Wedding Photographers
The big proposal has occured, the big yes has been given! Now begin the preparations for your wedding day! In what can be a stressful process, it is important to remember what the day is all about- you and your future life mate getting ready to spend the rest of your days together! And how important it is to find the right photographer to capture one of the biggest moments of your relationship. Finding your wedding photographer can be a fun and memorable experience.
Where do I begin?
And so the search begins...There are several questions to ask yourself when considering which photographer to choose to shoot your wedding. Some items might include budget, shooting style, available packages, and location.
Budget
Simply put, how much do you want to spend on a wedding photographer? The price range for a wedding photographer is quite large, spanning anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000. While some may choose to skimp when it comes to their 'photog' it is important to remember that these are timeless memories and you need the right person with the right skills to do the job. Some couples may choose to split their budget on a photographer and a videographer. This really comes down to personal preference. In talking with my fiance, who is also a very visual person, we felt that powerful still images from a quality photographer would suit our needs perfectly and decided to forgo video images rather than split our budget between the two.
Photography Style
Every photographer has their own style. Finding one that suits your vision is essential! This is part of the fun. Just recently a coworker who has been married for 42 years shared her wedding album with me. It was so cool to see how their photographer captured their day- even as she shared that "if you look at anyone's wedding album from back then they all look the same!" This brings up the tug between traditional and cutting edge. Which way are you leaning- something timeless and tested or something edgy and contemporary? Either way, a talented photographer who possesses their own vision can produce images that stand the test of time.
Packages
There are a large variety of wedding packages that your photographer will present to you. Lots of options here- albums, prints, digital negatives, engagement sessions- the list can go on and on. Some photographers include an engagement shoot as part of their standard package. This provides an opportunity to capture the couple in a more laid back and intimate environment than perhaps a typical wedding day shoot would allow. Let your creativity free and let your photographer lead the session- they are the professional!
Basics covered- now how do I find the perfect photographer?
A quick google search will land you more than enough local options from which to choose. Check out portfolios, read reviews, and talk to friends. My fiance and I found our photographer by word of mouth. When someone has had a great experience with a wedding photographer they can't help but talk about it! We chose Mary Wyar Photography to capture our day and have been immensely impressed by her creativity and professionalism. And of course, now we can't help but share our engagement photos whenever we get the chance!