9 TIPS ON BOOKING A PHOTOGRAPER FOR YOUR WEDDING

 
Choosing the right photographer and videographer for your wedding is  a number one priority when selecting vendors.

Here are a few tips before you embark on your search.

1 SAY YES TO BUDGETING FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER

• Most people concentrate on booking a photographer and consider a videographer as a luxury expense.
• Many of these same couples say in retrospect, this was one of their biggest regrets.
• Your wedding flashes by in a happy blur. Your photographer and videographer will not only enable you to re-live the event but capture the moments that you miss. 

2 SAY YES TO RESEARCHING FIRST

• Word of mouth is the best research tool when choosing your photographer/videographer.
• Friends, family, work colleagues, acquaintances will willingly share their experiences and make recommendations.
• You may find the same photographer/videographer keeps coming up as "good" or "bad".
• Go to wedding blogs and look at the photos. Watch the videos and note the name of the professionals.
• Also make note of which style of photos/videos you liked or disliked and why.
• List ideas that you thought would be great to capture on your wedding day.

3 SAY YES TO GETTING IN TOUCH

• Contact any photographer you're interested in and have a chat.
• Find out as much key information  as you can before booking an appointment. Have your checklist at hand and make notes of their responses.
• Ask questions such as, are they a professional or hobbyist, do they have previous clients you can contact, do they have a niche, can they send a brochure or link to their website, how soon do you have to book?
• Contact at least three photographers/videographers which could include non-professional, such as photography students or friends who you think would do a good job.

4 SAY YES TO RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OTHER VENDORS

• When you're speaking with other vendors and wedding professionals or checking out their website, find out who took the photos if you like what you see.
• Often they will be able to give you some background information about which photographers/videographers they've worked with or seen in action.
• Ceremony Officiant, reception venues, florists and event planners could prove extremely helpful in his regard. However be aware they may have been paid to make recommendations.

5 SAY YES TO A PRE-WEDDING  PHOTO SHOOT

• Once you've selected a photographer/videographer arrange a pre-wedding photo shoot.
• It could be engagement photos or a pre-wedding shoot.
• Your aim is to get a feel of how they work. It will be time and money well spent.
• Did they help you to feel relaxed and pose in ways that felt comfortable? Did they have ideas that were  workable? Did you as a couple have a good rapport and connection with them?
• Did they have the right equipment and came well prepared for the weather and it's effect on the lighting that day?
• Were they able to show you how the shots look as soon as they were taken? Did they encourage your interaction as a couple?
• Did the experience and final photos meet, and even exceed, you expectations?

6 SAY YES TO TALKING PRICE

• Whether you use professionals, students, friends or family, there will be some costs unless it is being offered as a gift.
• Will you be paying extra for assistants used by the photographer?
• Do they have a photo and video package?
• Ensure you have a written agreement as to what services will be provided. Preferably this should be itemised with clear costing per item or details of what is included in your "package".
• Do they require a deposit? Will it be deducted from the total bill? Is this refundable if you change your mind and cancel the booking?

7 SAY YES TO HAVING AN AGREED TIMETABLE

• It is so important that you and your photographer/videographer discuss the location, timing and process of what will be happening on the day of your wedding.
• Take into account the time you need to arrive at the ceremony venue and travelling time to the reception venue, if different. Give yourselves plenty of time so you're not rushing your photos.
• Agree on the photos you want taken, such as bride/groom getting ready, the venues, guests arriving, the vendors setting up, and any specific aspects that you'd like to capture.
• Decide on the essentials in case you run out of time due to unforeseen events?
• Consider whether you want to take important photos together as a couple  before the ceremony or go somewhere alone after the ceremony, whilst guests are settling in at the reception?

8 SAY YES TO PLAN B

• All best plans can go to pot so have a back up photographer/videographer among your family friends or guests.
• You could create a "#our wedding day" and get guests to upload their photos and videos of your wedding to your social media sites.

9 SAY YES TO RELAXING AND TRUSTING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER

• You did your homework and are confident with your selection.
• Now trust them to do their job and capture you and guests enjoying your wedding day.

There's a wedding photographs checklist created by  Paul Johansen Photography.com as a pdf file which is very comprehensive.