Five Tips for Hiring Your Wedding Photographer
by Karen McClive
Planning your wedding can be crazy! I know from experience. I only recently celebrated my first anniversary and I remember those months leading up to that day being busy, nerve-racking, and stressful. When choosing your wedding photographer there are five things you should make sure that you ask about.
First, will the person you talk with be photographing your wedding or will it be someone else? Some wedding photographers do contract out work. Ask ahead of time who your photographer will be and if it won't be the owner of the company or the person you speak with, ask to see samples of work from the photographer that they will be booking you with. Just because you sign the contract with the person sitting there, that doesn't mean they will be the one photographing you on your big day.
Second, make sure to keep a list of photographs you want taken, even if it seems obvious. I thought after using the little checklist the photographer gave me that I would be set. Wrong! I only have three pictures of myself in my wedding dress alone, have no pictures of my husband in his tux with his best man or with my two sons who were in the wedding party. Keep a list that you can give to the photographer the day of your wedding of the shots you want taken. Photocopy the checklist the photographer offers.
Third, don't be afraid to talk to your photographer! They work for you! It's your big day. If you want a picture of a puppy that just happens to be on the church lawn, then ask the photographer to take the shot. This is your wedding day. They are your memories and the photographer is there to help you remember that day. Don't be afraid to ask them to take shots of friends or family you might not see again for a while.
Fourth, ask questions. Ask anything you want to ask. If it is important to you, no matter how small or trivial it might seem, ask! Again, this is your wedding, you're calling the shots and you are paying for it. Ask every question that you can think of and if you have more, call the photographer and ask again.
Fifth, have fun! I can't stress this enough! Your photographer should be having as much fun at your wedding as you are. Ask them for ideas, for their opinions, but still remember that they are there for you that day. Have a good time and don't let the formality of it all get to you. If something doesn't go exactly as planned, try to laugh it off and keep on going.
Your wedding will be one of the most memorable days of your life. Finding a photographer who you feel comfortable with and who you trust to capture your memories is a big job, but taking a moment to ask a few questions, to look at the photographer's work and getting a chance to know who you are working with will make all the difference in the world. Congratulations and good luck with your wedding!
