Image by Steven Schaefer Photography
As a photographer and long-time photography enthusiast, I believe the biggest wedding decision after choosing your dress is choosing the photographer. And when it comes to budgeting, photography should top the list. The day passes by so quickly and the memories captured in photographs should allow you to relive your wonderful day all over again. All too often I hear of brides who aren’t completely satisfied with their wedding photographs and you simply cannot go back in time to recreate those precious moments. Hopefully these few tips can help you or a bride you love avoid disappointment.
Image via The Service Coach
Choose wisely.
The best way to find a wonderful photographer is by word-of-mouth, but if none of your friends or family were happy with their experience, Google and websites like Wedding Wire are the next best thing.
As you look at photographers’ Facebook pages and websites, pay close attention to their photography style. Some photographers love capturing unplanned, candid shots, while others stay more traditional with classic, posed wedding pictures. Some photographers will heavily edit the colors and add effects to their photos and others will keep the pictures crisp, simple and realistic. Make sure to choose a photographer who matches your style preference so you are happy with the end result.
Make a pic list.
The way to make sure you and your photographer are on the same page is to make your photographer a list of all the shots that are important to you. From experience, I can tell you this is absolutely necessary. I don’t have a picture of my mom and I on my wedding day. Not a single one. So please, I beg you, make a pic list! Keep a copy yourself so you or your wedding assistant/coordinator can help you make sure you’re getting all of the important pictures accomplished.
Save it for later.
Consider scheduling your bride and groom photos after the wedding instead of taking them the day of the wedding. Some brides choose the following day or after they return from the honeymoon. The stress and nerves of the wedding day are gone and you are able to let your hair down, literally if you want to. This is a great opportunity to take pictures at a location other than the wedding venue and gives you and your groom the opportunity to relax and have fun with your photographer.