What matters the most is that YOUR wedding is the most beautiful and that it is to your image. To make sure of that, I made a list of frequently asked questions and I gave you my humble opinion on the matter. Being married myself, I have been through this amazing journey and because I have been a wedding photographer for many years, I hope to be able to demystify the wedding photography and to help you find your own photographer or your best friend’s if your wedding already took place!
When should you choose a wedding photographer?
Choose your photographer at best one year in advance and if it is impossible, 6 months in advance, to allow you to choose the best. Some dates and moments of the year are more popular like Labour Day, which is very busy. Also, fall is gaining popularity and we see more and more weddings during that season. This delay may seem long but it will give you plenty of time to negotiate, without pressure, the best photographer for you and will ensure that your favorite photographer is not busy on your date.
How to choose?
Draw a list of what is important to you. Ideally, make a list each and put them together afterwards because usually the future husbands who love technology will have different photographic concerns, requests and desires than the future bride. This list will help you determine your basic needs and the needs that you are willing to negotiate. A good way to find a photographer that is good for you is to ask around, as a reference is always good. If you type “wedding photographer” and your city in Google, you will also find a list of photographers and their portfolio. Do you want to know what I would do? Look for blogs. On those, you will find a short written description of the photographer’s weddings and you will get an idea of what a day of work can give as a result.
The prints, the album, a DVD, what should I choose?
All photographers have their own recipe. More and more photographers will accept to give you a DVD of the best photographs of the day. Some will give you printing rights while others will want you to ask them to print your precious memories. In my opinion, the album is a wonderful and essential tool to ensure proper conservation and sustainability of your memories.
About the price
The average rate of a photographer for a day varies between $2,000 and $3,000. Does it seem expensive? Here are some guidelines that could enlighten you. Besides spending time with you on the day of the wedding, your photographer has invested in his equipment, in his computer, has a drive to stock your photos, advertised, bought insurance and built his portfolio. He takes the time to meet you, answers your requests and questions and often makes an engagement session (a session before the wedding to get to know you). Your photographer will select, archive, classify, retouch, calibrate and transfer in black and white every picture taken during your big day. He will burn a CD, write a post on his blog and maybe make a slideshow and an album. All these steps take a lot more time than what he spent with you! In addition to his talent and his training, your photographer will bring a nice touch to your day but the price must allow him to continue his training and to buy better equipment to offer you an even better service! And don’t forget taxes. Self-employed workers pay it too!
There are many styles, which one will suit you?
How to choose between classic, journalistic or creative? Look at the online portfolios of your favorite photographers. Some similarities may guide you to your personal taste. Ask those you choose to meet about their approach, their work philosophy, their equipment, their training, their experience and so many questions that will enlighten you in what you prefer. Still, here is a little summary of the different styles:
Classic. This style hasn’t changed for years but it is still very present on the market. You will be offered places with complex lines and simple composition that will never go out of style. You will pose while details of the composition will be taken care of. Using the flash is common and this is what gives it the “professional” look. You can expect a delivery in prints instead of a DVD although every photographer makes his own choices.
Photojournalism. This style, very popular, is not always easy to master and very few succeed. It makes it rarer, therefore more expensive but it is totally worth it. This photographic style barely stops the action and captures the moments as seen. The frames are varied and angular, modern. Using ambient light in alliance with various artificial lightings, this style is very technical but gives unique results. This type of photography makes your memories unique and wonderful.
Creative-fine art. This style is also very interesting as it allows a bit of madness in your day. Often favouring the use of natural light, clean and simple compositions and a soft and diffused light give a very romantic aspect and a light atmosphere to your session. This type of photography will give you memories of preparation, ceremony and love worthy of the princess of your dreams.
For this step, I always tell my clients that it is love at first sight that really matters. It is better, in my opinion, to get the smallest package of your favorite photographer than the biggest and so-so package of a cheaper one. Those memories will last forever while your cake will quickly go away. I am not saying that you should invest your entire budget in photography but keep in mind that your pictures and the album made by your photographer will remain the only physical evidence of this important day.
Congratulations on your engagement or that of your best friend!
