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Essential Things You Need to Do Before Booking Your Wedding Photographer

Writer's picture: emilymcpphotographyemilymcpphotography


Booking your wedding photographer is one of the most important steps in your wedding planning journey (but I may be biased!!) After all, your wedding photos will capture moments that you will want to look back on for years to come, and will also capture everything that you invested in during your day. The right photographer can turn your wedding day into timeless memories, while the wrong one can leave you feeling so disappointed during and after your big day.


But before you start reaching out to photographers and setting up meetings, there are a few important things you need to consider first. By doing some thinking and research beforehand, you can ensure that your wedding photographer is the perfect fit for you and your special day!


In this blog post, I’ll break down the top things you need to do before booking your wedding photographer. From setting your budget to understanding your style and creating a timeline, these steps will help you make an informed and confident decision when choosing a photographer for one of the most important days of your life!


1. Set Your Wedding Budget and Determine Your Photographer’s Budget Allocation


Before you begin your search for the perfect photographer, you need to have a solid understanding of your overall wedding budget and how much you’re willing to allocate to your photography. Wedding photography is probably going to be one of your most expensive vendors, so knowing your budget will help you narrow down your options and avoid wasting time on photographers that are outside your price range.


The cost of wedding photography varies depending on several factors, including location, experience level, and the number of hours you require.


Tips for Budgeting:

  • Consider the full package: Many wedding photographers offer packages that include engagement sessions, prints, albums, or second shooters. Factor these extras into your budget to get a complete picture of what you’ll be paying.

  • Don’t forget the tip: Wedding photographers often do not include a gratuity in their pricing, so it’s a good idea to set aside 10-20% of their fee for a tip (unless it’s already included).

  • Prioritize what matters most to you: If photography is one of your top priorities, you may choose to allocate more of your budget to it and reduce costs elsewhere.


2. Research Photography Styles That Align With Your Vision


Wedding photography styles can vary widely, and it’s important to understand the different options available to you before selecting a photographer. Photographers often specialize in one or more of the following styles:

  • Traditional/Classic: This style features posed, formal portraits and group shots, often with an emphasis on groupings of family members and classic wedding poses.

  • Photojournalistic/Documentary: A more candid approach where the photographer captures moments as they happen without direction, often telling the story of the day through natural, unposed images.

  • Fine Art: Fine art wedding photographers focus on creating artistic, romantic, and often ethereal images, using creative compositions, lighting, and editing.

  • Lifestyle: A mix of posed and candid shots, lifestyle photography balances natural moments with some direction to ensure that you look your best while still maintaining an authentic feel.

  • Editorial/Contemporary: This style is inspired by magazine fashion and often features dramatic, styled portraits and trendy compositions.

How to Choose Your Style:

  • Consider your personality and wedding vibe: Do you prefer natural, unposed moments, or do you want a more polished, styled look? The style of photography you choose should match the mood and atmosphere you want for your wedding.

  • Look for inspiration: Browse wedding blogs, Pinterest, or Instagram to gather images that resonate with you. This will help you pinpoint the kind of photographer you want.

  • Have a conversation with your partner: Make sure you’re both on the same page about the style of photos you want.


3. Create a Wedding Day Timeline


Before booking a photographer, it’s good to have a rough idea of the timeline for your wedding day. This will help your photographer understand how many hours of coverage you need to capture all the moments you want.


Important Timeline Considerations:

  • Getting Ready: Do you want to have photos taken of you and your bridal party while you’re getting ready? This can take anywhere from 1-2 hours.

  • First Look: If you’re planning to do a “first look” before the ceremony, this will allow the photographer to take photos of you and your fiancé before the ceremony, as well as the bridal party.

  • The Ceremony: The length of your ceremony will determine how much time your photographer needs to capture it. Be sure to communicate any special rituals or moments you want captured.

  • Reception: Will you want photos of the reception, such as your first dance, cake cutting, and speeches? Make sure to include these moments in your photographer’s timeline.

