What to look for when hiring a wedding photographer

Hey folks, Im getting married in March next year.

Looking at hiring a photographer, Just looking for some advice on what to look for when looking into photographers.

Open to any advice, things to look out for or any particular questions i should ask, Thanks

 

Hello and glad you asked.

Check the local community of photographers, usually there is one on social media.
Then check wedding photographer bussines announces.
Cross check those two list.
Call, meet the photographer in person and talk about the details and price.
Go both you and your SO at the meeting and listen to nonverbal talk, take in account the details.
Always ask for samples of photographer's work and make an educated decision.

What I learned from my personal mistake:
Don't hire people who are late to the meeting, you won't like having people waiting for the photographer, not the other way around.

Do a little group investigation, as in a local photographer could be the one who shoot the wedding/event to someone you know, or someone could know and ask directly for a real feedback.

Be prepared to pay some money, good shooting will not come cheap and editing will be ready after quite some time.

Make an actual contract and have it signed.

Best of luck and hope that everything goes well.

 

Hey PP,

First of all congrats! @anticupidon has given some very good advice but I'll chime in with a few of my own. I know it sounds weird but when looking at wedding photographers try checking out their work first before even looking at their prices if you can. Reason I say that is because price can be deceiving; in that you'd simply equate higher price to better work (which obviously can be the case but not always). It doesn't matter if the person is a world renowned wedding photographer if you don't like his/her style. Look at as many photographers as you can and pick the ones with the style you like and if the photographer you like just happens to be the cheapest you can find then it's a win. In saying that do get a feel for what wedding photographers charge in your area so you don't end up with a fraud, if it's too cheap then you know something might not be right. Also when meeting up with your potential photographers ask lots of question, see how accommodating and flexible they are, their willingness to work with you and their attention to detail. I've photographed a few weddings myself and I know how stressful it can be for all parties involved so having a photographer that is easy to work with instead of absolutely set in their own ways will help make life easier especially if things don't go 100% to plan.

Good luck!

 

Great advice you already got, I will add think about what kind of pictures you want, more natural documentary kind of, or more "made" picture where the photographer create situations in which you act.
Both can be nice, it is just a matter of personal preference, but not all photographer are good at both. (I personally suck at the second one)

 

This is about hiring a photographer, not an executioner.

 

You realize those are bots, right?

 

And here I was thinking someone just copypasted a bridal magazine!