by Kay Raymond of Blissful2Be Events
How Do I Choose a Wedding Photographer?
As a planner I am often asked two very important questions: How important is is to hire a professional photographer? and How do I choose a wedding photographer?
I always answer the same way, “You don’t want to take your own wedding photos. You want a professional!” These are the pieces of your special day that will last a lifetime and as a planner, I need to work with someone who understands all the small details that take place during a wedding.
A Great Wedding Photographer Should Be At The Top Of Your List
Working with a professional photographer is always at the top of my list after booking a venue. The photographer is my right hand. They catch all the small details that I may not: the couple seeing each other for the first time, a dad giving his blessing, and the quiet moments with grandparents. These are the moments that live long past your wedding day and moments you may not remember as the day seems to fly by.
Most planners will start the conversation with your photographer long before the day of the event, going over how the ceremony will run and preparing them for what’s to come. Planners and photographers work together on locating the best places for photo opportunities and the best times to take them. This will all come together in your timeline and the timing of your special day. Again, I can’t stress enough how important it is for your photographer and planner to work well together.
You spend months planning your wedding, so invest in photos caught by a professional hand.
Here’s how to make it happen:
1. Know Your Style
Before you begin your search for a wedding photographer, first know the style of photography you are looking for. Know the feel that you want your photos to have. Look at the body of the photographer’s work and ask to see albums. New photographers who are starting out may have a lot of styled shoots to show, but what you are looking for is how a photographer works with 100+ guests around them and all of the possibilities of something going wrong. This is where a seasoned photographer pays off.
2. Figure Out Your Budget
When you start your planning process look at your budget and figure out how much you can allocate towards a photographer. Next set up a in person meeting with your potential photographer, look at their work, then talk to them about your budget and what is realistic for you. Don’t run because their package starts out higher than what you expected. Be honest because more times than not they are able to work with you .
3. Get Comfortable With Your Photographer BEFORE the Wedding Day
Take your engagement photos with the photographer you book for your wedding. This gives you a chance to work with them and helps you build a rapport and a sense comfort. The more comfortable you become with your photographer, the less likely you are to have those awkward prom photos.
4. You Are One-Of-A-Kind
Lastly, stay away from Pinterest. Your photo is never going to look like ones you see on the web. Besides, you want your photos to be uniquely you and one-of-a-kind.
Once you get a good photographer you’ll never let them go. You will use them for all of life’s special moments and in my opinion, that is priceless.
Happy hunting!
For tips on choosing a location, what to wear, and what to bring to your engagement session, be sure to read “How Do I Prepare For My Engagement Session” by Misti Layne.
See more HERE.
 | About the AuthorKeneshia, also known as Kay, is a Southern California native & A Bay Area transplant. She is a designer and wedding planner of Blissful2be Events, the Founder and Editor in Chief of Blissful2Be Magazine, and creator of the new podcast show ‘Blissful Beginnings’. Kay has been planning and designing weddings for over 5 years, but has always had a love for a gorgeous party. To learn more about Kay, please visit her website or email her at blissful2bemag@gmail.com. “Always remember you are planning someone’s special day, but it is one they will remember for a life time.” |
