Finding the Right Wedding Photographer

It’s been a while since I’ve written about the wedding. Erin and I have chosen and venue and a church and I’ll write about that process later, but this weekend we started looking at wedding photographers so I thought I’d share some of my initial thoughts on that process. We have just started meeting with some very talented folks, but we haven’t made any decisions yet.

Erin did most (all) of the legwork in finding a group of photogs that I reviewed with her. We essentially looked at and ranked each one individually, then compared notes; the final list is a combination of the average(ish) ranking and each of us making our cases for why we ranked them. Then, Erin reached out to the top 3 + a couple of other ones that came recommended by friends; we asked for some initial info on packages/pricing and set up meetings. At this point, we aren’t limiting by price because in most cases, people are willing to work with potential customers (within reason).

In each meeting, there were a few benchmarks I looked for. One thing to keep in mind is if we reached the point of an in-person meeting, we’ve already determined that the photographer is talented. We looked at the work on their websites and if the shots (and the websites*) were good, we gave them the green light.

The most important one is chemistry. You’re going to be spending at least an entire, somewhat stressful, very emotional day with these people. You need to make sure you get along with them; I want to know that not only will we like each other, but we can each trust each other and then we get along really well.

This can be determined through casual conversation that happens. If someone is all business without getting into the personal, that could be a bad sign. But if you (as a couple) connect on a more personal level, it shows that the photographer is easy to talk to and is good at putting you at ease. You don’t want photos where you’re all tense, right?

The other big thing is vision. Erin and I aren’t photographers (no matter how bad I wish I was). While we’re happy to give our thoughts on some shots we’d like to do, if the photographer can paint a picture (no pun intended) of the day and the types of photos they can see us taking, it gives us a concrete (and therefore more emotional) vision of our very special day. It also once again demonstrates that the photographer ‘gets’ us.

Another thing that’s helpful (I found) with vision is showing us photos that didn’t make the final cut, or photos of the environment they had to shoot in. As my brother says (usually of my photography), it’s easy to take nice photos of things that already look nice.

Aside from talent, chemistry, and vision, here are some questions I think are worthwhile to ask in the initial meeting:

• Is there a time limit? Many, many photogs will put their packages together based on hours, which is a little frustrating because we have no idea how much time is needed. Ask about this stuff! How long do you usually need? When/where do you show up? Are the hours consecutive?
• Can we customize one of the packages? There are a few set prices as guidelines, but ask if you can mix and match. Maybe you want an extra hour instead of another small album. See if they will accommodate you.
• Are engagement photos included? Don’t assume they are. Some photographers will charge extra. Find out if they are included (or how much extra they cost) and how far the photographer is willing to travel.
• Do we retain the rights to our pictures? This might seems a little weird, but make sure you can reproduce your own photos without issue. Some will hand over full rights to you. Some will say you can reproduce but you cannot sell them or submit them to contests or things like that. Make sure that’s well defined.
• What will the day be like? An experienced photographer will have a pretty good idea of how your day will go, when they show up, how long things take, etc.
• Do we have to feed you? The answer is probably, yes. Luckily, many venues offer a discounted vendor rate under the assumption the vendors won’t be drinking.
• Do you have a contract we can look over with you? Anyone doing business in the thousands should have a well defined contract. Make sure you know about it and that they are willing to walk through it with you. Also make sure there are things in it to protect you as the couple.

Most importantly, make a decision and be happy with it. You’re forming an important relationship with your photographer. If it’s a good relationship, the photos will be great.

*I could do a whole separate post on why a photographer’s website is an important evaluation metric.