What should you look for in a wedding photographer?
Many brides are often overwhelmed when it comes to planning a wedding. And it’s no wonder! There are a lot of decisions to be made, about everything from what kind of flowers, to what readings to use. And then you have to research and talk to vendors. And honestly, this seems like the hardest part to me. Years ago, when I planned my own wedding, I remember visiting a few different florists and the feeling of trust and satisfaction when I found the right one. This florist is out of business now, otherwise I’d be recommending them!
It’s the same with photography. You want to make sure you get along and trust your photographer before booking them.
How do I know the Vendor/Photographer I choose is legit?
There’s several things you can do to make sure you are picking the right photographer. Recently, in a case out in Chicago, several couples came together to sue a “fauxtographer” that repeatedly would cheat several couples out of their money. The way this fauxtographer had set up the booking process, seemed easy, legitimate, but also had some red flags. This individual would book several weddings on the same date, text their couples a few days before claiming death in the family, and then send out associate shooters to photograph the couples’ weddings instead. Having an associate on back-call is normal in the industry, but booking several couples for the same day and only informing them the day before (or lying in this case) is not normal. And the kicker is that even a year later, many couples have not received their photos.
Check reviews and references.
Chances are, if you choose a photographer with good reviews, you will probably get good photos. I don’t know a single photographer that doesn’t want to put the nice things couples said about them up on their website. Can reviews be fake? Perhaps. But you can negate this by be able to talking to previous clients. I ask in my contracts if my clients would be willing to be a reference.
Make sure their specialty and editing matches your tastes.
I specialize in Catholic Weddings. As a Catholic myself, I know which places to stand, when to step back, and what will happen next. When I talk to a potential bride, one of the first questions I ask is to clarify they like my editing style and what is shown on my website. As a general rule, photographers do not edit to match their client’s preferences, rather clients choose photographers based on their references.
What if they’re newer to weddings?
This one I understand completely. Now that I have a few weddings under my belt, I know how nerve-wracking it can be to trust a photographer that has never done a wedding. So do your homework! Look at the portfolio, ask to see a gallery, use the engagement shoot as a try-out.
A Non-Disparagement Clause is a No-Go.
You are allowed to voice your opinion and review how your photographer or vendor served you. A non-disparagement clause would prevent a couple from stating their opinion of the vendor’s performance. (It’s also illegal.)
Make sure your Photographer understands what is important.
Finally, the primary reason couples seek me out as a Catholic wedding photographer, is because they know I understand the Mass. They know I’m dependable, honest, and I’ll capture the photos of the important part of the day: the marriage of the couple, and the wedding feast of the Lamb.
