When you think about your wedding, what do you remember? Me personally– most of my memories are from what I saw in my professional wedding images, because let’s face it, the day is such a joyous, nervous, crazy, exciting, tear-jerking, emotional kind of day. I am so incredibly thankful for my wedding photographs! I would gladly pay that all over again for the memories my photographer captured. Not only were there the images of my husband and I and all the detail and time we put into our big day, but there were also those pictures of grandparents that have since passed that I cherish so much. But some of you may be wondering, why do wedding photographers cost so much?
Your wedding photographer will be at the top of your expenses when planning a wedding– without a doubt. From a photographer’s standpoint– for an eight hour wedding: I won’t bore you with the details, but an eight hour wedding typically amounts to at least two to three full 40 hour work weeks worth of time, and is explained in a little more detail here.
One day as I was designing a parent album and researching the perfect lab for printing it, I ran across the following information for brides over at Zookbinders.
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Tips that will help you ‘click’ with the right wedding photographer.
Selecting the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you plan your wedding. Be sure to choose someone who will capture your memories with professionalism, artistry, personality and your style in mind.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you identify photographers, interview candidates and consider your options…
- Know the difference between a “full-service” photographer and a “shoot and burn” photographer. Full-service photographers shoot your event; edit the hundreds of images captured; design your album layout; and have access to the professional album companies that deliver quality finished albums that last for generations. Shoot and burn photographers cost less than full-service photographers because they generally capture the event and hand over the files of hundreds (possibly thousands) of images for you to handle yourself. Shoot and burn photographers will cost a lot less, but you need to think about how you plan to use the images you’ll receive. The vendors that support a full-service photographer DO NOT work with brides directly.
- Learn the differences between photojournalistic and traditional styles, candids and formal posed shots—and select a photographer who specializes in the style you want or will do a mix of styles. Full-service photographers often offer a mix of styles whereas shoot and burn photographers may only offer candid photojournalistic shots.
- Determine whether the photographer can deliver both black and white photos and color photos. Consider both your personal taste and the type of wedding you are planning when deciding your preferences.
- Look at sample albums that include an entire wedding from start to finish, rather than just a few select shots. Try to view two or three weddings in this way.
Look for consistent technical quality (composition, lighting, exposure, etc.) and good variety, as well as whether the people in the photos seem at ease. Do the photos capture the excitement and emotion of the occasion and tell a good story?
- Be sure the sample work you see was done by the same person you’re considering hiring as your photographer. Many studios have more than one photographer and the sample work doesn’t always indicate this.
- Understand in detail how the photographer works and charges to effectively comparison shop. How long will the photographer stay at the event? Will there be an assistant? Is back-up equipment available? Can you provide a list of specific photos you want taken? What exactly is included in the costs quoted? What about proofs, negatives and/or digital files? How long will it take to get your proofs and your album?
- Do you click? Personality is as important as anything else. The last thing you need on your wedding day is someone you and your guests don’t feel comfortable with. If possible, try and meet the person who will photograph your wedding to ensure that you’re comfortable working together.
- Ask for references and call them. Past customers can give you insights you won’t get from the photo studio.
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And because posts are SO much more interesting with pictures… here is one I worked on for this beauty. After seeing this image of her and her bridesmaids, she decided she had to have it as her official ‘bridal portrait’. I was thrilled 
So, I worked some of my magic and made it a custom, digi-fabulous bridal portrait for her!
