How NOT to Book your Wedding Photographer
Planning a wedding can be daunting, and when it comes to suppliers and who to book it can be a bit of a minefield and a daunting task, and with so many wedding photographers to choose from we have lots of articles on tips and advice on how best to decide.
However with so many guides on how to choose and book, there are certainly ways on how you should not book your wedding photographer!
How NOT to Book your Wedding Photographer
Hopefully this serves as a guide, not to lead you astray, but to illuminate the common mis-steps in booking a wedding photographer.
So, let’s unravel the tapestry of how not to book your wedding photographer and ensure you not only book the right photographer for you, but the best!
1. Waiting Until the Eleventh Hour
In the flurry of wedding preparations, time often slips away like grains of sand. One of the gravest errors is waiting until the last minute to secure your photographer. The venue is booked and the date is set, kicking back and relaxing thinking that is the main part sorted and then leaving the rest would be a mistake. After the venue is booked we would advise booking your photographer right away, you can even have them chosen, you’ve spoken to them, they are available, as soon as you have your wedding date set, get the photographer booked.
The best photographers are often booked well in advance. To avoid disappointment, start your search early, leaving it late you are likely to find the photographers you like and contact are already booked up, weekend dates across the summer months are the most popular.
Read – When Should I Book my Wedding Photographer?
2. Not understanding the value
While the heart may yearn for a fairytale wedding, the wallet often has a more pragmatic perspective. It is important to have a set budget and then allocate accordingly.
One thing with photography is that it is the one thing you have left and also don’t see until after the wedding, it is also the one thing that captures those emotions, moments and tells the story of your day, With that in mind, ensure you understand the value of it so that when you set your budget and you are allowing yourself to get the best photographer for your wedding.
3. Neglecting the Personal Connection
Photography is not merely a service; you will see and spend more time with your photographer than you will with some of your guests. If you feel at ease with your photographer, it is fun and enjoyable then it makes for better photos and a better experience.
Schedule consultations, engage in conversations, and assess not just their portfolio but also their personality. Your wedding day is a symphony of emotions; having a photographer who understands and complements your energy is paramount.
Read – The Importance of Meeting Your Wedding Photographer
4. Not viewing the full story
Portfolios, instagram pages, they show the best work, the best shots and most beautiful of photos, but what about the rest? Ask your wedding photographer to see completed weddings, all the photos, the full story, from the first photo to the last, ensure that what you see matches what you want, ensure the photos tell a story of the day and areas or parts are not missed or negated that are important to you.
While single shots can look amazing, you want every photo to look amazing and follow the same style and standard, by looking at a full wedding photos you can review this.
5. Dismissing Testimonials
Every reputable photographer will offer references or testimonials from previous clients. Take the time to read and reflect upon these testimonials, as they offer invaluable insights into what you can expect.
6. Unread Contracts: Skipping the Fine Print
Contracts are the silent guardians of expectations and commitments. Yet, many couples underestimate their significance. Skimming through or outright neglecting the contract can lead to complications. Take the time to thoroughly read and understand the terms. Clarify any ambiguities and ensure that the agreement aligns with your expectations regarding deliverables, timelines, and any potential additional costs.
7. Quantity Over Quality
Photography packages often come with a myriad of inclusions, from albums to additional hours of coverage. It’s tempting to focus solely on the quantity of photos captured and provided rather than the quality of the photos and the photographers work. Remember, it’s the images that endure and most photographers will supply 600-800 photos from a full days wedding.
8. Underestimating the Importance of Engagement Sessions
Engagement sessions are not just a bonus; they are a great opportunity to build rapport with your photographer. It allows you to become familiar with their shooting style, and equally, for them to understand your dynamics as a couple. You get beautiful photos before your wedding and also the benefit of helping you feel more comfortable when it comes to your wedding day photos, don’t simply dismiss an engagement shoot, it is just more than photos.
9. Falling for the Lowest Price Tag
In the quest for budget-friendly options, the allure of discounted prices can be enticing. However, choosing a photographer based solely on the lowest price tag is a risk that isn’t worth taking. Quality photography demands skill, experience, and creativty, all of which come at a cost. Prioritise value over cost, seeking photographers whose work aligns with your vision and style is crucial, don’t dismiss or forget this, ensure you connect personally and all the other boxes and areas are ticked first.
The highest priced photographer does’t mean the best quality photographer for you and the lowest doesn’t mean they are rubbish, it is finding a balance for you between the highest quality photographer you can afford that aligns with you and what you are looking for.
In the intricate tapestry of wedding planning, the choice of a photographer is a thread that weaves through every moment of your special day. By steering clear of these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your journey with your photographer is a seamless dance, capturing the essence of your love story with every click of the shutter.