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Things to consider when hiring a photographer.

Updated: Jan 14, 2020




Even though I've a videographer, I've spoken to way too many couples unhappy with their photos. Haven worked with many photographers, I've realized some do's and don'ts when it comes to hiring one. Many brides have told me "I loved your video but I was so disappointing with my photographer" Well, because of that I've been inspired to write this short guide to choosing the right photographer for you!






1.) First thing’s first, do your research.


No two photographers are the same. Know which style you are looking for. Are you

a bride/groom who favor a traditional style? Are you looking for a more modern

approach? Do you want something completely different from what’s already out

there? A good photographer should know how to do all of these styles, and then

some.




2.) Styles


Some more specifics on the different types of styles.


- Photo Journalism: This style is specifically candid and doesn’t usually require

the photographer to pose or control where the subjects are. A good photo

journalist will be able to capture the right emotion and statement in the

moment and tell a good story at the same time.

- Traditional: We all know the classic style of wedding photography. It’s similar

to what our parents and their parents had done, and usually contain standard

elements from a specific shot list

- Illustrative: Sort of a combination of different styles, the photographer usually

uses the environment to help tell the story, such as the beach, a house, a garden,

and uses the couple or the subjects to interact rather than just pose.

- Fine Art: A more dramatic style, where the photographer has almost complete

control of what’s going on, to create a more of a stunning emotion provoking

scene to tell what’s going on, usually very specific about facial expressions,

placement of hands and lighting.


3.) Budget

You want to stay within your budget, but also, if the price is too good to be true then

it probably is. Stick with the professionals who do this full time and have experience

rather than a “weekend warrior” who does it as a side gig.


4.) Finding the right person

Personality is important when it comes to the right photographer. There is allot of

interacting between you, them and your guests. It’s usually better to choose

someone outgoing, with great people skills, and who knows how to work a crowed.


I’ve seen some photographers who do wonderful work, but did not get hired due to

their personality. It all depends on the couple and who they get along with.


5.) Types of companies


Going through referrals and using people friends and family have used is always

great! But if you’re going to do a Google search, please go passed the first results

and give the later ones listed a chance. The first ones listed are pretty much

ALWAYS national companies that are more about quantity over quality, although

sometimes these can be good options when working on a very small budget. Also, I

always advise my clients to stay away from “One stop shop” Venue, Photography,

Video, DJ, Limo’s is never a good option. Although tempting due to lower prices, you

never really know who you’re getting!



6.) The Packages


Always ask specifics about the packages and read the fine print. How many hours

do you have your photographer? How many proofs do you get? Do they give you

everything on DVD or flash drive? What kind of editing and touching up does your

package come with? Allot of photographers are doing the “Shoot and burn”

approach, which is basically shooting the wedding and putting everything straight

online or on physical media and calling it a day. This option is always much cheaper

then purchasing an album.


7.) Do I really need a second photographer?

The good thing about a second photographer is that, you are covered. With a second

photographer you get a different angle, more pictures, different style, and other

options to choose through. Also, in the unlikely event your photographer can’t make

it to your wedding due to an emergency, you have a backup.

Thanks for reading, and I will be doing another one like this on of course what I do,

which is wedding cinematography.

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