Hiring a professional photographer is one of the most important decisions you will have to make for your wedding. You are investing in years of memories that you must preserve. Here are 5 Tips to Hire a Professional Photographer:
- Choose a photographer with experience – Someone who has been shooting weddings for years will have the edge over someone who just started. Experience is the best teacher, so choose someone competent to capture your memories.
- Look at their previous works – Of course, you cannot judge a book by its cover but look at their body of work through Facebook, Flickr, etc. If the photographs are artistic and not just snapshot quality, then that gives off a professional feel. Also, after confirming how many weddings they have shot, go check out some forums where they are discussed, or blogs written about them. That could give insight if there were irregularities in any of his/her past jobs, which would be important to consider before hiring him/her for yours!
- Ask for a photo list – “While you cannot tell someone else how to shoot your wedding, it is important to show them what you do and don’t like.” This is why it’s beneficial to request their photo list so you get an idea of the type of photos they take and if that will be in line with what you want.
- Meet in person – Your photographer should be easy to talk to and understand your needs (and budget) for your big day. It’s also easier to plan when he/she can actually see where they would set up at the location of the wedding because it all depends on space availability and lighting! You should not let anyone who isn’t physically present make decisions about such a momentous occasion!
- Ask for a contract – Yes, after the photographer agrees to your price and itinerary, they must produce a signed contract specifying what you both have agreed upon. This will be helpful if there are any issues with their performance on your wedding day or anything you want to clarify beforehand, such as the location of proofs, etc.
In conclusion, the decision to choose a photographer for your wedding is an important one. You don’t want to regret it on your big day because you had hired less than a professional photographer. Take your time to go through the options, research, and check out portfolios. It would be helpful to ask around your friends who have used a photographer previously for their input as well!