8 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Wedding Photographer
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At the time of my wedding, I had been taking photos from a young age, including ten or so weddings of friends - so I thought what I was asking of my wedding photographer was nothing extraordinary. I wanted a mix of black and white and color (and some sepia, which I love); lots, and I mean lots of editorial pictures; no misty, “Vaseline” images; a few formals.
What I received instead were several albums (ok, one check next to “lots”), a good mix of color, black and white and sepia (another check), but I also got many photos with that Vaseline look (yes, the one I specifically asked not to have). I did get some formals, but only one shot of my groom and me together. One.
Unfortunately, what I remember most about the photography experience on my day was taking time to pose in awkward positions on the ground in wet leaves and grass- no fun and no thanks. I also remember my photographer asking my Maid of Honor if she would care to pose nude for him “some other time”- double ick!
The upshot of this experience with my own photographer was my realization that I could do better! And, as a lover of weddings, particularly same-sex weddings (they are just so touching, and ok, I am a sappy romantic) and a pretty outgoing personality, I figured this job would be my perfect fit. So with some encouragement from my new husband, who gave me my first professional camera and a “go get ‘em”, I quit my high-powered, long-houred, low-reward job as a marketing executive and started spreading word about my career change. To this day, I could not be happier!
That experience still shapes the way I photograph weddings today. I want my couples to enjoy their wedding, and that does not include performances for my camera. And after more than two decades photographing weddings, I still think many of the things I learned the hard way are the things couples should be asking about now.
8 Things I Learned About Choosing a Wedding Photographer
It is time for me to pay my good fortune forward and proffer some advice from what I learned on that very day, and some I have learned since- as a photographer and a bride.
1. When researching a photographer, find one who does great detail shots. You have paid a lot of money for your creative party ideas; make sure they are commemorated “on film”. Especially the flowers. Somehow it never dawned on me that I would not get to see my flowers after my wedding day- it’s not like an order you receive at your door that lasts all week…. The next day, they are gone- like the wind. All of those beautiful things…. Gone. Sigh. Plus, your photographer's attention to detail is likely good indication that they will notice the little things that matter throughout the day- the tear in the eye of your dad, the fidgety flower girl, the secret gift swap, etc...
2. Talk to your photographer about album options, including a no-album option. Some photographers include albums in their packages, and others offer them separately. I have never included an album in my packages because I do not think you should have to pay for one unless you actually want one. If you do want an album, make sure you see a sample first. Find out what is included in the price, how many pages or images it includes, whether you choose the images, who designs it, how much changes or additional pages cost, and how long it will take to receive. If your album is part of your photography package, make sure all of those details are spelled out in your contract.
3. The most important piece of advice I have is to choose a photographer you LIKE. Once you have determined you like their style, and are ok with the price, if you are debating between two, go with the one you like most. This person will be following you around for hours (often in intimate apparel), and meeting your relatives. You don’t want to dread calling them for any reason, and liking them will make ironing out any kinks in the relationship much easier, should they arise. (And a photographer will be more likely go out of his/her way to make you happy if you are easier to deal with!).
4. When signing your contract, make sure it states the name of your photographer and exactly what you are getting: how many hours of coverage, whether there will be a second photographer, approximately how many edited images you can expect, how those images will be delivered, whether you have personal printing rights, whether an engagement session or album is included, and any other services you are paying for. But most importantly, include the delivery date! I have heard far too many sob stories about albums that have not been delivered over a year later. This is often because a photographer contracts out their work, and/or gets too busy. Albums are a great way for photographers to make money, but often not what they are best at doing.
5. Last contract item, I swear… Find out what happens after you receive your photographs. Can you download the high-resolution files? Can you print them wherever you want, or do prints have to be ordered through the photographer? How long will your online gallery remain available? Are albums and prints optional, or are they built into the package price? I learned this one the hard way: after my own wedding, my friends and family could not afford the prints my photographer was selling. It was all we had, and I had not thought to ask beforehand. My business works differently as I do not mark up prints, but photographers structure this part of their businesses in very different ways. Know what you are buying before you sign.
6. Once you have booked your photographer, make sure to give him/her a call about a month before your wedding day, though a good photographer will have called you already, or set up a date with you to do so. Go over the details of the day: timing, shot lists, special attendees of whom you want pictures, any surprise events during the day, etc. When I called my photographer a month prior, he told me he only liked to have a conversation with his brides one week prior to their wedding date. His inflexibility (and disorganization) should have been a clue; even after I called a week prior, he still did not remember the list of things I did and didn’t want (per the above). And why should the onus be on me to call him?! Especially since I had already paid up front?!
7. Think about taking time prior to your wedding to take pictures of just you, or you and your bride/groom. You only get to wear that fabulous outfit/gown for a few hours, and it’s hard to take off. You might enjoy a few extra hours in it.. feel glamourous….
8. Make sure to tell your photographer how important (or not) your formals are… If you don’t like the pose, speak up! It’s your day! It’s your money! If you don’t want to risk grass stains on your dress, it’s ok. A good photographer can find an alternative pose. But keep in mind that you have hired this person for their creativity. So trust to some extent…..
I feel incredibly lucky to be included in anyone's wedding day …. And more so to have made and maintained friendships with many of “my” brides and grooms. …
Don't hesitate to call or write if you need any advice on planning your photography for your wedding! And remember to breathe...!
If you are planning a smaller wedding or elopement in the Bay Area,
you can read more about my wedding and elopement photography approach.
FAQs
What is the most important thing to consider when choosing a wedding photographer?
Once you know you love their work and they are within your budget, choose someone you like. You are going to spend a lot of your wedding day with this person, often during some very personal moments. You should feel comfortable with them and trust them enough to be yourself.
What should I look for besides a photographer's portfolio?
Look at more than the greatest hits. Ask to see enough work to know how they photograph people, details, families, difficult light and all of the little moments that happen between the obvious ones. Beautiful portfolio images matter, but consistency matters too.
What should be included in a wedding photography contract?
Make sure you know exactly who will photograph your wedding, how long they will be there, what you will receive, when you will receive it and what you can do with the images afterward. If an album, second photographer, engagement session or anything else is included, that should be clear too.
Do I need a wedding album?
No. Some photographers include albums in their packages and others offer them separately. I do not include an album in my packages because I do not think couples should have to pay for one unless they actually want one. If you do want an album, make sure you understand what is included, how the images are chosen, who designs it and what it will cost.
What should I ask about my wedding photographs after the wedding?
Ask how the photographs will be delivered, whether you will receive high-resolution files, whether you can print them yourself and how long your gallery will remain online. Also ask whether you will need to purchase prints through the photographer. I learned that particular lesson the expensive way after my own wedding.
How important is it to like your wedding photographer?
Very. In fact, I think it is one of the most overlooked parts of choosing one. Your photographer is going to be around your family, your friends and you for hours. If you feel awkward around them, it is pretty hard to forget the camera is there. Find someone whose work you love and whose company you actually enjoy.