Finding the right photographer for your wedding day can be a long process. There are so many things to consider. Below is a list of different things to consider when choosing a wedding photographer.
Price: Wedding photographers can range from $500 to over $4000 dollars. Decide how much of your wedding budget can go to photography.
1 or 2: Many photographers now offer wedding packages with two photographers. This allows you to get more pictures of your day and from different angles. Some photographers have one camera devoted to candid shots and the other one for posed shots. Usually 2 photographers will cost you a little bit more.
Time: How long will you want the photographer to be there on your wedding day? Some photographers offer unlimited time on your wedding day but many have different time packages. If you are going to have a couple hour gap between your wedding and reception, ask the photographer if they would not count that in your time.
Style: What style of photos do you like? Do you like the posed pictures where everyone is just in the right spot or do you like the photojournalist/candid pictures? Make sure your photographer specializes in the style you like. If you are not sure look around and different wedding photographers websites and you will quickly get an idea of what you like.
Many photographers have blogs now. Look through their blog and it will give you a really good idea of their work. Websites will showcase 20-40 of their best pictures... but on their blogs you can see more pictures from the same event.
Photo Release: Many brides today want to have the rights of their photos. This allows you to get pictures printed wherever you want and for way less than ordering them from the photographer. If you do this be sure to get a signed letterhead from the photographer saying you have the rights to the photos.
Many of the more high priced wedding photographers will not sell a photo release because they feel strongly about owning their work.
Engagement Session: Does the photographer offer engagement sessions? This is a great time for the photographer to get to know you and your fiancée. Some photographers offer bridal and trash the dress sessions as well.
Don't delay... I missed out on some of my favorite wedding photographers in my budget because I waited to long to call them and book my wedding. If your wedding is just around the corner you may be able to negotiate a discount.
Image via Meaner-Deviant Art
If I may make a small correction? You don't want the copyright to the photos; that is a HUGE ball of rights, including the right to sell the images commercially, AND stripping the photographer of all rights to the pictures, and is not something a photographer in their right mind sells, or at least, not for less than 5 figures.
ReplyDeleteYou want a license ("rights") for personal use; that allows you to make your own prints and put them up on your blog and such. In most cases, even if a newbie photographer says they are selling you the copyright, this is what they are actually selling you if you check the language. And many photographers who won't sell you the copyright will be happy to sell you the personal license.
(Sorry to seem pedantic, but this is one of the widespread misunderstandings of the meaning of the term copyright that ends up having really nasty repercussions for all sorts of visual artists, not just wedding photographers.)
Jeliza thanks for the info. I will make the correction
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