5 tips to choose your wedding photographer
Choosing your wedding photographer means selecting the right person who will be able to tell your story, immortalize your big day and above all let you relive it again and again…
As a wedding photographer with 5 years of experience, I am often confronted with the choice of the future bride and groom. Finding the right provider is above all to ensure a reassuring presence on the big day.
So before you start looking for, it is important to set some priorities.
In this little guide, I give you 5 tips to choose your wedding photographer.
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1- Define the style you want for your wedding
First of all, as future brides and grooms, give yourself the right to dream.
On the market, there are many photographers with different universes and styles, so depending on what you are looking for, you have the choice!
Beware, if there are many providers on the market, it is also good to know that the most reputable are booked very quickly. So if I could give you an advice, start your research at least 18 months before the D-day.
The choice of the style is essential because in the end you will have to find the one that best represent your couple, your personalities.
For my part, I focus all my work on nature and authenticity. And yet, some photographers propose a more frivolous and superficial style! It is therefore essential to start your research with an idea of the style you are looking for.
To discover the universe of a wedding photographer, you can visit his website or his social networks.
The portfolio: the wedding photographer’s first showcase
Each photographer proposes a portfolio. Actually it is the reflection of his work and artistic style. You can find it directly on his website and by scrolling on it you will have a clearer idea of his universe.
Also visit the social networks
Today, social networks have become so democratized that every photographer has an account on which he publishes his work. In general, you will have more chance to find them on Instagram or Pinterest.
2- Set a budget dedicated to wedding photography
Usually, the “wedding photographer” budget corresponds to 10% of your total wedding budget.
Each couple has its own budget, and according to this one they can choose a great photographer. Whether it is an amateur or a professional, don’t forget that if the feeling and the confidence are present, the result will be inevitably up to your expectations.
In a previous article, I talked to you about the prices of a wedding photographer and I gave you 5 conseils pour choisir son photographe de mariage selon son budget.
I highly recommend you to read it if you haven’t already!
You will have a clearer idea of the different rates of wedding photographers.
Also, look at the packages. Each photographer has the freedom to propose different packages with more or less points included in it (engagement session, coverage of the civil ceremony, presence all day…)
In addition, some options are available to you. For example, for my part, I propose the rental of a Photo booth, albums and boxes …
So take the time to review your priorities and the moments you want to capture!
3- Trust the feeling
Now, let’s talk about feeling… If you are not comfortable with the person in charge of the photos on the big day, you will be disappointed with the final result.
Well, the good news is that most wedding photographers offer a first meeting with the bride and groom! It is at the end of this one that you will really know if it is the right one.
In addition, beyond learning more about the personality of your photographer, the first appointment is a way to make a point on his style, his latest work or his rates. And above all, if you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to meet others.
4- Take the time to read testimonials
Who doesn’t rely on testimonials before making a valuable purchase?
As for a wedding photographer, he will be in charge of giving value to your big day.
Some couples rely directly on word of mouth, but be aware that you can also find reviews on reference sites of wedding providers, such as Mariages.net or Zankyou. In addition, they allow you to have several reviews based on different experiences.
Of course, you can also find testimonials directly on your photographer’s website, and if they are not there, don’t hesitate to ask!
5- Finally, don’t forget to ask about its status
When you meet your photographer, don’t hesitate to ask him about his status. An amateur wedding photographer will not offer the same services as a professional, he will not use the same equipment, and the result will be different.
A few weeks ago, I posted an article about the different categories of photographers depending on your budget. I recommend you to read it.
Special mention for the contract, do not hesitate to check the points of it.
As a professional photographer, I also advise you to take the contract very seriously. Make sure that all the details are included.
The contract also shows the professionalism of the person in charge of immortalizing your big day.
As you will have understood through this article, choosing a wedding photographer is a real decision not to be taken lightly. You will have to find the one who makes you look good, with whom the feeling passes well but who is also in your budget…
That’s a lot to take into account? Don’t worry, there are many wedding photographers today, for all styles and all budgets.
You’ll just have to be a bit proactive… Start asking around 18 months before the big day and you’ll find your perfect match!