  • After-Party: Some couples opt for an additional hour or two to capture the energy of their reception after dinner, if you're planning on having a formal exit, this will extend your photographer's time by a few hours!

Tips:

  • Be realistic about the amount of time each part of your wedding will take, and account for any travel time between venues.

  • Having a timeline allows your photographer to plan accordingly and ensure they don’t miss any important moments.


4. Understand Your Needs for Wedding Day Coverage


Wedding day coverage can range from just a few hours to the entire day, and understanding how much time you need is essential before booking your photographer. Consider the following:


  • Full-Day Coverage: If you want the photographer to capture your entire day, including getting ready, the ceremony, reception, and all the in-between moments, you may need a photographer for 8-12 hours.

  • Partial-Day Coverage: If you only want photos of certain parts of your day (e.g., the ceremony and reception), you can opt for a shorter coverage package.


How to Decide:

  • If you’re having a small, intimate wedding, you may only need a few hours of coverage. But for larger weddings with multiple events, more coverage is usually necessary.

  • Ask the photographer about their experience with the timeline you envision and whether they recommend a second shooter (my wedding packages all come with a second shooter, so that might be included!)


5. Review Photographer Portfolios and Client Testimonials


Once you’ve narrowed down your photographer search, it’s time to dive into their portfolios and read client testimonials. A professional photographer’s portfolio will give you a sense of their style, experience, and ability to capture key moments. You’ll also get a feel for their editing style, which is essential in determining whether their aesthetic aligns with your vision.


What to Look For:

  • Consistency: Does the photographer consistently produce high-quality work? Review their portfolio to ensure there’s a steady style and quality across different weddings.

  • Diversity: Do they have experience shooting various wedding types and venues? A versatile photographer is essential if your wedding has unique or complex elements.

  • Client Reviews: Testimonials are a great way to gauge the photographer’s professionalism, attitude, and ability to work with couples. Pay attention to how responsive they are, how comfortable clients felt working with them, and whether they meet deadlines.


6. Know Your Photographer’s Availability


Wedding photographers typically book months (or even a year) in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons. To avoid disappointment, it’s important to reach out to potential photographers as soon as possible to check their availability.


What to Ask:

  • What’s their availability for your wedding date?

  • Are they available for an engagement session or pre-wedding shoot?

  • Do they have any other weddings booked on the same day?


7. Consider Your Photographer’s Personality and Communication Style


Your photographer will be with you throughout your entire wedding day- it's actually the only person you'll be with for the whole day!! - so it’s essential to find someone you feel comfortable with. A great photographer should be friendly, professional, and able to make you feel relaxed in front of the camera. Your photographer should also be communicative and responsive, keeping you updated about your wedding day timeline and offering advice or guidance.


What to Look For:

  • Comfortability: Do you feel at ease with them? Will they make you feel comfortable during posed photos and candid moments?

  • Professionalism: Are they clear about their services, pricing, and expectations? Do they communicate in a timely and respectful manner?


8. Ask About Their Wedding Packages and Customization Options


When booking a wedding photographer, you’ll encounter various packages that offer different levels of service. It's essential to understand what each package includes and whether you need additional services, such as engagement shoots or a wedding album. Some photographers offer flexibility with their packages, allowing you to customize them based on your needs.


What to Ask:

  • What’s included in each package?

  • Can you customize the package (e.g., adding extra hours, a second shooter, or albums)?

  • Are prints or digital images included, or do they require an additional fee?


9. Confirm Your Photographer’s Equipment and Backup Plans


A professional wedding photographer should be prepared for any situation. Ask about the equipment they use and whether they have backup gear in case something fails. A good photographer will also have a backup plan if they are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.


What to Ask:

  • What kind of camera and lenses do you use?

  • Do you have backup equipment in case of technical failure?

  • **What’s your backup plan if you’re unable to attend the wedding (sick, family emergency, etc)


This is such an EXCITING time in your life and you want to make sure it's captured exactly how you pictured. Do not settle on a wedding photographer because of the budget, make sure you look through these points beforehand because you can find someone that fits each mold you're looking for!


xo

Emily

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