Booking a wedding photographer is an important decision, and it's essential to choose the right photographer for your big day. There are many things to consider. Having the right person by your side can make a world of difference on the experience and the outcome of your memories.
Here are some steps to follow when booking a photographer, as well as important questions to ask:
Research photographers: Research wedding photographers in your area, or the are of your wedding venue, and look through their portfolios to get a sense of their style and approach. Check out their website, social media pages, and online reviews from past clients.
Contact photographers: Contact photographers whose work you like and inquire about their availability for your wedding date. Be sure to ask about their rates, or packages are, and what is included in their services. Remember also, there are sometimes custom options available too, as in the case with Leanne Durand Photography.
Meet with (the) photographer(s): Schedule meetings with the photographers you are considering and ask to see more of their work, such as a full wedding gallery. This will give you a better sense of their style and how they approach weddings. During the meeting, be sure to ask questions about their experience, shooting style, and what they can offer.
Book your photographer: Once you have decided on a photographer, sign a contract and pay a booking fee to secure their services for your wedding day. The booking fee is typically nonrefundable, as it is meant to reserve the photographer's time and ensure that they do not book another wedding on the same day. It also covers some of the admin work done leading up to your wedding day.
Important questions you can ask your wedding photographer:
How would you describe your style?
How many weddings have you shot, and can you show me some full wedding galleries? This is to see if they can handle the full day with all the light changes, and didn't just get lucky with a few nice shots, but that they can deliver a nice full gallery.
Do you have experience shooting weddings at my venue? Sometimes the answer will be "No", but this does not mean the photographer won't be able to give you the best images. It may just make finding the good spots take a little longer.
What is included in your packages, and how much do you charge for additional hours or services?
How many images can we expect to receive, and what is your turnaround time for delivering them?
Do you have backup equipment and a backup plan in case of emergencies?
How do you handle difficult lighting situations, such as low light or harsh sunlight? Also if they can deal in different weather scenarios.
Do you offer engagement sessions or other types of photo sessions?
Can you provide references or reviews from past clients?
What is your cancellation policy, and what happens if you are unable to shoot our wedding? This is usually covered in the contract, but you don't have the contract yet. So it's important to know, before you decide.
Remember, your wedding photographer will be one of the most important vendors on your wedding day, so it's essential to choose someone who you feel comfortable with and whose work you love. They spend almost the entire day with you, but also have to give you the memories of a life time.
By following these steps and asking the right questions, you can ensure that you find the perfect photographer for your wedding day.
I made some "lookbooks" of weddings we have done to share with clients. This makes it easier to view more weddings as they don't have to page through unknown people's special days, which can become a little weird. hahah!
Here are some examples:
If you need a wedding photographer, and like what you see, please feel free to book your meeting with us. We would love to hear from you.
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