Listen, I have observed from multiple sources on the internet over the years, hundreds of photographers, reaching out for one single wedding. I know you have a lot of options and it can be overwhelming. I would like to help you narrow down your list of potential wedding and portrait photographers.
First thing is first, safety. Does you photographer pass a background check? I personally do not want to wonder if my photographer is going to make off with something on the wedding day. I also would not hand my engagement rings over to a photographer who is a criminal. Lucky for you all- I pass all background checks, and you can find that information on Thumbtack as well as near 30 reviews. (Side note: I lost all of my Google reviews back in 2017 when I moved to Oregon and back to Idaho.) Do ask questions!
Second, is your photographer educated? Did your photographer finish high school? Did they go to college? Have they ever been published? Have you checked out their portfolio? I’m a single lady, when I do get re-married, trust me, these are the questions I will ask. I hope they did all of those things- and then practiced and practiced and practiced… blood, sweat, and tears and all!
Consistency and quality is next. Sure photographers grow and evolve, it’s fantastic! But is their work consistent and do you like their most recent work? If you like them alot for all of the other reasons, don’t fret, you CAN absolutely request they edit a certain way… whether it be their earlier work or their later work. Do they edit the photogs themselves or do they outsource? I personally do not outsource, ever. How large can you print your photos? How many megapixels is their camera? If you want a mural or a billboard, can you get one? LOL. If there is a photo I LOVED- it would be a full spread in the family room basement of our home. I do NOT want it to be pixelated. I want to be Thumbelina in a book cozying up to my prince while he’s away.
Lastly, do you have a good feeling about them? Are you OK with them following you around your entire wedding day? Are you OK with them seeing you half-naked getting your dress on? (You CAN request that that they step out.) But some couples really love this rite-of-passage moment documented. I value respect and dignity, I always, always, try to give brides the most privacy that I can while photographing them at appropriate angles for the camera. I value my own privacy very much and would hate if someone took inappropriate photos of me. I’m a Christian and believe in human dignity and modesty.
Weddings are a blessing, a wonderful gift, and should be treated as such. A wedding photographer makes a big difference on a wedding day; whether you can relax or not, feeling comfortable in front of the camera, and being yourself… whether you feel you can trust them to be quick and ready to capture important moments, sometimes like a ninja, avoiding obstacles, animals, and people… it can get intense! There are so many things to ask yourself, and I want you to feel prepared!
Lastly, there is the contract- is there anything outrageous that you just cannot do? Is there anything that just rubs you the wrong way? If so, ask them if they’ll modify it for your specific needs, or reconsider hiring them. Don’t get too worked up or paranoid about it, often times there’s no issue and everything works out just fine. But do read the contract and know the terms, federal copyright law is nothing to scoff at. You need to know your own personal rights to the photos and what permissions you have in printing and sharing, you don’t want to miss something important and end up violating federal copyright law. I recommend using a highlighter for the important parts to remember. Actions items you can revisit later!
All in all, breathe… wedding planning is stressful sometimes, but it’ can be so fun too! Especially when you find the right photographer and you feel confident in their abilities to capture the best day of your life perfectly and with poise and honor, photographs worthy of sharing with your future grandchildren someday! When you can say to them, this was just the beginning…
Sincerely,
Samantha
