The stress free tips for choosing your wedding photographer.

Congratulations you are engaged!!!!

Now all the planning begins! The most important decision to make when it comes to wedding planning is the date! Second most important is who will your photographer be? After everything is said and done, only your photos will remain! Here are my top tips to consider when choosing your photographer:

Decide on a budget

Photography is easily one of the biggest expenses you’ll have for your wedding. Part of this process will be figuring out how much of your overall budget you want to devote to photography. Every photographer has different packages they offer with varying lengths of time, coverage, products and cost options. Make sure you know what is included in each package and what you will be walking away with.

Note: On average, wedding photographers cost anywhere from a $2,000 to 10,000+, depending on the experience of your photographer and what they include in your wedding package. Coverage is usually about 8 hours or so, more or less time will influence your cost.

2. Consider the lighting at your venue

Is your wedding indoors or outdoors? Rosina Vineyards or The Fortuna Riverlodge? Depending on the lighting, your photographer will need specific equipment to shoot your wedding- for example: it is much different shooting in the summer wedding during the day, than it is in the winter wedding in an indoor location. Do they only shoot natural light or do they use a combination of natural light and off camera flash? By looking at your photographer’s portfolio, you’ll be able to see what they specialize in and make a decision based on what fits your venue.

Tip: Your venue will often have recommendations of photographers who have shot in that space before. This can be a great place to start looking for potential photographers!

3. Do your personalities mesh?

At the end of the day, you’ll be spending the ENTIRE day with your photographer! They will likely spend more time right alongside you than your own mother. Obviously you want to make sure you like their portfolio, but personality matching is just as important. Once you check them out online, always set up an in person meeting (or skype!) so you can make sure its a good fit for everyone involved.

4. Use your engagement photos to get to know your photographer

Being comfortable and natural in front of a camera isn’t always easy to do. Most of us aren’t highly photographed on a regular basis. So having a photo package that includes an engagement shoot is a must so you can get to know your photographer, their style, and personality! This will ensure nothing slips through the cracks the day of the wedding!

5. Questions to Ask:

What is your primary style? Candid shots, natural light, off camera flash, portraits, etc.
- If my wedding goes longer than expected, will you stay? Are there any overage fees?
- Do you have insurance?
- How long after my wedding should I expect my album to be ready?
  - Typical is 7-8 weeks
- If other members of my family want to order extra prints, can they do that? How?
- What is included in the package I am getting? How many photos will you edit/color correct?
- Will you have an assistant?
- How many weddings have you shot before?
- How many backup cameras/lenses do you have?
- How will you keep our photos safe during and after the wedding?
- How long does it take to get our gallery back?
- Do you travel?
- Can I look at a full wedding gallery?