Considerations When Hiring a Wedding Photographer

Wedding photography is an investment – don’t skimp on it! It’s one of the few things that will remain long after your wedding is over. You probably already know that most wedding photographers shoot with digital cameras, not film but here are some other questions to ask yourselves before you even pick up the phone to call photographers:

Are you planning to see each other before the wedding? Most gay couples I’ve worked with have had their formal group photos taken before the ceremony so that they can immediately enjoy cocktail hour with their guests. As a point of reference, many straight couples first see each other when the bride walks down the aisle and have their formal photos taken during cocktail hour.

Do you want a photographer who will shoot all day? This could include those shots of you and your partner getting ready for the wedding and formal photos before the ceremony? Or do you just want wedding day coverage?

What photographic style are you drawn to? Photos that look like fine art or capture little moments? Photos that look like they could be from a fashion magazine? There are names for all those styles so think about the kind you like best.

Are you planning to walk down two aisles or enter your wedding ceremony from two different directions? If so, you may want to consider asking the photographer to bring an assistant.

Will you need lots of formal group shots? Those are the shots that include your wedding party and family members.

Will you want a wedding album? This design service is provided by most photographers but you can also create one on your own through a website like www.AlbumBoutique.com

Once you’ve answered those questions yourselves, you’ll be much better prepared to meet a photographer. Keep in mind you will be spending 6+ hours with a photographer on your wedding day and should like his or her personality. When you’re meeting the photographer, there are some requisite questions to ask in addition to reviewing their portfolio, but above all, you should click with the photographer. Here’s a standard list of questions when interviewing a photographer:

· Have you shot a gay wedding before?

· How would you describe your style?

· How many photos do you shoot at a typical wedding?

· Do we get proofs of the images?

· What level of editing do you provide photos before we receive them? Color correction, getting rid of EXIT signs, etc?

· Do we get full use of high resolution images after the wedding?

· Do we book an album through you or can we make our own?

· How long does it take for you to give us the high resolution wedding photos?

· How long does it take for you to produce an album?

· What is your back up plan in case of emergency?

· Do you offer an assistant and for how much extra?

· Do you offer an engagement photo shoot and for how much extra?

· How many weddings do you shoot in a weekend?

· How is your pricing structured?

Photo by Prideful Engagements