Your wedding photographer is an essential player in your wedding day. They are not just the person who will follow you around, capturing everything they see. They are the person who will capture what could be the most breathtaking moment of your entire life.
Naturally, you want to make sure that you choose the right photographer. Beyond reading reviews and asking for recommendations, though, you might want to keep in mind some basic questions you should ask before you sign on the dotted line.
- Are you available for my wedding date? You would be shocked to hear this, but so many couples simply forget to ask this question (and it happens with multiple types of vendors, not just photographers). As you may imagine, though, this is the very first question you want to ask.
- What is your photography style? Every photographer has their style. Some are more dramatic, others prefer classic poses. Some are very artistic, others want to make every wedding album look like a fashion editorial. It is important for you to make sure your style and your desired look are congruent with your photographer’s style. If you are having a cultural wedding, it’s crucial that your photographer be familiar with all the unique traditions of your culture’s wedding so that they can be sure to capture all the special moments appropriately.
- What is included in the price? The answer to this can vary greatly from one photographer to another. For instance, some photographers will include a certain number of edited photos as well. Others will not. This is precisely why it is absolutely crucial that you ask beforehand. Most items can be negotiated – but for that to happen, you must first know what you are getting yourself into.
- Who will be taking the pictures of your wedding? Some of the larger photography studios have multiple photographers. Couples can be in for a rude surprise on their wedding day if the person that shows up is not the person that they met with earlier and were expecting to be there.
- Last, but not least, this may not be a question to ask your photographer per se, but a question to ask yourself. Do you feel comfortable around this person? Are your basic values congruent with theirs? Remember, this person will basically follow you around all day long and if you don’t feel actually comfortable about them, it will be noticeable in the photos they shoot of you. Be sure you genuinely get along with your photographer – chemistry is so important!
Follow your instincts, but also be sure to ask around for referrals (ask your wedding planner as well) and read reviews, too. Most importantly, always ask your photographer to show you recent examples of their work – this is, in the end, the best way to judge their talent and what they are likely to do for you at your wedding!