When talking about photos on the day you walk down the aisle and begin a new journey with your partner, you have to make sure that you start off on the right foot. You need to find the right wedding photographer for you and your beloved.

Your wedding photos will be something that you will look back on for years. Whether for showing off to friends and family or simply for reminiscing about your special day, the wedding snapshots are a treasure trove of memories.

Finding a Wedding Photographer

If you value preserving your memories of your special day through photographs, you should seriously consider getting a professional wedding photographer.

However, you have to consider a wedding photographer that is the right fit for you. You have to make sure that all your requirements are met and your concerns are addressed. This means that you and your partner must take great care in choosing someone who can perfectly execute your vision for a perfect wedding.

To ensure that you get the best photographer for your wedding, here are three simple steps to take:

1.     Identify Your Preferences

The very first thing that you should do is ask yourself what you want as a couple. You need to discuss between yourselves how you want your photos to look.

• Do you have a theme that you want to be strictly followed?
• Is there a photography concept that you are keen about?
• Would you want a classic look or do you prefer more modern and edgy shots?
• Would you like to have a lot of portrait photos or do you lean towards more candid shots?

Consider location and budget.

• Are you having a destination wedding?
• How much are you willing to spend on a photographer?
• Do you want to include video services?
• How about add-ons like an on-site video presentation or photo slideshow?
• How many albums would you want after?

These are the important questions to answer before looking for your wedding photographer.

It is crucial that both of you are on the same page with how you want the final product to look. This way,  there will be no confusion when giving your brief to the wedding photographer. If you are clear on what your needs and wants are, the wedding photographer will be better able to understand and deliver what you are looking for.

2.     Do Research

When you have your “non-negotiable” and “nice-to-have” lists, it is time to do research.

The most convenient way to do “photographer shopping” is to check online. Search according to your criteria and make a shortlist of photographers. Go through their website, social media profiles, and portfolio to check what kind of work they have done. Find out which photography styles you like most. By looking through samples of their work, you can already tell which one suits your taste.

You can look up reviews to give you a glimpse of how they work behind the scenes. Check what their previous clients have to say about working with them. Ask friends and family who have been married for recommendations. They may have worked with someone who could potentially jive well with you and your partner.

If you have more time, visit photography studios to meet the photographers themselves. Alternatively, you can talk to a representative who can readily answer your questions and give you more information.

3.     Conduct an Interview

When you have your shortlist, arrange for a meeting with each photographer. The best way to pick the perfect wedding photographer for your wedding is to meet them in person.

A meeting will give you a feel of how it is to work with that photographer. You will have a better chance to assess their personality and see if you have chemistry. Rapport is essential for choosing someone with whom you will be working for the rest of your wedding journey. If your personalities clash at the onset, that wouldn’t bode well for a great working relationship.

This meeting presents you with the opportunity to ask questions about his/her photography style, packages, and other wedding photography concerns that you might have.

For example, you can ask if he will personally be shooting the wedding or if one of his associates will. How many photographers will be there – a team or just one? Do you have specific shots that you absolutely need the photographer to take? You should take this chance to discuss your wedding concept and get the photographer’s take on it.

Lastly, you will look through their contract. It is always ideal to enter a working relationship through a contract so everything is in black and white. This way, you can protect yourself from any misunderstandings and will also assure the photographer of your commitment to their services.

For more strategies on Wedding Photographer Interviews and Contract questions, consider Green-Eyed Girl’s Wedding Vendor Interview Workbook.

Picture-Perfect

From your research and meetings, you and your partner can decide who would be the best wedding photographer for your special day. It will take time and effort on your part, but it will truly be worth it.

For a picture-perfect wedding, go for a master photographer who has the wisdom, experience, and personality that best fits your criteria. Choosing the right one will assure you that all the best shots of your special day will be captured in the most splendid way possible.

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GUEST AUTHOR BIO

Stefanie Descheemaecker is the Studio Manager at Stu Williamson Photography at The Palm Jumeirah – Fairmont Hotel in Dubai. She has been with the company for almost 3 years and is the driving force behind the success of the business. A keen amateur photographer, Stef combines her natural creative eye with strong business acumen to help Stu Williamson Photography become the most trusted and successful photography business in the UAE.

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