make during your big day!
Choosing someone who will capture every special moment of your day is very important if you want to keep all those memories forever! Here are some mistakes that people often make when finding their ideal wedding photographer:
1. Rushing to book a photographer
Before making any decisions, take some time to really think about which kind of photographer would suit your needs best. The last thing you want is for them to end up being uncomfortable with the style of photography that suits your personality or the other way round.
2. Not getting to know your photographer first
A good photographer will want to get to know you before they take any pictures. This means talking with them on the phone or in person before booking them for your wedding day.
It’s important that you have a good rapport with your photographer because they’ll be spending time with everyone in your bridal party and capturing some very intimate moments between you and your partner. You need to feel comfortable around them so that they can do their job without feeling awkward or uncomfortable themselves!
Picking a wedding photographer is all about chemistry. You’ll be spending a lot of time with this person, so it’s important that you feel comfortable around him or her. You want someone who will be able to create beautiful images of your wedding while also making sure you’re having fun along the way. You don’t want someone who takes themselves too seriously or doesn’t understand what makes weddings so special. Ask questions about how they shoot weddings and if they have any creative ideas for your big day — this will help you find out if they’re going to be able to capture exactly what you want on camera.
3. Asking your friend or a family member to photograph your wedding
You may have an amazing friend or family member who has an eye for photography, but asking them to shoot your wedding is probably not a good idea! Many couples choose their friends and family members as photographers because they think it will save them money and make things easier, but this usually ends up with them regretting this decission.
It is unlikely that they will give you the service that you would expect from an experienced professional photographer. Enthusiast photographer friends or relatives probably don’t have the necessary professional photo gear to shoot weddings either.
4. Not being specific enough about the photos you want
Your photographer should have a clear understanding of the type of shots that you want from the day. If you’re having a formal church wedding, for example, your photography should reflect this. If there are other elements that are important to you as well, such as children or pets, make sure these are also taken into account.
Many brides simply say things like “I just want some good pictures,” or “I want my pictures to look like those on Pinterest.” While Pinterest can be an amazing resource for inspiration, it’s not always helpful when it comes to providing direction for a photographer because every bride has her own vision in mind. Your photographer needs to know exactly what kind of shots you’re envisioning so that he or she can help bring those visions to life on your big day!
5. Not providing your photographer with a list of group shots
Group and family shots are an important part of each wedding. Make sure you provide your photographer with a list of all the formal photos you want taken on the day. This will ensure no photo is forgoten and will speed this part of the day.
6. Confusing styled shoots with real wedding coverage
A styled shoot is typically done with a pair of models that are posing for photos together. These are mainly staged to produce imagery to promote wedding suppliers involved. It’s meant to be a creative exercise for photographers in posing people in interesting ways as well as an opportunity for other vendors to showcase their products and services. Styled shoots are then submitted to magazines and blogs to promote each party involved. Unfortunately many wedding photographers build their portfolios with styled shoots and while they may look fantastic, these are not photos taken in a real wedding day scenario. Make sure you get to see some examples of full wedding day galleries before hiring your photographer.
