DAY OF A LIFETIME

Trust The Professionals

From falling in love with a dreamy online portfolio to the nitty gritty of contracts, let’s look at the process of finding a photographer that’s your perfect match.

Define Your Style

The right wedding photographer for you will not only document the day, but also capture the spirit of you as a couple. Determining a photography style that speaks to you is the first order of business. Below are a few styles you might consider.

Documentary: Candid, spontaneous, not styled or posed. Capturing moments as they happen; shots of decorative details, action, and people.

Portrait: Classic and posed. Poses can be staged with traditional backdrops (such as a church alter) or more creative (like lounging on a vintage sofa or holding hands in front of a vibrant city mural). Portrait doesn’t mean dull or dated, it just means the scenery and composition are arranged just-so.

Fine Art or Edgy & Bold: Dramatic and dreamlike, with interesting angles and framing. Photos will represent the photographer’s vision, such as using more muted tones for a film-like effect.

Many photographers can do a blend of these styles. In the end, worry less about what a photographer calls their style and more about whether or not their work makes you happy.

Shop Around

Once you’ve established your target style, it’s time to shop around. Collect referrals from friends, review local wedding magazines and websites, and check out bridal shows near you. Browsing

Day Of A Lifetime

local photographers’ websites, blogs, Facebook pages, and Instagram feeds is the quickest way to get a feel for the talent in your area.

But beware of amateur photographers with limited real-world experience. Just because someone takes pretty iPhone photos, launches a website, and has a business card, that doesn’t make them a professional photographer. Choose someone with a strong portfolio of quality work, testimonials from happy clients, the right gear, well-thought-out contingency plans, and a professional attitude.

Meet In Person

Don’t underestimate your meetings with photographers! Even if your artistic visions align, it’s just as important that your personalities click.

Remember, this person is shadowing you on your wedding day. They should be professional, respectful, and know when to hang back, while also being bold enough to go after great shots and draw natural expressions from your guests.

QUESTION & EVALUATE

First and foremost: Only meet with photographers within your budget. It’s disappointing to fall in love with a photographer’s work only to later discover their rates exceed your spending allowance.

At these meetings, ask to see a complete album of a wedding shot in a similar venue or with a style similar to yours. If you’re only gauging a photographer’s work off their online portfolio, you might be seeing a highlight reel; it’s best to get the whole picture.

Day Of A Lifetime

Get It In Writing

Photography packages vary from one professional to the next, so it’s critical to find out what’s included, as well as the cost of any add-ons. A photography package may or may not include the following: second shooters, additional hours, highres jpgs, photo albums, or engagement sessions. Some photographers offer such services a-la-carte, so you can choose only what’s of value to you.

Speaking of files, ask any potential photographers how they back up your photos; if their answer doesn’t come swiftly and confidently, that can indicate a lack of professionalism. Also ask about their typical timeline for delivering proofs and final photos. Bear in mind that faster isn’t always better. Some professionals shoot weddings nonstop during the high season, then spend the next six months of the low season processing photos flawlessly.

When you finally make your decision, get everything in writing. When is payment due? Will there be a backup camera? What’s the contingency plan should your photographer fall ill or have a family emergency? When will proofs be ready to view? Answering all of these questions up front will ease your mind and manage your expectations.

Capture Moments That Matter

If there are friends and family that you want to be sure to snap a photo with or a particular time in the ceremony or reception that you want captured, it helps to put that in writing as well to help keep you and your photographer on track. Download our Ultimate Planner online at premierbride. com/planning where you’ll find a list of questions to ask your photographer and a checklist of can’t-miss moments.

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS get ready to work the camera

Engagement photos are a natural step in the wedding-planning process these days. In fact, many photographers include engagement sessions in their standard wedding package. But this is more than just a nice perk. Beyond resulting in gorgeous images, an engagement photo shoot is a chance to get to know your photographer, and for them to get to know you!

Now’s your chance to warm up in front of the camera. It’s also an opportunity to see your photographer in action. You can work with them to establish which poses are winners and which angles you do or don’t like. Your photographer will learn just how much or how little direction you and your fiancé need so they can be prepared with how to best capture you on your big day. The beauty of engagement photos is they are more casual and laid-back than your wedding day will be here.

Use your engagement photos to populate your wedding website with imagery, or even pick the best photo to put on your save-the-date.

One of the perks of an engagement shoot is it should, in theory, help you feel more at ease in front of the camera more quickly on your wedding day. Take your time and don’t rush this photo session. Pick a place you and your fiancé feel connected to and comfortable in: a favorite coffee shop, an antique store, outside of a local movie theater, or playing a sport. The more creative you get, the more creative your photographer can get, too!