5 Things You Should Watch Out For in a Wedding Photographer

Part of groom with retro camera and empty card

One of the most important details of a wedding that you must lockdown is the details surrounding the wedding photos. You must take into account several factors, and you must be certain to do this. Otherwise, you run the risk of not capturing the special day.

You should be paying attention to several key factors. In fact, there are five things you should watch out for in a wedding photographer.

1. Reputation and Experience

Be certain that you choose a photographer with a portfolio that demonstrates an ability to get the shots you want. For example, in a city like New York where there are so many photographers from which you can choose, you should seek out the best wedding photographers, NYC has to offer. See if you can find someone other than the photographer that can speak about what it is like to work with them. And if a photographer is reluctant to let you talk to their clients to see how the process works and what you can expect, you should not hesitate to search for a new photographer.

2. Up-Front and Total Costs

You likely will have up-front costs associated with booking your photographer. You should expect to pay a deposit to make sure your photographer locks in the date of your wedding.

You will also have costs at the completion of your wedding photographs. Not only will you need to pay a completed service fee, but you might have costs associated with specific requests you made. While you might have agreed to a certain package, there could be a few photos where you want more copies or edits.

3. Timelines and Procedures

When it comes to timelines there are two types of timeliness for you to consider. You should lock down the timeline for the completion of your photos, of course, but you must also lock down specifics for the wedding day.

You should know what time your photographer will arrive at the wedding, and at what times photos should be taken before the ceremony. Make sure your photographer knows what will happen and when during the ceremony to capture moments you want to be captured. And at the reception, you and the photographer need to be sure that all details are covered in advance.

4. Contracts and Guarantees

You need to have a contract that guarantees the services you will receive. You need to be assured of everything your photographer will do before, during, and after the wedding. You need to know what you are getting for your money.

If you fail to have a contract guaranteeing services, you are not working with a responsible photographer. If your photographer does not offer contracts, then you should search for a different photographer.

5. Back-Up Plans

What would you do if your photographer got sick on the day of the wedding? What would your photographer do if their equipment suddenly stopped working while taking photos at the wedding and/or reception?

Back-up plans must be taken into account. Wedding days are hectic enough, and you don’t want to run into more issues with someone you are paying to deliver a service. That is one of the reasons you are paying them. Make sure that all your ducks are in a row. Make sure that you agreed upon back-up plans.

The Best Possible Wedding Photos

Now that you know what to look for, you should be able to know for certain that your wedding day photos are handled. Not only should you be able to expect quality photos and exceptional service, but you should also be able to enjoy the wedding day more.

Author Bio:

Samantha Higgins is a professional writer with a passion for research, observation, and innovation. She is nurturing a growing family of twin boys in Portland, Oregon with her husband. She loves kayaking and reading creative non-fiction.