How to find the right Wedding Photographer for your big day
Your wedding is one of the most special days of your life, and you'll want to capture every magical moment. That's why choosing the right wedding photographer who understand your vision is so important . With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are some tips to help you find the right wedding photographer for your big day.
Start with your budget
Before you start your search, it's important to know your budget. Wedding photography can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget before you start your search. Determine how much you're willing to spend, and then start looking for photographers who fit within your budget. One realistic way to set a budget is by looking at website of a few wedding photographers in your area. Get a general idea of what they’re charging. Feel free to have a look at my packages to get an idea.
What is the average price of a good wedding photographer in Ontario, Canada?
Let me give you a jumpstart with your budgeting. The cost of wedding photography can vary depending on several factors, including the photographer's experience, the length of the event, no. of photos you want them to edit and the location of the wedding. On average, wedding photography in Ontario can range from $2,500 to $5,000.
Know your own style and your photographer’s style
Every wedding photographer has their own unique style, and it's important to know what you want. Do you prefer traditional posed photos or more candid shots? Are you looking for a photographer who specializes in black and white photography or someone who uses bright colors? Knowing what you want will help you narrow down your search. Then ask the photographers questions like "What is your approach to wedding day photography?" This will give you an idea of how they work and what their style is like. In addition, you can look at their portfolio and analyze if that’s something you want. I personally am more of a natural storyteller because I like to capture as and how your day unravels. This your day and I let you run it your way. I do, however, do a mix of natural and posed shots. That provides you with a good mix of both worlds.
Get reviews on the photographer
Before you make a decision, it's important to do some research. Ask friends and family for referrals, read website reviews, check Google reviews and ask other wedding vendors for their recommendations. This will give you an idea of the photographer's reputation and their level of experience. I hate to say this but a fancy Instagram page with a lot of followers doesn’t always give you the full story. They may be faking it! They could have copied pics from the net, bought the followers and likes. Few other stories I have heard that the photographer was genuine but their attitude was a let down. So finding the right one is difficult and is a process in itself.
Look at their portfolio and beyond
When you've found a few photographers that you're interested in, take a look at their portfolios. Viewing a full gallery or two of real weddings a photographer has shot will allow you to see a more comprehensive range, from family portraits to reception detail shots. It will tell you about their workflow, how they go about capturing the day. Therefore, it's important to look beyond their website portfolio or social media images.
Note: some photographers don’t want to open client albums for prospective clients due to privacy concerns. However, if you ask them they may share a private link with you. That’s something I do as well. When our negotiation has progressed I will provide you a private link to review full wedding albuns.
Using engagement photos as a trial run
Many photographers offer a free or a reduced fee engagement shoot (also known as e-shoot or pre-wedding shoot) if you sign up for your wedding with them. Using an engagement photo session as a trial run with your wedding photographer can help you get comfortable with them and assess their style. Use this session to communicate your preferences and get to know your photographer.
Meeting with potential photographers
Meeting with potential photographers in person or online can help you assess their personality and ensure they are a good fit. Nowadays Zoom calls have become very common. Use this time to ask questions, get to know your photographer and consider how well you gel with them. A good rapport with your photographer can help make your wedding day more comfortable and enjoyable.
Can I negotiate with wedding photographers?
It is not uncommon for clients to negotiate with wedding photographers, especially when trying to stay within a budget. However, it's important to remember that photography is an art form and that photographers put a lot of time, effort, and expertise into their work. Therefore, lowballing or offering unreasonably low prices can be disrespectful to their craft.
Bonus tip: How to save on wedding photography costs (apologies to all fellow photographers)
There are ways to save on costs without compromising on the quality of your photos. Here are some ways you can potentially save money:
Consider booking your photographer for a shorter amount of time, such as only capturing the ceremony and portraits rather than the entire reception.
Editing is a pain for most photographers and it takes them hours after the event. Ask them if there will be a price difference if you wanted a lower number of edited photos.
Sometimes high-end photographers have second shooters (second photographer) included in their package. Find out if by removing the second shooter will you save money?
Another tip is to ask if the photographer offers packages that include digital files only, which can be less expensive than printed products, for instance wedding album or prints.
Finally, consider booking your photographer during off-peak wedding season or on a weekday, as this may result in lower rates
Conclusion
Choosing the right wedding photographer ultimately comes down to finding someone who matches your personal style and with whom you feel a connection. When you have a genuine relationship with your photographer, they will be better able to capture the emotions of your special day, including your love and joy. Your wedding photos will serve as a lasting reminder of your wedding day, and investing in the right photographer is a decision that you will be grateful for over time. Good luck with finding the right photographer for your special day!
