HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Your wedding photographs will be the most treasured keepsake from your special day. These images will capture the essence of your vows, the first kiss, and the joyous moments of your celebration.
Selecting the right photographer to document these memories is a crucial decision. You need someone who understands your vision, can capture your day with a style that fits you, and with whom you feel comfortable. To help you find the perfect wedding photographer, follow our guide below.
BOOK YOUR VENU FIRST
It's no surprise that selecting your wedding venue should be your top priority when it comes to planning your big day. Whether you've chosen to tie the knot in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec or anywhere else , your wedding venue holds the ultimate power over your wedding date, making it essential to finalize this decision before proceeding with any others.
While it's certainly possible to start exploring potential photographers and checking their availability for your desired wedding month or year before settling on a venue, it's wise to hold off on officially booking them until you've found a venue that aligns with their schedule.
Not only will this help you find a photographer who’s style vibes with the venue, but perhaps they’ve worked there before and you can preview photos of what you wedding will potentially look like.
SEEK RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YOUR SOCIAL NETWORK
Reach out to friends who recently got married and whose wedding photos you admired. They can provide valuable recommendations based on their personal experiences. Additionally, wedding planners or reception site managers can suggest reputable photographers they have worked with previously.
And you should always check out google reviews to see what previous clients have to say about your potential photographer.
DETERMINE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE
Spend some time researching and identifying the style of photography you prefer. Whether you gravitate towards vibrant and colourful images, or a more vintage, dreamy aesthetic, understanding your preferences will help you narrow down your wedding photographer choices.
Once you have shortlisted photographers whose style aligns with your vision, contact them to inquire about their availability and rates. If you're located in Ontario, consider searching for an Ontario wedding photographer, while those in Quebec can search for a Quebec wedding photographer to find professionals familiar with the local scene.
INTERVIEW POTENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Request portfolios from photographers you are interested in.
We also recommend during your meeting to discuss who will be the primary photographer on your wedding day and request to see their work. Some studios have multiple photographers, and it’s important you know who will be showing up on your wedding day.
And while technical skills are important, finding someone whose personality matches yours can make all the difference in creating a stress-free and enjoyable experience. You spend more time with your photographer than any other vendor from your wedding day. You should enjoy spending time together.
Can you see yourself sharing your wedding day with this person? Do you feel relaxed around them, can open up and be yourself? If so, you’ve found the right wedding photographer and should probably lock them in asap.
DISCUSS PRICING AND PACKAGES
Discuss the photographer's fee structure and what is included in their packages. Some photographers offer all-inclusive packages that include the return of your high-resolution images. Others may charge a flat or hourly rate and provide à la carte options for additional products. Understand the duration of coverage provided by the photographer and find the right package for you.
You should never feel pressured into booking more hours than you need.
It’s also important to look at things like delivery times for your wedding photos. We at Mandy & Randy return wedding photos in as little as 5 business days. Other photographers offer 6-8 week turnarounds (or more). There’s no right or wrong amount of time to wait for your photos, but you should know what you are signing up for before your wedding day.
SCHEDULE AN ENGAGEMENT SHOOT
Consider scheduling an engagement photoshoot with your chosen photographer. This serves as a valuable opportunity to get to know them better and become comfortable in front of the camera. If you or your partner are camera-shy, this session will help alleviate any anxiety and allow you to build a rapport with the photographer prior to your wedding day.
We hope these tips make the hiring process a little easier for you! As a photojournalistic wedding photographer working in both the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, we really appreciate how important it is to find someone you love, which is why we’re always here for a phone call, email, or chat with any questions about working together.
There’s nothing we love more than love.
If you would like to speak with us about being your photographer, please contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Also, be sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram for updates on the latest with Mandy & Randy Weddings.
