Say Cheese: A Guide to Hiring the Right Wedding Photographer
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Wedding photos capture the memories and emotions of one of the most important days of a person's life. They serve as a visual representation of the commitment, love, and joy shared between the couple and their loved ones. Future generations will look to these photos to experience and connect with the emotions and memories of the special day, preserving the legacy of the couple and their family history. At Eastman Events, we are always inspired to tell our couples’ story through the way people feel and how the day looks, but photos capture that legacy, making the photographer an extremely important decision.
A good photographer will capture not only the beautiful moments of the ceremony and reception, but also the emotions and feelings throughout the event. A bad photographer, on the other hand, can leave you with a set of lackluster and uninspired images. To ensure that you find the right photographer for your wedding, here are some tips to help guide your search:
Determine your Style
Before you start looking for a photographer, you should have an idea of the style of photography that you are looking for. There are many different styles to consider, including traditional, photojournalistic, contemporary and many more. Each style has its own unique look and feel, and it is important to find a photographer whose style matches your own preferences. Take a look at magazines and even Pinterest to get an idea of what you like. Think about lighting, poses, angles, etc.
Look at Sample Work
Once you have a sense of the style of photography that you are looking for, you can start looking at sample work from different photographers. This will give you an idea of the quality and whether or not their style matches your preferences. Look for photographers that have a consistent style throughout their work and if possible have experience shooting in the location of your wedding.
Check out Reviews
Online reviews can be a great way to get an idea of the reputation of a photographer. Look for reviews from past clients, and pay attention to both positive and negative feedback. This will help you get a sense of the photographer's strengths and weaknesses, and whether or not they are the right fit for your wedding. Referrals are another way to find great, reputable photographers. Reach out to us for more information on our preferred vendor list and who might be the perfect fit for you.
Schedule a Meeting
After you have narrowed down your list of photographers, schedule a time to meet them in person. This will give you an opportunity to get to know them better, check their availability, discuss your wedding plans in more detail and ask questions. It will also give you an opportunity to see their portfolio, make sure to ask if you can view a gallery from a full wedding day. If this meeting goes well, move to the next step. If you don’t vibe with each other, look for someone who you might click with better.
Test them out with Engagement Photos
Taking engagement photos is a great way to test out a photographer before committing to them for your wedding day. Be aware that there is often a charge for this, but it’s worth it to make sure you will love your wedding photos. Engagement photos allow you to get a feel for the photographer's style and personality, as well as their ability to make you feel comfortable and capture natural and candid moments. By reviewing the photos, you can determine if the photographer's style aligns with your vision for your wedding day, and if you feel comfortable working with them.
Consider the Packages
Look for a photographer that offers a package that fits within your budget and includes all of the services that you need. Remember that the cost of a wedding photographer includes more than just their time on the day of the wedding. It also includes the cost of their equipment, editing, and retouching, as well as getting you know you and the cost of the final product, such as prints and albums.
Get Everything in Writing
Once you have decided on a photographer, get everything in writing. Contracts should include the cost of the package, the services that are included, and the date of the wedding. It should also include information about the final product, such as the number of prints and albums. This will ensure that both you and the photographer are on the same page and that there are no surprises on the day of the wedding.
Communicate with your Photographer
Communication is key. Make sure you are on the same page with your photographer and that they understand the style and type of shots you want. Share your wedding schedule with them, and make sure they know the important people and moments that you want captured. It is also important to have a contact person (i.e. wedding planner) on the day of the wedding who can help the photographer navigate the event and ensure that all of the important moments are captured.
Bonus tip!
Just something to consider regarding a photographer - not so much about hiring one. It’s really important to make sure that you allot adequate time for the photos to be taken. A good photographer can guide you on how much time is needed for family pictures, a first look, and bridal party portraits. Timing for photos will be a key factor in creating your timeline and making sure your day runs smoothly.
Hiring a wedding photographer is an important decision, so take your time and do your research to find someone that you trust and whose work you love. With the right photographer, you can rest assured that your special day will be captured in a way that you will treasure for years to come.
Eastman Events loves giving our couples a memory that they will never forget, a wedding that will be so uniquely designed for them. As a planner, we have great friends in the industry and we’d love to help you connect with photographers who will be the best fit for you. Connect with us to learn more about our preferred vendors and planning your wedding in New Jersey and throughout the Northeast. And follow us on Instagram!