Searching for your wedding photographer? If you’re reading this blog, hopefully I am on the list of your top choices to be there for your big day. First of all, congratulations! Secondly, CHOOSE WISELY. I found this article online and wanted to share it with brides and grooms out there searching for a wedding photographer.
I know from personal experience that it is VERY important to really get along with your wedding photographer, perhaps even more than how well you get along with your fiance! (Kidding, kidding…sorta)
Patrick and I were engaged a year and a half before we got married in September of 2008. Being in this field, I knew how important it was to book a good photographer right away as their (our) schedules fill up fast. I thought I was being so smart and safe to book the first photographer we met with. Ugh. My impatience turned out to be the worst mistake of my wedding. Please don’t make the mistake that I did…take your time when planning your wedding, especially your photographer. Pictures are going to be your memories to last the rest of your life. Be patient until you find someone that FITS.
Good luck!!
How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer: Meetings and Prices
By Sean Cayton
- How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer: Meetings and Prices
- How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer
- Using Facebook to Grow Your Photography Business
- Simplify Your Pricing to Build Your Photography Business
- Four Strategies for Recession-Proofing Your Photography Business
Sean Cayton and his wife and business partner Cathy own and operate a wedding photography business in Colorado Springs. Since starting their business in 2001, they have photographed over 150 weddings. Sean and Cathy chronicle their lives and their business on their blog. Sean can be reached at sean@caytonphotography.com. in Advice for Clients on February 24th, 2009
Second in a series.
After investigating photographers online and receiving referrals from friends or planners, the next step in finding the perfect wedding photographer is to contact your short list of photographers and schedule an appointment with each.
Before you meet with a photographer, however, make sure you have set a date and reserved a location. Without both, photographers often can’t guarantee their availability or estimate travel costs.
Here are five tips when meeting with photographers:
Colleen and Toby dance at their reception at Ten Mile Station. They found me by referral from a planner.
1. Interview at least three and meet with your top pick last. By meeting with three photographers, you have a better basis for making a final decision. Besides seeing images online, you get to hear from each photographer, touch and feel the final product (usually a wedding album) and compare pricing. Meeting with your top pick last is better than than meeting them first. Having a basis of comparison is important. It may be the first two photographers you meet with pale in comparison to your top pick — or you could learn that your top pick isn’t really that much different.
2. Focus on the relationship first, not the money. Having a good feeling about the photographer is more important than his or her price. I can guarantee you that a photographer you genuinely like will make better photographs of you than one you don’t. The reason for this is simple: You have to be able to trust them on your wedding day and share your emotions freely with them. Personally, I’m more excited about photographing weddings where I have a good relationship with the couple, know they’re excited about me and my work, and are willing to trust me on their wedding day.
Anna and Dan celebrate with their wedding party after their wedding. I hit it off with Anna and Dan right from the start, so they weren’t afraid to show their emotions in front of the camera.
3. Know your budget to avoid sticker shock. You may have seen a photographer’s price point or price list on their Web site. Whatever that is, by establishing a budget for your entire wedding, you can determine what you’re willing to spend for photography. Every couple’s priorities are different. It may be that food or the band or the dress is more important than the photography. It also may be that photography is the most important priority on your wedding day. If the latter is the case, you should be prepared to spend more on your photography. By knowing what you plan to spend in advance, you’re less likely to get sticker shock when considering a photographer’s fee.
Amy and Adam’s wedding at the Garden of the Gods Club was really something special. They had a limited budget, but placed a priority on photography.
4. All-inclusive packages can save you money. Most established wedding photographers offer one or more all-inclusive packages. Packages are usually less expensive than if you were to pay for each component individually. The reason for this is that by purchasing a package, you’re meeting the photographer’s minimum price point. In my own business, my starting package includes photography of the entire wedding day, a wedding album and online proofing. This is what I believe to be the necessities for any wedding couple. If you don’t see a package the works for you, don’t be afraid to request a custom quote. Many photographers are happy to provide you with exactly what you want. All you have to do is ask.
5. Be honest if you can’t afford the price. If the photographer’s price is still too high, lay out your budget for them and ask how they can help. Most photographers are flexible, especially if they click with you or think your wedding might be something special. Finally, if you can’t afford the photographer and there isn’t any chance to make it work, ask for a referral. Odds are good they know a photographer with a similar approach that you can afford. It may be the other photographer is not as established, but if you have good rapport and their pictures are good, this may be the right choice for you.
Next: The importance of an engagement sitting and how to plan your wedding day photography.
(http://rising.blackstar.com)
