Your wedding pics will be a lasting reminder of your big day, and there are no "do-overs." Following are tips to help you find a wedding photographer who is able to capture your big day right … the first time!
Experience
You'll definitely want an experienced photographer, and preferably one who has photographed a few weddings before he / she photographs yours. Your chosen photographer should know how to work under pressure and the elements including sun, heat, cold, sand and water. To be on the safe side, use a photographer that comes highly recommended by family, friends or recently newlyweds. Also, you'll want to make sure that the photographer that you absolutely hire is the photographer that will actually be shooting the photos.
Personality
When meeting your potential photography candidates in person, consider their personality. Are you going to get along well with this person? After all, you'll be spending a lot of time with him / her before and during the event, so make sure that your personalities click.
Availability
Before scheduling an interview appointment with a potential photographer, make sure that he / she has your wedding date available before you hammer out the specifics.
Interviews
After talking with several photographers on the phone, set up in-person interviews. Make sure that the photographer has a portfolio that you can look at. Request to see a complete coverage of each photographer's work (an entitlement wedding for which he or she was hired).
Style
When choosing a photographer, consider your style. Are you into modern, contemporary or photojournalistic photography? Or do you want a mix of everything? Look through the photographer's portfolio for the types of photographs that you'd like to have taken at your wedding.
Website
The best wedding photographers generally have a website to showcase their picture-taking skills. Judging a book by its cover, in this case, makes perfect sense!
References
Ask your potential photographers for a list of references (names and numbers) and actually contact them!
Price / Packages
Sure you're looking for quality and value, but make sure that the wedding photographer that you have in mind is not going to break the bank. Compare the prices of several packages, and find out the number of prints that will be included for the price. Keep in mind other options, too, when comparing prices such as engagement sessions, prints, wedding albums, online galleries and enhanced photos. Also, consider how much time or "coverage" is included in the price. A higher fee may actually turn out to be cheaper (or a better value) in the long run.
Financing
Read the photographer's contract before you sign it. It should include items such as how you will be paying for the photographer's services, the photographer's refund policy and what happens if you cancel their services prior to the wedding date.