-Amy
What you should REALLY be looking for when choosing a wedding photographer...
If you’re planning a wedding, I know what you’re thinkin: “Oh no, not another blog about how to find the right photographer.” Yes, girl! We are going to talk about this again! But instead of just making a checklist of things for you, how about we have a conversation instead?
So, before we start, I just want you to know that I have been in your shoes. I remember being a bride and struggling with trying to have the perfect wedding, pleasing everyone, staying in budget and not losing my mind! It’s hard, and at times can be stressful. I don’t want you to have to feel like this! You just got engaged to the man of your dreams, this is not a time to be upset and stressed out! You want this time to be one of the best experiences ever. Let’s talk about how finding the right photographer can do that for you.
What do you think your first step should be when looking for a photographer? Most people take to the internet and begin searching for “(your area) wedding photographer”? Then, they go through page after page comparing all the photographers your search has resulted in. Seems like the logical thing to do right? Well, what if you tried something different? What if you went to your married friends, family and/or co-workers and spoke with them instead? What if instead of asking the same standard questions like “How many photos did you get?” “How much do they charge?” “Do I get all the files?”, you asked them about the experience their photographer gave them? Did their photographer make them feel comfortable at their initial meeting and through the entire planning process and wedding day? Did their photographer help them find other vendors? Did their photographer help them plan a stress-free day timeline? Did they do an engagement session to help themselves feel more comfortable with posing and being in front of the camera? Did they actually trust their photographer on the wedding day and not worry about where they were or what they were doing? Or, did their photographer just show up to the wedding, take photos, send them the package 6-8 weeks later and then never was never heard from them again?
Photo by Courtney Lynn Photography
Cake by Ruthi Hutson Cakes
Wow, that’s a lot of questions to be asking people, isn’t it?! Yes, it is. But, isn’t choosing the right photographer one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding? The only thing you’ll have left after it’s over, besides each other, are your photographs. So yeah, you should be asking all these questions. You need to know what kind of experience you want, and even more importantly, what kind of experience you DESERVE to have.
So now that you’ve asked all your peeps what their experience was like, and you know the kind of experience you’re looking for, now you can take to the internet and look at the photographers they referred you to and maybe a few more. Now, there’s two things I always tell brides to look for: 1) Do you like the experience and style they offer? And 2) Do you like them as a person? Question number one can usually be answered either by the people who referred you, the information on their website, or reading recent reviews from past brides. Once you’ve picked a few that you like based on this first question, your next step is to contact them! Fill out their contact form with as much information as you can. And, if they have your date available, set up a time to meet them, IN PERSON!
“Wait, wait, wait, you mean you want me to spend my free time interviewing all these photographers in person?” YES! You know what, I never book a wedding without meeting the bride and groom first.
Here’s why: we’re going to be working together anywhere from 6 months to a year… We need to like each other! But really, it’s much more than that. As your photographer, I am with you for your entire wedding day… I am with you more than you are with anyone else on wedding day, including your fiancé! I am all up in your business, even in your room while you’re getting dressed!! If we don’t have the right kind of relationship, that makes things awkward and risks you having portraits you’re unhappy with because you felt uncomfortable. The initial meeting is where you get to talk about each other and see how well you mesh! My clients are not just clients, they’re real people. My favorite part of my job is getting to know them, what their likes and dislikes are, hearing the proposal story and how she just knew he was “the one”! That initial meeting will tell you if they’ll be as invested in you as you are with them!
Photo by Courtney Lynn Photography
Bouquet by Michell Events
It’s important, in this consult, to express your ideas and expectations with each photographer. Let them know what you’re looking for, why you like their work and experience and how you’re hoping to be able to work together. And if they haven’t already answered them, you can ask them all the same questions you asked your friends and family about their services. You know what else you can do while you’re meeting with them? Ask them about artwork and albums! I believe, with every ounce of my being, that you need to find a photographer who will create, at minimum, a beautiful wedding album for you. Let’s face it, you have the best of intentions to make your own, but as you know, life happens. Before you know it, your first anniversary comes around and you’ve realized you never had the time to do it yourself. I am embarrassed to say this, but I am speaking from experience. I chose not to pay extra for the album, thinking I would do it, but it never happened. It’s because of this that I include an album in my collections for my brides. You are hiring a professional service, why not let them give you the full service!
Lastly, because I know you’re all waiting for me to talk about it, the investment. I’ll leave you with this thought: are you willing to gamble the quality of your photographs just so you can save some money? If not, don’t be afraid to have a little higher budget. Photography is not just an expense, it’s an investment, and not just for you, but for the generations to follow you.
And you know what my friend? If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! But I hope this was helpful! Happy planning, and I hope that this journey you are on is one of the best you will ever take!
Courtney Morales
Courtney Lynn Photography
Website: www.courtneylynnphoto.com
Facebook: Courtney Lynn Photography
Instagram: @courtneylynnphotodfw
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